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Hot Holiday Destinations for 2010

Posted on 02. Jan, 2010 by Andrea in Travel

January is traditionally the busiest time of year for booking holidays and not to be left out in the snow, Sparkle has put its travel ear to the ground to suss out which holiday destinations are going to be tempting us to part with our cash next year.

So here, in no particular order, are my predictions for where’s going to be hot in 2010 .

Sparkle’s Top Ten Holiday Destinations for 2010.

1. South Africa
The world’s TV cameras will showcase South Africa for a whole month this summer as World Cup fever grips us. Promoters are hoping that the publicity will finally get this most beautiful of countries onto the world tourism map and as major tour operators are already reporting that they’ve sold out their World Cup packages, it looks like 2010 could be South Africa’s year.

2. Costa Rica
When Thomson and First Choice add a destination to their summer schedules, you can be sure that others will follow. Long enjoyed by US citizens, this lush jewel of jungles, wildlife and beaches has finally made it onto Britain’s radar and is set to woo long haul travelers this year.

3. Croatia and Montenegro
All the beauty of Tuscany without the price tag, that’s how travel writers describe Croatia. The beautiful, unspoilt Adriatic coastline caught the travel market’s attention in 2009 and is set to grab an even bigger slice of it in 2010. Combined with a trip to the pearl of the Med, Montenegro, this Adriatic adventure will be in next year’s travel Oscars.

4. USA
Keeping out of the Eurozone means that the UK will once again look across the pond for their holiday kicks. As ever, Hollywood will set the tone for destinations with next year’s release of Sex and the City 2 shining a spotlight on the buzz of New York and the release of Twilight ‘Eclipse’ drawing people to Washington State. Would-be wand wavers will be heading to Orlando in spring for the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios.

5. Dubai
Oil price slumps and the global recession created a dint in Dubai’s economy that sent fear tremors through the UAE’s burgeoning luxury travel market. As a result, many hoteliers are already slashing their prices and making Dubai more affordable. Luxury lovers could grab some great bargains here in 2010 if they’re quick off the mark; with all this freezing weather, oil reserves will deplete fast and prices will rise.

6. India
October sees India’s capital and third largest city, Delhi hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This fascinating city which has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times is creating an additional 25,000 rooms to accommodate athletes and visitors. The Games will be a springboard for many people to discover the unique sights, sounds and colours of India.

7. Thailand
It’s difficult to go anywhere nowadays and still feel you’re getting the sort of value for money that used to come so easily when you ventured abroad. But Thailand is one place that still delivers the goods. Beauty, tranquility and hospitality by the baht-load will keep Thailand on the UK’s travel map next year.

8. Morocco
Just three flying hours and a million miles away from the UK, Morocco offers a fascinating culture, breathtaking beaches and almost guaranteed sun. Rising in popularity in 2009 as an alternative to the Eurozone, the Riads and souqs of Marrakesh will continue to enjoy a sizeable slice of the UK market next year.

9. Istanbul
One of next year’s European Cities of Culture, Istanbul is set to consolidate its reputation as one of the World’s hippest cities in 2010. With a multitude of budget airlines delivering holidaymakers from the UK in under four hours, Turkey’s going to be on the menu all year.

10. Egypt
Set to rival Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt’s hottest newcomer onto the UK market is Marsa Matruh on the Mediterranean coast. Thomson Airlines are flying direct to Marsa Matruh from Gatwick and Manchester from May 2010. Sparkle predicts that many former Tenerife and Costa del Sol holiday-makers will be walking like Egyptians again next summer.

Tags: Commonwealth Games India 2010, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dubai holiday bargains, Egypt, holiday destinations 2010, Istanbul, Marrakesh, Montenegro, Morocco, Online dating, relationship, Thailand, USA, World Cup South Africa 2010

Andrea Montgomery

Freelance feature/travel writer and author of 2 travel guides, Andrea is a compulsive blogger and Tweeter with an annoying tendancy to behave like Head Girl (presumably because she never got to be one).

Andrea - has written 19 posts on Sparkle in my life. Contact the author

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