As both an avid traveler and
active member in travel forums, I like to think I'm somewhat in the loop when it
comes to assessing the trends in popularity of international
destinations as the global travel community readily increases. There are
places that have always been and will always remain hot spots: Western
Europe, The Mediterranean (where a Middle Eastern language isn't
spoken), Mexico, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, to name a select few.
Sure, each of these places have unique cultures, great food, and famous
sights, but don't hold your breath thinking some fanny-packer won't walk
right into that perfect shot of yours. And then there are those places
that the average person wouldn't even think twice about visiting: almost
everywhere south of the Sahara (primarily out of fear) or anything
ending in "-stan" (primarily out of ignorance), once again to name a
select few. But then there are those nations that are somewhere in
between, regions known to some of us for a while now that are just
recently being "discovered" by Americans in the past several years as
foreign travel becomes more acceptable and accessible. I decided to
compile a brief list of destinations that, in my personal opinion of
course, are gradually on the rise towards potentially becoming more
mainstream. My reasoning comes from either (or some combination of): (a)
having traveled there myself, (b) evaluating the rise in popularity
when re-visiting after some time, (c) observing the travel plans of
family/friends over the past several years, or (d) keeping tabs on
popularity via travel forum postings/inquiries. This list is in no
particular order.
1) Myanmar (Burma): Yesterday it seems like no one could even find this country on the map. Today, it is probably one of the fastest growing destinations in terms of popularity. The tourism industry here is still in its infancy, as Burma has only really been easily accessible over the past several years. However, with the sudden and dramatic political reforms that have been sweeping the nation, this once utterly isolated military dictatorship has seen a healthy rise in visitors within the past year and will likely see even more now that the word is out. The downside to all this new attention is that it will now gradually begin to lose more of its untouchability, its enigmatic mystère. But with a warm-hearted people, golden shrines dotting the emerald landscape, and the feeling of having stepped back into the 19th century, this is a place you want to check out before it gets hot.
2) Cambodia: It's seen some pretty bad days, but recently things have been looking up for this Southeast Asian nation. And while poverty and government corruption are still readily visible, probably the most noticeable change in the area are the number of thrill-seekers making it their latest cheap and exotic vacation. The primary reason for a trip to Cambo needs no explanation - Angkor Wat. In fact, the rise in tourism has grown so quickly that archaeologists are starting to fear for the preservation of these phenomenal jungle temples, as visitors in search of an "Indiana Jones"-like experience flock by the thousands to trample upon these once silent and fragile monuments. New hotels and guesthouses have been popping up like weeds in Siem Reap. But Cambo offers more than just temples, which tend to overshadow exquisite rice-patty countrysides, picturesque Mekong river rides, and romantic traditional village life.
3) Turkey: The crossroads of east and west has always attracted human migration for millennia, however it seems like the most recent wave of visitors has occurred within the past decade. The number of hotels and restaurants, as well as the prices of food and souvenirs, have surely doubled in that time, but don't let that discourage you from enjoying a place where history is on every street corner. Turkey is so infested with ancient ruins, martian landscapes, azure Aegean beaches, and colorful Near Eastern culture that its no surprise why foreigners are starting to outnumber locals in town. Istanbul has also been rated high on the list for both daytime cultural venues as well as a posh nightlife scene. It also helps that for most westerners, this is one place where you can experience an Islamic country without forfeiting a beer.
4) Kenya & Tanzania: Africa is still off limits to most people, partially out of apprehension and partially out of expense. Certainly, airfare and travel in Africa was excruciatingly costly a decade ago, particularly due to a lack in tourist infrastructure (or any infrastructure for that matter). While it is still lacking in many respects, the modes of travel along East Africa’s Swahili coast have undergone an interesting new trend. Back in the day, Africa was usually reserved for older, wealthier visitors who had no qualms forking out thousands for a deluxe, somewhat sanitized safari. Recently, however, with relative stability and the advent of the novel travel concept of overlanding, getting a taste of the Masai Mara and Serengeti has become more affordable, allowing for a predominantly younger crowd of "adventurers" to truck around game parks and pitch a tent at established camp sites organized by a number of rising overland groups.
