The big list of travel: Where to go in 2012
More lists – for 2012 though. Here’s the round up of the best places to see and be seen: Some are about pristine, untouristed locations, others have been chosen as best-for-your-buck; and then there’s the offbeat, off-trail adventures. There’s something for everyone, local or afar, and as a special treat, I’ve added a section on great rail journeys for fellow train lovers.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2012
Voted for by a panel of inhouse travel experts, these locations were chosen based on topicality, excitement, value and what LP is calling that “special X-factor.”
- Uganda
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Ukraine
- Jordan
- Denmark: Tops the ‘quality of life’ list and perceived as the coolest/happiest/best-looking place on earth, it’s that hygge factor (a sense of warmth and contentment).
- Bhutan
- Cuba
- New Caledonia
- Taiwan
- Switzerland
Budget Travel’s Bang-for-the-Buck Destinations for 2012
The world’s new best-value destinations including perennial, family-friendly favorites, bucket-list standbys made suddenly affordable, and overlooked underdogs ready for their turn in the global spotlight – all with an eye toward savings.
- Azores
- Egypt
- San Diego, CA USA
- Athens, Greece
- Belize
- San Antonio, TX USA
- Taipai, Taiwan
- Poland
- Kansas City, MO USA
- Maritime Canada
Budget Travel’s 12 Best Places You’ve Never Heard of
The best secret hideaways off the grid, and out of this world for your traveling pleasure.
- Lord Howe Island, Australia
- Saint-Sauvant, France
- Keahiakawelo, Lanai, Hawaii USA
- Sucre, Bolivia
- Tusheti, Georgia
- Eastern Antioquia, Colombia
- Verduno, Italy
- Doe Bay, WA USA
- Wuppertal, South Africa
- Namje, Nepal
- Buffalo, WY USA
- Iles de la Madeline, Senegal
National Geographic’s Traveler Must-Do Best of the World 2012
Some are exotic, some remote, some wish-list worthy, and some places have experienced a renaissance – the world’s must-travel-to destinations for 2012.
- Iceland
- Koh Lipe, Thailand
- Dresden, Germany
- Istria, Croatia
- North Colombia
- Virunga Volcanoes
- Costa Brava
- Sonoma, CA USA
- Muskoka, Ontario, Canada
- Oman
- London, England UK
- Guatemala
- Sri Lanka
- Greece
- Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Peru
- Pittsburgh, PA USA
- Mongolia
National Geographic’s Traveler Best Adventure Destinations for 2012
Just when it seemed impossible to find unwalked, unskiied, untrekked, un-humaned places anywhere… Cosmic happenings make a well-trodded planet feel full of new frontiers.
- Ski and Snowboard Mammoth Mountain, CA USA
- Raft the Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers, ID USA
- Mountain Bike Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Snorkel the Ningaloo Coast, Australia
- Surf Todos Santos, Baja, Mexico
- Climb Mustagata, China
- Explore Maya Culture, Belize
- Kayak Narragansett Bay, RI USA
- Hike Newfoundland, Canada
- Canoe the Susquehanna River Water Trail, Allegheny Mountains, PA USA
The Society of International Railway Travelers Best Train Journeys for 2012
Who can resist the lore and romance of the great transcontinental train adventure? It’s always been on my list of things to do. Here are 27 favorite rail routes.
- Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE) // Europe
- Rovos Rail Pride of Africa // Africa
- Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express // Europe
- Maharajas’Express // Asia
- Royal Scotsman // Europe
- Royal Canadian Pacific // North America
- Eastern & Oriental Express // Asia
- Danube Express // Europe
- Deccan Odyssey // Asia
- Shangri-La Express // Asia
- Glacier Express // Europe
- Bergen Railway // Europe
- Flam Railway // Europe
- Bernina Express // Europe
- Hiram Bingham // South America
- Andean Explorer // South America
- El Transcantábrico // Europe
- Blue Train // Africa
- British Pullman // Europe
- Rocky Mountaineer // North America
- Canadian // North America
- Palace on Wheels // Asia
- Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train // Asia
- Al-Andalus // Europe
- Sunlander // Australia/New Zealand
- Indian Pacific // Australia/New Zealand
- Ghan // Australia/New Zealand
Where are you headed for R&R in 2012?
