Courtesy of Journey Etc.
The pages of the calendar seem just to flew by as we approach the closing of 2011. As we welcome the new year, we list down some of the best possible travel destinations for 2012. Some are consistently popular while some of the cities might raise some brows, but they are all worthy to be explored by curious souls.
The list contain destinations where the sport events provided much push to these cities’popularity but nonetheless some have crawled their way back up getting the respect it deserves. Whatever other people think, the list will enthrall you with much excitement and provide fresh, new light and perspective in thinking of re-visiting these places we will share to you. Let’s get started!
Santiago
Nestled in Chile’s central valley is Santiago, the capital and biggest city of the nation. It sure has a long history like any other nations. But there are very few historical buildings left in the city from Spanish colonial period as earthquake hit Santiago many times already though it stood with buoyancy and still face the world with pride. And it is because of that shaking experience explains the neoclassic style of their buildings.
Cadiz
Both a city and a port in southwestern of Spain is the capital of the homonymous province, Cadiz. It is the most primeval city in Western Europe that brags of its various extraordinary cathedrals in different architectural designs. This old town of Cadiz depicts the narrow streets surrounded by the sea and city walls. It’s also where the gorgeous beaches of Spain can be found like the most loved La Playa de la Caleta.
In terms of entertainment the Carnival of Cadiz is among the most popular carnivals in the world. Carnival activities are happening throughout the year. What’s more Cadiz has the most humorous citizens in Spain.
Stockholm
Located in Sweden’s south central east coast, Stockholm is the largest and the most populated urban area of Scandinavia. Apart from the national cultural institutions that can be found in Stockholm, it’s also where you will see hundred museums that are visited by people from around the world. While commercial galleries and art centers that are home to Stockholm’s vibrant art scene gained international recognition, it is also the cleanest capital in the world and for that they were awarded with the European Green Capital Award in 2010.
Guimaraes
In the north of Portugal lies the city of Guimaraes, which regarded as ‘the cradle city’ or the ‘birthplace of Portuguese nationality’. It is situated in a valley and surrounded with hills. While it is an average city in terms of size it has a flourishing cultural life. Guimaraes is known for its important cultural space called Vila Flor Cultural Center along with several museums, art galleries, cultural associations and famous festivities.
Hong Kong
The city-state located south coast of China and surrounded with Peal River Delta and South China Sea, Hong Kong is famous with its gaping natural harbor and sweeping skyline. Most of the time, Hong Kong is described as where ‘East meets west’ that implies the combination of Chinese culture and the British colony’s influences. It balances the modern way of living and the traditional Chinese culture.
Hong Kong also identifies itself as an ‘entertainment hub’ offering huge recreational and competitive sports opportunities regardless of its limited land area. And because of not having too much space, it has more buildings higher than any other cities. This city is truly becoming the center of modern architecture.
London
Situated on the Thames River is London the capital city of UK. It will be the hottest venue in 2012, so to speak, when the summer games come to town. The whole capital will undergo a massive makeover. The East side will get much of the facelift where most of the action will take place.
Parts of the capital will also share the limelight where visitors are expected to tour and thus, the proverbial red carpet will be rolled out to welcome the visitors. Be in awe once again as you see the Bascules of the Tower Bridge go up as commuter ships ferry passengers thru the glorious structures. This would be much preferred rather than riding the trains during the rush hour. There will be no strangers here when the games start and no matter what team you’re rooting for, it will be one of the happiest, albeit competitive, place this coming 2012.
Orlando
In the central region of Florida you will find the city of Orlando, which is famous because of Walt Disney World Resort. Now it has more entertainment attractions and theme parks than anywhere else in the world. It is also one of America’s busiest cities for conventions and conferences. It is also regarded as the ‘Hollywood East’ because there are a lot of movie studios surrounding the area. Different music such as hip hop, metal, rock music and Latino are all present and active within the entire city.
Darwin
Capital of Northern Australia is the city of Darwin, which is the smallest of Australian capital cities. It has wide beautiful beaches and fishing is among the recreations of the locals there. Tourists from across the globe visit Darwin with the hopes of catching the priced iconic fish in the region, which is the barramundi.
Muscat
Located in the northeast Oman is its capital city Muscat. The government of Oman is doing all it can to attract more tourists and international visitors to its numerous museums and resorts. The focus right now is Muscat with lined up cultural events, aquatic activities, and luxury accommodation that will take center stage of the activity.
Qurum will also share the spot light where Old Town Bazaars and exciting water sports will keep guests wanting for more. Such attractions are found along the coastline of Qurum. Muscatis cannot wait to see new visitors, especially those who will come to the city for the first time.
Bangalore
The southeast of the Indian state Karnataka lays Bangalore, which is also called Bengaluru. It’s a growing metropolis and the third most populous city in India that houses many of the famous colleges and research institutions in India. Bangalore is likewise known for its greenery and a lot of public parks such as Lal Bagh that it is called as the garden City of India. There are also various cuisines that reflect both the economic and social diversity of Bangalore. It has huge selections of restaurants that Bangaloreans make it a natural part of their culture to eat out.
