Top 10 vacation place of 2009

Whether you are looking for a holiday now or planning one for the future, this list will help you make the right choice. I have selected some of the best holiday destinations from around the world, focusing on a particular aspect of each place. So, here you have it: 10 hot holiday destinations, In no particular order:

1. The Maldives

For: Relaxation

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 435 miles South-West of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination because of the astoundingly beautiful resorts and scenery. In most cases you can stay in a private villa which sits out in the middle of the water – connected to the mainland by a small walkway. If you want to go somewhere to relax – this is the place to do it. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is very closely related to Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, you will have no problems speaking English in the tourist spots. Don’t forget to pack your laptop so you can read the List Universe while you are sipping margaritas on your private porch floating on the ocean!

2. Queenstown New Zealand

For: Excitement

In Winter or Summer, Queenstown is a fantastic place to holiday. In the Winter it is full of people there for the skiing, and in summer it is full of people there to take the white water trips down the Shotover river. I would also say that the food in Queenstown ranks as the best I have eaten in the entire world; though food in New Zealand is of an extremely high standard in general. There are a large number of hotels right on the waterfront of Lake Wakitipu (New Zealand’s longest lake and third largest). The water is bitterly cold (even in summer) – but it is beautiful to look at from your hotel window and if you can stand the cold, bathing is certainly allowed. Queenstown is also New Zealand’s jetboat and bungy jumping capital. And if you think the price is too high – you can always pop to Arrowtown right next door and try panning for gold in one of New Zealand’s old mining towns. Oh – and don’t forget, New Zealander’s are the friendliest people in the world.

3. Paris France

For: Food

Everyone knows that Paris is the City of Romance and Food, but it has that reputation for a good reason! The food in France is simply outstanding and almost unparalleled around the world. You can stay at very inexpensive hotels, or very expensive ones, depending on your budget; just make sure you leave enough money for the food and wine. Some of the things you will have to do: 1) eat macaroons at La Duree, on the Champs Elysee (you won’t be able to control yourself when you taste these things!), 2) eat ice-cream at Berthillon – the best ice-cream in the world (handmade entirely from natural ingredients), and 3) eat pastries at Pierre Hermé – the picasso of pastry. Don’t forget to check out Printemps – the incredible department store found on Boulevard Haussmann.

4. New York United States of America

For: Shopping

With the US dollar at an all time low, it is the perfect opportunity for non-Americans to travel to New York and pick up some bargains. In addition, you get to see one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the United States, and can experience the hustle and bustle of an incredibly busy city. New York has many state parks and two major forest preserves. Adirondack Park, roughly the size of the state of Vermont and the largest state park in the United States, was established in 1892 and given state constitutional protection in 1894. Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and events such as the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, the Tribeca Film Festival, and free performances in Central Park at Summerstage. New York’s food culture, influenced by the city’s immigrants and large number of dining patrons, is diverse. Jewish and Italian immigrants made the city famous for bagels, cheesecake and New York-style pizza. The city also boasts some of the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the USA.

5. Hong Kong China

For: Unique Culture

Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a Catholic Church or a McDonald’s. The city’s cosmopolitan flavour can also be seen in the wide variety of cuisines available. While different varieties of Chinese selections, especially seafood, are most popular, there are also many European, American, Japanese, Korean, and other restaurants. Ethnic dishes served in cha chaan teng’s and dai pai dong’s are also popular. The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously and many top chefs make their way to the city to show off their talents to these discerning diners. The Hong Kong government also supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

6. Venice Italy

For: History

Every time I have been to Venice I have had an amazing holiday. Not only is the city incredible for its history, it is incredible for its food, its architecture, and its uniqueness. I have been in both summer and winter and would suggest that either of those seasons is perfectly fine for a visit. In summer it gets very hot and crowded, and in Winter it is not crowded but can be a bit on the cold side. If you are interested in old Churches, this is the place to go – there is one around every corner. The ambience of the city is one of mystery and rich culture. I recommend the Hotel Bauer which is just a few meters away from the San Marco square (the heart of the city). One of the best things about Venice is that you can leave your hotel and just start walking – you don’t need to worry about maps as you will eventually find your way back to the hotel. This is also an excellent way to explore the tiny dark alleys. Be sure to go for a trip on a gondola – but be prepared to pay big for the privilege – it is not cheap – on my last trip it cost me 75 Euros for 45 minutes.

7. Pyongyang North Korea

For: Exclusivity

This one is for the intellect – so that you can one day say that you have been the last bastion of Stalinist communist. It is very difficult to obtain a visa to visit North Korea, and if you do, it will be an expensive holiday. But you will be in a very small group of people who can say that have visited. By all accounts the food is extremely good and plentiful. You will be waited on hand and foot, and you will have a tour guide with you the whole time to explain things (okay – they are communist agents, but they will still explain things). You can visit the large shopping center and watch people who are paid to shop (so they look prosperous) and if you time it right, you may get a chance to see the amazing Mass Games, which are held every year on the 15th of April at the Arirang Festival, to celebrate the birthday of the Dictator Kim Il-sung.

8. Cape Town South Africa

For: Beaches

Cape Town is the third most populace city in South Africa, and it is the most populartourist destination due to its good climate and natural setting. It is the home of the famous Table Mountain. Due to the city’s unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world. Night life in the city caters for all tastes, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally recognized as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa (both in food quality and decor terms). Night clubs and bars abound with popular areas including the top end of Long Street and its immediate surrounds, as well as the redeveloped Cape Malay quarter, De Waterkant.

