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29 places to go in 2009
Make the new year one to remember at one of these travel hotspots
 Yoray Liberman / Getty Images file Located in the center of Turkey, approximately 450 miles from Istanbul, Cappadocia is a Salvador Dali painting come to life. This bizarre, lunar-like landscape is dotted with extraordinary “fairy chimney” rock formations, dramatic gorges, troglodyte houses, subterranean chapels, underground cities that once sheltered early Christians, and exquisite hotels carved out of the area’s abundant soft stone. |
When our editors got into a room to hash out our top 29 travel picks for 2009, we realized just how much the economic, social, and political changes of 2008 have sculpted the travel landscape for the coming year.
The rising cost of air travel, the global economic crisis, and the fluctuating dollar made once-popular destinations in Europe out of reach for many of us. New hotspots, like South America, emerged, as their exchange rates offered visitors more bang for their buck. Heightened interest in “going green” meant more focus on eco-friendly tourism and great-outdoors vacations than ever before. And let’s not forget the historic presidential election of Barack Obama, which has sparked Washington, D.C.’s massive resurgence as a tourism destination.
Underpinning all of this, however, is a renewed emphasis on great-value vacations — something we at ShermansTravel know all about. Our editors brought their dollar-savvy expertise and collective travel mileage to the office globe to cast a wide net of 29 places to go in 2009, nearly all of which offer a good degree of affordability in addition to unique, memorable travel experiences.
While we haven’t left a worldwide stone unturned in our quest for the best of 2009, we’ve also devoted more coverage than usual to close-to-home getaways right here in the United States, so that you can forego airfare altogether in favor of quick road trips or hitting the rails instead. Indeed, one of the best deals going these days is Amtrak’s great-value USA Rail Pass, whose benefits have only recently been made available to U.S. citizens.
So remember: While you may have less travel budget in 2009, there are still plenty of places to discover that won’t break the bank. Get out and explore these 29 places before the crowds do ... in 2010.
United States & Canada
1. Atlanta
A modern, cosmopolitan destination with well-maintained historical roots (M.L.K. was born here), this Southern belle of a city can charm even the most jaded of visitors with its grade-A Southern hospitality, impressive arts and music scene, and plethora of attractions. Catch a sporting event, tour historical landmarks dating from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, visit the world’s largest aquarium, get behind the scenes at the Coca-Cola factory or CNN Studios, or kick up your adrenaline a notch at an area theme park.
Why go in 2009: Atlanta’s art and hotel scenes are getting ready to explode. Plan a visit for two blockbuster exhibitions on King Tut and the Terracotta Army, on display well into spring —it’s the first time these two exhibits have simultaneously showed in one city. Even the French are taking notice of Atlanta: The High Museum of Art’s “The Louvre and the Masterpiece” exhibit is set to showcase on-loan Louvre masterpieces until early September.
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On the hotel front, two more W hotels are joining the cityscape, crowning Atlanta as the city with the most W Hotels after New York, while a new Hotel Palomar (www.hotelpalomar-atlanta.com) and St. Regis (www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html) are on the radar for the coming calendar year.
2. Austin
Austin’s superlative live music scene may have made the city famous, but this hip Texas capital city’s quirky charm extends far beyond its melodic beats. Largely enriched by the dynamic energy of the homegrown University of Texas, Austin boasts the Lone Star State’s best cultural offerings, with numerous galleries, museums, and music venues (more than 100 in all!) alongside some more unexpected attractions — like the summer congregation of some million bats by the Congress Avenue Bridge — without sacrificing its appealing small-town feel. Combine that with more than 300 sunshine-filled days a year, and it’s little wonder that Austin’s consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S.
Why go in 2009: Sure, traveling abroad can be a pricey venture in these trying economic times, but who says you need to leave America to escape it? Austin, whose unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird,” offers the American traveler a rare U.S. city vacation destination that’s devoid of the cookie-cutter commercial strips found nearly everywhere else — in fact, all chain and big-box stores (think McDonald's and Walmart) are pleasantly absent from the downtown area, giving way to hundreds of sensational local businesses that can only be experienced in Austin. What's more, some exciting new music festivals are slated for autumn 2009: Look for the Texas Wine & Song Festival (www.texaswineandsong.com) in October and the punk and indie rock Fun Fun Fun Fest (www.funfunfunfest.com) in November.
