The Top 10 travel destinations for 2016

[Lacoste]

 

Lonely Planet, known as the first and last word on travel, has come out with its list of Top 10 destinations for 2016. From offbeat countries like Botswana and Uruguay, to the ever po[CENSORED]r Australia and US, there is a bit of something for every kind of traveller. Here's a list of the best destinations for the new year.

 

 

1. Botsawana: Invigoratingly wild, is how many describe Botswana. In 2016, the country celebrates 50 years of independence, which is a great reason to visit in itself. The other would be the way it has developed its natural riches for tourists. 

 

 

2. Japan: One of the most po[CENSORED]r destinations for those intending to explore the Orient, Japan is a great combination of heritage and modernity. While on the one hand you have the latest technology, on the other there are traditions that date back centuries. The Cherry Blossom season remains the most po[CENSORED]r. 

 

 

3. USA: Indians in the post-independence era have always been fascinated with the United States, and why not. The American dream, as it's called, has played on the minds of countless enterprising youths who have gone ahead and made a life there. So, as the country turns 100 in 2016, savour the natural riches at the 56-odd national parks, while visiting relatives in New York. 

 

 

4. Palau: This is unquestionably one of the most magical diving and snorkelling destinations in the world. Dubbed a ‘Serengeti’ of the sea, this far-flung Pacific archipelago is a dream destination for lovers of the deep blue. 

 

 

5. Latvia: Over the past five years, eastern Europe has slowly, but steadily, piqued the interest of Indian travellers. Though, the west is still po[CENSORED]r, there has been an increased flow of tourists to the countries of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. 2016 is Latvia's silver anniversary, and the country is reviving its ancient traditions, restoring crumbling castles and manor houses hidden in its pine forests.

 

 

6. Australia: The island continent is full of wonders — from the sea to the great outback, there is something for every kind of tourist. Though, not one of the cheapest trips to go on, the faltering currency has sort of brought it within the reach of many. Pack your swimming gear and head to the Great Barrier Reef, and the multitude of cuisines that Australia has now come to be known for, much thanks to Masterchef Australia. 

 

 

7. Poland: Wroclaw, the largest city in western Poland has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2016 — which makes it a great time to head towards the Baltic country. Gdansk, Kraków, Szczecin and Katowice are the other cities worth visiting. 

 

 

8. Uruguay: Known as the ‘Switzerland of America’, Uruguay is expecting a record number of tourists in 2016. Sandwiched between the more po[CENSORED]r Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has much to offer in terms of gaucho (cowboy) fantasy, and nightlife on sea amid the glamour of Punta del Este. 

 

 

9. Greenland: Which better place to watch the midnight sun, the splatter of green with the Aurora Borealis dancing across the ice sheet. This Arctic wonderland is a must-visit for any cold lover. 

 

 

10. Fiji: Chill out in one of the many Fijian resorts that's bound to help you unwind — which is exactly what a vacation is supposed to do. From the latest extreme sport, to the classic pursuits of diving, sailing and angling, soak up the sun at this tropical archipelago. 

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And Romania:

 

Palace of the Parliament

 

The Palace of the Parliament (Romanian: Palatul Parlamentului) is the seat of the Parliament of Romania. Located on Spirii Hill in central Bucharest, the Palace is the world's largest civilian building with an administrative function. It is also the most expensive administrative building and heaviest building.

 

A colossal parliament building known for its ornate interior, it houses the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, three museums and an international conference center. The National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Totalitarianism and Socialist Realism, and the Museum of the Palace are hosted inside the palace. Though named the House of the Republic (Casa Republicii) after the Romanian Revolution of 1989 it became widely known as the People's House (Casa Poporului), also known in English as the People's Palace. There are public tours organized in a number of languages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And.... again in Romania,

 

Bran Castle (Castle of Dracula):

 

 

 

 

 

Bran Castle (Romanian: Castelul Bran; German: Törzburg; Hungarian: Törcsvár), situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Braşov, is a national monument and landmark in Romania. The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, on DN73. Commonly known as "Dracula's Castle" (although it is one among several locations linked to the Dracula legend, including Poenari Castle and Hunyad Castle), it is the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker's Dracula. There is, however, no evidence that Stoker knew anything about this castle, which has only tangential associations with Vlad III, voivode of Wallachia, the putative inspiration for Dracula. As discovered by the Dutch author Hans Corneel de Roos, the location Bram Stoker actually had in mind for Castle Dracula while writing his novel was an empty mountain top, Mount Izvorul Călimanului, 2,033 metres (6,670 ft) high, located in the Transylvanian Călimani Alps near the former border with Moldavia.

 

 

The castle is now a museum open to tourists, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Tourists can see the interior individually or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small open-air museum park exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures (cottages, barns, etc.) from across the country.