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#10 Republic of Congo: Gorilla Watching!
I know what you're thinking -- since when has war-torn Congo been on the top of any sane traveler's list? While parts of the country remain embroiled in violence, the Republic of Congo -- a former French colony that has managed to avoid much of the conflicts of its neighbor, the Democratic Republic of Congo -- is experiencing a boon in travelers.
Two luxury safari camps have opened in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in recent years, with easy access to the sights and sounds of the world's second-largest tropical rain forest. Well-appointed rooms with gorgeous views are just the beginning -- here, you even have the opportunity to follow gorillas with local guides. Um, yes please.
#9 Casablanca, Morocco: Not Just a Movie
This port town has a dusty, colonial feel, but it still manages a romantic pull -- and not just for film buffs. Filled with cool Art Deco town houses, palm trees and Parisian-style bistros, Casablanca has experienced a rebirth under the reign of the more tolerant and economically savvy King Mohammed VI.
Now, the city is starting to court the international jet set with a bevy of new art galleries. Visitors will also want to check out the Twin Center, North Africa's tallest towers, and the "gorgeous" Rialto movie theater. Paris in the Middle East? Not quite, but you're going to want to see for yourself.
#8 Mergui Islands, Myanmar: Like Cast Away, In a Good Way
These 800 islands have remained largely empty due to Myanmar's police state: the few dozen tourists who would visit each month were closely monitored. But all of that is beginning to change as Myanmar slowly takes steps to become a democracy.
Now, though only a handful of companies run trips to the Mergui islands, tourists are beginning to rediscover this region. Because so few have heard of the area, though, visitors can still expect Cast Away-esque empty beaches, deserted islands and gorgeous natural surroundings. Sailing Yacht Asia gives tours of the archipelago in luxurious yachts that can accommodate 10 people.
#7 Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Tetons and Thai Food.
Once known purely for its fine powder and Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole is now a destination for any season, thanks to a burgeoning art scene, new resorts and a well-regarded music festival.
You can still ski down bone-jarring cliffs during the day and saddle up to cowboy bars at night, but now there are also expert classes to take in nature photography, great galleries to visit and even a darn-good Thai restaurant to book for dinner (named appropriately, Teton Thai).Who knew Wyoming could feel so cosmopolitan?
#6 Burgos, Spain: A Gastronomic Delight
This teensy city used to be known primarily for its massive cathedral, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in the 80's. Today it's attracting foodies the world over, after being declared Spain's gastronomic capital.
Local delicacies include blood sausages with roasted peppers, grilled lechazo, and baby lamb. Besides the gorgeous church and scrumptious food, there's a new boutique hotel here (Via Gotica) as well as the recently-opened Museum of Human Evolution.
#5 Granada, Nicaragua: At the Center of a Renaissance
Granada, nicknamed "Great Sultan," was founded in 1524 and is the oldest city in the new world. Today it's emerging as the center of a Nicaraguan renaissance. As locals say: "Granada is Nicaragua; the rest is just mountains."
With colorful, colonial houses, framed by the hulking Mombacho volcano, Granada leaves an impression like nowhere else in the country. It's also got huge tracts of forests teeming with endangered species, quiet surfing beaches and first-rate resorts. Check out El Zaguan for Granada's best churrasco-style steakhouse and Alabama Rib Shack Bar for American grub with a Latin flare.
#4 The Jesenik: Relaxation Awaits
The Jesenik , a Czech mountain range along the border with Poland, has long been renowned for its rejuvenating, clean air. Folks have been coming here to unwind since the 18th century.
Just ask Maximilian Franz, the youngest child of the Holy Roman empress Maria Theresa: He founded a Swiss chalet in the spa village in 1850. Today, modern pools, saunas and treatment facilities attract the tired and the stressed from all over Europe.
#3 Washington D.C.: Not Just For Fat Cats and Lobbyists
If you're thinking D.C. is still full of preppy rich lobbyists and disadvantaged minorities, you're right. But in the past couple of years, neighborhoods have become more racially mixed as the city has seen an influx of new residents. The foodie scene is humming right along, too, now that the artisnal foodie palace Union Market and Thai jewel Little Serow have gained followings.
Check out Logan and Adam's Morgan for first-class dining and entertainment options. Rad nights can be had at the Black Cat and the 9:30 club.
#2 Oslo, Norway: Fine Fjords, Fine Food.
Oslo offers an intoxicating mix of tall trees and tall buildings, fjords and fine food. The Oslo Opera house, which looks like a giant glacier sliding into the river, boasts incredible acoustics and has won numerous international design awards.
Nearby, you can grab some Michelin-approved grub at Maaemo restaurant, or explore Oslo's diverse mix of top-notch nightlife, which ranges from jazz to indie rock. Perhaps best of all is how easy it is to leave the city behind and explore Oslo's surroundings, where one can cycle, hike, ice-skate, kayak, sail or ski -- all within city limits.
#1 Yucatan, Mexico: Steeped in Culture
This ancient Mayan city is home to a plethora of archeological sites and a culture steeped in tradition. Here you can find beautiful resorts offering truly unique spa treatments (like a three-day cleansing ritual called Kukulkhan) as well as a dance festival, concerts, literary festivals and even talks by renowned astronomers.
Nearby Valladolid has become a bit of a foodie paradise, offering dishes like grilled watermelon with panela cheese and tacos stuffed with pork, black bean and pickled onions.
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