Monday, December 31, 2012

Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012

The US: it’s a big place, and there’s a lot of ground for travelers to cover. So what’s buzzing for travelers in the coming year? It’s an annual tradition at Lonely Planet to try to answer that question, so the editors in our US office put their travel-noggins together to carve out a list of what’s new, interesting, and in some cases likely to be overlooked by travelers both domestic and international. Here are our 10 top picks that should be on your travel radar in 2012:

1. US Virgin Islands

In a year when travelers are apt to still be watching their wallets, this is our #1 choice for an American tropical getaway. It’s eternally 80 degrees, rimmed with white-sand beaches on turquoise water, and, yes, it’s a US territory. Each of the US Virgin Islands has their own identity: if you want a break from resorts, St John is nearly two-thirds a lush national park with tent cabins amid trees and hikes to secluded beaches – this sadly may be the last year for the Maho Bay Camps, a long-standing Eco-resort which is the place to stay if you’re watching your budget; or try the St John Inn which offers great-value rooms with kitchenettes. For more action, the previously inaccessible Hassel Island, now part of Virgin Islands National Park (St Thomas), can be explored by snorkel or kayak. And word is that the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery on St. Croix will open its new visitor center in spring 2012 – ahoy!

2. Hudson River Valley, New York

It should be a given that any visitor to New York City breaks for a day or two ‘upstate’ in the Hudson River Valley, a slice of rural Americana just north. It’s a real city break, with leafy drives, wineries and plenty of farm-to-table foodie options that draw even spoiled-for-choice Manhattanites away from the city. A favorite spot to stay is straight out of a B-52s video. No surprise. It’s former ‘52 singer Kate Pierson’s Lazy Meadow, a renovated ‘50s cabin complex near Woodstock designed by the same pals who did up the ‘Love Shack’ for the video.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio

Seen Cincy lately? The pretty city on the Ohio River – off the main cross-country interstates – gets bypassed by many road trippers, but it’s quietly transformed itself in the last decade into a worthy weekend getaway. Life centers around the river – much which can be seen by foot: river walkways are best on the Kentucky side, reached via a couple bridges including John Roebling’s Suspension Bridge (a prequel to his famous Brooklyn Bridge). Narrow, twisting (and steep) brick roads of the Mt Adams district lead past 19th-century Victorian townhouses and the free Cincinnati Art Museum, while the once-dangerous, emerging Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is home to the Findlay Market and a sprawling collection of historic Italianate architecture. Best, though, is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, open since 2004, on the banks of the river where many slaves escaped to freedom in the 19th century.

4. Four Corners Region, Southwest USA

The most popular attractions of the four states sharing a border in the southwest – Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah – typically cluster away from the four corners, but this under appreciated region is a geologic, archeological wonderland. Even with a 100-mile radius, you can see the sandstone towers of Arizona’s Monument Valley, Hollywood stars in their own right, seen on a 17-mile loop or by Navajo-led walks – pop into one of Utah’s national parks, see Colorado’s Mesa Verde’s abandoned cliff dwellings on self-guided walks, then straddle all four states at once.

Looking for a beach? Don’t forget Puerto Rico, just a short hop from the US mainland. The island is rimmed with great beaches, but the best – and still a secret to most visitors – is the world-class Playa Flamenco, on wee, offbeat, laid-back island of Culebra, 17 miles off Puerto Rico’s mainland. Reached by ferry or flight, Culebra is great for beach-hopping, snorkeling or hikes in a wildlife refuge. You can find beach side apartments for $150/night, including Villa Flamenco Beach, while the personable, cheaper Palmetto Guesthouse offers free water-sports gear.

6. California Gold Country

Tahoe and Yosemite gets all the mountain love in California, but an hour closer to San Francisco (and cheaper and less crowded) is Gold Country. Towns that ooze century-old ambiance are strung out like throw-back pearls along Hwy 49, a fun drive that passes stops like Jamestown’s historic train, a tiny gold town called Volcano (with no volcano), wineries (some even consider the region a contender to Napa and Sonoma), caves, gold-panning spots and a good overnight choice: the artsy town of Nevada City. Winter is also a treat with snow parks for kids and Bear Valley for hard-core winter sports – plus there’s sledding options galore. That’s how the locals do it.