3. Bucks County
Immediately north of Philadelphia and across the Delaware River from New Jersey, rustic Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a quaint countryside retreat known for charming B&Bs, country inns, covered bridges, serene vineyards, and beautiful colonial estates.
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Why go in 2009: Located just 1.5 hours from New York, 2.5 hours from Baltimore, and less than an hour by car from Philadelphia, Bucks County makes an easy one-tank trip — and most of its B&Bs are more affordable than those in the New England countryside (trust us, they’re just as quaint). Many regional travelers are already familiar with New Hope, but less-commercial Doylestown is coming into its own, with a tree-lined downtown district full of unique shops and restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene anchored by the eclectic Mercer Museum and the James A. Michener Art Museum, which hosts a “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” exhibition in fall 2009. Meanwhile, in Langhorne, Sesame Place will open the largest attraction in its history, The Count’s Splash Castle, come spring.
4. The Catskills and Hudson Valley
Just a quick jaunt north of Manhattan, the Catskills region, New York’s hipster- and hippie-haunted mountain playground, and the neighboring historic Hudson River Valley — home to the state capital at Albany, West Point, and historic estates of the Rockefeller and Roosevelt ilk —together provide a well-rounded, four-season destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike. From skiing to river tubing, and wine-tasting to antiques shopping, this scenic expanse of rolling valleys, forested mountains, and the rushing Hudson River doles out the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historical sites, and charming towns.
Why go in 2009: The 40th anniversary of the momentous Woodstock Festival will draw visitors to explore both the festival’s artsy namesake town and the site of the original 1969 event at the modern-day Bethel Woods Arts Center, where visitors today can catch al fresco concerts and peep into the newly dedicated Woodstock Museum, which masterly documents the festival and its surrounding 1960s social and political movements. Meanwhile, the magnificent Mohonk Mountain House (www.mohonkanniversary.com), a grand Victorian castle resort (and National Historic Landmark) set on pristine forested grounds by Lake Mohonk, just north of New Paltz, is celebrating its 140th anniversary with promotional packages, seasonal galas, and more. Last but not least, the 400th anniversary of New York’s founding by Dutch explorer Henry Hudson (www.hudson400.com) will be commemorated with special events like the Relay Flotilla in June, set to retrace Henry Hudson’s river trajectory from Manhattan to Albany — look for promotional packages to coincide with the quadricentennial, like those being offered by the upscale Emerson Resort (www.emersonresort.com) in Mt. Tremper.
5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The most visited national park in the U.S., the Great Smoky Mountains (a western segment of the high Appalachians) boast over 500,000 acres of pristine forest and diverse wildlife that includes foxes, deer, elk, and some 1,500 resident black bears. Nestled between North Carolina and Tennessee, park visitors have access to 800 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; scenic campsites; historic cabin museums that serve to recount pioneer history; and popular auto-tour loops, like those along Cades Cove — all of which are shrouded in the misty-blue haze that gave name to “The Smokies.”
Why go in 2009: With American travelers forecasted to plan more trips to national parks this year, the Great Smoky Mountains offer one of the country’s most cost-efficient vacations in the great outdoors. Admission to the park is always completely free, and as this year marks the 75th anniversary of its founding (www.greatsmokies75th.org), many additional complimentary activities are planned, including musical performances and special ranger-led programs.
6. Northwest Passage
For centuries, this icy Arctic Ocean route — which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans atop North America — proved to be unconquerable terrain. In fact, the first sea passage wasn’t completed until 1906 (and it took a Norwegian explorer three entire years!) Now, some hundred years later, due to the melting ice cap effect of global warming, you can be among the first to witness this slice of the Arctic’s stunning glaciers and wildlife, like arctic wolves and polar bears. Several expedition cruise companies have launched summer itineraries in the region, which include excursions like sea kayaking and visits to remote northern villages.
Why go in 2009: Go now — before continued global warming and government sanctions make this stellar destination a thing of the past. During a brief window from August to September, cruises along the top of the world can be booked on operators like Hapag-Lloyd (www.hapag-lloyd.com) — try their extensive 25-day sailing between Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and Nome, Alaska — or, book the shorter 13-day outing between Edmonton and Ottawa (requiring flight transfers) offered by Peregrine Adventures (www.peregrineadventures.com). We recommend booking at least nine months in advance — while this is one of our list's priciest destinations, it’s also in the most limited supply.
