Top Ten Holiday Destinations

There are loads of websites online which can tell you what they consider to be the top ten holiday destinations. However, with these sites it is usually ones that they are trying to get you to arrange your next holiday to. But when it comes to really discover where the top ten holiday destinations are in any given year the best place to start your search is using the World Tourism Organization website.

Each year they release information regarding which countries had the most visitors in a year compared to others. Also they provide information which clearly shows those countries which have seen a marked increase in the number of visitors from abroad visiting them. They also help to break down this list into the various continents showing which countries within Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas were the most popular.

For example with Europe the most popular country visited by tourists from around the globe is Italy, followed closely by them visiting France, Spain, UK and Germany. In fact currently around 18% of all holidaymakers travel to Europe each year for a vacation. The reason for this being is that many like to learn more about the architecture, culture and history of the many towns and cities within them.

When it comes to Africa the most popular destination for travellers from around the world is Egypt. However, now countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Tunisia and Morocco are certainly becoming ever more popular as well. All of these countries offer a wide array of activities and wonderful places for the travellers to visit.

Of course this year 2008 certainly one place which has been attracting many tourists to its shores is of course China. Mainly because this is the year where both the Olympics and Para Olympics would be taking place. But along with China other destinations in Asia that are seeing an increase in visitors are Japan and Thailand. All of which although popular with visitors from around the world have still been able to retain much of their own identity and have not been influenced too much by our Western ways.

Along with searching the World Tourism Organization website for what holiday destinations are the most popular take a look at other websites such as the Independent Tour Operators one. They offer a list of the top ten destinations for 2008 and their list seems to be dominated by Western European countries currently. So what are proving to the most popular ten holiday destinations in 2008 according to Independent Tour Operators?

Tresco, Isles of Scilly – This is situated of the west coast of England and is going to be a favorite because of the new built luxury development of holiday homes on it.

Naples, Italy – There is not only many of the historic landmarks of the city which have recently been restored for you to spend time viewing, but it has some really wonderful shops and restaurants also. Plus you are within easy reach of such attractions as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.

City Breaks, France – Since the setting up of Eurostar getting to anyone of this countries wonderful cities not just Paris has become much quicker and easier. Although many may not believe it but you will receive a truly warm welcome when you visit any part of France.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia – This is a truly magnificent place where at the moment being able to visit the World Heritage Site here is free currently. Although one can explore the upper levels of the temples here there are certain areas which have now been restricted and visitors are no longer able to gain access to.

Western Iceland – This is a place where if you are looking for seclusion when on holiday is ideal. Throughout your time the chances of you being disturbed are almost zero so being able to relax and unwind won’t be a problem.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico – This is a place where many different cultures come together and where it seems that you could almost be in Egypt because of the pyramids here. Also when it comes to food you will be spoilt for choice as all cuisine here has been influenced by the Spanish, French and Lebanese.

Cook Islands, South Pacific – This is the perfect location if you are looking for some winter sun. Currently this place seems to be proving popular with holiday makers from the UK as the pound is very strong against the New Zealand dollar.

Monte Carlo – For many English people renewed there has been renewed interest in this city because of Lewis Hamilton winning the Formula 1 Grand Prix. However, the price of staying here is certainly not cheap and costs can rise considerably during the week when the Grand Prix does take place each year.

Zambia Family Safaris – The reason that Zambia is gaining in popularity even though many people still travel to Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana for safaris is the cost. Not only is Zambia less expensive than the other destinations we have mentioned but the accommodation is suitable for families being large tribe sized homes. Plus the variety of wildlife to be seen is just as wide as in the other countries where safaris are popular.

Togo & Benin, West Africa – If you are looking for somewhere which offers a completely different kind of view of Africa then these are two destinations worth considering. Plus currently the number of visitors making this one of the top ten holiday destinations is currently not that many so it still remains pretty much like it has for many centuries before.