HomeDESTINASI
UNITED STATES & CANADA
1. Atlanta
A modern, cosmopolitan destination with well-maintained historical roots (M.L.K. was born here), this Southern belle of a city can charm even the most jaded of visitors with its grade-A Southern hospitality, impressive arts and music scene, and plethora of attractions. Catch a sporting event, tour historical landmarks dating from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, visit the world’s largest aquarium, get behind the scenes at the Coca-Cola factory or CNN Studios, or kick up your adrenaline a notch at an area theme park.
2. Austin
Austin’s superlative live music scene may have made the city famous, but this hip Texas capital city’s quirky charm extends far beyond its melodic beats. Largely enriched by the dynamic energy of the homegrown University of Texas, Austin boasts the Lone Star State’s best cultural offerings, with numerous galleries, museums, and music venues (more than 100 in all!) alongside some more unexpected attractions — like the summer congregation of some million bats by the Congress Avenue Bridge — without sacrificing its appealing small-town feel. Combine that with more than 300 sunshine-filled days a year, and it’s little wonder that Austin’s consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S.
3. Bucks County
Immediately north of Philadelphia and across the Delaware River from New Jersey, rustic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a quaint countryside retreat known for charming B&Bs, country inns, covered bridges, serene vineyards, and beautiful colonial estates.
Spend an afternoon discovering the shops, art galleries, and taverns of New Hope, Doylestown, and Yardley — or visit nearby Valley Forge, the site of George Washington’s Revolutionary War encampment. If the kids are in tow, head to Sesame Place — home to Big Bird, Elmo, and Oscar, or take them tubing on the Delaware River.
4. The Catskills and Hudson Valley
Just a quick jaunt north of Manhattan, the Catskills region, New York’s hipster- and hippie-haunted mountain playground, and the neighboring historic Hudson River Valley — home to the state capital at Albany, West Point, and historic estates of the Rockefeller and Roosevelt ilk —together provide a well-rounded, four-season destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. From skiing to river tubing, and wine-tasting to antiques shopping, this scenic expanse of rolling valleys, forested mountains, and the rushing Hudson River doles out the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historical sites, and charming towns.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains (a western segment of the high Appalachians) boast over 500,000 acres of pristine forest and diverse wildlife that includes foxes, deer, elk, and some 1,500 resident black bears. Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, park visitors have access to 800 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; scenic campsites; historic cabin museums that serve to recount pioneer history; and popular auto-tour loops, like those along Cades Cove — all of which are shrouded in the misty-blue haze that gave name to “The Smokies.”
6. Northwest Passage
For centuries, this icy Arctic Ocean route — which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans atop North America — proved to be unconquerable terrain. In fact, the first sea passage wasn’t completed until 1906 (and it took a Norwegian explorer three entire years!) Now, some hundred years later, due to the melting ice cap effect of global warming, you can be among the first to witness this slice of the Arctic’s stunning glaciers and wildlife, like arctic wolves and polar bears. Several expedition cruise companies have launched summer itineraries in the region, which include excursions like sea kayaking and visits to remote northern villages.
7. Sarasota
A bay-front community flanked by picturesque keys, Sarasota lies just 60 miles south of Tampa and is home to the 66-acre Ringling (of circus fame) historic mansion and art museum, orchid-filled botanical gardens, and over 50 golf courses. With year-round sunshine, visitors come for the miles of white-sand beaches, but stick around for the vibrant arts scene, wildlife-rich nature preserves, and wide range of activities ranging from kayaking to flying trapeze classes. Shoppers can indulge in everything from the antique to boutique, while foodies’ dining options run the gamut from local seafood shacks to award-winning gourmet eateries.
8. Washington, D.C.
The U.S. capital and elegant epicenter of American history, politics, and culture, Washington, D.C. exudes a captivating combination of history and hip, constantly morphing with new attractions, and emitting a tangible aura of power that can be felt just by strolling the broad boulevards. Check out this melting pot’s multi-cultural neighborhoods, stroll Embassy Row, ogle mind-blowing monuments, bar-hop downtown, or see how many free museums you can visit in a day.
