Machu Picchu

In 2009 we saw the cheapest airfares in decades but with a looming recession many people didn’t take advantage of the special travel deals on offer. Next year will be different with South Africa hosting the soccer World Cup and Vancouver the Winter Olympics, 2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for travel.

The world’s eyes will be turning to Vancouver, Canada in February when it hosts the Winter Olympics. Split between the cities of Vancouver and Whistler the event is expected to be the largest winter games since Nagano, Japan. Unless you have friends or family it’s probably too late to secure accommodation or cheap flights for the event.

The biggest sporting event on earth will be visiting Africa for the first-time in 2010. South Africa will host the World Cup soccer in June. The month-long tournament will be held in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth and many more South African cities. If you want to go, World Cup packages are now on sale but they’re not cheap!

Mention South America and people get excited! Maybe it’s the chance of meeting a dark, sexy stranger or being lost in a foreign place where you don’t speak the language but whatever it is, travellers are attracted to the continent.  One of my favourite places/walks in South America is the Inca Trail, which leads to the famous Machu Picchu. Sure day 2 of the 4-day hike is tough but the end is so worth it. Machu Picchu, a world heritage site was only re-discovered in 1911 by an American historian. You can reach the Inca ruins by either the 4-day hike or half-day bus tour from Cusco.  But if you travel all that way, you’re going want to do the hike!

The Island of Culebrita, Puerto Rico is an unspoilt treasure. Located in the warm waters of the Caribbean and only accessible by boat from the Island of Culebra, the island has no accommodation but has pristine, white sandy beaches and fantastic snorkelling and hikes. Flamenco Beach back on Culebra is my second favourite beach in Puerto Rico.

One place I hear a lot of people talking about is Burma and with the Australian airline Jetstar flying 4 times a week along with other international airlines, the country is sure to have more Western tourists in 2010. As with all dictatorships there will always be debate for and against people travelling to such countries. Cuba is another country that has a lot of appeal but having seeing first-hand how poor the people are, I’m wary of giving my money to another junta.

After writing this I’m ready to travel, what about you? Unfortunately, next year we won’t see the same discounted air travel but it’ll be interesting to see what impact the World Cup has on travel to Europe next summer, we might still see some specials.  If you’re after more travel hot spots, checkout Trip Advisor’s top-10 list. Leave a comment and let me know where you’ll be heading in 2010!

Vancouver, Canada

In 2005, I spent one of my best years of my life living in sunny, snowy and rainy Vancouver, Canada.  Positioned between the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver is a city for all seasons. From the snow sports of winter to the outdoor activities of summer there’s always something happening in Vancouver.

Perched on the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is Canada’s fastest growing city. With a West-Coast lifestyle and the most temperate weather in Canada it’s no wonder the city is attracting a lot of people. Vancouver is also the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympics, which has resulted in a building boom around the city. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks in Vancouver there’s plenty of things to do and see to keep even the most avid traveler occupied.

The first thing that will strike you about Vancouver is its natural beauty. Tall buildings are not the only things competing for skyline in Vancouver. Visible from Downtown, Grouse Mountain is an imposing yet picturesque mountain range. Grouse is a very popular destination for hikers in summer and skiers in winter. In addition to the mountains, Vancouver is spoilt for parks, lakes and the ocean. In springtime Vancouverites love to brag about the ability to ski in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon, not that you would swim in the ocean!

A great way to start your exploration of Vancouver is to rent bikes and ride around Stanley Park. With amazing views of the city and surrounding mountains, Stanley Park is an oasis of natural beauty right in the heart of Vancouver.  Activities available in the park include mini-golf, swimming, hiking, fishing and eating to name a few. If you’re after a bit of shopping and people-gazing walk down Robson Street to Granville, where the streets intersect is pretty much the center of the city. For a bit of color head to Davie St otherwise known as Davie Village, Vancouver’s gay area. Another cool area to explore is Gastown, located near the Waterfront station. Avoid the area around E Hastings and Main St, which can be dodgy especially after dark.

Granville Island, Vancouver

A favorite spot of mine is Granville Island Public Market. Open everyday and easily accessible from Downtown, Granville Island is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Besides the market there are restaurants and bars on the island. If you’re after good coffee head to JJBean located in the market hall. Like the rest of Vancouver, Granville Island is well serviced by bike and walking paths. I recommend you walk or ride to Kitsalano Beach but you can go the opposite direction, which will take you on a full lap of the city.

I’ve already mentioned Grouse Mountain and if you’re fit I recommend you climb it! Dining and viewing options wait for you at the top, don’t panic there’s cable car option as well! On the way to Grouse, stop at Capilano Suspension (bridge), which stretches 450 feet across a cannon and is 230 feet above the Capilano River.

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a trip to Whistler. About a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is an all-year-round destination. Actually it’s busier in summer than winter with bike riding, hiking, fishing and partying all going on.

For more shopping and entertainment options in Vancouver head to Main Street, where you’ll find everything from bars and consignment shops to tattoo parlors and coffee shops. Also Commerical Drive is another popular spot for restaurants, bars and fashion, start at Venables. If you’re after a destination filled of adventure, natural beauty and entertainment then head to Vancouver, you won’t be disappointed.