7. Boulder, Colorado

The university town of Boulder is one of the most livable cities in US. Locals live with a mad crush on the outdoors, and adventure can be found at every turn. Main roads are filled with cyclists, except for the bustling pd-only Pearl St Mall lined with shops and great eateries and brewpubs. There’s also a bike path along Boulder Creek, which gets filled with tubers in summer. The Royal Arch Trail is a two-hour hike though a challenging red-rock canyon in town. And, in winter, don’t overlook Netherlander goofy Frozen Dead Guy festival, 17 miles west.

8. Hawai’i: The Big Island

For too long, ‘Hawaii’ has meant Honolulu, but a rise in direct flights from the US mainland to Kona, on the Big Island, mean the draw of this magical place has never been easier. Plan to stay as long as you can, considering its wide variety of attractions: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kealakekua Bay snorkeling, hikes into caves and waterfalls along the lava field at Hilina Pai, or just bumming on the island’s best beach at Hapuna.

9. Chicago

Chicago’s going to be busy in 2012, with G8 and NATO summits based here – though the main attraction lies outside politics. Instead, occupy the Magnificent Mile! Chicago has incredible art offerings at places like the Art Institute and Millennium Park, some of the country’s best restaurants and world-class festivals like Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago. And the Obama's’ old neighborhood on the south side – Hyde Park – is seeing more visitors for its lakeside walks and a look at Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘prairie style’ Robbie House, up this year for World Heritage Site status.

10. Yellowstone National Park

The world’s first national park – turning 140 next year – attracts nearly four million visitors a year, but just a trickle go in winter; consider it. Rates are lower (the Old Faithful Snow Lodge has rooms starting at $95, a fraction of summer rates), and the scenery has its own wintery majesty, when waterfalls turn to curtains of ice, geysers shoot higher and boiling rivers billow with steam. You can get about by ski shuttles, snowshoe (rangers lead free tours) or – best yet – cross-country skis, as hiking trails of all levels transform into some of the country’s best trails. Why wait for summer?

Welcome to Visit Sri Lanka

Pristine

Sri Lanka is a paradise island offering visitors incomparable beach holidays. With the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean gently lapping its pristine shores, Sri Lanka’s beaches are covered with soft warm sand. Home to tropical fish and living corals the waters surrounding Sri Lanka are warm thanks to the tropical climate the island enjoys. With over 1300 km of beach on offer, all you have to do is come to Sri Lanka and spend hours of fun in the sun.

Whether you are looking to just relax in the sun and get the perfect tan or if you are looking for more action such as surfing, diving or jet skiing, Sri Lanka has much to offer with its world renowned best beaches. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Heritage

With a history that dates back over 2000 years Sri Lanka has a culture that is seeped with heritage that helped mold the country into the place of wonder that it is. Sri Lanka holidays showcase this ancient influence as visitors are embraced by the warmth of her people. This tiny island can lay claim to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are well preserved and proudly display the achievement of ancient Sri Lanka.

From amazing structures such as temples and the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to rivers and lakes to well planned gardens, visitors will be awed from the moment they arrive. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Thrills

Though not always recognized as such Sri Lanka is in fact a thrill seekers paradise. There are so many activities on offer that visitors might find it hard to pack it all into just one holiday. All the more reason to return to this beautiful island that has camping, trekking, kayaking and canoeing, while you can also enjoy the exhilarating experience of a hot air balloon ride. For an adrenaline rush with a difference try wave riding or paragliding.

Being an island it is easy to experience the country by cycling and backpacking which is a cost effective way to enjoy Sri Lanka. When it comes to island holidays, Sri Lanka is one of the forerunners, with its warm people, sunny climate and exciting adventures. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Wild

Sri Lanka maybe small in size but she is big in the wildlife she has to offer. Packed into this tiny island is an abundance of natural wildlife starting from the famous Asian Elephant to the elusive leopard. The country has nine national parks and seven bird sanctuaries. In fact 43 of the endangered species listed by the World Conservation Union can be found in Sri Lanka’s national parks. Sri Lanka is home to Minneriya which is famous for having the largest gathering of wild elephants. The country has recently also grown in fame as being a hotspot for whale and dolphin watching.