5) Northern India & Nepal: As a growing nation making an ever-growing appearance in the world stage, India is slowly shedding its image as a impoverished and less-than-hygienic vacation spot in the eyes of the average westerner. As Indian culture spreads further and wider via the growing diaspora, Bollywood films, and chicken tikka masala, a steady increase in foreign tourists is being witnessed. Tantalized by the romantic, exotic, and even erotic imagery embodied in Indian culture, history, and spirituality, visitors are starting to see beyond the slums and gorge on India's rich heritage and landscapes. Most people have been starting off in the north, the most "familiar" part of India, leaving much of the south to be desired. India's tourism infrastructure has also recently started to cater towards midrange travelers and families, in addition to the usual bohemian backpackers. And while "Delhi belly" can still strike at any time, one glance at the timeless Taj in person usually makes it all worthwhile. For many of the same reasons, Nepal has likewise seen a surge in popularity. Besides benefiting from India's tourist spillover, Nepal has recently opened up again in spite of iffy stability as a way to experience Himalayan and Tibetan culture, as well as getting a glimpse at the “Roof of the World”.
6) Vietnam: As they say, time heals all wounds, and Vietnam has certainly seen a growing number of American and western tourists despite years of giving the cold shoulder. While still under a communist leadership that won't hesitate to remind you of who won the war, Vietnam has certainly become more relaxed and open to both tourism and foreign investors. It is also well known in traveler circles as one of the few places left where you can truly get much for your buck. And Vietnam certainly has much to offer, attracting visitors with its tropical white sand beaches, cool rice-growing highlands, charming historic towns, and, of course, pho. It is also unique in that the culture is more oriental in style, distinguishing it from its more "Indianized" neighbors. Surely, it's a multifaceted place where one could easily sit down for a beach-side lobster dinner after a busy day of jungle trekking.
7) United Arab Emirates: Not even 20 years ago, the UAE was nothing more than a sandbox. Now, it is a cluster of mega metropolises that have evolved at a mind-blowing rate and continues to do so. And despite having a no significant historical sights, stunning landscapes, or even a noticeable native culture (which is nearly completely swamped by expats and immigrants), people have been pouring in over the past several years simply to see what all the hype is about and revel in the blatant contradictions of this tiny Middle Eastern nation. And while it is still seen as a playground for the affluent, even budget travelers have recently been feeling the call to make a pit stop in this "Arabian Vegas", whose soaring skyscrapers, mega malls, and indoor ski slope have in themselves become national landmarks.
8) Peru & Bolivia: Peru has seen its fare share of tourists over the years, typically backpackers and fresh-out-of-college kids seeking a recreation-heavy adventure not too far from home. However, in addition to the sudden rise in those numbers, Peru is gradually starting to become a popular couples and family objective. Where at one time the only way to access Machu Picchu was via the rigorous Inca Trail, these days air-conditioned buses depart every 10 minutes from the bottom of the mountain towards the "Lost City in the Clouds", a city that can hardly be considered "lost" anymore. Yet Peru still does have its isolated and remote regions, including amazing canyon trekking in the south and Amazonian camping in the northeast. Similar to Peru but with fewer crowds at the moment, Bolivia is also attracting more visitors, who typically lump it with Peru into one giant Andean combo. It is still possible to feel like you're standing at the ends of the earth, particularly at the Salar de Uyuni... but probably not for long.
9) Russia: Up until recently, many people who visited Russia typically only hit St. Petersburg for a few days as part of a Scandinavian cruise stop. But now people are starting to get curious about delving deeper beyond the iron curtain, for now, mostly sticking to a cruise option that travels inland along the Volga River and stopping at the historical towns, churches, and kremlins enroute to Moscow. Nevertheless, independent travel is starting to kick in, even in spite of the lack of written/spoken English and occasional complaints of the slightly cold personality of most Russians. Most means of transport are conducted in the western part of the country and its autonomous regions, leaving the rest of the vast Siberian wilderness, well, still a wilderness. But as the Trans Siberian Railway linking European Russia to China gains more publicity, this will likely open up more novel experiences.
10) China: These days, it feels like you're only somebody if you've been to China. As the next great world power, China has made use of its growing wealth to make dramatic changes to its tourism infrastructure. In addition to a widening range of accommodation options, China has also introduced in the last five years more high-speed rail lines than anywhere else in the world. The rise in living standards, rapid development of urban areas, and publicity initiated by the 2008 Olympics have also attracted a new wave of western tourists, many of whom are starting to make China their very first foreign excursion. But beyond the classic hot spots of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, travelers are gradually starting to explore more of China's vast multicultural and ecological repertoire, including the recently popular southern provinces of Yunnan/Sichuan and the more remote yet slowly rising western areas as far as Gansu and Xinjiang.
