Modern wonders of the world: redefined

Famed for its barbies, backpackers and Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, Australia has now cemented its cultural reputation, with Brits crowning the Sydney Opera House as THE Modern Wonder of the World.

New research from Halifax Travel Insurance has identified which landmarks are the most recognisable of our time and ones we aspire to visit. In first place was the proud landmark down under, closely followed by the Eiffel Tower and Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue. One surprise entry into the top 10 is the yet to be completed Palm Resort. Dubai's luxury holiday resort island, which is set to become the largest land reclamation project in the world, shot into 4th place.

The nationwide poll, conducted by the travel insurance provider involved over 2,000 Brits and discovered what attracts Brits to the landmarks. Advances in architecture, technology and design were identified as likely draws for holidaymakers from around the globe. The New Top 10 ‘Modern Wonders of the World' have been named as:

1. Sydney Opera House
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris
3. Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro
4. The Palm, Dubai
5. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
6.= Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpar
6.= The Kremlin, Moscow
8. Ground Zero, New York
9. CN Tower, Toronto
10. The Atomium, Brussels

The reasons behind the choices of the modern wonders of the world also seem to be modern. While 45% of respondents said their choice of favourite landmark was due to their admiration of contemporary architecture, 17% gave film and TV appearances as a reason.

With many expected to tighten their belts this year, holidays in the UK can also be based around wonders of the world on our doorstep. For the third (29 per cent) of families staying on home shores this year, Halifax Travel Insurance has also identified the must-see ‘Wonders of British Isles':

1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
2. Giant's Causeway, County Antrim
3. Big Ben
4. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
5. Ben Nevis, Lochaber
6. The Needles, Isle of Wight
7. The Eden Project, Cornwall
8. London Eye
9. Blackpool Tower
10. Angel of the North, Gateshead

Vicky Watson, spokesperson for Halifax Travel Insurance, said: "Our research has highlighted some of the top travel spots both home and away. The top ten Modern Wonders reflect the diversity of architecture around the world, while the Wonders of the British Isles is a reminder of the stunning array of treasures that can be found right here on our doorstep. But whether people are travelling to foreign shores or staying within the UK, we would urge people to consider whether their chosen travel insurance is adequate for their particular trip, and not just buy on price alone."

Vicky added: "For those who may be tempted to travel without any travel insurance at all, here's a sobering thought - if you have an accident and have to return to the UK due to medical reasons, it can cost as much as £45,000 to be repatriated from the USA, the location of many of the favourite far flung destinations highlighted in our research. It's really not worth the risk."

Halifax Travel Insurance covers travellers both abroad and in the UK for many unforeseen events including loss or theft of travel documents, cancellation or cutting short a holiday, medical expenses and delayed or cancelled flights. Optional additional cover can also be added for personal baggage, money, winter sports and golf cover.

For more information, visit halifax.co.uk/insurance