Top 10 Travel Destinations List

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St. John, US Virgin Islands by Don HerbertThe Specialty Travel Agents Association (STAA) has its 2008 Best Destinations travel trend destinations selections up. This “Top 10″ type list obviously has to leave out a lot of great vacation spots, and includes none in the United States’ Lower 48. However, there is much to commend about this list of interesting international destinations. Take a look: I’ll give my opinion on the travel spots, and you tell me what you think, too.

In no particular order, the STAA Best Destinations for Travel in 2008:

Quebec City, in Canada: July 3rd marks Quebec City’s 400th anniversary, and the celebration will not only be festive, but also will recognize all the outdoor activities, festivals, culture and history that makes Quebec City a top vacation destination. This will be an eight month long celebration (you read that right – what a party!) with genuine French Canadian flavor.
Australia: Europeans are increasingly taking their holidays in Australia (the favorable exchange rate may have something to do with this), and resort hotels are correspondingly becoming more luxurious. But it’s not all luxury travel of course – there’s plenty of budget lodgings and eco travel opportunities in the Land Down Under. It ranks as one of my top places I’d like to see, as well.
Hawaii: Hawaii, and Maui in particular, is consistently voted the most popular tropical vacation island by those in the know (Conde Naste, Travel & Leisure, etc). It’s also the top honeymoon vacation state in the U.S., with each island offering its own unique take on what it means to be in Hawaii. Another plus: I’ve never had bad weather for more than an hour or two there. The weather is perfect.
China: The Specialty Travel Agents Association has chosen China as a best destination largely because of the upcoming Beijing Sumer Olympics games. However, more recently there have been some seriously disturbing issues – those that even make the news – regarding exactly how China is preparing for the games (prettifying a large, polluted urban area seems to mean dislocating a lot of long-time residents), and the country’s sanctioning of murdering monks in Tibet has led at least one country (France) to consider boycotting the Olympics. No country’s politics are perfect, of course, but with all the other great places to visit in the world, I know I have no travel plans for China in the immediate future.
The US Virgin Islands: Okay, I’m biased – my honeymoon was in St John, and in as such it remains one of my most favorite tropical vacation isles. St. John is 2/3 National Park land, and is the least developed of the three US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas has the most hotels and resorts, as well as the best shopping, whereas St Croix has tourism opportunities and what is considered the Easternmost part of the United States. The local saying goes, “Vacation on St. John, Shop on St. Thomas, and Live on St. Croix,” and that pretty much holds true.
India: It’s a large, geographically diverse country, so it would probably take more than one trip to truly get to know India. STAA recommends India for ecotravel – Bengal tigers are an endangered species, and there’s not much time left to see them in their natural state. And the Taj Mahal, needless to say, is also a huge draw.
Argentina: STAA recommends Argentina for those of us travel lovers who have been struggling with the dropping value of the American dollar. Rather than not travel at all, its suggested that Argentina’s bang for the buck combines well with many tourist friendly activities, top-notch restaurants, and boutique hotels.
Vietnam: STAA suggests that Vietnam is the Next Best Thing in terms of luxury golf vacations, calling it the “next premier golf destination.” Really? Well, I’m not sure that golf travel packages in Vietnam will ever be on the same level as Scotland or Hawaii, but it has many other tourist friendly attractions. It’s a very affordable country to visit, for one, and two, the Vietnamese people are among the world’s nicest, most optimistic – Buddhism teaches kindness and forgiveness, and most people in Vietnam are Buddhist.
France: Ah, France! A Top 10 Travel list just wouldn’t seem legit without La Belle France. It’s the most popular country in the world for travel, and has everything any vacation lover could want. Luxury travel is practically defined by the French Riviera, and those of us who appreciate the fine arts go gaga over the Louvre and Orsay in Paris. 2008 is the 150th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a French peasant girl in Lourdes, and seeing that six million people make a religious pilgrimage there already, Lourdes is sure to be a top travel destination this year.
Alaska: Alaska is one of the most popular cruise destinations (with a pit stop in Vancouver, BC). Just as India’sAlaska Cruise, by Clark Misher Bengal tiger population is shrinking, so are those glaciers. Environmentally aware tourists are wanting to see the melting ice before it’s too late. The cruise ship vacations to Alaska are, of course, most popular in the spring and summer; it’s too cold for most travelers to come out of their cabins in the winter! The gorgeous scenery, combined with the summer home of many migratory species, makes cruising here an enormous draw.

While I don’t agree with all the destinations on this list being the top 10, shortlists are hard. Winnowing down all the terrific places to see in the world to 10 is never going to please everyone, after all! I give STAA credit for their obviously well thought-out list, but I’d switch out China for a less controversial country, and perhaps replace Argentina with Belize, Costa Rica, or another Latin American country with a stronger emphasis on eco travel and environmentally responsible tourism. But that’s just me – what’s on your Top 10 travel destinations list? I’d really like to know; there’s a comments section below.

