Whether you are looking for a holiday now or planning one for the
future, this list will help you make the right choice. I have selected
some of the best holiday destinations from around the world, focusing on
a particular aspect of each place. So, here you have it: 10 hot holiday
destinations, In no particular order:
1. The Maldives
For: Relaxation
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 435 miles
South-West of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination because of
the astoundingly beautiful resorts and scenery. In most cases you can
stay in a private villa which sits out in the middle of the water –
connected to the mainland by a small walkway. If you want to go
somewhere to relax – this is the place to do it. The official language
of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is very closely related to Sinhala,
the language of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, you will have no problems
speaking English in the tourist spots. Don’t forget to pack your laptop
so you can read the List Universe while you are sipping margaritas on
your private porch floating on the ocean!
2. Queenstown New Zealand
For: Excitement
In Winter or Summer, Queenstown is a fantastic place to holiday. In
the Winter it is full of people there for the skiing, and in summer it
is full of people there to take the white water trips down the Shotover
river. I would also say that the food in Queenstown ranks as the best I
have eaten in the entire world; though food in New Zealand is of an
extremely high standard in general. There are a large number of hotels
right on the waterfront of Lake Wakitipu (New Zealand’s longest lake and
third largest). The water is bitterly cold (even in summer) – but it is
beautiful to look at from your hotel window and if you can stand the
cold, bathing is certainly allowed. Queenstown is also New Zealand’s
jetboat and bungy jumping capital. And if you think the price is too
high – you can always pop to Arrowtown right next door and try panning
for gold in one of New Zealand’s old mining towns. Oh – and don’t
forget, New Zealander’s are the friendliest people in the world.
3. Paris France
For: Food
Everyone knows that Paris is the City of Romance and Food, but it has
that reputation for a good reason! The food in France is simply
outstanding and almost unparalleled around the world. You can stay at
very inexpensive hotels, or very expensive ones, depending on your
budget; just make sure you leave enough money for the food and wine.
Some of the things you will have to do: 1) eat macaroons at La Duree, on
the Champs Elysee (you won’t be able to control yourself when you taste
these things!), 2) eat ice-cream at Berthillon – the best ice-cream in
the world (handmade entirely from natural ingredients), and 3) eat
pastries at Pierre Hermé – the picasso of pastry. Don’t forget to check
out Printemps – the incredible department store found on Boulevard
Haussmann.
4. New York United States of America
For: Shopping
With the US dollar at an all time low, it is the perfect opportunity
for non-Americans to travel to New York and pick up some bargains. In
addition, you get to see one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the
United States, and can experience the hustle and bustle of an incredibly
busy city. New York has many state parks and two major forest
preserves. Adirondack Park, roughly the size of the state of Vermont and
the largest state park in the United States, was established in 1892
and given state constitutional protection in 1894. Major destinations
include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre
productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other
tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park,
Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical
Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and events such
as the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, the Tribeca Film
Festival, and free performances in Central Park at Summerstage. New
York’s food culture, influenced by the city’s immigrants and large
number of dining patrons, is diverse. Jewish and Italian immigrants made
the city famous for bagels, cheesecake and New York-style pizza. The
city also boasts some of the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the
USA.
5. Hong Kong China
For: Unique Culture
Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a
meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street
culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops
selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of
synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres
showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a
Catholic Church or a McDonald’s. The city’s cosmopolitan flavour can
also be seen in the wide variety of cuisines available. While different
varieties of Chinese selections, especially seafood, are most popular,
there are also many European, American, Japanese, Korean, and other
restaurants. Ethnic dishes served in cha chaan teng’s and dai pai dong’s
are also popular. The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously and
many top chefs make their way to the city to show off their talents to
these discerning diners. The Hong Kong government also supports cultural
institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of
Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong
Philharmonic Orchestra.
6. Venice Italy
For: History
Every time I have been to Venice I have had an amazing holiday. Not
only is the city incredible for its history, it is incredible for its
food, its architecture, and its uniqueness. I have been in both summer
and winter and would suggest that either of those seasons is perfectly
fine for a visit. In summer it gets very hot and crowded, and in Winter
it is not crowded but can be a bit on the cold side. If you are
interested in old Churches, this is the place to go – there is one
around every corner. The ambience of the city is one of mystery and rich
culture. I recommend the Hotel Bauer which is just a few meters away
from the San Marco square (the heart of the city). One of the best
things about Venice is that you can leave your hotel and just start
walking – you don’t need to worry about maps as you will eventually find
your way back to the hotel. This is also an excellent way to explore
the tiny dark alleys. Be sure to go for a trip on a gondola – but be
prepared to pay big for the privilege – it is not cheap – on my last
trip it cost me 75 Euros for 45 minutes.
7. Pyongyang North Korea
For: Exclusivity
This one is for the intellect – so that you can one day say that you
have been the last bastion of Stalinist communist. It is very difficult
to obtain a visa to visit North Korea, and if you do, it will be an
expensive holiday. But you will be in a very small group of people who
can say that have visited. By all accounts the food is extremely good
and plentiful. You will be waited on hand and foot, and you will have a
tour guide with you the whole time to explain things (okay – they are
communist agents, but they will still explain things). You can visit the
large shopping center and watch people who are paid to shop (so they
look prosperous) and if you time it right, you may get a chance to see
the amazing Mass Games, which are held every year on the 15th of April
at the Arirang Festival, to celebrate the birthday of the Dictator Kim
Il-sung.
8. Cape Town South Africa
For: Beaches
Cape Town is the third most populace city in South Africa, and it is
the most popular tourist destination due to its good climate and natural
setting. It is the home of the famous Table Mountain. Due to the city’s
unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in
the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Cape Town is
noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape
Dutch style buildings in the world. Night life in the city caters for
all tastes, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally
recognized as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa
(both in food quality and decor terms). Night clubs and bars abound with
popular areas including the top end of Long Street and its immediate
surrounds, as well as the redeveloped Cape Malay quarter, De Waterkant.
9. Sydney Australia
For: The Nightlife
Aside from having the most deadly creatures in the world, Syndey is a
wonderful place. It is vibrant and pumping at all times – though
especially at night. If you like the nightlife – this is the destination
for you. Australian people are very friendly and the crime rates are
reasonable. You can go on a harbour cruise at night and have dinner
while floating under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or you can go out to the
country side to see some amazing and unique flora and fauna. You can
even spend an evening at the opera in the famous Sydney Opera House,
home to the third busiest opera company in the world. Sydney’s most
popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour,
Circular Quay and The Rocks which all contain various bars, nightclubs
and restaurants. Star City Casino, is Sydney’s only casino and is
situated around Darling Harbour.
10. Monte Carlo Monaco
For: The gambling
If you fancy holidaying Bond style, this is definitely the place for
you. Be prepared to come home with no money – but memories you will
cherish forever. This is the city of the Rich. Did you know, citizens of
Monaco are not allowed to enter the casinos? They are also exempt from
tax, making this a popular spot for the world’s billionaires. As well as
gambling, Monte Carlo hosts the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and many
fashion shows. This country was, of course, home to the American actress
Grace Kelly (Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco) before her
death in 1982.
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