Top travel destinations for 2010

Monday, 30, Nov 2009 03:08

Travel in 2010 is going to be all about value and how much holiday experience bang you can get for your buck. The recession may be crawling towards an end but holidaymakers have received a big wake up call over the past year. And they don't just want great value. Travellers are increasingly looking for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Travelbite.co.uk editor Natasha von Geldern brings us her pick of the top ten travel destinations for 2010: where you'll want to be travelling in the year ahead. You'll find some countries and some cities and a lot of travel experiences to look forward to.

1. Brazil

Riding on the back of the build up to two major sporting events - the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 - Brazil is likely to be on the travel radar in the next year. This holiday destination is about lifestyle, nature and adventure. Visitors love the culture, nightlife and carnival attitude of the Brazilian people. New boutique hotels and eco-lodges are popping up all over the place and from the seductive charms of Rio to gorgeous paradise beaches to exploring the Amazon, Brazil has to be on every traveller's list.

Flocking to Rio's Christ the Redeemer

2. United States

Perhaps it's the Obama effect but it's no longer politically incorrect to be a fan of the US of A. This vast country has something for everyone, from the spectacular national parks of Utah to fly-drives in the sunshine state of Florida. If you've done NYC why not plan a US city break in Philadelphia? This supremely walkable city has history, culture, entertainment and genuine heart.

Philadelphia's skyline (photo: Bob Krist, PCVB)

3. Iceland

There's no other way to say it, there has never been a cheaper time to visit Iceland. We don't like to get excited about other's misfortunes but this incredible country is now within reach for many more travellers. 2010 is set to be a good opportunity to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, indisputably one of mother-nature's most spectacular sights. Discover Iceland's rich natural beauty and literary history or take a city break in Reyjkavik. With prices now at their lowest in years, there really has never been a better time to visit Iceland.

Geothermal activity in Iceland (photo: Laura Holt)

4. Cuba

At long last the US government has formally eased travel and commercial restrictions with Cuba, including access to telecommunications companies. This country rich in rhythm and music is likely to become more and more popular with US visitors. But for now it still retains the edginess of an alternative destination. And travelling independently in Cuba is cheap, with Casa Particulare official homestays from £15 per night per room. Find the best mojito in Havanaand dance to the beat in Trinidad before McDonalds arrives!

Colonial Trinidad in Cuba (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

5. South Africa

Yes it's all about the football and the FIFA World Cup is going to set South Africa alight in 2010. The country has spent a lot of effort and cash on preparing for this event and it's going to be an amazing opportunity to enjoy what this spectacular country has to offer. See Table Mountain in Cape Town, go wine touring in Stellenbosch, and see the big five in malaria-free parks. For your beach holiday pleasure the coast of subtropical KwaZulu Natal enjoys 23 degree sea temperatures so you can swim year around.

Stellenbosch wine region (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

6. London

London is now more affordable and accessible for visitors from abroad than it has been for a long time so I'm tipping it will be on many traveller's lists for 2010. Residents may not notice things have got any cheaper but the depressed sterling means the United Kingdom capital is no longer one of the world's most expensive destinations for a city break. Star of a multitude of literary and cinematic references, London has the parks, the museums, the shows and the shopping to fill a lifetime of city breaks.

St Stephen's Tower, Westminster, at night (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

7. Nepal

How many travellers have long held a desire to experience the world's best trekking in the legendary kingdom of Nepal? After the political unrest of the past decade the monarchy is no more but the trekking is and I predict the number of tourist visitors will return to levels seen in the 1990s within a few years. Even at the height of the troubles the trail to Everest Base Camp was busy so I heartily recommend alternatives in the Khumbu such as the Gokyo Trek. The Annapurna region is changing forever with the building of a new road but there is still plenty of top class trekking, including to the Annapurna Sanctuary.

Trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

8. Melbourne

A raft of new airline route launches are set to encourage British travellers to start their Australian holiday in Melbourne rather than Sydney. The country's cultural and events capital, Melbourne, mixes a sophisticated European vibe with that famously laid-back Aussie atmosphere. Enjoy an Italian meal in Lygon Street and make sure to time your visit to coincide with one of Melbourne's premier sports events.

Melbourne's South Bank

9. Hong Kong

Travellers often think of Hong Kong as a stopover destination, spending no more than 48 hours in this city of many pleasures. From shining glass towers to tropical foliage on Victoria Peak, get ready to eat, shop and sightsee your way to a standstill. Exchange rates for dollar destinations are now improving and that is great for travel to countries whose currencies float with the US dollar; another good reason to visit Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's iconic Star Ferry (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

10. Kyrgyzstan

This is an off-the-beaten track pick and I'm only pushing it because I've been there and know it's a once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination. With 93 per cent of the country over 1,000m it is not short on spectacular mountain scenery or adventure holiday potential. Kyrgyzstan is the most accessible of the fascinating Central Asian "stans" for tourists, with no visa red tape and direct flights from the UK to the capital Bishkek. A brilliant community tourism scheme makes it easy to meet the real highlight of Kyrgyzstan - the oh so hospitable people.

Valley of the Flowers, Karakol, Kyrgyzstan (photo: Natasha von Geldern)

Natasha von Geldern

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