2010 Vacation Deals: 10 Cities to Visit in 2010
If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume you’re a smart traveler. You understand how important it is to plan your travels in advance, especially if you’re out to save a buck or two (or thousand). We’ve scoured the Internet and the world, and found your best bets for 2010 vacation deals.
1. Whistler, Canada
If you show up your buddies on the ski slope, you’re a shoe-in for a trip to Whistler. The resort town springs to life every winter, but it will really be bustling in 2010 when the Winter Olympics takes over. While Vancouver’s the main hub of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler’s also getting in on the action, hosting its fair share of events. Bonus is it won’t be nearly as chaotic as Vancouver. Even if you’re not crazy about snow, the Coast Mountains of British Columbia are a sight for sore eyes any time of year, and summer’s got lots in store for outdoorsy types.
3. Rivas, Nicaragua
Costa Rica’s so 2009. And no longer cheap to visit. Good news is Nicaragua – Costa Rica’s northern neighbor – is still somewhat under the radar. Rivas is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua, minutes from the beach, and a day trip away from volcanoes, jungle trails, and even Costa Rica.
4. Cape Town, Africa
As if the 2010 World Cup isn’t enough, Cape Town’s got World of Birds (a park featuring 3,000 birds), drop-dead gorgeous beaches, mountains to bike and climb, and fewer crowds than the Caribbean.
5. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is known for many things, but food isn’t one of them. Well, not yet. The city’s residents must have watched a lot of the Food Network of late, because they’ve developed some pretty discerning taste buds. And the local restaurant scene has reacted, with fresh-faced bistros and diners popping up all over. Whether you’re craving tasty vegan or Mexican food, you’ll hardly go hungry here.
6. Tunica, Mississippi
In 2010, give this mini Vegas a try. Tunica may have fewer neon lights than Sin City, but it’s got a lot more culture. And golf, too – the city features some of the South’s best championship courses. Bet on horses, blackjack, or the weather (gotta schedule in at least one walk along the Mississippi River). Your wallet will take less of a beating here than in Vegas or Atlantic City.
7. Tulum, Mexico
We featured this charmer as a top beach destination a while back, and our opinion hasn’t changed. With Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea and freshwater swimming holes hidden all over the jungle, there’s plenty of opportunity for adventure and/or relaxation here.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Eastern Europe as a whole is a great reason to get away in 2010, because it’s an emerging tourist hot spot, yet airfare to the region is cheaper than normal. While Hungary and Poland are great ideas, the Czech Republic – specifically, Prague – will charm the pants off any visitor. So, wear a tight belt! Look forward to majestic castles, old European architecture, a mélange of absorbing museums (like the Mozart Museum), and much more.
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
While Buenos Aires is hardly a budding budget destination – it’s been real popular among international jet setters for about a decade now – Argentina is still filled with way more bargains than nearby countries Costa Rica and Brazil.
9. Dominican Republic
If you’re gonna do the Caribbean, skip out on horribly-kept-secrets like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands. You’ll save a lot more money and enjoy just as much sunbathing in the Dominican Republic, which has really gotten its act together the past few years.
10. Sydney, Australia
Recently, airfare to Australia has gone way, way down. Maybe it’s because of the recession, or maybe not. Whatever the case, there’s (arguably) never been a cheaper/better time to visit the country, and Sydney makes the perfect home base.
Find more 2010 vacation deals by clicking here.