Saint Augustine wisely said - “The world is a book, and
those who do not travel read only a page.” But with so many pages to read or
should I say places to visit, where do you start? To make sure you don’t miss
out on the hottest destinations for 2014 here are 10 fascinating places you
don’t want to miss. Whether you’re an epicurean, culture seeker, adventurer or
beach lover there’s something for everyone.
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Rio de Janiero, Brazil
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BRAZIL With the entire world
awaiting the 2014 FIFA World Cup how could Brazil, the energetic country
hosting the event, not be front and centre on every traveller’s radar. Brazil
boasts a breathtaking coastline 7,491 kilometres long filled with secluded
coves, turquoise-blue waters, lush green mountains and an astounding array of
wildlife. Couple all that with a vibrant art scene, reverberating samba beats,
a rich culture, a booming economy and Brazil is one hot ticket. If you can’t
make it this year then try for 2016 when Brazil will be host to the Summer
Olympics.
SRI LANKA
Known as the “Pearl of the Indian
Ocean,” Sri Lanka has been on every intrepid traveller’s wish list for years
but a two decades long civil war and a 2004 tsunami had travellers weary. All
that changed in 2009 when the country declared peace and an increase in hotel
development and openings swept across this jasmine scented tropical paradise.
Located just off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is home to seven UNESCO
World Heritage Sites and beguiles visitors with its fascinating culture,
pristine beaches, timeless ruins, cool hillside terrains, lush rainforests and
elephant-filled national parks. It’s no wonder travellers are all abuzz for Sri
Lanka.
PANAMA CITY Dubbed the “Miami of
the South,” Panama City is the thriving cosmopolitan capital of Central America
known for its international trading and banking. The city boasts a diverse
range of culture and architecture along with a trendy selection of restaurants,
cafés, chic night clubs and art galleries, many housed in centuries-old
buildings. What makes 2014 the year to visit Panama? This year the famous
Panama Canal celebrates 100 years of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans, and to celebrate this milestone the city is hosting festivities all
year long like the opening of Frank Gehry’s BioMuseo. With endless
celebrations, Panama City is an absolute must.
NORTHERN LIGHTS If you’re a
sky-watcher and seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights is on your bucket list
then now is the time to book your vacation. NASA scientists have predicted that
the solar activity is at a maximum this season, the liveliest phase in its
11-year solar cycle creating the best possible conditions for seeing a more
intense, colorful display of the aurora borealis. Top places to enjoy this view
include Yellowknife, Churchill and Iqaluit in Canada; Fairbanks, Alaska;
Lapland, Norway; and Iceland where NASA expects the northern lights to reach a
vibrant peak in December 2014. So pack your camera, winter gear and get
snapping!
ALBANIAN COAST With the Euro making
European travel more expensive than ever travellers are looking for more
affordable alternatives this summer. Enter the Albanian Coast with its rugged
beauty and gorgeous beaches minus the hordes of tourists you find in similar
locals like Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. There are also fascinating ancient
archaeological sites reminiscent of Turkey or Greece, as well as the laid back
approach to life you find in the Italian countryside. The Albanian Coast for
many is a reminder of the Mediterranean of the past and travellers are falling
in love with it.
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| Cape Town, South Africa |
CAPE TOWN If
its vast history and spectacular landscape hasn’t put Cape Town on your bucket
list then now’s the time to reconsider. Since the death of Nelson Mandela
everyone has Cape Town on their mind. Not many cities can proudly showcase
stunning natural scenery, fantastic vineyards, gorgeous hiking trails, a
bustling city centre and an evolving dining scene. Named the 2014 World Design
Capital, Cape Town will be celebrating all forms of design with over 450 events
in the works. The city’s most famous site - Table Mountain - provides a
magnificent backdrop overlooking this fascinating city and served as beacon of
hope for Nelson Mandela during his incarceration on Robbin Island. Beautifully
situated along the mountainous Cape Peninsula spine with the Atlantic Ocean to
the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, Cape Town offers horseback riding,
surfing and shark cage-diving. There’s something for everyone.
MEXICO CITY It’s hard to believe
that Mexico’s fascinating cultural, financial and political capital is filled
with undiscovered treasures, but a recent influx of stylish hotels and restaurants
prove otherwise. Mexico City is perhaps the one place in Mexico where sun and
sand take a back seat to a vibrant food scene, colonial palaces, a great nightlife
and art galleries like the Museo Frida Kahlo. If you find yourself there on
Saturday be sure to take a stroll through Bazar Sábado that showcases some of
Mexico’s best handcrafted jewellery, woodwork, ceramics and textiles. With no
shortage of things to see and do, Mexico City offers endless options for an
exciting urban holiday.
UCO VALLEY Often
referred to as the Napa Valley of thirty years ago, Argentina’s renowned
viticultural region of Uco Valley is making headlines not just for its wine
scene but also for adventure travel. Located one hour south of Mendoza, its
striking natural setting at the base of the Andes Mountains provides a
picturesque backdrop for hiking, mountain biking and rafting. Picture dramatic
landscapes, vineyards and open skies. But if adventure is not for you then
perhaps a spa treatment followed by a glass of malbec – Argentina’s signature
wine - at one of the new luxury hotels is.
PALERMO
When TripAdvisor reports an increase in
searches and positive feedback on Palermo you know there’s something to talk
about. Once infamous for its crime scene - Sicily’s capital with nearly a million
inhabitants - is now famous for its sophisticated wine scene, boutique hotels,
historical museums, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, gorgeous palaces and
some of the best street food in all of Italy. Try the outdoor markets of La
Vucciria, Ballaro and Borgo Vecchio. Palermo is also home to Italy’s largest
indoor theatre and some of the best opera houses, as well as some incredible
beaches. With plenty to see and do, this historical port city is worth
visiting.
NASHVILLE
With innovative chefs setting the city’s
food scene a buzz, Nashville is no longer just the capital for country music
fans and aspiring songwriters. It has become an inspiring haven for food
lovers. Trendy restaurants like Germantown’s Rolf & Daughters, Josephine
and Pinewood Social alone are worth the visit. There’s also great blues bars,
historical buildings, big-name sports, along with the Country Music Hall of
Fame and the legendary Grand Ole Opray House. So it’s time to pack your car and
head out on that American road trip you’ve been putting off.
Click on the link to download a
copy of my article - Top 10 Hottest Destinations for 2014 - in
the new issue of Whatever
Vaughan Magazine Spring 2014.