11) Croatia: Lastly, this tiny Balkan nation has gradually been showing some true potential ever since overcoming a devastating war in the 90’s. It first became popular predominantly with European tourists, caravanning out to its exquisite coastline in search of quaint tile-roofed villages and sunny beaches, but now Croatia is boosting its image as a recreational and outdoor activity wonderland of international acclaim. Besides the charming historic capital at Zaghreb, Croatia’s numerous national parks and rivers are becoming exceptionally popular for kayakers and bicyclists. Probably the best aspect of Croatia is that it is one of the last places left in Europe that is still relatively affordable… likely only rivaled by Greece in its current condition.
** All photos taken by Sharja, with the exception of India and China (photos from those trips not in digital format), as well as Russia and Croatia (places still on the bucketlist!)
1) Myanmar (Burma): Yesterday it seems like no one could even find this country on the map. Today, it is probably one of the fastest growing destinations in terms of popularity. The tourism industry here is still in its infancy, as Burma has only really been easily accessible over the past several years. However, with the sudden and dramatic political reforms that have been sweeping the nation, this once utterly isolated military dictatorship has seen a healthy rise in visitors within the past year and will likely see even more now that the word is out. The downside to all this new attention is that it will now gradually begin to lose more of its untouchability, its enigmatic mystère. But with a warm-hearted people, golden shrines dotting the emerald landscape, and the feeling of having stepped back into the 19th century, this is a place you want to check out before it gets hot.
2) Cambodia: It's seen some pretty bad days, but recently things have been looking up for this Southeast Asian nation. And while poverty and government corruption are still readily visible, probably the most noticeable change in the area are the number of thrill-seekers making it their latest cheap and exotic vacation. The primary reason for a trip to Cambo needs no explanation - Angkor Wat. In fact, the rise in tourism has grown so quickly that archaeologists are starting to fear for the preservation of these phenomenal jungle temples, as visitors in search of an "Indiana Jones"-like experience flock by the thousands to trample upon these once silent and fragile monuments. New hotels and guesthouses have been popping up like weeds in Siem Reap. But Cambo offers more than just temples, which tend to overshadow exquisite rice-patty countrysides, picturesque Mekong river rides, and romantic traditional village life.
3) Turkey: The crossroads of east and west has always attracted human migration for millennia, however it seems like the most recent wave of visitors has occurred within the past decade. The number of hotels and restaurants, as well as the prices of food and souvenirs, have surely doubled in that time, but don't let that discourage you from enjoying a place where history is on every street corner. Turkey is so infested with ancient ruins, martian landscapes, azure Aegean beaches, and colorful Near Eastern culture that its no surprise why foreigners are starting to outnumber locals in town. Istanbul has also been rated high on the list for both daytime cultural venues as well as a posh nightlife scene. It also helps that for most westerners, this is one place where you can experience an Islamic country without forfeiting a beer.
4) Kenya & Tanzania: Africa is still off limits to most people, partially out of apprehension and partially out of expense. Certainly, airfare and travel in Africa was excruciatingly costly a decade ago, particularly due to a lack in tourist infrastructure (or any infrastructure for that matter). While it is still lacking in many respects, the modes of travel along East Africa’s Swahili coast have undergone an interesting new trend. Back in the day, Africa was usually reserved for older, wealthier visitors who had no qualms forking out thousands for a deluxe, somewhat sanitized safari. Recently, however, with relative stability and the advent of the novel travel concept of overlanding, getting a taste of the Masai Mara and Serengeti has become more affordable, allowing for a predominantly younger crowd of "adventurers" to truck around game parks and pitch a tent at established camp sites organized by a number of rising overland groups.
5) Northern India & Nepal: As a growing nation making an ever-growing appearance in the world stage, India is slowly shedding its image as a impoverished and less-than-hygienic vacation spot in the eyes of the average westerner. As Indian culture spreads further and wider via the growing diaspora, Bollywood films, and chicken tikka masala, a steady increase in foreign tourists is being witnessed. Tantalized by the romantic, exotic, and even erotic imagery embodied in Indian culture, history, and spirituality, visitors are starting to see beyond the slums and gorge on India's rich heritage and landscapes. Most people have been starting off in the north, the most "familiar" part of India, leaving much of the south to be desired. India's tourism infrastructure has also recently started to cater towards midrange travelers and families, in addition to the usual bohemian backpackers. And while "Delhi belly" can still strike at any time, one glance at the timeless Taj in person usually makes it all worthwhile. For many of the same reasons, Nepal has likewise seen a surge in popularity. Besides benefiting from India's tourist spillover, Nepal has recently opened up again in spite of iffy stability as a way to experience Himalayan and Tibetan culture, as well as getting a glimpse at the “Roof of the World”.
