Rough Guides just came out with the list shown below. Have you been to any of these before and have any comments? Or what do you think of the list?


People might be short of cash due to the economic downturn but vacations are still on the agenda for 2009, although maybe with a different slant.

Rough Guides has picked its top nine best travel experiences for 2009.

1. Soak up Cuba's cultural legacy before everyone gets there:

Cuba's era as an island caught in time could be drawing to a close as the United States looks to ease restrictions on the communist-run nation. Experience the motors, mojitos and fabulous music before the hordes arrive.

2. Volunteering in New Orleans, U. S. A.:

Immerse yourself in a city coming back to life by joining up with an aid organization to help rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward and other areas hit hard by the post-Katrina floods. Then head to the French Quarter to reward your efforts with beignets, jazz and hurricane cocktails--they're still served with gusto.

3. Chill out in UNESCO-protected town of Kotor, Montenegro:

Climb to the top of the medieval walled town of Kotor for the best views of the world's second deepest fjord, or try out Montenegro's largest nightclub, Maximus, hidden in back streets.

4. Formula One night racing in Singapore:

Live life in the fast lane at the world's only Formula One night race when it returns to Marina Bay in autumn 2009. Marvel at the hairpin bends and sweeping curves of the racetrack alongside Singapore's impressive skyline.

5. Discover Ningaloo, Western Australia:

Escape the crowds on one of the world's largest and pristine fringing coral reefs. If you've got the nerve, swim with whale sharks, snorkel and dive the reefs, or wander along the shoreline exploring the crystal clear waters.

6. Witness the Granitola festival in Casamaccioli, Corsica:

Celebrated in small villages across the island over Easter, the slow, spiralling processions of dozens of hooded penitents from the local monasteries, chanting and singing as they glide past, make it a wonderful place to be at this time of year.

7. Break out the kilt for one of the largest clan gatherings in history, Edinburgh, Scotland:

2009 heralds the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, and a year-long celebration of all things Scottish. The gathering will see clan members from all over the world congregate for a magnificent Highland Games in Holyrood Park: clangathering.org

8. The Maulidi festival in Lamu, Kenya:

Join in with the all-island party to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday in March. On this picturesque coconut island with absolutely no cars, where the town dates back to the 14th century, the whole population is caught up in processions, dancing and eating.

9. See the decade out in style in Baranquilla, Colombia:

Come December the coastal town of Baranquilla turns into a winter extravaganza of dancing and partying. Round out a visit with a trip to the two neighbouring cities: colonial Cartagena and the delightfully rundown seaside town of Santa Marta.

I want to go to Montenegro! It sounds fantastic...

Also, I tried looking up flights for Cuba... I didn't realise a lot of websites won't actually give you a quote because of the US-Cuba political relations. And if you get a Cuban stamp in your passport they won't let you enter the US, I was told. How upsetting... I would also like to go to Cuba but I'm sensing this isn;t the best time!

I think the whole Cuban stamp thing only applies to Americans? There aren't any restrictions for any other countries entering Cuba. I'm probably wrong though.

Is that right? Well thats better then. Maybe my brother was trying to warn me off going there cause he isn't a fan of their politics... hmm

You don't get a stamp in your passport in Cuba. They stamp an entry/exit form instead, which is placed in your passport when you enter, and given up when you leave. Makes it far easier for US tourists!

Plus if you did have a stamp in your passport (say, if you asked them too), as you're not an US citizen, it shouldn't be a problem.

I've been to Kotor, Montenegro. It's pretty cool. We've got some family there so we were lucky with accommodations and getting shown around the local scene. Go if you can!