COMMENT: Have a happy holiday

The British Airways sales people have put together this list of the best holidays for 2010.  You may not agree with all the destinations but at least it will hopefully opens up discussion on the priorities for next year.   They do need your custom.

Landmark sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games influence the travel calendar.  A growing trend towards eco-tourism puts Stockholm on the map, while Istanbul is expected to be one of the most visited European destinations in recognition of its recent title of European City of Culture.

Malcolm Ginsberg

Editor in Chief

1.  Cape Town, South Africa
Nearly half a million supporters are expected to visit South Africa during the FIFA World Cup in June.  With Cape Town home to stunning beaches, mountains, vineyards and the Cape Town Stadium, it is sure to be a popular base for fans.

2.  Istanbul, Turkey
As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul is Europe’s hotspot in the New Year.  Offering great value for money and something for everyone – from beaches and bazaars to the breathtaking Bosphorus.  Secret music gigs, rooftop bars and underground clubs dominate the social scene for the party-hard locals.
 
3.  Las Vegas, USA
The film The Hangover has rekindled our love affair with the entertainment capital of the world.  Not just a haven for partying, Las Vegas is firmly established as a family friendly destination with everyone from U2 to Cirque de Soleil performing on the famous strip.  AERBT must add at this point that it was BA that followed Virgin Atlantic into this family holiday spot.

4.  Vancouver, Canada
Already a must-go destination for skiing and snowboarding, it is no surprise that Canada will play host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in February and March.  In the summer the Canadian Rockies and the Atlantic seaboard make it a pretty attractive place too.
 
5.  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is one of the emerging destinations for holidaymakers in the New Year, with top tour operators citing local beaches as the most stunning in the Caribbean.  Known for its golf and spa facilities, the island is one of the best-kept property secrets in recent times.  Boasting a five-mile oceanfront, local hangout Cap Cana is rumoured to be the new playground for the rich and famous.

6.  Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known as the  Pearl of the Adriatic, Croatia offers privacy and tranquillity making it a popular hideout for the jet set, including recent visitors Jay-Z and Beyonce.  The cruise ships drop by too.

7.  New York, USA
New York has always been hip, but the New Year will give us yet more excuses to plan a trip.  Due for theatrical release in 2010 are two film sequels celebrating Manhattan – Sex and the City 2 and Oliver Stone’s Wall Street 2.  There are up to 30 flights a day between London and Big Apple’s two airports, Kennedy and Newark.

8.  Stockholm, Sweden
Recently voted the best city in the world to live in, Stockholm has become the model city for others to follow.  Europe's epicentre of biodiversity and ecology will celebrate its official title of  European Green Capital in 2010, making it a popular choice for eco-tourists.
 
9.  The Maldives
Set in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise will be one of the hottest destinations for holidaymakers and honeymooners in 2010.  Collections of coral reefs boast unrivalled facilities for diving, while the picture postcard beaches offer chill-out bliss to the maximum.

10.  Delhi, India
Thanks to the growing trend for tiger safari, nearby destinations Bandhavgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanha National Park provide another reason to get off the beaten track and visit Delhi in 2010.

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