Vacations are a rare luxury, unless you own a lot of real estate in which case vacationing is all you do. But if you’re a hard working, self made individual like yours truly, you just have to take some time out for yourself and a good vacation is just the way to do it. Here, at Realitypod, we do all the grunt work for you so you can skip the grind of travel agencies and make your own decision from among the top ten holiday destinations in the world that we recommend to you. These places are certain to provide you with the opportunities to have the most amazing holiday experience.
10. Thailand
Often referred to as the Land of Smiles, Thailand has become a major hit with tourists and holiday seekers from around the globe. It has come a long way from being an escape destination for the casual backpacker to becoming one of the most favorite tourist destinations of 2012. The scenic countryside, the amazing food, the exotic beaches and the low cost of staying are reasons enough for you to book your holidays in this majestic part of Asia. And that’s not enough, Thai people are known for their hospitality and their unique cultural heritage, and the spas offered in Thailand are sure to ease away all of your built up tension.
The places that attract the most attention include the beautiful and modern island of Phuket with its world class hotels and resorts, the majestic islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan with their up and coming delightful array of resorts and of course, the enthusiastic and ever alive capital city Bangkok.
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So pack up your bags and explore wondrous Thailand, be it on a cruise or a sailing ship, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing vacation.
9. Croatia
Croatia is well known for having one of the most beautiful and exquisite coastlines in the world. It is known to be one of the very few in Europe to retain its natural pristine beauty and is therefore a prime tourist destination for the vacationers looking to relax and enjoy nature and culture in modern day Europe.
Croatia has a range of vacation spots to chose from. You can either stay along the coastline and bask in the beautiful sights or you can head on to the stunningly beautiful array of islands that off the coast, including the breathtaking island of Hvar which is known for its fabulous beaches and an array of low and high end hotels and resorts. Another favorite tourist attraction is the city of Dubrovnik with its rich historical background and the amazing food. Nicknamed “The Pearl of Adriatic”, the city has a historical center that has recently been restored to its original glory of the time before the Serb-Montenegro war. The whole city looks like a museum and it takes you back to a much simpler time. It also has a wonderful base from where you can take ferries to visit the surrounding islands.
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Explore Croatia, and you will never regret the visit to this Mediterranean beauty.
8. Egypt
There can never be enough words to describe the majesty of Egypt’s history and the magnificent treasures it boasts. The temples of Luxor and Karnak, the beautiful Valley of the Kings, Aswan, the incredible city of Alexandria with its world famous library and sea port, the capital Cairo with its rich and wonderful museums boasting of historical artifacts such as King Tutankhamen’s death mask made of solid gold, the majestic Sphinx and of course, one of the great wonders of the world, the enormous pyramids. The list of all the places to visit goes on and on.
Among its rich history is its beautiful river Nile that runs across Egypt and provides the opportunity to tourists to take luxury cruises to enjoy the many sights of Egypt. An experience you will not want to miss as it promises a vacation of a lifetime.
You can also stay and just relax at the various resorts that line the Red Sea, lounging on the beaches, snorkeling and just letting go of all the stresses you’ve had built up inside.
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7. Turkey
Turkey is the place to go for a top notch vacation in 2012. Although a bit more expensive than a few years ago, Turkey remains one of the most premium and exquisite holiday destinations in Europe. The place where the East meets the West, Turkey is definitely one of the best choices to make when planning a vacation.
Istanbul, one of the most beautiful and elaborate cities in the world, boasts of a diverse cultural experience like no other. The meeting point of the East and the West, the places to visit are innumerable. Among the many must-visit localities, there are the majestic structures of the Hagia Sophia, the Suleymanye Mosque, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, the marvelous bathhouses, the Basilica Cistern – one of the most romantic places on Earth, and of course the beautiful Bosphorous. If you’re an ardent soccer fan then of course, you will also love the Ataturk stadium, the place where Liverpool made history. The best way to enjoy the city is the tram service that travels throughout Istanbul and the ferry rides on the Bosphorous are just breathtaking.
Other beautiful places to visit are the dynamic city of Izmir with its modern night life and luxury hotels, and the scenic coastal city of Antalya. Antalya is known for its beautiful resorts and beaches and was the world’s most visited city in 2011. The city boasts of the most beautiful scenery and backdrops and is a must visit when one’s in Turkey.
All in all, Turkey might not be there yet, but it is shaping up to be the world’s top holiday destination.
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