Top 10 of the best places to visit in 2011
WELLINGTON, New Zealand:
Wellington is a little gem sitting on the other side of the world...just waiting to be explored. It is the capital of New Zealand and is one of the most picturesque places you could hope to visit. With a splendour of hillsides, landscape and unbeatable scenery, if either walking, cycling or sight-seeing is your thing, then Wellington is the place for you.
Wellington prides itself on its cultural and artistic wealth, boasting plenty of quality restaurants, cafes and bars with excellent transport links there is no excuse for getting around and seeing the sights. Nicknamed 'Wellywood' after one of the biggest film productions ever, The Lord of the Rings, descended on the Island for filming, which is an extra draw for film enthusiasts.
The weather tends to be warm, but not too warm, depending in what season you go. This means you can appreciate the surroundings without feeling chained to the swimming pool all day for fear of heat exhausted.
Additionally, if you like the chilled-out scene then sailing into Wellington Harbour through the Marlborough Sounds is stunning and something you will never tire of.
A good way of keeping costs down is by booking hotels and transport hire directly by phone or online and, make sure you do plenty of research to hunt out the best deals and those quaint little spots that take the New Zealand experience from good to out-of-this-world.
TURKU, Finland
Turku used to be the capital city of Finland is is the oldest city in the county. It is the home to beautiful Mediaval buildings, a castle and a museum.
It is also 2011's city of culture and so promises some historic treats for you, so if seeing the sights and breathing in a different way of life is for you, this is the perfect and alternate holiday destination.
A nice touch is when the summers come and there is a mass of boat bars moored in the city centre, bringing with it a sight you're unlikely to see again and an energetic, bustling crowd.
The city's art museum is well worth a visit, being a treat for the eyes on the outside as well as in, you cannot miss it, being a stunning granite building.
MACHA PICCHU, Peru
One of THE things to add to any bucket list is to sign up for the Inca Trail and climb Macha Picchu. This stunning volcanic area is close to Cusco. It stands at an amazing height of 2,350 meters above sea level and makes either the perfect personal achievement or charity challenge.
Depending on what you want out of the experience you can choose from a range in tours taking from 3 days and 2 nights to 6 days. They range from just a walk taking in the sights of cusco and the star attraction of the mountain or even take in some additional activities including rafting or horse riding depending on how active you are.
The architecture is very specially and there is a specially built path for tourism that is used for walking up the volcano. This enters a citadel which has a cluster of rooms near the outer wall; this continues through a terrace and gains access to the agricultural zone. The achitecture of which was based on the area of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire.
You only need to step a few paces along this path to know that you are experiencing something pretty amazing; history of man and mother nature colliding in this one very special place.
ARGENTINA South America
One of the secret perfect holiday locations is Argentina. With stunning views, an energetic city-scape and plenty of culture there is plenty to keep you busy for a lovely holiday.
Nobody can deny that there is Argentina has an abundance of character, whether it is the people or the night life, it is clear that as well as their being a great american influence in their way of life - there are still destinct ties despite their 200 year indepence from the European country.
It is beautiful, friendly and the weather is brilliant so why not give it a go. Especially if hiking and cycling is your sort of scene - there are many adventures to be had!
BERLIN, Germany
The German capital of Berlin has been through some difficult times and while there are some aspects that remain haunted by a difficult history, predominatly the East, this is a beautiful city and has so much to offer tourists. If you have never visited Germany before then why not?
Berlin is a cool city and has a very laid back way of life. There is also plenty of glanour to offer its visitors with the stunning Brandenburg Gate which rivals any sight to see in the world and the historically pointant Checkpoint Charlie.
If you are a night person then Berlin is the place for you as the place never sleeps. Pubs, bars and clubs are open late and never seem to quieten down no matter of the time. And if history is your game then visit the Berlin Wall - a beautiful reminder of the struggles of another generation and the problems this now thriving country had to deal with.
MUMBAI, India
With money, power and atmosphere Mumbai is quickly becoming one of the places to visit in the world at the moment. With a growing Bollywood scene and a cross between the old and the new, the rich and the poor, Mumbai is the perfect mix of different walks of life all thrown together will a hefty dose of culture and religion.
There is plenty to experience in Mumbai and with lots of quaint little markets selling traditional gifts and goodies to the massive malls, shopping is definitely something to take in over there.
If that's not your thing however the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a jungle wilderness full of tropical birds and butterflies. One of the main attractions is the lion and tiger safari - one of the only opportunities you may have in your life to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat and not to be missed.
EDINBURGH, Scotland
Who says that you have to travel around the world to find beauty when there is the stunning city of Edinburgh only a car or train journey away.
Home to the Edinburgh Tattoo and the Fringe festival, Edinburgh has many things to draw in its visitors and they just keep coming back for more. A nice touch is being able to see the origins and inspiration for the classic novel of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
With castles and hilltop crags there is plenty of little things to explore and experience if you find yourself getting a little peckish then Edinburgh spoils you for choice with restaurants and bars all along the infamous Princes Street and on the quaint little back streets of it. Perfect for friends chilling on a shopping trip, a weekend with the lads at the football or even just a romantic dinner for two - there is something for everyone.
If you're in the mood to be inspired, Edinbugh is one of the top places to get your mind juices flowing and if you need the proof, why not visit the Writers' Museum, just of the Royal Mile.
KUSADASI, Turkey
I personally recommend Kusadasi. This quiet Aegean coast doesn't get the volume of tourism as does the more popular Marmaris, but gets enough people to bring a lovely hustle and bustle to the atmosphere, meaning you get to experience a traditional Turkish way of life.
One of the main attractions, other than the scorching weather and crystal blue oceans is the Turkish markets. They are everything you here about and more - with a great collection of modern and ecclectic goodies you are sure to pick up something, even if it is a soveigner for someone. Make sure you get into the spirit of bartering - though you may be quiet at first - you'll soon get into it!
A little tip - make a point of visiting Ephesus, the ancient city and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is only a 30 minute road journey away and you're trip really isn't complete without it.
NEW YORK, North America
What can be written about The Big Apple that has not already been said before. Sat at the top of the fashion world, showered with celebrities and style. It is quite simply, the place where dreams are dreamed and if you're lucky, they may just come true.
Again this is a place that has plenty for visitors to take in. As well as hosting amazing shopping opportunities including the infamous Macys store there are some of the most famous landmarks in the world to take your choice of. From a stroll through Central Park, to taking a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York should be on the list of places for you to visit sooner rather than later.
At the moment, a trip to New York may be easier to do than you may think what with the American economy going through a rocky patch. Depending on what you are wanting to get from your trip, a modest B&B away from the centre may be enough for you to commute into the hub of the city and working your way through the long list of things to do.
What's the best bit about New York I hear you ask?...You never know where the day will take you!
KAMPALA, Uganda
Kampala is not the battered city you would expect to find if you were lucky enough to visit the Ugandan capital. The place is full of modern builidings and has an interesting and intense atmosphere that will make you want to stay. This is a perfectly safe city to visit and take in all the traditional African sites.
It remains one of the best destinations to add to any backpacking or travelling trips. One of the best ways to get around is by bus, but make sure you get to the bus station in time as they are not as frequent as this country and usually set off from around 8am.
Attractions include the Uganda Museum, Nommo Art gallery and the National Theatre, all of which add to the vibrancy and culture of the city - and this is all without mentioning the indescribable beauty of the scenery. Take a trip to the Rubaga and Namirembe cathedrals and you are promised an epic treat for your eyes.
FemaleFirst Jenna Fordie
Tagged in The Holiday