Five Places to Visit in 2010
January 12, 2010 – 10:33 amIts a new year..a shiny new start! If the sour economy forced you to stay home in 2009, you might be itching to get out and explore the world. And its a great time to go. Travel fares remain at bargain prices, allowing you to save some bucks while seeking out those authentic experiences around the globe. So go ahead…linger over the Lonely Planet guidebooks and Nat Geo magazines for travel inspiration. Meanwhile, here are five of my suggestions for places to visit in 2010:
Luang Prabang, Laos - Luang Prabang is a small, ancient city tucked away in northern Laos at the junction of the picturesque Mekong and Nam Khan rivers where nature and community converge in an unassuming way. Longboats run the rivers, rice fields line the banks, mountains paint the distant landscape, and the slow pace of life will envelop even the most harried traveler. This is the perfect place to while away the hours relaxing on the quay with a good book or simply get lost exploring the town. Stay at the Lotus Villa Laos which, in my opinion, offers the best all-around experience. The comfortable and clean guesthouse is located on a quiet street just a few blocks from the river and the center of town. They have a very friendly, well trained staff, and include breakfast and free bottled water in the tab. Bonus: Lotus Villa sits on the monks’ alms route. Simply step out the front door in the early morning to observe the time-honored tradition.
Chiang Mai, Thailand - Chiang Mai is growing fast, but it still has retained its cultural roots and a strong spiritual vibe. Wander the winding streets of Old Town and enjoy ancient, beautiful temples at every turn. Impromptu festivals with traditional dancers are common occurances and the night market is a fun attraction. Visit the Muay Thai (kick-boxing) matches on Friday nights for a local experience. When you tire of the noise and traffic, rent a motorbike and head to the hills on the 100 km Mae Sa Valley Samoeng Loop where you can enjoy waterfalls, mountain views, and small villages of hill tribes. Back in Chiang Mai, visit the Good View restaurant (13 Th Charoenrat) for great Thai food and ambiance on the Mae Nam Ping River.
Reykjavik, Iceland - If you’ve always wanted to explore ice caps and volcanoes, and wallow in hot springs, now is the time to head to the natural beauty of Iceland. Last year’s dramatic collapse of their currency made Iceland much more affordable than ever. National air carrier Icelandair has also slashed fares in a bid to attract tourists. Spend your Christmas in Reykjavik under the Northern Lights and enjoy the Christmas tree lighting in Austurvollur Square.
London, England - Another destination that has suffered from the economic recession, London travel is at its cheapest right now. With the city gearing up for the 2012 Olympics, London is certainly calling this year. This is one of Europe’s best capitals because there is so much for the senses here. Spend the day uncovering centuries of history at London’s landmarks, galleries and museums - be sure to take advantage of the free admission to many of them. Then head out to enjoy a thriving nightlife and theater scene. The city’s pulsates with personality with those boxy black cabs, the red double deckers, the accented English, and the silhouette of Tower bridge above the muddy Thames. Cap off your visit with a pint at one of London’s many watering holes - a favorite is the The Argyll Arms in Soho, just off Oxford Street.
Cape Town, South Africa - The host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has spent alot of money sprucing up for this summer’s event. Though South Africa has ragged edges of extreme poverty, the country has much to offer in terms of natural and cultural experiences. In Johannesburg, head up to Mpumalanga and Kruger national parks for Big 5 safari. Hike Cape Town’s panoramic Table Mountain and be sure to visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which are some of the most beautiful in the world. Relax on the white sand beaches of False Bay.
