Georgia is one of the places recommended for vacationers to visit in 2015
MILAN, ITALY: Expo Milano 2015 Exhibition
No, it's not cynical to open the list of trending travel destinations for 2015 with the shopping mecca. The fact is that Milan will have plenty to admire besides shop windows: from May 1 to October 31, the city will host Expo Milano 2015. This world exhibition is a symbol of industrialization and a platform for showcasing technical and technological achievements. It is expected that approximately 20 million people will view the giant exhibition over 184 days. It's a good reason to thoroughly explore the city: on warm days, Milan is beautiful and beckons not so much with expensive stores as with affordable cafes in the Navigli canal district and lounging on the grass in Parco Sempione.
SINGAPORE: The country's 50th anniversary
In 2015, Singapore celebrates a milestone. The city-state turns 50! This ambitious, successful, young country starts reveling on New Year's Eve, and it continues all year. In February, the Chingay Parade street parade will take place, dedicated to the Chinese New Year and the arrival of spring (in the anniversary year, the spectacle will be especially colorful). In autumn, in honor of the country's birthday, the 10-kilometer Jubilee Walk art alley will open, and a whole series of celebratory events will take place.
TBILISI, GEORGIA: Exploring the thousand-year continuity of local winemaking traditions
That Tbilisi is a must-visit on any avid traveler's list is well known to every traveler. Many serenades have been sung to the city, and now finally travel experts from across the ocean have taken notice. In 2015, Tbilisi, already attractive to wine connoisseurs, will turn into a true pilgrimage center. Large-scale events for gourmets and lovers of grape drink will be held in the city: a young wine festival and a cheese festival. Wine bars are now regularly opening in the Georgian capital, which will be a pleasant addition to the other obvious merits of the trip (architecture, people, breathtaking views, cuisine). If you have time, you can venture outside the city and visit wineries that have gained international fame: Iago, "Tears of a Pheasant," and "Khareba."
MACEDONIA: Delicious food, low prices
Travel industry experts have discovered in Macedonia, besides ancient monasteries and mountain peaks, low prices for everything and very tasty food (special attention is drawn to the fact that there is no McDonald's in the country – there was one before, but it apparently went bankrupt). In short, those who have already seen Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia are strongly advised to grab a plane ticket to Skopje.
BOLIVIA: Calm times on the plantations
Travel industry specialists believe that Bolivia's public life has become calm and smooth, and travelers will finally be able to appreciate this country for what it is. Bolivia is really looking forward to tourists: they have prepared Suma Phayata, a tour introducing local colorful street food, as well as adventure excursions to coffee plantations.
ZIMBABWE: Observing a financial calm
What did we forget in Zimbabwe? Well, this: the country's famous (and very lengthy) currency and financial troubles are behind it. Previously, unprecedented inflation overshadowed everything else. And the rest includes, if you don't mind, Victoria Falls, the UNESCO-protected Matobo Hills, and the colonial charm of the capital, Harare. In addition to land safaris, water safaris have been offered for some time, and now you can observe hippos and lions from the deck of the luxurious cruise ship Matusadona. Accommodation is offered right in Hwange National Park. In July, an airport will open in Victoria Falls, which will more neatly integrate the country into the travel map. Prices in Zimbabwe are low.
BURGUNDY, FRANCE: Tasting the results of rebranding
Adieu, Burgundy. Bonjour, Bourgogne. Winemakers and hoteliers of the famous region have given the province its more French name Bourgogne, which now adorns every bottle of grape drink, every five-star door (the name "Burgundy" was considered an anglicism). Perhaps in 2015, Bourgogne will enter the UNESCO World Heritage list (at least, the region is nominated for it). Hotels continue to open in the province, each more stylish and authentic than the last, and they very much want to attract beachgoers: in summer, 350 tons of sand will be brought to the shores of Lake Kir.
OMAN: Because it's authentic
When going to the UAE, a tourist expects to find an oriental fairy tale, but ends up amidst skyscrapers and urban noise. Oman shares only a border with its neighbors: instead of mirrored buildings, mountains rise, and the coastline here is not man-made but natural. The idyll likely won't last long: all the major hoteliers are rushing to Oman, and soon a big construction boom will break out.
NEW ORLEANS, USA: Before the storm comes…
The American city worth visiting in the new season is New Orleans, which marks a sad date in 2015 – the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The city has fully recovered from the most destructive natural disaster in the country's history and is awaiting guests. It is believed that New Orleans resembles no other US city and is absolutely non-American.
RABAT, MOROCCO: Contemporary art Maghreb-style
The capital of Morocco long languished in the shadow of Casablanca's cinematic fame. Rabat did not even try to compete with ancient Fez and trendy Marrakech. But in recent years, vacationers have awakened an interest in the main city of the Maghreb. After all, in 2012 Rabat was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2014 the country's first museum of contemporary art, Musée Mohammed VI, opened here. The luxury leisure industry has also acknowledged the city: at the end of 2015, the Ritz-Carlton hotel will open its doors in Rabat.
CUBA: Before the comandante's spirit fades
From now on, the US and Cuba are friends forever. It remains to rejoice for the reconciled neighbors, but it is absolutely obvious to any tourist: in a little while, Cuba will transform, losing its authenticity. You need to hurry with a visit before the Island of Freedom turns into one of the standard paradise states of the Caribbean.
KAS, TURKEY: For bohemian flair and historical discoveries
Instead of the Greek island of Kos, you can go to the Turkish town of Kas. On the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, this is one of the few places where a non-touristy atmosphere has been preserved. Kas has a hippie charm, it is picturesque, taverns do not offer English breakfast, jazz plays instead of Tarkan. This fishing village is also a good base for historical excursions – from here it is not far to the ancient Lycian cities of Patara and Xanthos.
CACERES, SPAIN: For very tasty tapas
In 2015, the city of Caceres was chosen as the gastronomic capital of Spain. It is halfway from Madrid to Lisbon, so it is easy to stop here along this route. If anyone wants to taste the best tapas in the country – you are welcome.
Yulia VERBI.
«Lenta.ru»