9. Whistler
Skiers and boarders searching for heavenly pistes needn’t look further than the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Canada’s top winter resort boasts truly tremendous powder, which is why Whistler is hosting most of the ski events during 2010’s Winter Olympic Games. With 33.5 feet of average snowfall per year, this winter-sports mecca offers conditions tailor-made for snowshoeing, tubing, and backcountry adventures, along with an extended ski season lasting from November through June. Come in the warmer months, and you’ll discover a top destination for mountain biking, zip-trek eco tours, whitewater rafting, and more.
10. Willamette Valley
Located about an hour’s drive south of Portland and spread out on the banks of the Willamette River, this up-and-coming wine region has been making waves of late in wine glasses across the nation. Billing itself as the “place for pinot,” this slumbering grapevine district is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which beckon visitors with tasting rooms and even eco-wine tours. Visitors can also opt to take in the vineyard-covered landscape from a hot-air balloon ride, trot along farm-dotted trails on horseback, or take home a one-of-a-kind find from one of the many antique shops.
Why go in 2009: Although enthusiasts forecast that this area will be the next Napa Valley, the less-commercialized Willamette Valley remains — for now — a much more affordable vino-centric destination than its southerly California neighbor. Plus, new developments are on the horizon for those looking for an alternative to the area’s charming B&B circuit — in August, for one, the region’s first luxury inn, The Allison Inn & Spa (www.theallison.com), will be unveiled, featuring extras like a restaurant dishing out regional cuisine and a working vineyard.
CARIBBEAN & MEXICO
11. Bermuda
Commonly misconceived as a Caribbean island, Bermuda is actually an Atlantic one, with a location that’s closer to Washington, D.C. than it is to points south. As a result, like much of the northern United States, this balmy British isle kicks into high-season in summer — while other islands of its ilk are becoming too hot to bear. With its fantastic golf, charming historical cities, gorgeous bougainvillea, splendid pink-sand beaches, and endearing pastel-colored houses, Bermuda attracts a loyal following of repeat visitors. Plus, its proximity to the United States makes it ideally suited for a quick getaway — at around two hours from the East Coast, you can be there by lunch.
12. Curaçao
Sophisticated Curaçao, the largest of the Dutch-owned ABC islands (Aruba and Bonaire form the “A” and “B”), may lack its neighbors’ high-caliber beaches and dive sites, but its capital, Willemstad, ranks among the region’s most cosmopolitan cities, with some 55 different cultures living in its vicinity — in fact, it’s the only Caribbean city aside from Havana to be ranked a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Boasting colorful Dutch colonial architecture, a century-old pontoon bridge, and an animated floating market, it’s the isle’s premier attraction, although plenty of outdoor activities abound, too, from riding ATVs through ocean-trimmed cacti forests to hiking Mount Christoffel. It’s the perfect destination for urbanites who’d rather discover a new cultural capital than lounge on a beach.
13. San Juan
Founded in 1521, San Juan is not only the political and cultural capital of Puerto Rico, but it’s the United States’ very oldest city. At turns charming and gritty, historical Old San Juan and the sugary, resort-laden Condado and Isla Verde beachfronts woo visitors — moving away from the sand, urban sprawl and factories dominate. Combine your trip with escapes to off-the-coast islets like Vieques and Culebra for a truly unforgettable Caribbean experience.
14. Riviera Maya
The beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise sea fronting Riviera Maya (a.k.a. the Mayan Riviera) — stretching south roughly 80 miles from Cancún, on past Tulum, and into the Sian Ka’an Biosphere — allow visitors to combine a tropical beach vacation with visits to awe-inspiring ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage nature preserve. Head here for the perfect combination of relaxation and culture in the form of beaches, resorts, and historic ruins.
EUROPE
15. Berlin
Packed with cultural treasures, hip nightclubs, cutting-edge dining options, and no less than three opera houses, Berlin is Europe’s first true 21st-century metropolis. Yet, even after two decades of German reunification, its rechristened capital still has the feel of a city on the verge: Berlin’s art scene rivals that of London, except you can actually afford to buy a painting from the local galleries.
