Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2012

Posted by Ash K on Thursday, January 19, 2012 0

The first step to take when planning an incredible vacation is deciding where to visit. Activities, restaurants and attractions are just a few factors that should be considered when choosing the ideal vacation spot. Anyone who needs help planning their next vacation should read the following list to discover some of the best and most unique destinations in the United States.

1. The Four Corners Region, Southwestern United States
The scenery surrounding the intersection of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah is some of the country’s most breathtaking. The arid region is home to the Four Corners Monument, Arizona’s Monument Valley and Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park. There are not many amenities available at the actual border, but there are a few large towns in the area.

2. The U.S. Virgin Islands
Travelers who want to spend their vacation relaxing on a beautiful beach should not look any further than the Virgin Islands. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sands and 80-degree weather are just a few hallmarks of the Virgin Islands. Accommodations range from quaint campgrounds to luxurious resorts.

3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is not one of the first places that people think of when planning a vacation, making it ideal for those who do not want to get caught in a tourist trap. Travelers can visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, Findlay Market, Cincinnati Zoo or the Newport Aquarium during their stay in this architecturally diverse city.

4. Boulder, Colorado
Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting Boulder. People from around the world travel to Boulder to enjoy world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, running and camping. The Royal Arch Trail is a popular hike through one of the area’s famous red-rock canyons. Boulder also offers a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

5. Hudson River Valley, New York
The Hudson River Valley is filled with wineries, bed and breakfasts, organic farms and historical attractions. Families will find plenty of activities to keep children happy, including mini-golf, adventure parks and animal sanctuaries.

6. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Culebra is a small island located just 20 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico. This unique island is home to Playa Flamenco, a world-class beach. Apartments on the beach can be rented on a nightly basis and some local accommodations include complimentary gear for water sports.

7. Hawaii, Hawaii
Many tourists overlook the Big Island of Hawaii, opting to visit Honolulu instead. Visiting Hawaii is the only way to explore the Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park. Other attractions on the Big Island include Hapuna Beach, the Hilina Pai lava field and snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.

8. California Gold Country
Gold Country is nestled along the edges of Highway 49, close to San Francisco. This destination is perfect for those who love Tahoe and Yosemite but want to save money. Tourists can try to strike it rich by stopping at some of the area’s numerous gold-panning spots, visit a winery or explore one of the regions famous caves.

9. Yellowstone National Park
Almost four million people visit the world’s first national park each year. Few travelers brave the weather and visit in the winter, but this is when the park truly shines. Waterfalls that have been frozen provide a sharp contrast to hot rivers that boil, sending steam into the air. Park rangers offer free snowshoe tours and skiers can explore some of the best cross-country trails in the nation.

10. Chicago, Illinois
Some of the world’s best restaurants, stores and museums can be found in Chicago. In 2012, Chicago will host the NATO and G8 summits, making the town busier than ever. Visitors may also want to see Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, which may be named as a World Heritage Site this year.

This list is only an overview of a few of the must-visit destinations in the United States. It can be used as a starting point for vacation planning. Anyone interested in traveling to one of these locations can easily find more information online.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the travel, technology, and business, industries for three years. When Nicole traveled last year she made sure to check for vacation rentals in order to save money. This year, Nicole made sure to plan her vacation early, to save her time and money. She made sure to look for any daily deals on airfare online and offline.