6) Vietnam: As they say, time heals all wounds, and Vietnam has certainly seen a growing number of American and western tourists despite years of giving the cold shoulder. While still under a communist leadership that won't hesitate to remind you of who won the war, Vietnam has certainly become more relaxed and open to both tourism and foreign investors. It is also well known in traveler circles as one of the few places left where you can truly get much for your buck. And Vietnam certainly has much to offer, attracting visitors with its tropical white sand beaches, cool rice-growing highlands, charming historic towns, and, of course, pho. It is also unique in that the culture is more oriental in style, distinguishing it from its more "Indianized" neighbors. Surely, it's a multifaceted place where one could easily sit down for a beach-side lobster dinner after a busy day of jungle trekking.
7) United Arab Emirates: Not even 20 years ago, the UAE was nothing more than a sandbox. Now, it is a cluster of mega metropolises that have evolved at a mind-blowing rate and continues to do so. And despite having a no significant historical sights, stunning landscapes, or even a noticeable native culture (which is nearly completely swamped by expats and immigrants), people have been pouring in over the past several years simply to see what all the hype is about and revel in the blatant contradictions of this tiny Middle Eastern nation. And while it is still seen as a playground for the affluent, even budget travelers have recently been feeling the call to make a pit stop in this "Arabian Vegas", whose soaring skyscrapers, mega malls, and indoor ski slope have in themselves become national landmarks.
8) Peru & Bolivia: Peru has seen its fare share of tourists over the years, typically backpackers and fresh-out-of-college kids seeking a recreation-heavy adventure not too far from home. However, in addition to the sudden rise in those numbers, Peru is gradually starting to become a popular couples and family objective. Where at one time the only way to access Machu Picchu was via the rigorous Inca Trail, these days air-conditioned buses depart every 10 minutes from the bottom of the mountain towards the "Lost City in the Clouds", a city that can hardly be considered "lost" anymore. Yet Peru still does have its isolated and remote regions, including amazing canyon trekking in the south and Amazonian camping in the northeast. Similar to Peru but with fewer crowds at the moment, Bolivia is also attracting more visitors, who typically lump it with Peru into one giant Andean combo. It is still possible to feel like you're standing at the ends of the earth, particularly at the Salar de Uyuni... but probably not for long.
9) Russia: Up until recently, many people who visited Russia typically only hit St. Petersburg for a few days as part of a Scandinavian cruise stop. But now people are starting to get curious about delving deeper beyond the iron curtain, for now, mostly sticking to a cruise option that travels inland along the Volga River and stopping at the historical towns, churches, and kremlins enroute to Moscow. Nevertheless, independent travel is starting to kick in, even in spite of the lack of written/spoken English and occasional complaints of the slightly cold personality of most Russians. Most means of transport are conducted in the western part of the country and its autonomous regions, leaving the rest of the vast Siberian wilderness, well, still a wilderness. But as the Trans Siberian Railway linking European Russia to China gains more publicity, this will likely open up more novel experiences.
10) China: These days, it feels like you're only somebody if you've been to China. As the next great world power, China has made use of its growing wealth to make dramatic changes to its tourism infrastructure. In addition to a widening range of accommodation options, China has also introduced in the last five years more high-speed rail lines than anywhere else in the world. The rise in living standards, rapid development of urban areas, and publicity initiated by the 2008 Olympics have also attracted a new wave of western tourists, many of whom are starting to make China their very first foreign excursion. But beyond the classic hot spots of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, travelers are gradually starting to explore more of China's vast multicultural and ecological repertoire, including the recently popular southern provinces of Yunnan/Sichuan and the more remote yet slowly rising western areas as far as Gansu and Xinjiang.
11) Croatia: Lastly, this tiny Balkan nation has gradually been showing some true potential ever since overcoming a devastating war in the 90’s. It first became popular predominantly with European tourists, caravanning out to its exquisite coastline in search of quaint tile-roofed villages and sunny beaches, but now Croatia is boosting its image as a recreational and outdoor activity wonderland of international acclaim. Besides the charming historic capital at Zaghreb, Croatia’s numerous national parks and rivers are becoming exceptionally popular for kayakers and bicyclists. Probably the best aspect of Croatia is that it is one of the last places left in Europe that is still relatively affordable… likely only rivaled by Greece in its current condition.
** All photos taken by Sharja, with the exception of India and China (photos from those trips not in digital format), as well as Russia and Croatia (places still on the bucketlist!)