Top Destinations in 2012
January 3rd 2012 -
As always, some places will stand out above the rest when it comes to unforgettable things to do and see. But here are some suggestions from the experts.
England: The royal wedding made it one of the world's most buzzed about destinations this year, but England is about to get even hotter. The country will celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee — marking her 60 years on the throne — with a river pageant on the Thames and a concert at Buckingham Palace at the beginning of June. Then all eyes will be on London as it hosts the Summer Olympic Games in July and August, and the Paralympic Games in August and September. There will be festivals, tours, performances and exhibitions to mark the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.
World of Maya: Some see it as an approaching apocalypse, others as the beginning of a new era. Whatever your beliefs are about December 21, 2012, interest is skyrocketing in the Maya, the ancient civilization known for the great cities it left behind in Mexico and Central America. The date marks the end of a 5,126-year cycle on the Long Count calendar developed by the Maya, and there will be events on the occasion in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras.
Chicago: The Windy City will be prominent on the world stage in 2012, hosting the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in April, and both the NATO and Group of Eight summits in May. Golf fans will also descend on a country club just outside the city for the Ryder Cup in September. But even if you're not planning to be there for any big event, Chicago is ready for an influx of visitors from all over the world during 2012.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: What's not to like about a tropical paradise that bills itself as "one destination, 32 gorgeous Caribbean islands"? Located between St. Lucia and Grenada, this island chain has long drawn stars and vacationers with deep pockets, but it will become more accessible to a wider range of travelers thanks to a $240 million airport scheduled to open on St. Vincent.
The Netherlands: Flower lovers who flock to the country's stunning fields of tulips and who have made the colorful Keukenhof gardens one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands will get an extra treat in 2012 at the Floriade. The horticultural expo, staged once every 10 years, showcases the world's best flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. It actually runs from April all the way through October, so there's plenty of time to visit.
Atlantic Canada: Canada's Maritime Provinces are always a beautiful destination, but the region will be in the spotlight in 2012 as it commemorates its connection to the Titanic and the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking. After the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, three ships were dispatched from Halifax, Nova Scotia — the closest major port — to bring back the bodies of the victims. Some of the passengers were laid to rest in the city's cemeteries. Halifax is planning lots of events to mark the anniversary, including a town parade, concerts and a film festival. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — which has a huge collection of wooden Titanic artifacts, including a deck chair — will have a temporary exhibit on the crews involved in the Titanic recovery effort.
Orlando: Known for its amusement parks, local residents believe the parks have no connection to the city itself. The metropolis most people breeze by as they head to Disney World will transform into celebrity central as it hosts the 61st NBA All-Star Game in February. While there, check out the city's lakes, museums and scenic neighborhoods, including the bohemian Milk District.
Tags: 2012 olympics, Belize, Canada, Chicago, Diamond Jubilee, England, eTravel Insider, etravel unlimited, Floriade, Grenadines, Guatamala, Honduras, Maya, Mexico, NBA All-Star, Netherlands, Orlando, Ryder cup, St Vincent, Titanic, top destinations 2012
