Top Vacation Destinations 2010 - Part 2

Part 1 of Top Vacation Destinations 2010 took us from269 miles on the day-long journey through mountains
Denmark to the continent of Antarctica as well asand desert, colonial towns and adobe villages, crossing
Thailand and a smattering of islands located in boththe paths of gauchos, Indians, and European
England and Tasmania. The following locationswinemakers along the way. With a 4 to 1 peso to
complete the list of some very exciting vacationdollar exchange rate Argentina is a real value for
destinations for 2010.American travelers.
Languedoc, FranceThe Big Island, Hawaii
A truly charming alternative to the usual FrenchWho doesn't want to visit Hawaii? The Big Island's
getaway, Languedoc offers lovely hotels, fine diningdraw, however is different then that of its smaller
restaurants, and some great cruise options that takesiblings. It truly is an island of extremes, from its size
you along the Canal du Midi. Even with so much of(the largest in the chain), to its age (the baby of the
France frequented by tourists, this little spot is afamily), to its population (the smallest), to its natural
surprisingly unspoiled find tucked away in the centralwonders (highest peaks, most active volcanoes, glacial
part of southern France providing an agreeablelakes, and yes, snow!). The beauty doesn't lie just in its
reprieve from the gift shops and tourist traps ofwhite sand beach, but in its black and green sand
modern travel.beaches as well. This destination has the look of a
Melbourne, Australialocation that has survived relatively untouched --just
Australia's most European city, Melbourne's singularthe way it should be.
charm lies in its laid-back attitude, its distinctiveVancouver, Canada
cosmopolitan flavor and a rich cultural calendar ofWhen the Winter Olympics begin on February 12,
events. While it is not the recipient of as muchrefreshingly low-key Vancouver will be transformed by
international tourism or media attention as its northernthe ensuing sports activity. It's not just sports fans that
neighbor Sydney, this southern city boasts Victorianwill be making the pilgrimage here in 2010, however.
architectural gems; myriad hidden lane ways andFoodies are in their element in Vancouver, due to its
hole-in-the-wall shops, bars and restaurants. Oncefocus on high-quality ingredients and abundant ethnic
you've made some progress exploring the city, don'tvariety.
forget the coastline along the rugged Great OceanVenice, Italy
Road, one of the world's best road trips.Venice's popularity as a major worldwide tourist
Paris, Francedestination is due, in part, to the fact that it is one of
There's a reason you see Paris on the cover of everythe most important cities in the world, artistically
travel magazine at least once a year: It's just not thatspeaking. Recently a spate of new hotels have arrived
easy to find someone who doesn't want to go there!on the hostelry scene, particularly the just-opened
How to explain its perennial popularity, despite thePalazzina Grassi, housed behind the Palazzo Grassi
declining dollar? Think romance, to say nothing of themuseum, which is itself one of Venice's most exciting
fact that many believe it to be one of the greatestnew contemporary art spaces.
cities in the world.While this completes my list of extremely exciting
Salta Province, Argentinavacation destination possibilities for 2010, there are a
While many sightseers in Argentina rarely take theirmyriad of choices out there. Consider your likes and
eyes off of Buenos Aires, visitors seeking an authenticdislikes as well as your comfort level versus activity
gaucho experience set in one of Argentina's mostlevel. Don't forget to factor in where the little kid in you
visually stunning regions will be rewarded upon arrivalhas "always wanted to go" and your vacation
at Salta. The Tren a las Nubes ("train to the clouds")destination will be one to remember for a lifetime.
ferries passengers 13,842 feet above ground, over