Rough Guides pick best travel experiences for 2009
Rough Guides has named its top travel tips for 2009, the last year of the noughties. Created by a team of travel experts and inspired by books like Make the Most of Your Time on Earth and Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel, Rough Guides has trawled its best travel minds to come up with its top tips for making the most of 2009, with a top 10 for around the world, and top 5 in Britain.
Make the most of the noughties around the world…
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 hair-pin bends and sweeping curves of the racetrack alongside Singapore’s impressive skyline.
Chill out in the 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 away in its backstreets.
Soak up Cuba’s cultural legacy before everyone else gets there – Cuba’s era as an island caught in time could be drawing to a close as America looks to lift visiting restrictions. Experience the motors, mojitos and music before the hordes arrive.
Discover Ningaloo, the west coast’s Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Escape the crowds on one of the world’s largest 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.
Volunteering in New Orleans, USA – Immerse yourself in a city coming back to life by joining up with an aid organisation 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.
Watch Wimbledon without getting wet, London, England – Summer 2009 sees the first use of SW19’s new retractable roof on Centre Court. So there’s less chance of impromptu Cliff Richard sing-alongs. Ticket details can be found at: wimbledon.org
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.
Get the tartan out 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
The Maulidi festival in Lamu, Kenya - Join in with the all-island party to celebrate the Prophet's birthday in March. On this coconut island with no cars, where the town dates back to the 14th century, the whole population is caught up in processions, dancing and eating – and visitors are welcome to join in.
Forget Rio, see the noughties 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 run-down seaside town of Santa Marta.
Make the most of the noughties in the UK:
Watch Wimbledon without getting wet, London, England – Summer 2009 sees the first use of SW19’s new retractable roof on Centre Court. So there’s less chance of impromptu Cliff Richard sing-alongs. Ticket details can be found at: wimbledon.org
Get the tartan out 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/
Veuve Clicquot Polo on Cornwall’s famous surfing haunt, England – Watergate Bay brings Polo to the masses as holiday makers, surfers and seasoned polo fans quaff champagne just north of Newquay, on a glorious expanse of fine sand two and a half miles long. watergatebay.co.uk
See England battle for the Ashes...in Cardiff, Wales - Yep, for the first time, the famous series against Australia will be taking place outside of England as the SWALEC Stadium plays host to this much anticipated battle of the giants. Check out ecb.co.uk/ for ticket details.
Volunteer on Lundy Island and get a helicopter ride into the bargain, England – In February 2009 the Landmark Trust needs volunteers to help clear Rhododendron on Lundy Island. A striking granite outcrop in the Bristol Channel with a population of just 18 people, enjoy the unique landscape and wildlife of the island, plus travel over by helicopter (the only way to get there at this time of year). See shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level1/8/level.