Florida Panhandle Beaches, United States

Florida-Panhandle-Beaches-United-States.jpg”>The American Southeast, Florida’s panhandle never gets the respect it deserves. Dubbed the “Redneck Riviera” by dismissive northerners, northwest Florida, in fact, contains some of the most diverse recreation choices along Florida’s drastically under-appreciated Gulf coast, and some of the best options for visitors seeking an affordable family vacation. From Destin to the west, where you can hire a fishing or sailing charter, to the smattering of National Seashores as you move east, there’s really something for everyone.  You’ll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches, and the perfect cottage to rent.

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BULGARIA

Long mooted as the cheaper alternative to its nearby neighbors in the Euro zone, Bulgaria has become the Eastern European country to watch in terms of a cheaper beach holiday. It has some fine beaches along its Black Sea coast, and Sofia, the capital, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Most currencies measure up well against the Bulgarian leva, leaving you more in your pocket, and you can also quite easily snap up a cheap flight from almost anywhere in Europe.

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Kerala, India

Far from the crowds and seeming chaos of India’s megacities, the coastal state of Kerala is a welcome respite filled with tranquil moments and some of the country’s best food. Kerala, located on the south-western tip of India, enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Asia. Fondly referred to as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala was selected by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world.

An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife are the major attractions of this land.  A unique advantage of Kerala is that most of the destinations here are only a two – four hour drive from the other.

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Melbourne, Australia

You can’t help but fall in love with this southern city that boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a sports crazy population, and culinary indulgences aplenty. While not getting as much international tourism or media attention as its northern neighbor Sydney, Melbourne’s sublime appeal lies in its laid-back attitude, its distinctive cosmopolitan flavor, and a rich calendar of events from Formula 1 to comedy festivals. The center of the city is a great starting point with Victorian architectural gems; myriad hidden lane ways; and hole-in-the-wall shops, bars and restaurants. Venture bayside to St. Kilda for a roller-blade along the beach, a slice of cake on Acland Street, and some serious people-watching, or head to funky Fitzroy for more fine food, art galleries, and nightlife. Make sure to drag yourself away from the city itself and explore the coastline along the rugged Great Ocean Road, one of the world’s best road trips.

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ICELAND

Have you always wanted to discover this magical country with its ice caps, volcanoes  and hot springs, but been put off by the prohibitive prices? Well, 2010 is your year. Last year’s dramatic collapse of the kronur against numerous currencies, including the British pound and the US dollar, made Iceland suddenly much, much more affordable.

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Isles of Scilly, England

Call them the Isles of Scilly, or just Scilly, England’s smallest official “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” lies sprinkled in the Atlantic 28 miles southwest of Land’s End. Scilly is an administrative part of Cornwall (owned, in fact, by the Duchy of Cornwall) easily accessible by boat, helicopter, or plane from the mainland. The islands are a collection of secluded sandy beaches, Bronze Age burial chambers, and rocky promontories, and a smattering of beautifully located cafés ensure plenty of diversions — such as kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing — en route. There are five inhabited islands: St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, and Bryher, along with more than 150 uninhabited ones that lay scattered across the shallow turquoise seas. Fringed with beaches of soft, pale sand, the archipelago has the exotic appeal of some faraway holiday paradise, an impression enhanced by the balmy, frost-free climate and colorful subtropical plants. While the sometimes harsh winters scare people off, summers do anything but: You’re advised to book well ahead as Scilly’s limited accommodations are reserved solid for much of the year. May sees the islands largest gathering of temporary visitors, as the annual gig-racing champions bring spectators intrigued by the 19th century vessels used by the competing teams.

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Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico was hammered by bad press in 2008 and 2009. First the drug-related violence in a few border towns was blown out of proportion in the U.S., the number one source of tourists. Then swine flu hit, and everyone blamed Mexico. On top of that, the global financial crisis meant that Americans who were snapping up second homes in resort areas realized their home equity lines of credit were now dry. Mexico City responded by doing well what it’s done well for over four centuries: by serving as the crossroads for Mexico and highlighting its best assets: top museums, amazing archaeology, and perhaps the best food of any city in North America.

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Budapest

Budapest was made for travel. Hundreds of thermal springs feed public baths and spa hotels around the city, offering endless ways to while away chilly winter days. Plenty of indoor shopping and sightseeing add to the appeal. This winter, air-and-hotel packages offer the best value, though airfare sales and generally reasonable hotel rates provide affordable options as well. And since Hungary isn’t yet using the euro, it tends to be less expensive than many other European countries.

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Hawaii (the Big Island), United States

Few tourist destinations in the United States have been hurt during the current recession as badly as Hawaii. As hotels and resorts struggle to come up with smart deals, we’re looking beyond the lei-wrapped packages this year to the islands’ most quintessential Hawaiian destination — especially to Hawaiians. In place of vacant beach-front high rises visitors are greeted by a wealth of options for water sports, hiking, cycling, diving, and golf. It’s an island of extremes, from its size (the biggest of the chain), to its age (the youngest), to its population (the smallest), to its natural wonders (highest peaks, most active volcanoes, glacial lakes, and snow). The beauty isn’t of the white sand beach variety (the sand is black here after all), but rather the look of a destination that’s survived relatively untouched –just the way it should be.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

While all the focus has been on its neighbor Dubai, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the seven city-states that make up the United Arab Emirates, has pursued similar global playground goals, but with more restraint and focus. Which is why when Dubai cried “uncle” to its creditors in late November, everyone looked to Abu Dhabi to help set it straight. This fiscal crisis will give the world the opportunity to see how a gulf state that didn’t spend all its money on indoor ski resorts and a palm tree-shaped island can weather a crisis. For travelers — especially business ones — it will be the year that defines whether Abu Dhabi will be a flash in the pan or the next serious entrant on the global stage. In our guidebook to the region we said, “Abu Dhabi can seem a little slow and perhaps even a bit boring. But its beaches are just as beautiful, there’s less traffic and more greenery, and the character is distinctly Emirati, preserving much of the conservative heritage that its northeastern neighbor has begun to toss off.”

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Tunisia

While northern Tunisia is a hot spot for European tourists, it’s still new to Americans, who tend to visit Morocco instead. Tunisia — and especially the areas around the capital Tunis — are a microcosm of North Africa’s charms: Islamic culture mixed with Mediterranean spirit and beauty, modern colonial remnants from the French and ancient colonial remnants from the Romans. The capital Tunis has the best of both local architecture, exemplified by its sprawling and bustling medina, and colonial remnants of wide boulevards and straight lanes that stretch eastward from the Porte de France.

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark’s capital rarely gets the attention it deserves, so it’s been quietly focused on sensible city planning with comprehensive bicycle paths, free bikes, and a new metro line in the works to deal with the expanding city center. Residents are also trying on a host of new public buildings — an opera house, a cutting-edge library, and a concert hall — and an environmental program that’s turning the rest of Europe green with envy. And despite the often gloomy northern climate, residents are routinely rated as some of the happiest people in the world. They’ll have the opportunity to show off their city when it hosts the COP 15 Climate Change Conference in December 2009, a high-profile, international assembly of politicians looking for ways to reduce greenhouse emissions. They won’t have to look much further than the host city for compelling ideas.

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St. Lucia

Among Caribbean islands, St. Lucia has always retained an upscale, romantic allure. This winter though, you don’t need to splurge on a honeymoon to enjoy the best of the island. The rough economy brought prices down this year, and new low-cost carrier service has put St. Lucia within reach of more travelers.

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