7. Sarasota
A bay-front community flanked by picturesque keys, Sarasota lies just 60 miles south of Tampa and is home to the 66-acre Ringling (of circus fame) historic mansion and art museum, orchid-filled botanical gardens, and over 50 golf courses. With year-round sunshine, visitors come for the miles of white-sand beaches, but stick around for the vibrant arts scene, wildlife-rich nature preserves, and wide range of activities ranging from kayaking to flying trapeze classes. Shoppers can indulge in everything from the antique to boutique, while foodies’ dining options run the gamut from local seafood shacks to award-winning gourmet eateries.
Why go in 2009: Happily overlooked by hordes of spring breakers, this up-and-coming Florida retreat offers both luxurious tranquility and beachfront family fun. Siesta Key Beach was recently named the third best beach in the U.S. by coastal expert “Dr. Beach,” making it a must for beach lovers in 2009. While in town, check out the Hyatt Regency’s (www.sarasota.hyatt.com) $22 million dollar renovation, including new waterfront restaurant Currents. Also take advantage of the tourism board's “Beaches and Baseball” lodging deals and local fanfare planned for spring 2009, the last training season the Cincinnati Reds will spend in Sarasota.
8. Washington, D.C.
The U.S. capital and elegant epicenter of American history, politics, and culture, Washington, D.C. exudes a captivating combination of history and hip, constantly morphing with new attractions, and emitting a tangible aura of power that can be felt just by strolling the broad boulevards. Check out this melting pot’s multi-cultural neighborhoods, stroll Embassy Row, ogle mind-blowing monuments, bar-hop downtown, or see how many free museums you can visit in a day.
Why go in 2009: Head to the capital and get more bang for your buck while witnessing history in the making. The year's hottest ticket — the January 20 Presidential Inauguration — will be preceded by five days of inaugural balls and parties and is expected to draw some two million people. Martin Luther King Day lands on January 19, a holiday which brings its own set of D.C. celebrations — and its own special meaning in ’09.
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9. Whistler
Skiers and boarders searching for heavenly pistes needn’t look further than the coastal mountains of British Columbia. Canada's top winter resort boasts truly tremendous powder, which is why Whistler is hosting most of the ski events during 2010's Winter Olympic Games. With 33.5 feet of average snowfall per year, this winter-sports mecca offers conditions tailor-made for snowshoeing, tubing, and backcountry adventures, along with an extended ski season lasting from November through June. Come in the warmer months, and you’ll discover a top destination for mountain biking, zip-trek eco tours, whitewater rafting, and more.
Why go in 2009: Although the event is still one year away, Whistler visitors in 2009 will have the chance to preview some Olympic glory before the games. Construction on all main Olympic venues is now complete (some facilities are open for touring), a handful of new lodge and hotels have opened their doors (we like the Evolution Whistler; www.evolutionwhistler.ca), and a high-tech gondola debuts in December. More exciting still will be the chance to ski like a champion down real Olympic runs or to witness winter sports excitement at F.I.S. World Cup events. Best of all, Whistler vacations offer terrific value over comparative experiences at Western U.S. ski resorts, with cheaper lodging options and a strong U.S.-to-Canadian-dollar conversion.
10. Willamette Valley
Located about an hour’s drive south of Portland and spread out on the banks of the Willamette River, this up-and-coming wine region has been making waves of late in wine glasses across the nation. Billing itself as the "place for pinot,” this slumbering grapevine district is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which beckon visitors with tasting rooms and even eco-wine tours. Visitors can also opt to take in the vineyard-covered landscape from a hot-air balloon ride, trot along farm-dotted trails on horseback, or take home a one-of-a-kind find from one of the many antique shops.
Why go in 2009: Although enthusiasts forecast that this area will be the next Napa Valley, the less-commercialized Willamette Valley remains — for now — a much more affordable vino-centric destination than its southerly California neighbor. Plus, new developments are on the horizon for those looking for an alternative to the area’s charming B&B circuit — in August, for one, the region’s first luxury inn, The Allison Inn & Spa (www.theallison.com), will be unveiled, featuring extras like a restaurant dishing out regional cuisine and a working vineyard.
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