A spurt of innovative restaurants could be the envy of Paris, but their reasonable prices are distinctly un-Left Bank. The same holds true for accommodations: new, cool, and refurbished hotels abound, but again, at rates nowhere near those of other European capitals. The city’s immense affordability is one reason to visit, but its outsized art collections, fascinating history, trendy neighborhoods, and teeming nightlife are what will keep you captivated while you’re there.
16. Cappadocia
Located in the center of Turkey, approximately 450 miles from Istanbul, Cappadocia is a Salvador Dali painting come to life. This bizarre, lunar-like landscape is dotted with extraordinary “fairy chimney” rock formations, dramatic gorges, troglodyte houses, subterranean chapels, underground cities that once sheltered early Christians, and exquisite hotels carved out of the area’s abundant soft stone. Make pottery in Avanos, go wine-tasting in Urgup, and rise with the lark and take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a bird’s eye view of Goreme National Park’s dramatic valleys and conical rock formations.
17. Iceland
The name may suggest a barren, frigid land, but Iceland offers some of the most awe-inspiringly diverse landscapes on the planet. A single day’s travel will uncover volcanoes, endless waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, geothermal hot springs, cold deserts, northern lights, and moonscape landscapes. Reykjavik, the nation’s capital city, has an intimate population of fewer than 200,000, yet boasts a brag-worthy nightlife and shopping district. Plus, with flights from the Eastern seaboard lasting just over five hours, it’s the closest sampling of European culture you can get.
18. Montenegro
Montenegro has come a long way since its shaky days following Yugoslavia’s breakup. With medieval cities and ancient monasteries, over 200 miles of coastline, a plethora of beaches, soaring Dinaric Alps, four national parks, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this gem of a country — often overshadowed by fashionable neighbor Croatia — offers travelers a spectrum of outdoor and cultural experiences — at much more reasonable rates.
19. Sardinia
The second largest island in the Mediterranean (situated southwest of mainland Italy), Sardinia — historically influenced by Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, and later, Roman rule — stands out for its warm hospitality and charm. As you explore — whether by biking, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, or riding in an antique train — you’ll discover ancient ruins, exquisite wines, fresh local cuisine (think ricotta and suckling pig), and over 1,000 miles of soft white-sand beaches fronting turquoise waters. Base yourself in the northeastern part of the island at Costa Smeralda, a celebrity magnet renowned for luxury hotels, high-end boutiques, and expensive real estate, or in Budoni, an emerging seaside destination of just 4,000 residents.
20. Warsaw
Warsaw today is a testament to the perseverance, strength, and, ultimately, revitalization of Poland. The capital city, once beaten down by two iniquitous powers — the Nazis and the Soviets — which both attempted to strip the Poles of their heritage, culture, and beliefs, has reclaimed its legacy, rebuilt and restored its landmarks, and looks to the future as a proud and dynamic city. Holocaust survivors and former down-and-out Varsovians mingle with a bright, progressive youth. Bullet holes embedded in surviving WWII buildings stand not far from drab Soviet-era blocks and shiny new skyscrapers, while the UNESCO-listed Old Town, really a 50-year-old imitation of the bombed-out original, draws unapprised tourists who like its Prague-like charms.
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
21. Bogotá
Bogotá is standing tall — and not just because its perch in the Andes makes it the third highest capital in South America. According to the U.S. State Department, “violence has decreased markedly” in Colombia’s urban centers — the best evidence of this is the revival of Bogotá’s oldest neighborhood, once-dangerous La Candelaria, a bohemian-flavored enclave that’s home to a maze of colonial streets, a stylish new cultural center, the gloriously restored Teatro de Cristóbal Colón, and candlelit bars buzzing with students until 3 a.m.
22. Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin put this spectacular archipelago on the map back in 1835, when he came to study the region’s 1,900 indigenous plant and animal species. Today, this isolated string of islands, which lies 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific, is still the preeminent wildlife watching spot in the world. People travel from all over to follow in Darwin’s footsteps, stopping along the way to explore the active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and mesmerizing wildlife (everything from giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies to seals) that are still as captivating in the 21st century as they were in the 19th.
