Top 5 Tourist Destinations for 2012 [26-01-2012]
Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guidebook, recently revealed the top five tourist destinations of 2012. They collected hundreds of ideas and recommendations from travelers, bloggers, and readers. However, in the end, a panel of travel experts voted on the top five. They said they looked at four main factors: topicality, excitement, value, and a special X-factor. Let’s look at which countries made the cut!

Coming in at number one was Uganda, a country in Africa. The experts emphasized Uganda’s natural beauty, from its savannahs and snow-capped mountains to its sprawling jungles and vast lakes. Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is also ranked one of Africa’s safest cities.

Coming in second place was Myanmar (Burma). Experts highlighted the country’s mountains, beaches with white sand, historic towns, countless pagodas, and friendly Buddhist locals.

Ukraine was ranked third. Experts called the country “the great unknown of Europe.” Many tourists are expected to travel to Ukraine next year because it will co-host Euro 2012 (the European football championships유럽축구선수권대회) with Poland.

Coming in fourth was Jordan. It is known as one of the most open, friendly, and welcoming nations in the Middle East. It boasts famous and historic landmarks. Many tourists also travel to Jordan to visit the Dead Sea.

Denmark rounded up the top five. The country consistently ranks as the coolest, happiest, best-looking place on Earth. The country also has a beautiful seaside, picturesque countryside, and many architectural wonders.