9 Cities to Visit in 2009
From Canada to Columbia, Vacation Rentals.com has rounded up the world's best cities to visit in 2009.
1. Vancouver, Canada
The Winter Olympics aren't until 2010, so why would you visit in 2009? Because the seaside Canadian city is already gearing up for the momentous event and you can get a sneak peek for cheap! Every inch of Vancouver is getting spruced up or reinvisioned for its international spotlight. Take for example the brand-new botanical rooftop paradise at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center. You can smell the excitement in the fresh mountain air – or is it ocean air? There’s no telling, really, as Vancouver sits right in between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. The best part of visiting in 2009 is you won’t have to deal with Winter Olympic mania and can hide away in your Vancouver condo rental all you want.
2. Berlin, Germany
Turn back the hands of time to 1989; where were you when the wall between East and West Germany came down? Probably not in Germany! So, for the 20th Anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s famous fall, why not go to, well, Berlin? Throughout 2009, all of Eastern Europe will celebrate the historic moment with exhibitions and events. Despite the occasion, Berlin’s been a cheap and surprisingly chic city to visit for over a decade now, with cool coffee houses, avant-garde art galleries, and throbbing dance clubs.
3. Washington, DC
If you haven't figured it out by now, the presidential inauguration was very “in” this year. But now that its spectators have gone back home, you’ll have all the more to yourself. For instance, there’s the newly opened National Museum of Crime and Punishment, the recently revived National Museum of American History, and of course, free admission to the classics – like the Smithsonian museums. Sound entertaining and economical? Book one of our Washington, DC rentals.
4. Cartegena, Columbia
Up until recently, no one would recommend that you visit Columbia, a country once embroiled in a violent culture of drug cartels. But the crime rate has dropped drastically. You’re no more likely to get mugged in Cartegena than you are in any major American metropolis. That means Cartegena’s colonial buildings, magical nightlife, and Caribbean beaches can now be freely enjoyed and explored by tourists – and not just the brave ones.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
While the 2010 Winter Olympics are on the horizon for Vancouver, Istanbul is prepping for its closeup, too. Each year, the European Union picks a city to be the "European Capital of Culture," which must show off its artistic and cultural merit. And in 2010, it will be Istanbul’s turn. Turkey’s largest city is currently readying itself for the attention, so along with its already spectacular attractions – which include mosques and palaces – expect to be inundated with music, theater, and art.
6. San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the new “it” city to visit, but believe us when we tell you – it lives up to the hype. Base your trip in the country’s capital and make use of the busses for a few adventurous daytrips. Beyond the delicious culture, cluttered streets, and heavenly coffee of San Jose, you'll discover spotless beaches, animated jungles, and rainforests full of hiking trails. For globetrotters on a budget, San Jose vacation rentals are a smart pick.
7. Panama City, Panama
Panama is kind of like Costa Rica, pre-fame. This lesser-known country is packed with just as much exotic wildlife (if not more), but because people don’t know this, your Panama City, Panama vacation will be private and personal. Head to Panama in 2009 while the country’s still a best-kept travel secret and save money on airfare and accommodations while you’re at it.
8. Portland, Oregon
The recent box-office hit Twilight, set in Portland, is shedding new light on the serene, sophisticated riverside town. But don’t worry, you won’t run into a vampire here (at least not a real one… as far as we know). Hikers, bikers, skiers, and everyday pedestrians find themselves in awe of Portland, which has beautifully blended its outdoor and urban personalities into one picture-perfect, captivating experience. If nature tourism is the thing to do nowadays, then Portland’s the place to go. And thanks to Portland, Oregon vacation rentals, the city’s also great for the frugal-minded.
9. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Any year’s a good year to visit Hawaii. But 2009’s definitely one of the cheaper years in recent history – the island chain hasn’t been very popular of late, due to people’s tight pocketbooks. So, it’s throwing out incentives left and right for travelers just like you. From cheap, cheap accommodations on the Big Island to low, low airfare, Hawaii’s never been so appealing.
2009 will go by fast, so don't let your vacation pass you by.
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