If somebody has some extra money lying around during this slump that has hit the world and the U.S. very hard then now is the ideal time for travel. Because we are in fall right now the weather conditions are still pretty good, plus this isn’t the tourist season, which means lower rates on hotels, tours, admission fees, and much more. Plus, there are a smaller number of people to battle, shorter lines at tourist attractions, and fewer people in the background of your photos.
While the American dollar doesn’t go very far in many countries particularly Europe you will be pleased to hear that Lonely Planet has just put out their top ten recommendations on “Best in Travel 2010.” This manual recommends the best places to see and things to do in the following year, plus there are many interesting vacations that do not involve Europe.
The best countries to go to this year are El Salvador, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Portugal, Suriname, Greece, Germany, and the United States. Simply two European countries are on this list. And Greece is one of the more reasonably priced countries Americans can visit with the USD. The U.S. dollar goes further in Greece than it would in Berlin. Not only are things steep, but the dollar doesn’t get anything on the euro.
As for the best regions Lonely Planet recommends Alsace, France; Bali, Indonesia; Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; Goa, India; Koh Kong Conservation Corridor, Cambodia; Lake Baikal, Russia; Oaxaca, Mexico; Southern Africa; The Lake District, England; Southwest Western Australia. These regions provide travelers with a great vacation that is off the tourists path. They get to experience the beauty of the country and experience more of the native life instead of the resorts, extravagant restaurants, and shopping centers.
Besides top countries, and top regions, there is also a recommendation of top cities to visit in the world. The tips includes Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Charleston, United States; Cork, Ireland; Cuenca, Ecuador; Istanbul, Turkey; Kyoto, Japan; Lecce, Italy; Sarajevo, Bosnia; Singapore; and Vancouver, Canada.
If these destinations interest you, begin preparations immediately. With a bit of luck, you can find good deals. However make sure to study the destination so that you don’t arrive during the rainy season or winter when it’s cold and attractions close earlier, plus the sun sets sooner. There are thrilling destinations but a little planning can go a long way. Nothing is worse than going on a vacation and having stormy weather or something else that can utterly mess up your vacation.
Moreover if you’re trying to save money, start looking for hotels that are reasonably priced. If you wait to long, the modest rooms might be full and you’ll have to splurge on an expensive and overestimated place to stay. Also if you go either before or after tourist season, you will most likely get a better bang for your buck. Even though traveling is expensive you can still see those places by using a few tricks up your sleeve that will save you from exceeding your budget.
Diane Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about current events, politics, online degrees, online colleges, Adult Education and the office.