Sri Lanka also has a range of endemic species such as the Sri Lanka Leopard, the Sloth Bear and the Sri Lankan elephant. It is a privilege to see these animals in their natural habitat and you can have the unique experience of seeing the largest land and sea mammals in one holiday destination. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Bliss

Once known as Serendib, Sri Lanka still lives up to this name by being a cost effective paradise island. Visitors are instantly embraced by the warmth of the country and swept away by the serenity Sri Lanka holidays provide. There are so many who return to the island’s warm shores to find rest and relaxation as they are pampered by the hospitable locals. Laze around on the beach sampling the freshest seafood or feast your eyes upon unparalleled scenic beauty as you sip a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea in the hill country.

Sri Lanka has so many experiences to offer and the bliss is that you can decide on the type of experience you want to experience. Time comes to a standstill as you absorb yourself in the country’s history, seaside, wildlife or trek through the green plains in the up country region. Find your blissful moment in Sri Lanka. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Scenic

For such a tiny island Sri Lanka has very different landscapes and scenery to experience, depending on which part of the island you visit. From the very green misty up country area that harks back to our colonial heritage, to the soft, warm beaches that are perfect for lazing on; your senses will be definitely treated with beauty. Sit on the beach and watch the sun rise in all its glory and then be cooled by the gentle evening breeze as the sun sets in a medley of russet hues. Walk past green paddy fields or sit by a murmuring stream and just enjoy the moment, the sense of being alive.

To give your body and mind a gentle stimulation Sri Lanka is ideal, as you will instantly feel alive as the scenic beauty of the country encompasses you. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Essence

It is hard to describe the essence of Sri Lanka, it has to be experienced. The country is rich in tradition and while it has embraced the modern world, retains its old values. With the importance given to elders and the due respect given to their experiences, you will find Sri Lanka a place where you can feel safe and cared for. Skills are handed down from generation to generation with religion playing a very important role in everyday life.

Yet Sri Lanka has managed to strike the perfect balance between the old and the modern so that you never feel as though you are stuck in a time warp. Instead you can enjoy tradition cuisine, influenced by our colonial past and served with a modern twist. You will find buildings with colonial architecture that have withstood the test of time yet now housing modern institutions; you can listen to music that speaks of our history yet appeals to our modern tastes. Sri Lanka’s essence has to be experienced; come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia.

Festive

In the ancient past Sri Lanka, due to its strategic location at the crossroads between East and West, has been greatly influenced by the different visitors to the country. These visitors brought with them their diverse cultures and customs and with time these got absorbed into the Sri Lankan way of life. Visit in April for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated to give thanks for bountiful harvests and you can try some mouthwatering traditional sweetmeats. In May be assailed by the beautiful and creative lanterns and pandols that adorn homes, buildings and roads, lit to pay homage to the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha. Ramadan too is celebrated in style while in December out comes the colourful Christmas decorations.

There are colouful pageants referred to as a perehara that are breathtaking to witness. You will see a procession of traditional dancers, whip-dancers, fire dancers and the majestic elephants carrying sacred Buddhist relics. These are experiences that are never forgotten. Come visit Sri Lanka, the wonder of Asia

Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala

Elephants are magnificent land animals, with a thick skin and a curved trunk. Watching these gigantic wild, semi wild mammals is a lifetime experience. Sri Lanka has considerable number of the world’s elephant population. Visitors can enjoy watching wild elephants in wildlife parks such as Yala, Wasgamuwa, Udawalawa, Habarana and Mineriya.

But to those who want to see the tamed and semi wiled elephants in close proximity the best place is the “Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage”.

It is located northwest of Kegalle town along the Colombo ~ Kandy main road. The orphanage is in a twenty five acre coconut land near Maha Oya. The wide area of shallow water and the huge rocks of Maha Oya make the ideal place to these magnificent animals.

This facility was established in year 1975 as a conservation breading center for Elephants by Sri Lanka Wildlife department. It was started with a heard of five baby Elephants. In year 1978 it was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant orphanage is treated as one of the largest breading center in the world. Today the heard has grown up to 69 elephants.