23. Salvador
Brazil’s third-largest city, Salvador is often called the “soul of Brazil” for its colorful open-air markets, religious festivals, Afro-Brazilian cuisine, Samba and Reggae music, and friendly residents. Once a hub for the slave trade, the city exhibits strong cultural ties to Africa. Home to a number of museums, parks, architectural highlights, and golf courses, Salvador is also ideally situated along Todos os Santos Bay, perfect for working in some beach lounging, visiting “barracas” (beach bars), or surfing. Each year, the city’s massive Carnaval celebration rivals that of Rio’s, drawing some two million people to party in the streets for miles at what’s billed as “the world’s largest festival.”
ASIA & MIDDLE EAST
24. South Korea
In just two decades, South Korea has emerged as a stable democratic country with big ambitions. The bustling megacity of Seoul embodies the nation’s new spirit, where towering skyscrapers and posh department stores are interspersed with venerable imperial palaces, traditional teahouses, and centuries-old Buddhist temples. Ancient Gyeongju, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into Korea’s 5,000 years of history, and was ranked in 1995 by UNESCO as one of the world’s ten most historically significant places. Nearby, a sunrise climb to the temple-topped peak of Mt. Tohamsan reveals the origin of the country’s moniker, “Land of the Morning Calm.”
25. Tel Aviv
Fabulous Tel Aviv, dubbed “the Miami of the Mediterranean,” is easily Israel’s coolest city. Trimmed with gorgeous beaches, loaded with Bauhaus architecture, and populated with smartly dressed locals with a fierce appreciation for art, cuisine, and nightlife, Tel Aviv is the hedonistic antidote to historic, heady Jerusalem, which, even at just one hour away, is a world apart in every respect. Indeed, while Jerusalem is all about the past, Tel Aviv is Israel’s definitive 21st-century flag-bearer, with a regular rotation of new restaurant, hotel, and bar openings, and a superb design-forward sensibility that’s altogether unmatched in the Middle East.
26. United Arab Emirates
A modern, moneyed, Muslim destination with astonishing architecture, cutting-edge pleasure palaces, and tax-free shopping (at least for now), the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is rapidly transforming the Middle East by drawing focus away from distressing regional conflicts and emphasizing care-free commerce and spectacle-fueled tourism. The U.A.E.’s leading star is still Dubai, but capital Abu Dhabi, its more cultured older sister, deserves to share the spotlight.
27. Vietnam
Fascinating Vietnam has finally shed its war-ridden image and recently emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s hottest destinations. Physically stunning, this country of tropical mountains, rice-paddy deltas, and the flowing Mekong River is marked by a unique combination of Vietnamese and French culture (part of the legacy of French colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries), and a people that welcome foreign travelers with warmth and curiosity. Must-sees include bustling Hanoi, Vietnam’s French-flavored capital; the picturesque jewel box of a town at UNESCO-listed Hoi An; frenetic Ho Chi Minh City, better known as Saigon; and mystical Halong Bay, with its famous limestone islets and enchanting emerald-green waters.
AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC
28. Tasmania
Roamed by the feral Tasmanian Devil and the spotted-tailed quoll, Tasmania is, at least in part, an untouched wilderness spanning rainforest, beaches, high mountain plains, and lakes sailed by black swans. Historic towns, fertile farmlands, and pleasant cities also add to its charm, belying a darker side of the island’s history, when the land doubled as a detention center for convicts. Travelers head here to experience ultimate adventure and breathtaking scenery.
29. Victoria Falls
Most visitors to Zimbabwe come solely with a visit to the Victoria Falls region in mind – the tourism hub of the country, its developed infrastructure and special “tourism police” make it a comfortable and secure base for tourists.
Nestled on the country’s border with Zambia, the area is situated far from the political hotbed of Harare, and has been spared from the cholera outbreaks that have recently plagued other parts of the country. Visitors here come to ogle the largest waterfalls in the world (twice the height of Niagara), and for the highly accessible wildlife viewing and safaris along the Zambezi River. Adrenaline junkies can explore the terrain from atop an elephant or a white-water raft, or take things down a notch while perusing the local craft market or kicking back at colonial-style luxury lodges.
