Top 10 Holiday Destinations for 2011

Here’s a New Year’s resolution you’ll have no trouble keeping: skip Disney World and spend your 2011 vacation time somewhere unique! Traveling abroad is a valuable experience that exposes you to vibrant cultures and beautiful scenery. As we begin to emerge from an economic recession, it is understandable that some people feel hesitant about traveling. The cost of plane tickets is going up, and tourist traps are experts at snagging every last penny. But globetrotting can be done on the cheap if you choose the right destination. Here a few places you can explore without breaking the bank:

1. Naples, Italy

Forget the hordes of tourists in Rome and Venice. A trip to Naples is much more relaxing and the adorable B&Bs are surprisingly affordable. Be sure to check out the stunning botanical gardens or take the ferry to the island of Capri.

2. Wellington, New Zealand

New Zealand’s capital is home to a plethora of annual festivals, including the New Zealand International Arts Festival, Wellington Jazz Festival and the Wellington International Film Festival. Better yet, seven matches of the 2011 World Rugby Cup will be played in Wellington.

3. Ephesus, Turkey

This ancient Greek city is chock full of fascinating archeological sites, including a huge gladiators’  graveyard, the Celsus Library, Heracles Gate and the Temple of Artemis.

4. Kochi, India

Located in Kerala, the state with the highest Human Development Index in all of India, Kochi is a major port on the Arabian Sea. Major attractions include the Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Hill Palace, Paradesi Synagogue and the Kochi International Marina.

5. Budva, Montenegro

With fantastic weather and powdery beaches, Montenegro is a great alternative for those unable to afford a vacation in southern France. Budva is a small coastal city on the Albanian Sea, known for its historic Mediterranean architecture and exciting nightlife.

6. Vancouver, Canada

Some of the oldest and tallest spruce and cedar trees can be found just outside of Canada’s third largest city. Together, the forest, the mountainous landscape and the jagged coastline make for breathtaking scenery that is best experienced from one of Vancouver’s many secluded hiking trails.

7. Florianópolis, Brazil

Spread out over a handful of islands, Florianópolis is the trendiest new party destination in South America. During the day, catch a wave at Barra da Lagoa or lay out in the sun at Ingleses Beach. Save your energy for the night, when Brazil’s hottest nightclubs come alive.

8. Reykjavík, Iceland

Home of the world’s best hot springs. Enough said.

9. Taipei, Taiwan

This cosmopolitan city offers an intriguing mix of modern skyscrapers and historic temples. It is also a huge shopping destination. Don’t miss the Shilin Night Market, where thousands of street vendors sell unique souvenirs and authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

10. St. Petersburg, Russia

Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” many visitors think of St. Petersburg as the most Western city in Russia. Still, the rich cultural heritage of this city cannot be found anywhere else. The city is home to hundreds of architectural wonders, most notably, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.

Heather Johnson is a writer for Honeymoon Destinations, the leading online honeymoon planning resource.