Part 1 of Top Vacation Destinations 2010 took us from Denmark to the continent of Antarctica as well as Thailand and a smattering of islands located in both England and Tasmania. The following locations complete the list of some very exciting vacation destinations for 2010.
Languedoc, France
A truly charming alternative to the usual French getaway, Languedoc offers lovely hotels, fine dining restaurants, and some great cruise options that take you along the Canal du Midi. Even with so much of France frequented by tourists, this little spot is a surprisingly unspoiled find tucked away in the central part of southern France providing an agreeable reprieve from the gift shops and tourist traps of modern travel.
Melbourne, Australia
Australia's most European city, Melbourne's singular charm lies in its laid-back attitude, its distinctive cosmopolitan flavor and a rich cultural calendar of events. While it is not the recipient of as much international tourism or media attention as its northern neighbor Sydney, this southern city boasts Victorian architectural gems; myriad hidden lane ways and hole-in-the-wall shops, bars and restaurants. Once you've made some progress exploring the city, don't forget the coastline along the rugged Great Ocean Road, one of the world's best road trips.
Paris, France
There's a reason you see Paris on the cover of every travel magazine at least once a year: It's just not that easy to find someone who doesn't want to go there! How to explain its perennial popularity, despite the declining dollar? Think romance, to say nothing of the fact that many believe it to be one of the greatest cities in the world.
Salta Province, Argentina
While many sightseers in Argentina rarely take their eyes off of Buenos Aires, visitors seeking an authentic gaucho experience set in one of Argentina's most visually stunning regions will be rewarded upon arrival at Salta. The Tren a las Nubes ("train to the clouds") ferries passengers 13,842 feet above ground, over 269 miles on the day-long journey through mountains and desert, colonial towns and adobe villages, crossing the paths of gauchos, Indians, and European winemakers along the way. With a 4 to 1 peso to dollar exchange rate Argentina is a real value for American travelers.
The Big Island, Hawaii
Who doesn't want to visit Hawaii? The Big Island's draw, however is different then that of its smaller siblings. It truly is an island of extremes, from its size (the largest in the chain), to its age (the baby of the family), to its population (the smallest), to its natural wonders (highest peaks, most active volcanoes, glacial lakes, and yes, snow!). The beauty doesn't lie just in its white sand beach, but in its black and green sand beaches as well. This destination has the look of a location that has survived relatively untouched --just the way it should be.
Vancouver, Canada
When the Winter Olympics begin on February 12, refreshingly low-key Vancouver will be transformed by the ensuing sports activity. It's not just sports fans that will be making the pilgrimage here in 2010, however. Foodies are in their element in Vancouver, due to its focus on high-quality ingredients and abundant ethnic variety.
Venice, Italy
Venice's popularity as a major worldwide tourist destination is due, in part, to the fact that it is one of the most important cities in the world, artistically speaking. Recently a spate of new hotels have arrived on the hostelry scene, particularly the just-opened Palazzina Grassi, housed behind the Palazzo Grassi museum, which is itself one of Venice's most exciting new contemporary art spaces.
While this completes my list of extremely exciting vacation destination possibilities for 2010, there are a myriad of choices out there. Consider your likes and dislikes as well as your comfort level versus activity level. Don't forget to factor in where the little kid in you has "always wanted to go" and your vacation destination will be one to remember for a lifetime.
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