29/12/2011
15 Destination on Rise
1. Lagos, Portugal
Moorish and Renaissance influences abound in South Portugal's Lagos, from its fortress to its plethora of magnificent churches. While Lagos' history is rich, it is the area's fine beaches and beach bars, which attract many of today's visitors. Frequent buses serve Lagos, making it the easiest way to get around.
Top things to do Top hotels Cheapest flights Best restaurants
2. Hua Hin, Thailand
Hua Hin is a charming beach resort town less than 200 km from Bangkok. Its clean, sandy beach is ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing. Its many attractions, such as fishing, golf, spas and seafood restaurants, are bustling with locals. Must-see spots in Hua Hin include Pa La-u Waterfall and Wat Huay Mongkol, once home to Luang Pu Thuat.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn's atmospheric Old Town is an enthralling hodgepodge of medieval streets and spires. It's a small city, and the tourist areas are safe and easily explored on foot. Buy a Tallinn Card if intending to use buses, trolleys or trams. For a look into Tallinn's past, visit Rocca-al-Mare Open Air Museum's typical rural Estonian taverns, windmills and watermills, see the onion-domed 1900 cathedral or join the bustle in historic Town Hall Square. St. Olav's spire was once the tallest in the world.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
4. Moscow, Russia
The political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of Russia, Moscow displays the country's contrasts at their most extreme. The ancient and modern are juxtaposed side by side in this city of 10 million. Catch a metro from one of the ornate stations to see Red Square, the Kremlin, the nine domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, the KGB Museum and other symbols of Moscow's great and terrible past, then lighten up and shop Boulevard Ring or people watch in Pushkin Square.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
5. Bucharest, Romania
Vlad the Impaler stated his claim to Bucharest in 1459. His citadel on the Dambovita was the first of flotillas of palaces, many of which still stand. Four subway lines and a modern bus network transport visitors and commuters. Nicknamed "Little Paris", Bucharest's elegant early 20th-century architecture shows French influences. Don't miss the Village Museum, Romanian Athenaeum and the Peasant Museum. You can't miss the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon).
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
6. Innsbruck, Austria
Coveted by empires and republics throughout its history, Innsbruck was the seat of the imperial court of Maximilian I by the end of the 15th century. Trams make getting around the city quick, efficient and cheap. Explore the Tyrolean capital's history at Archduke Ferdinand II's 10th-century Schloss Ambras, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, the grand 15th-century Imperial Palace and Maximilian I's famous Golden Roof. One of Europe's most idyllic cities, Innsbruck is nestled in the heart of the Alps.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
7. Stockholm, Sweden
Built on 14 islands, Stockholm is a fascinating, compact city. The Old Town, Gamla Stan, is a warren of narrow streets with 750 years of history. Fast forward and trendsetting island SÂdermalm is a hotbed of fashion, youth culture and entertainment. A National City Park, leafy DjurgÂrden is a short walk from the inner city. The Nobel Prize's hometown offers sites from Vasa Museum, with its 1628 warship, to Skansen Open-Air Museum, where a zoo, festivals and 150 historic buildings inform and entertain.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
8. Cannes, France
Galas, regattas, the Film Festival and an outrageously attractive and affluent set characterize Cannes. Vast yachts obscure the view and the town lives up to its motto, "Life is a festival." People-watching is the activity that brings most visitors to Cannes, and hotel-lined La Croisette provides a fine promenade. First popularized by Coco Chanel, Cannes beaches are a huge draw. Get expensive seaside food and drinks service on hotel sand or opt for the free public beaches, Plages du Midi and de la Boca.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
9. Turin, Italy
In Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, sports cars and chocolate are a matter of pride. The city is also home to the Museo Egizio, one of the most impressive collections of Egyptian artifacts in the world. A stroll around Piazza Castello and along the Via Roma encompasses many of the must-see sights. Valentino Park houses an 18th-century castle, botanic garden and medieval village. When you've worked up an appetite, sample casual trattorias for pastas, regional wines and coffees.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
10. San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain
San Sebastian is a seaside city in the north of the Basque Country. It is no wonder why surfing is so popular in San Sebastian. The picturesque city looks out to La Co**ha bay and two beautiful beaches, Ondarreta and Zurriola. Bike to the many seafood restaurants and traditional "pintxos" (Basque tapas) bars, plus take in the views from Mount Igueldo. Walk up Monte Urgell to visit the Statue of Christ and see even more spectacular views.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
11. Austin, Texas
It seems like everyone knows someone who's moving to Austin. In the past decade the capital of Texas has grown steadily, attracting everyone from young urban professionals to artists and students. This rapid evolution is noticeable everywhere from the busy downtown area to trendy and pricey neighborhoods. Despite the growth, Austin has managed to maintain its mellow, small-town appeal. A perennial "Best Place to Live" winner, it's also a great place to visit, offering a range of attractions and activities. Austin offers recreational activities from golf to walking trails in beautiful parks. The shopping, restaurants and nightlife offer world-class appeal with a down-home Texas feel.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
12. Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Said to be the best-preserved colonial city in South America, Antigua Guatemala is a picturesque and friendly town in the central Guatemalan Highlands. Famed for its 16th-century Spanish architecture and cobblestone streets, the city sits under volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Hike the peaks for great city views. Walk or catch tuk tuks between crumbled San Agustin, Municipal Palace and the Cathedral or head to Central Park, where the city's inhabitants lounge on sunny afternoons.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
13. Seminyak, Indonesia
Located in the south, Seminyak has some of the nicest beaches in Bali. Be sure to catch the legendary sunsets and enjoy the tranquil beauty. Watch authentic Balinese ceremonies on the beach, complete with gamelan players and offerings to the gods.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
14. Cape Town, Africa
There is much to do and see in the city of Cape Town, with its gorgeous beaches, scenic natural settings, impressive architecture, and booming nightlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike up the rugged trails of Table Mountain. For the less adventurous, there is the Table Mountain Cableway. The beaches are favored by residents and visitors alike, and the historical Cape Dutch buildings are worth visiting.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
15. Queenstown, New Zealand
Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in Queenstown. The alpine resort on Lake Wakatipu began its life as an 1860s gold-mining town, but it now draws droves of outdoor enthusiasts for kayaking, bungee jumping, hiking and skiing. For a more mild-mannered adventure, take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries. No matter the season, you won't want to stay indoors.
Top things to do Cheapest flights
Top hotels Best restaurants
