8 emerging travel destinations picked by the experts
Vietnam topped a list of emerging nations chosen by US tour operators
Monday, June 18, 2012, 3:10 PM
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Panama City.
Need some inspiration for your summer getaway? Relaxnews offers some picks of emerging destinations from the predictions made by travel experts from around the world.
Uganda
This country has endured much in recent years, but the tourists are beginning to return, wrote Lonely Planet earlier this year. The stunning wildlife is beginning to make a return after decades of overhunting, and the 50th anniversary of independence has focused attention on the capital Kampala.
Lebanon
Frommer's clocked the rise of Beirut, already well-known among tastemakers, for the first time this year, noting that Lebanon's capital is 'far from your "regular" Middle Eastern city.' History, culture, music and beaches are listed as among the reasons to visit the city.
Vietnam
Still sufficiently off the beaten track, Vietnam topped a list of emerging nations chosen by US tour operators, the body predicting that it was the top “off-the-beaten-path” destination that will gain popularity in 2012.
Argentina
'People are just waking up to what Buenos Aires is all about,' noted the Financial Times in its 2012 hot list. Tourists can choose between beaches and wildlife during the day and tango until they drop in the evenings, all while staying in one of the city's impressive choice of hotels.
Albania
The Albanian Riviera was described as a 'still-wild stretch of the Mediterranean' by Rough Guides, the tourists are only just beginning to discover this stunning coastline. Transport isn't easy, but stretches of unspoilt sand and sky-blue sea will make it all worthwhile.
Sri Lanka
With the conflict over, Sri Lanka is on the cusp of a tourism boom, wrote Travel+Leisure. The beach-lined coast draws the most tourists, said the magazine, although there are plans to develop new resort destinations in the North.
Panama
'Go for the canal. Stay for everything else,' wrote the New York Times, as the economy of Panama booms and the country welcomes more expatriates and tourists. Look out for spectacular new hotels and the transformation of city quarters from dilapidated districts to arts and culture hubs.
Sudan
Sudan makes up eight percent of Africa but is woefully undervisited, pointed out Wanderlust. Filled with ancient deserted ruins and swatches of unexplored land, the country is home to tribal communities increasingly hard to find in the modern world, making it the magazine's top emerging destination this year.
Uganda
This country has endured much in recent years, but the tourists are beginning to return, wrote Lonely Planet earlier this year. The stunning wildlife is beginning to make a return after decades of overhunting, and the 50th anniversary of independence has focused attention on the capital Kampala.
Lebanon
Frommer's clocked the rise of Beirut, already well-known among tastemakers, for the first time this year, noting that Lebanon's capital is 'far from your "regular" Middle Eastern city.' History, culture, music and beaches are listed as among the reasons to visit the city.
Vietnam
Still sufficiently off the beaten track, Vietnam topped a list of emerging nations chosen by US tour operators, the body predicting that it was the top “off-the-beaten-path” destination that will gain popularity in 2012.
Argentina
'People are just waking up to what Buenos Aires is all about,' noted the Financial Times in its 2012 hot list. Tourists can choose between beaches and wildlife during the day and tango until they drop in the evenings, all while staying in one of the city's impressive choice of hotels.
Albania
The Albanian Riviera was described as a 'still-wild stretch of the Mediterranean' by Rough Guides, the tourists are only just beginning to discover this stunning coastline. Transport isn't easy, but stretches of unspoilt sand and sky-blue sea will make it all worthwhile.
Sri Lanka
With the conflict over, Sri Lanka is on the cusp of a tourism boom, wrote Travel+Leisure. The beach-lined coast draws the most tourists, said the magazine, although there are plans to develop new resort destinations in the North.
Panama
'Go for the canal. Stay for everything else,' wrote the New York Times, as the economy of Panama booms and the country welcomes more expatriates and tourists. Look out for spectacular new hotels and the transformation of city quarters from dilapidated districts to arts and culture hubs.
Sudan
Sudan makes up eight percent of Africa but is woefully undervisited, pointed out Wanderlust. Filled with ancient deserted ruins and swatches of unexplored land, the country is home to tribal communities increasingly hard to find in the modern world, making it the magazine's top emerging destination this year.
