The comments on my last blog turned into an informal but telling poll on which destinations speak most eloquently to Bing readers. Topping the list was Paris, which got a third more votes than any other destination. I’m hoping this means that the pervasive prejudice against the French and French culture, which has blossomed in the U.S. over the last eight years, is on the wane.
If you read the original post, you’ll see that the City of Light is certainly on my list. With more museums and historic sights than any other destination in the world (a whopping 160+), extraordinary restaurants and an intellectual, fashion-savvy populace that sets the standard for sophistication, I think it deserves its standing as the cream of the crop.
My hometown of New York City came in second, with one reader giving a smart, succinct answer as to why. “It’s a place that has everything,” she wrote. So true, and though I shouldn’t gloat, we also have the American League champion Yankees.
Third place went to Hawaii, good news for a state that has lost about 20 percent of its visitors in the past two-and-a-half years, thanks to the pulling of cruise ships to the region by a major cruise line, as well as the bankruptcy of two of the major airlines that once served the islands.
More than just a fun-in-the-sun destination, the Hawaiian islands appeal to many because of the diversity of their offerings, from moving cultural and historic sights (Pearl Harbor, the Bishop Museum, the former leper colony on Molokai) to awesome natural wonders (the waterfall-carved terrain of Maui, the Big Island’s ever-spewing volcano). Another new lure: With the drop in tourism has come a decline in prices; what was once one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to visit is currently pretty darn reasonable.
Fourth place went to Rome, another no-brainer. The Eternal City, with its layers of history, its devotion to la dolce vita (the sweet life), its place as the center of the Catholic Church (which has enriched the city with an astounding treasure trove of great works of art over the centuries) and its effortless chic, places it on most travelers’ wish lists. Interestingly, if you counted the votes that went to the many cities and regions of Italy (Umbria, Tuscany, Venice, Florence and Lake Como all made the list), “The Boot” would have kicked Paris out of first place.
I was surprised by some of our readers’ other choices. New Zealand, the fifth-most popular destination, soundly trounced Australia, with nearly double its votes. Residual popularity due to the greatest travel commercial ever filmed, perhaps? I’m talking, of course, of the Lord of the Rings films, which caused an unprecedented boom in Kiwi tourism.
I also expected destinations that get huge amounts of tourism, such as Orlando and Las Vegas, to get more votes than they did.
Beyond the most popular choices, I found the readers’ lists inspiring, especially their more unusual choices. For instance, I haven’t heard many people extol the virtues of the San Blas Islands in Panama, Michigan’s Copper Country or Ondo, Nigeria. I’m now curious to visit those places. Also insightful was Sadie’s comment on why she now prefers not to visit the great European capitals. “The European capitals were wonderful in my youth and less so later,” she writes, “maybe due in part, that travelers were once considered as interesting and as exotic as the places they were visiting.”
Do you agree with Bing readers’ top five choices? Share your thoughts with other travelers in the comments section.
It's value info www.bing.com/.../bing-users-name-the-top-five-destinations-worth-revisiting-by-pauline-frommer.aspx
Whether you're strolling along the Seine or soaking up city life from a sidewalk café, you'll see why Paris topped Pauline's list and is synonymous with the word style. Of course, you can't miss the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Versailles and the Louvre. But be sure to spend a quiet moment in the Jardin de Tuileries and savor an éclair from a patisserie or a glass of Beaujolais in a romantic bistro. From culinary delights to cultural sights, haute couture to heady romance, Paris will tempt every one of your senses. Use our complete city guides at KMA Global Travels www.kmaglobaltravels.com, virtually visit over 5,000 cities to research and plan your trip. Familiarize yourself with your destination's neighborhoods, attractions, restaurants and shopping areas. Enjoy!
"Topping the list was Paris, which got a third more votes than any other destination. I’m hoping this means that the pervasive prejudice against the French and French culture, which has blossomed in the U.S. over the last eight years, is on the wane."
:) :)
I don't understand why Cameroon didn't make your list unless you haven't been there. Very beautiful country and people and very reasonable $$.
To Traveler: These places aren't drawn from my list, but from the list of readers. But thanks for suggesting Cameroon. I haven't been, but you've intrigued me.
This post was mentioned on Twitter by SEOSpy: Bing users name the top five destinations worth revisiting by Pauline Frommer http://bit.ly/3brcAH
Paris and Rome top my list too but so does London. Hundreds of museums and most of them are free. Fantastic theatre with tickets that are generally cheaper than in New York and with the strengthening of the euro and weakening of the pound, shopping, food and accommodations compare favorably to continental capitals. Parks, afternoon tea, pomp and circumstances, double decker busses - London is a town that never disappoints.
Kate
www.nocrowds.blogspot.com
I must agree with Pauline, Paris must be revisited, it's an amazing city! Heck, the entire nation is beautiful!
I can't agree more q the top 5, except that haven't been in Paris - BUT I don't think I wouln't desagree, common!Is Paris! All the others 4 choices I've been to, I want to go more than once for sure! In fact I'm going back to NYC for this christmas and New Years. About Hawai'i I lived for a year in OAHU, is amazing. Definitely, u want to see all that wonder views all over again. About New Zealand, is so exotic and full of views and fun, sky,adventures tours beautiful beaches and the lovelly people! Is been 4 months I leave but I miss already kiwi lifestyle! So peaceful - except for auckland - everything in the small cities closes at 5. U must be a day person i'll worth it.
I can't wait to go back to Thailand! I am leaving in a week and am getting excited all over again! The food is great, people are friendly, and the prices can't compare with any of those other luxury spots. The islands are beautiful, warm, and you can get back massages right on the beach for about $6 an hour! Fresh fruit and beautiful nature make the islands a great place to visit, but the architecture and history make the rest of the kingdom a magnificent place to holiday and live! I love it!
One must go Saint Tropez; it is beautiful, amazing people and weather. I love Jackson Hole Montana ; for those endless Mountains, warm fireplaces , horse back riding and fly fishing. Paris is the best place to spend a week walking and eating ; hauntingly beautiful , ; it becomes a part of your heart. Carmel in California is savage natural beauty and charm ; followed by a drive to Big Sur to stay at Post Ranch Inn or Esalen . Cherayx
