I was flicking through a recent copy of Condé Nast Traveller and stumbled across their version of the 2010 travel hotlist (which you will have seen everywhere by now, no doubt). CN usually sort the wheat from the chaff though so I though this list was worth sharing.
They have broken the must-visit destinations for 2010 down into seasons, so starting with spring...
WHERE TO VISIT IN SPRING 2010
Beirut, Lebanon: Hoping to once again become the playground of the Middle East, Beirut is hot right now. Check into the newly opened Le Gray or the Four Seasons.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Super convenient for the Euro traveller, especially since the completion of a high-speed rail track from Brussels (that connects with the Eurostar), Amsterdam's the perfect destination for art lovers in early 2010. The city's main attractions this spring are the Pioneers of Modern Art exhibition at the Hermitage Amsterdam (from 6 March - 17 September 2010) and the reopening of the Stedelijk museum of modern and contemporary art.
Utah, USA: The new Aman resort, Amangiri, will be drawing the crowds to Utah this spring. Located out in the wilderness of Canyon Point, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet, the area is home to one of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA. Added to this is the new law legalising alcohol throughout the State.
Morocco: La Mamounia hotel has been reopened in Marrakech and there are new Easyjet and Ryanair routes to Agadir, with flights to the hyped coastal town of Mirleft coming soon.
Istanbul, Turkey: Lauded as one of 2010's European Capitals of Culture, Istanbul is still a hot destination. Favourable rates of exchange only add to the attraction.
Rome, Italy: Visit Rome to check out the new MAXXI_National Museum of the XXI Century Arts, which exhibits 21st century art and architecture.
WHERE TO VISIT IN SUMMER 2010
South Africa: South Africa is going to be a serious hotspot come the World Cup kick off on June 11th. Savvy travellers should combine a trip to the World Cup with a beach break in Mozambique.
Shanghai, China: The Expo 2010 runs from May to October in Shanghai, and CN recommends staying at the legendary Peace Hotel, overlooking Shanghai's Huangpu River. For more Shanghai travel recommendations click here.
Solta, Croatia: The island of Solta has managed to stay off the beaten tourist track despite being just 30 minutes away from Split by ferry. This summer is the last before a planned revolving hotel and marina spoil Solta's tranquillity, so now is the time to go.
Papua New Guinea: Hot on the heals of the successful BBC series Land of the Volcano, Papua New Guinea can expect a rise in tourists this summer.
WHERE TO VISIT IN AUTUMN 2010
Dubai: For a bit of sunshine and a new fashion hotel openings; the first, The Armani Hotel Dubai, in the Burj Dubai Tower, followed by the Palazzo Versace in the Culture Village of Dubai Creek.
Nicaragua: Check out the surf and book into the country's first boutique hotel, the Contempo.
Uruguay: La Solana, on Portezuelo beach just west of Punta del Este, is the hippest boutique hotel opening in Uruguay this autumn. Also check out the new Estancia Vik to the north-east of José Ignacio.
Sri Lanka: Due in part to the recent stability in Sri Lanka, it is set to be a big destination later on this year. Home to a couple of stunning Aman resorts and the Reef beach villa in Wadduwa, travellers won't be hard pressed to find stylish hotel choices.
WHERE TO VISIT IN WINTER 2010
Colorado, USA: Ski heaven thanks to big changes for the 2010/11 season: the five star Nell Residences are opening in Snowmass, Aspen; a new Four Seasons is launching in Vail; and the Denver Ski Train, which takes ski bunnies to Winter Park, is set for a comeback.
Tasmania: Stay in the lap of luxury at the spa suites of the Saffire resort on Great Oyster Bay.
Antarctica: Travel in serious style on Le Boreal, "the newest and first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel in Antarctica", chartered by Abercrombie & Kent.
Photo Credits: Amsterdam by MorBCN; Nicaragua by vtoxic; Solta by bullro; Great Oyster Bay by Gary Hayes. All images via Flickr (Creative Commons).
Say hello to the Red Crab of Christmas Island. Around this time every year, Christmas Island - an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean - sees the annual migration of about 100 million Red Crabs from the forests to the sea to breed. This phenomenon has been called one of the wonders of the natural world. If you're keen to see it with your own eyes, the best spots to watch are said to be Flying Fish Cove, Ethel Beach and Greta Beach.
And onto the less fortunate Hairy Crab or Chinese Mitten Crab ("before" shot above, "after" shot below). Revered in Shanghai as the pinnacle of all culinary delicacies, especially for the female's roe, Hairy Crab Season is now in full swing. Chinese spend hundreds of yuan on this annual treat and restaurants in Shanghai and Hong Kong go into Hairy Crab menu overdrive.
Have you tried Hairy Crab or seen the Red Crab Migration on Christmas Island? We've love to hear about your experiences, please leave us a comment.
Photo Credits: "Red crab Christmas Island" by Peter from Perth; "A Crab Close-up" by triin; "Chinese Mitten Crab" by 囧-WQ-囧. Via Flickr (Creative Commons).
