Sure, it’s often said that it’s a small world but did you know that there are more than 190 different countries on this deceptively large planet of ours? They’re spread across 7 different continents and are home to 7 billion people. Some are warm tropical paradises while others are snowy winter wonderlands. And let’s not forget the delicious foods they all offer visitors. Some might say that’s the best part of traveling! It’s hard to make a decision about where to go when there are almost 200 different options, so that’s why this list is here in your face. Here are 5 destinations that you might want to carve out a little time to visit in 2014.
1. Vancouver, BC, Canada
Located close to the border of the U.S. and Canada at its westernmost end, this diverse city of just over 600,000 has tons to offer visitors. After sailing in English Bay, you can enjoy moo shu pork along the waterfront in Chinatown with snowy mountains standing tall in the background. You may want to take in some Canadian culture by visiting the exhibit on the First Nations or by catching a Canucks hockey game. Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking vistas or exciting activities, so you’re sure to find something you love.
DK’s Top 10 Vancouver & Victoria Guide
2. Colombo, Sri Lanka
“Where is this?” you may be asking yourself right now. Well, Sri Lanka is an island nation located southeast of India and Colombo is a peaceful city perched on the southwestern coast of the island. The city is nestled between the calm Indian Ocean and the jungle, home to a host of flora and fauna. You can explore tea plantations and find your center at any of the Buddhist temples, old and new, in the area. If finding a state of Zen is not your cup of tea, then the lively Colombo also has plenty of shopping and a number of delectable traditional restaurants where your stomach can achieve peace.
*A DK Guide is on the way this fall
3. Brazil
There’s no way to choose ONE place to visit in Brazil; there are just too many must-see destinations. In Rio, you’ll be in awe of the iconic Cristo Redentor statue standing tall atop Corcovado mountain ; in São Paulo, tour the city’s Japantown and you’ll learn how the city merited the largest Japanese population outside Japan; in Brasilia (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) some of the finest examples of modernist architecture by Brazil’s treasured son Oscar Niemeyer stand waiting to be admired. And just in case you didn’t know … the Amazon rainforest, a display of incredible biodiversity and on the top of every explorer’s wish list, can be discovered here.
With the 2014 World Cup being held in various cities across the country and the 2016 Olympics taking place in Rio, there are now even more reasons to head to Brazil.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand is a place that needs to be seen and tasted in its entirety. Taking in the epic landscapes of Glenorchy, made famous in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, without stopping by the Waitomo caves would be like eating fish without chips (a national favorite in New Zealand). Speaking of which, from the traditional Maori hangi to the innovative Pacific Rim cuisine found in any of the hip metropolitan areas of New Zealand, the food will have even the pickiest mouth’s watering. And to top it off, New Zealand is home to several world famous vineyards. Just don’t forget to try the blue cheese after a few glasses.
5. St. Petersburg, Russia
Although Sochi is the home of the 2014 Olympics and the center of all the media attention right now, St. Petersburg has long been a place that captures the imagination. Maybe it’s because of the StateHermitageMuseum in the magnificent WinterPalace or the golden domes of St. Isaac’s Cathedral or the refined cultural sophistication of the city as exemplified by the orchestra and ballet of the Mariinsky Theatre. It may even be because of the extensive shops and restaurants. In general, there is so much to see and do that I’d definitely recommend purchasing a guidebook before visiting the city (DK’s comprehensive travel guide on St. Petersburg is a perfect choice to make sure you don’t miss anything).
DK St. Petersburg Travel Guide
Now that you have a short list of fascinating destinations, it’s up to you to plan when and how to get there. But make it the best trip possible by checking out a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide first. Their guides to these and more than 200 different destinations around the world can be purchased through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, BAM and Indie Bound. us.dk.com/dktravel
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