9. Sydney Australia

For: The Nightlife

Aside from having the most deadly creatures in the world, Syndey is a wonderful place. It is vibrant and pumping at all times – though especially at night. If you like the nightlife – this is the destination for you. Australian people are very friendly and the crime rates are reasonable. You can go on a harbour cruise at night and have dinner while floating under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or you can go out to the country side to see some amazing and unique flora and fauna. You can even spend an evening at the opera in the famous Sydney Opera House, home to the third busiest opera company in the world. Sydney’s most popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks which all contain various bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Star City Casino, is Sydney’s only casino and is situated around Darling Harbour.

10. Monte Carlo Monaco

For: The gambling

If you fancy holidaying Bond style, this is definitely the place for you. Be prepared to come home with no money – but memories you will cherish forever. This is the city of the Rich. Did you know, citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the casinos? They are also exempt from tax, making this a popular spot for the world’s billionaires. As well as gambling, Monte Carlo hosts the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and many fashion shows. This country was, of course, home to the American actress Grace Kelly (Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco) before her death in 1982.

Top 10 commercial cities in Chinese mainland unveiled

The Fortune magazine (Chinese Edition) conducted a survey on the top 10 commercial cities in Chinese mainland at the end of last year. The survey showed that Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Suzhou and Guangzhou were ranked the top five cities, which are located at the Yangtze Delta, the Pearl River Delta and Bohai Sea Economic rim respectively and represents China's dynamic economy. The top 10 also included Hangzhou and Ningbo in east Chin's Zhejiang province with the most developed non governmental economy and Dalian in northeast China, Qingdao in Bohai bay area and Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan province.

According to experts, the advantageous factors such as the geographical environment, governmental efficacy, talents and capital contributed to Shanghai's overall competitiveness. Depending on the advantages involving political status, talents and science and technology, Beijing has lured numerous transnational head offices. However, the commercial stress laid on by Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Ningbo, the environmental advantages enjoyed by Hangzhou, Qingdao and Dalian, and the success of export-oriented economy adopted by Suzhou make the top 10 cities become colorful stars in the stage of China's economy.

Of course, the weak points of the top 10 commercial cities cannot be ignored. There are still many factors that hamper the future economic development in China, for instance, Shanghai state-owned enterprises' (SOEs) lack of competitiveness with shortage of pioneering spirit, Beijing's weakness in city management, the unsound educational system in Shenzhen, the imperfect urban environment in Guangzhou and the slow growth of SOEs in Suzhou.

According to the survey, the top 10 cities enjoy the following commercial advantages:

Shanghai: Shanghai is not only the economic leader in China, but also an economic interaction platform for the economies of China and the world. The overall advantages of Shanghai are second to none in the country though it is high for commercial cost. Being the most dynamic economy in Yangtze Delta, Shanghai still processes great potentials for development.

Beijing: As a center for politics, culture, science and technology and economic decision-making, Beijing is always the first choice for the head offices of many transnational corporations. Although the environment and municipal administration need improving, Beijing still enjoys a good commercial prospect in light of its special status and the huge business opportunities brought along by the Olympics.

Shenzhen: The young city with immigrants has become the regional economic center in south China with extremely high economic growth rate, per capita income and labour productivity. Meanwhile the government administrative efficiency, economic opening up and the living environment in the city are also among the best in China. If closely following the changes in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Pearl River Delta Shenzhen's development can still be expected.

Suzhou: By making full use of the chain reaction brought about by Shanghai and attracting foreign investment, Suzhou has achieved another economic miracle with its GDP exceeding 100 billion yuan or 12.1 billion US dollars after Shenzhen, which makes Shanghai suburbs feel deeply ashamed. Transnational research and development centers gathered there. Its future growth lies in if the potentials of local enterprises can be released.

Guangzhou: Being in the frontline of opening up and owning the tradition of paying attention to commerce with business environment, Guangzhou always boosts the highest competitiveness in South China. The competition and cooperation with HK and Shenzhen are also conducive to the development of Guangzhou. Another round of foreign investment has arrived. Auto making, shipbuilding, exhibition and flow of material will be the biggest driving force for Guangzhou's rejuvenation.

Hangzhou: Boasting the most prosperous non governmental economy in China, Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang province, has become anther major central city in Yangtze Delta next to Shanghai. Apart from the regional advantages, Hangzhou also has other competitiveness in terms of overall commercial environment, human resources and life quality. Controlling soaring commercial cost is supposed to be the top priority for the government in the near future.

Dalian: Being the best commercial city in northeast China, Dalian processes the conditions for sustainable development in terms of geographical position, environment, economy, human resources and the infrastructure. Furthermore, the state policy of revitalizing the old industrial zones in northeast provides Dalian with the most important development opportunity in history. The objective of building Dalian into an international shipping center in northeast China is not unattainable.

Qingdao: Like Dalian, Qingdao, a city that adopted opening up policy relatively earlier in China, not only enjoys the advantageous geographical position and urban environment, but also has cultivated a group of well-known brands such as Haier, highlighting the city's economic internationalization. Recently, its reasonable commercial cost and efficient governmental management have begun to draw investors from the Yangtze River Delta area and Northeast China.

Ningbo: The export-oriented non-governmental economy holds an absolute leading position in Ningbo, one of China's most dynamic coastal cities. Additionally, the marked GDP and per capita income, flexible economic structure and the business spirit of the local people are famous in the world.

Chengdu: Once the best city with the advantages of the first-class talents, scientific and technological environment in southwest China, Chengdu now is facing challenges from its neighbour Chongqing. Whether Chengdu could seize the historical opportunity of Western Development depends on the improvement of the government's management ability and how to develop its foreign-oriented economy.

By People's Daily Online