In honour of the total eclipse of the sun tomorrow - the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century - we bring you this incredible shot by n0ll of a solar eclipse seen last year from the Gobi desert.
We'll be watching tomorrow from Hong Kong and Shanghai and will let you know how it goes.
From the States to Shanghai for just $315 one way!
Posted by Emma Torry on March 30, 2009 at 05:29 PM
There's no better time to travel to Shanghai. Continental is promoting its new daily non-stop flights between New York and Shanghai with fares from all over the States from as little as USD 315 each way
From 25 March to 31 May you can head to the "pearl of the orient" on these low one-way fares (a round-trip purchase is required):
- Boston, MA (BOS): $315
- Cleveland, OH (CLE): $315
- Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental): $315
- Miami, FL (MIA): $315
- New Orleans, LA (MSY): $315
- New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty): $315
- Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL (TPA): $315
- Washington, DC (DCA - National): $315
- Indianapolis, IN (IND): $390
Read what iloho users have to say about the airline here or add your own review of a flight on Continental here.
Check out travel information about Shanghai here.
Photo Credit: The Bund in Shanghai at night by eugene via Flickr (Creative Commons).
China made easy
Posted by Emma Torry on August 18, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Travel + Leisure magazine has made life easy for visitors to China with their tips and tools to help travellers a successful trip to the middle kingdom.
In their words, "China can seem as impenetrable as it is imposing. Consider the numbers: it's the world's most populous nation (1.3 billion), where more than 100 cities have populations over a million. Fifty-six ethnic groups are spread across 22 wildly distinct provinces and five autonomous regions, in a landmass slightly larger than the U.S. Its history seems limitless and its traditions just as deep. But here and now, change is the only real constant—and it is accelerating at a dizzying pace. (One thousand new cars hit the streets of Beijing every day.)"
No wonder so many newcomers to China find the country so intimidating.
Itinerary wise, T+L recommends the following highlights:
Beijing: 2–3 days
China’s political, historical, and cultural capital demands at least three days—for the familiar landmarks of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and also for Beijing’s 21st-century architecture, such as the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic National Stadium by Herzog & de Meuron and the glass-and-titanium dome that is the National Grand Theater. China’s contemporary art scene finds its nexus in the galleries and cafés of the Dashanzi Art District, home to the new Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. Beijing’s atmospheric hutong, or traditional alleyways, are fast disappearing; explore the bustling ones off Nanluoguxiang, near the 13th-century Drum and Bell towers. Then check out the Legation Quarter, a high-end restaurant, entertainment, and cultural development set within the former American Embassy compound. And save a morning to stroll the manicured, 660-acre grounds of the Temple of Heaven, site of the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the 15th-century apogee of Chinese ritual architecture.
The Great Wall
Numerous stretches of the Great Wall are easily accessible from Beijing (ask your hotel to arrange a car or bus tour). But avoid the tourist trap of Badaling and head to the slightly less trammeled Mutianyu section, a 90-minute drive northeast of the Forbidden City. Early morning is best; try Asia 1 on 1 (asia1on1.com) for day trips.
Shanghai: 2–3 days
First stop: the riverfront promenade known as the Bund, with its Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts façades, bars and shops, and views of the space-age towers of Pudong. In People’s Park you’ll find the Shanghai Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Weekdays are the best time to wander among the pine trees and ponds of the 16th-century Yuyuan Gardens. Xintiandi was the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party; now this restored two-block district is defined by upscale shops and restaurants. The leafy, rustic French Concession is the favored destination for cutting-edge fashion and designs for the home. Shanghai’s latest secret? Lane 248, a gritty, narrow street now inhabited by artsy cafés and intimate boutiques, hidden behind Taikang Road.
Guilin: 2 days
(Two hours by air from Shanghai.) With its sheer limestone peaks jutting up from the Li River, Guilin is straight out of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, and remains one of China’s most breathtaking sights. Take in the view from Solitary Beauty Peak and marvel at the formations of the Reed Flute Cave. Spring and fall are best; avoid the heat of July and the crowds of the holiday seasons.
Xi’an: 2 days
(Two hours by air from Beijing.) China’s ancestral capital is renowned for its “terra-cotta army,” created during the Qin dynasty (221–207 B.C.): thousands of life-size clay warriors stand in formation as part of the funerary complex of China’s first emperor, with much more yet to be excavated. You’ll need at least two days here to take in the warriors, see the Shang dynasty bronze relics at the Shaanxi History Museum, walk along the Old City walls, and visit the Da Mai market.
Datong: 2 days
(One hour by air or six hours by scenic train ride from Beijing.) Majestic Qing dynasty frescoes are the standout in the celebrated temple district. Nearby excursions include the awesome Buddhist sculptures in the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple of Mount Hengshan, which clings precipitously to the side of a cliff. Not far away are some especially beautiful eroded mud-brick ruins of the Great Wall.
The article also includes must-read taxi tips, hotel recommendations, shopping advice and strategies, must-eat food, and six great new books on China. Happy days.