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March 20, 2008 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel, Girlfriend Getaways, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, Travel News 

Comments

36 Responses to “Top 10 Travel Destinations List”

  1. MountainMama says:
    March 23, 2008 at

    I think the only two destinations above that are on my “list of places to go before I die” are Alaska and US Virgin Islands. Australia is a close 3rd. My husband has family in Alaska, so that’s actually “doable.” I really, really want to see more of the Caribbean. Australia is a bit more far-fetched for me — so far, literally, and mucho $$$$.

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  6. kahraman says:
    June 29, 2008 at

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  7. Kirstin says:
    July 9, 2008 at

    I think Bhutan really needs to be on this list. Not only is it the only remaining nation where Buddhism is the official state religion, but they are actually tantric buddhists, which, for anyone who knows a bit about buddhism, is extremely interesting! Plus, their monarch just stepped down to allow the people to form a democracy. I was in Bhutan two years ago and I’m hoping to go back within the next two or three years – the country is rapidly changing and will be drastically different in ten years. Also interesting is the fact that the country has so few roads that you really see the culture only when you get out of the cities and go trekking into the higher region. It’s an amazing place – hard to believe it’s on the same planet as many places in the USA.

  8. TahoeKidsGuide says:
    July 13, 2008 at

    Every destination on the top 10 list is amazing. I’m partial…but Lake Tahoe is on my list. http://www.TahoeKidsGuide.com.

  9. Music Man says:
    July 18, 2008 at

    I find it always fun to fall on a Good blog that has actual good content! The last blog i read didnt have as much info as this one. Thx

  10. Janet F says:
    August 4, 2008 at

    I would love to see China one day.

    I think it would be an amazing trip.

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    August 4, 2008 at

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    August 7, 2008 at

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  13. Aurae Beidler says:
    August 7, 2008 at

    They all sound great! I’ve never been to any of them but Alaska is first on my list. I would probably pick Australia and Hawaii as ultimate spots. But usually, I go where family is, since it’s cheaper and can be more fun.

  14. TravelWhippet says:
    August 10, 2008 at

    Nice article. Nothing tops Egypt in my book, but it’s certainly not a leisurely vacation. I just got back from Peru and would highly recommend it. The earthquake, Tibet riots, and then finally a stomach ailment interrupted a may trip to China, but I enjoyed what I saw and need to go back to complete it one day.

  15. Sheila says:
    August 20, 2008 at

    Interesting list. I’ve only been to 4 of the 10 listed.

    For my top ten, I’d include the Tuscany area of Italy and New Zealand.

    With the Olympics coverage in China, I’d have to say that it’s increased its presence on my travel radar, but not in my top 10 yet.

    As an independent Hawaii travel blogger who lives on the Mainland, it was nice to see Hawaii on the list. I agree with you about the good weather. I’ve never had rain interfere much with my vacations there.

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    September 4, 2008 at

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  17. Fiona van der Nagel says:
    September 19, 2008 at

    Hi,
    as an Australian expat living in Saudi Arabia, and also previously in China, UK and Hungary, my must do list would include:

    Turkey, incl Istanbul, Cappadocia, Bodrum, and sailing in a Gulet along the coast. Kids said best holiday ever, and not expensive.

    China – Shanghai and Beijing, independently. great Wall, Forbidden City, fab shopping. Older kids only. Riding bicycles in Yangshuo/Guilin. Boat trip up Li river

    Thailand – for easy travelling with kids, great value, and brilliant beaches. Riding elephants, snorkelling, jungles.

    Australia – of course! Nothing beats our beaches, bush, Sydney Harbour, and laid back lifestyle.

    Florida – Disneyworld! Kid and parent heaven.

    Kenya – for wildlife and beaches, but not sure of safetly status these days.

    All of these fantastic for kids, as safe, good weather, lots for the kids to do and explore, good food.

  18. Luanne Mattson says:
    September 22, 2008 at

    Great site and a fun topic! I wonder what the votes would be for top 10 destinations in the U.S. There is so much to see in our own country–east, west, north and south!

  19. Jim Tapak says:
    September 25, 2008 at

    Well…Where do i start…Being Canadian Alaska is just nowhere near my top ten..How about the sinking flooding ancient city of Venice…a must see for any serious traveler…and the Greek Islands..oh my…maybe the mose spectacular vacation spot on earth…minus Athens…HUGE disappointment…Then there is Prague…just maybe the most beautiful city in the world..certainly the most beautiful women..Madrid..London..Chicago..New York..Amsterdam…Moscow….well i guess you get my point

  20. Eric says:
    October 20, 2008 at

    Excellent article! Quebec City is really an amazing city, especially the old section. So much character in the architecture, tastiness in the French food, and general vibrancy in the community!

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  22. Lauren says:
    November 4, 2008 at

    I think the list misses a few popular Europe destinations. I absolutely love London and Spain.

  23. Lisa Marie Runfola says:
    November 5, 2008 at

    On Our Life's Passion Map includes Australia & New Zealand to see — The closest we came so far was Hong Kong & Sanya Hainan Island ( off the Mainland China) —

    I am an American Wife & Mom Expat living in England right now for 3 yrs. We travel a REAL lot with our 22 month old miracle baby girl in tow!