KULINER
SINGAPORE (Reuters Life!) - The Miele Guide to Asia’s finest restaurants is written by food experts who know and love the region (http://www.mieleguide.com).
This is a list of the top 5 restaurants in Indonesia, where the cuisine is varied but fine dining still confined to the capital Jakarta and the island of Bali. It is not endorsed by Reuters.
1. Mozaic, Bali
Some restaurants boast an exquisite balance between cuisine, service and setting that, together, make them truly exceptional. Such is the magic of Mozaic. Chef-owner Chris Salans deftly marries French skill with traditional Balinese ingredients and flavors, with inventive and delicious results. His cuisine is global in the sense that the well-traveled diner will recognize and appreciate his accomplished mastery of the contemporary language of fine dining, though having lived and worked in Bali for the past 12 years, Salans understands well the importance of balance, and this is meticulously reflected in the well-rounded flavors of each dish. With impeccable service, fronted by knowledgeable and attentive staff, it is no surprise that reservations are essential. Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (http://www.mozaic- bali.com)
2. Ku De Ta, Bali
At Ku De Ta, the famed Balinese all-in-one club-bar-restaurant , New Zealand-born chef Phillip Davenport turns out delicious fusion fare alongside classic combinations. But while the food is deftly cooked and gorgeously presented, it isn’t the sole draw here. Ku De Ta is a scene, and one of the best in the world. You would be hard pressed to find a cooler, more happening restaurant with a more good-looking clientele, great sounds, and a sexier interior theme. Ku De Ta is the perfect example of the restaurant as an experience. All this makes it, hands down, one of the coolest places in Asia in which to eat, drink, and be merry. 9 Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak, Kuta, Bali (http://www.kudeta.net)
3. Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill, Bali
Isnuri Suryatmi and her American husband Brian Aldinger opened a street stall in 1995 with a two-burner stove and six bottles of beer. With the addition of a powerful martini and charcoal-grilled pork ribs, their humble shack became an overnight sensation with the expat community, drawing international celebrities and chefs and an ever-growing number of curious tourists. Nuri and Brian continue to serve up their personal touch with smoky exuberance - as well as generous burgers, sausages and Indonesian fare. Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud, Bali
4. Sarong Bali Restaurant, Bali
A highly anticipated new addition to Bali’s restaurant scene is the opulent Sarong bar and restaurant. The restaurant is the vision of chef Will Meyrick, who cut his teeth at the modern Thai kitchens of Jimmy Liks and Long Grain in Australia, and more recently helmed the successful Blossom restaurant at the Sentosa, Bali. Meyrick continues to be inspired by the street hawkers of his travels and cooks alongside his team of talented chefs from China, India and Indonesia. The setting however is far from humble: Danish designer Liv Clausen channels Indonesian traditions and colonial elegance with plush couches on which to sample signature dishes such as salmon tatare served on a betel leaf, grilled scallops with sweet crispy duck, and crispy pork hock with tamarind tamarillo. Jalan Petitenget No. 19X, Kerobokan, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia (http://www.sarongbali.com)
5. Bumbu Bali, Bali
For a long time, the irony of Bali - an island rich with culture and tradition - was the complete lack of authentic Balinese eateries. This changed in 1997, when chef Heinz von Holzen left the Grand Hyatt Bali to create his own restaurant serving true home-style Balinese cuisine. With Bumbu Bali, he painstakingly recreated a traditional Balinese open kitchen flanked by charming wantilan pavilions arranged about a courtyard filled with gamelan music and Balinese dance. Diners can indulge in a sampler of signature dishes or tuck into specialties including roast duck in banana leaf, roast suckling pig, satay, fresh salads and local desserts. Von Holzen also runs full day cooking workshops for those keen to learn about the art of Balinese cooking. Jalan Pratama, Tanjong Benoa, Nusa Dua (http://www.balifood s.com)