    We were treated the BEST in China when we visit in December 07! They love children there & the service was the best so far in the world!
    We were also just in MUMBAI INDIA a few weeks ago business/pleasure trip! You haven't experienced the world until you have experienced INDIA! My husband has traveled India extensively, I was only in Mumbai this time with him for a little over a week BUT I would definitely go back and want to really get deep into the roots of INDIA!! Again, we were treated very well there especially with a baby!

    I love the Cayman Islands, We were married there August 27, 2008.
    My list could go on because I LOVE LOVE to travel and explore the world. I love to be in touch with the Universe — Brasil is gorgeous RIO is a must have place to visit!!

  24. michelle says:
    November 12, 2008 at

    CAYMAN ISLANDS!

  25. Jenny Hill says:
    December 11, 2008 at

    That’s a great list! i have to agree with Argentina and say that I have heard amazing things about the beaches in Australia.

    I must thought, that our own little nooks can also turn out to be great destinations.

    A lot of families are flocking to my San Antonio and the Hill Country Region lately. It’s 75 degrees here today! I just came back from Chicago where it is 7 degrees and I could hardly take it! The local amusement parks like Sea World and Six Flags all have gorgeous Christmas light displays. New this year is Schlitterbahn’s Hill Country Christmas – if you haven’t seen it on the Travel Channel, Schlitterbahn is one of the largest and best water parks in the US. With the mild temperatures year round they stay open through October. I also recently read that the Sea World construction team is building a multi-million dollar water park at the new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa which will open in the spring of 2010. And while the kids are playing there mom can go to the 26,000 square foot spa!

  26. Hollie P says:
    December 11, 2008 at

    I have to agree with St. John as a must see, you cannot beat it for kids, its a US territory, no language or money exchange issues but it definitely feels like another country. The fact that 2/3s of it is a National park is a huge bonus. I would highly recommend it to families with school age children.

  27. Heather S says:
    December 14, 2008 at

    I think Australia would be a beautiful place to go on vacation. I am especially interested in all the wildlife.

  28. Neville says:
    January 1, 2009 at

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  29. Amanda Garcia says:
    January 2, 2009 at

    Jordan should definitely be on the list. Its a small country that not many people may know about, but when you have such great places like the Dead Sea, Petra, the site of Jesus’ baptism, awesome diving in the Red Sea and super outdoor markets at great prices…you really can’t beat Jordan. I just went in October and I could honestly say that I would love to live there one day. You should check it out. Even though its in the middle east, you never think for a second about your safety when you are there!

  30. Donna Kujat says:
    January 8, 2009 at

    Stop by our site and see our “2009 Top Ten Travel Destinations”…..we welcome your comments as always!

  31. Anto says:
    January 14, 2009 at

    If you go to Australia, make sure you spend at least one week in New Zealand as well!

  32. Jane says:
    January 22, 2009 at

    I have been to seven of the places on the list — while I may not agree that each of those seven places belongs on the list, Vietnam is clearly out of place. I would replace Vietnam with Thailand (it isn’t a close call). I agree that Costa Rica deserves a nod (I’ve been four times), and while India has many sites that are of historical interest and is the birthplace of three religions, I would not put it on a top ten (or twenty, etc.) list. Based on the above list, I assume the list is intended to call attention to certain travel destinations, and those that came up with the list don’t really think that all of these destinations are truly among the top ten destinations.

  33. Tina Marshall says:
    February 3, 2009 at

    I think Vienna, Austria is at the top of my present list. Italy, Greece, and Spain follow right behind!

    Also, there is a travel photo contest at the new Peterman’s Eye Travel…thought I’d share!

    http://www.petermanseye.com/contest

    Cheers!

  34. wendy says:
    March 6, 2009 at

    I love talking about travel – and ever since my aunt hitch hiked round the world and sent me postcards, I have tried to spend every holiday of my adult life visiting new countries. I am British, but have lived in Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Russia, the Philippines and I am off to Saudi in July. Thanks for putting a list together – you have some great destinations. I would add Laos and Burma -the latter was very safe and the people gorgeous. Both are very cheap holidays with so much to see and explore – these countries have a lovely feel to them. Having lived in Moscow – I think this is a MUST! The history, the architecture, the culture is incredible. I would add a Baltic cruise to the list and two long drives: one through the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and one from San Francisco up the coast to Banff, and back down again through the national parks. I’ve visited sixty countries and the only country I was disappointed in was Australia -it’s the only place we left before we had to. Why? Flat, boring, expensive and lacking culture, history – just uninspirational – sorry Aussies!

  35. Miriam says:
    March 9, 2009 at

    What a great site you have! We were in Alaska in 2008 and have to agree it’s a wonderful destination for families. From the 10 destinations, we have been to 8 (India and Quebec still on the list) China was a very special trip and there is a lot to do with kids together with all the historical/cultural stuff. We would love to return to Australia once our son is old enough to dive. This is the perfect place to come plan our next vacation! Thanks!

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    June 6, 2009 at

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