The 50 Most Popular World Travel Destinations

Which destinations continued to be favorites among American travelers in 2013 and where are the new tourism hotspots? Fodors.com reveals the answers with their first annual list of the year’s most popular travel destinations according to the more than 4.5 million unique monthly visitors to the brand’s website. Of the 7,500 destinations Fodors.com covers around the world, the leading travel publisher has identified 2013’s top 50 worldwide travel locales as well as the 50 destinations that have grown most in popularity over 2012 based on destination-guide page views from natural search by American visitors to Fodors.com.

“Natural search is a strong indicator of travelers’ intent to visit a destination--these are people that came to us because they were actively researching a trip using a search engine,” says Arabella Bowen, Editor in Chief of Fodor’s Travel.

While New York City continued to top the travel charts in 2013, many of the U.S.’s charming small cities and regions emerged with record interest. Texas Hill Country, situated between Austin and San Antonio and home to a burgeoning wine scene, saw the most dramatic growth in 2013, with a 258% increase in page views according to Fodors.com website statistics. Charleston, S.C., Savannah, G.A., and New York’s Hudson Valley also saw increased interest in 2013 and joined New Orleans, Napa and Sonoma, and Washington, D.C. in the top 50 most-popular destinations for the year.

Europe, the subject of Eugene Fodor’s first guidebook, ON THE CONTINENT (published in 1936), experienced a post-recession resurgence in 2013. Paris and Rome appear in the top ten of the year’s most visited destinations on Fodors.com while Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Ireland and Iceland all saw page views more than double.

“Europe is back in a big way, with the strongest numbers we’ve seen in years, which is really exciting. A number of great events and cultural happenings like Ireland’s The Gathering as well as terrific travel values in countries like Spain have helped put a spotlight on travel to the continent,” said Bowen. “At the same time, we saw a shift to new regions in the United States, like Texas Hill Country and the Oregon Coast, which indicates the Fodor’s audience is always looking to discover new places and experiences, something the brand has long embodied.”

Highlighting the popularity of warm-weather destinations among Americans, the report also revealed that eleven of the top 25 most-visited destination guides on Fodors.com in 2013 were beach retreats. Hawaii is a perennial favorite, along with Caribbean islands like St. Martin and Turks and Caicos. Mexican hotspots showed tremendous growth last year, with travelers showing increased interest in Isla Mujeres, Los Cabos, and the Riviera Maya. Other beach destinations with a significant uptick in interest included Puerto Rico (particularly San Juan and Vieques and Culebra); St. John and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and the Dominican Republic.

To explore these great destinations and other locations around the world, with travel tips from the experts and more, visit Fodors.com.

TOP 50 MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS WORLDWIDE:

1. New York City
2. Paris
3. The Florida Keys
4. San Francisco
5. New Orleans
6. Maui
7. St. Martin/St. Maarten
8. Las Vegas
9. Rome
10. Washington, D.C.
11. Big Island, Hawaii
12. London
13. Kauai
14. Bermuda
15. Napa and Sonoma
16. Turks and Caicos
17. Honolulu and Oahu
18. Seattle
19. Cape Cod
20. Los Cabos, Mexico
21. Barcelona
22. Savannah
23. Chicago
24. Boston
25. St. Lucia
26. Montreal
27. Miami
28. Charleston
29. Los Angeles
30. San Diego
31. Santa Fe
32. Philadelphia
33. Amsterdam, Netherlands
34. Aruba
35. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
36. Puna Cana, Dominican Republic
37. The Hudson Valley
38. Cayman Islands
39. San Antonio
40. Venice
41. San Juan, Puerto Rico
42. Walt Disney World
43. Cancun
44. Grand Canyon
45. St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
46. Buenos Aires
47. Florence
48. Jamaica
49. Quebec City
50. Puerto Rico

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Enjoy the Slow Life In France with a Relaxing and Delicious Week in Gascony

Worn out by the rat race? Need to take a break from the insanity of the modern world? Then join Annie Jacquet-Bentley, founder of l’Ecole des Chefs, in her restored farmhouse in Gascony, France, for the perfect wellness retreat and culinary vacation.

Annie will share her passion for cooking and eating healthfully, as well as her strong commitment to living The Slow Life. In addition to hands-on cooking classes and meals shared at Annie’s table, enjoy visits to open-air markets and local restaurants; excursions to explore the region; wine tastings; and all-around pampering, including relaxation techniques, spa treatments, and massages.

Groups are limited to three people to ensure individualized attention. Sessions begin in the spring of 2014 and are priced at an all-inclusive fee of $3,750. (Travel costs are not included.)

Please visit Annie’s website at SlowLifeInFrance.com for details.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

The Broadmoor Named #1 Golf Resort in North America by Golf Magazine Readers

The Broadmoor is proud to announce that the property has been named “#1 Golf Resort in North America” by Golf magazine readers.

With more than 8,000 readers voting on four criteria, including Golf, Lodging, Food & Drink, and Service, The Broadmoor secured a “runaway win” to the #1 position, with readers sighting impressive property-wide renovations, as well as ranking The Broadmoor as the leader in the Service, Lodging, and Food & Drink categories.

The award follows an impressive year of national recognition for The Broadmoor’s golf program. Last year Links magazine named The Broadmoor one of the “25 Best Golf Resorts in the World,” while The Broadmoor’s East Course was recognized by Colorado Avid Golfer “Reader and Editor’s Choice Awards” for “Best Resort Course,” and “Best Course Conditions.” Also in 2013 The Broadmoor was also named one of the “Global Ten” resort golf operations in the world in Gary Galyean’s Golf Letter and received a Platinum Award from AGM (Associated Golf Merchandisers).

“The accolades for The Broadmoor’s golf program are a testament to our dedication to create an exceptional experience for our guests,” says Russ Miller, Director of Golf. “With three championship courses to choose from, along with world-class pros, golf at The Broadmoor is unparelleled.”

The Broadmoor has three distinct courses, the East Course, West Course, and Mountain Course. The Broadmoor’s championship East and West courses, designed by Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones Sr., offer scenic and challenging play for golfers of all handicaps. The East Course is known for its wide, tree-lined fairways and expansive greens, while the West Course offers rolling fairways and steeply-angled greens. The Mountain Course by Nicklaus Design adds an additional 18 challenging holes, large greens and captivating mountain views, ideal for a range of skill levels.

The Golf Club also features a full-service Pro Shop, summer caddie program and electric carts and to date, The Broadmoor has hosted 22 major championships including seven PGA championships.

In addition to golf, The Broadmoor is home to over fifteen on-property dining options, including the Five-Star Five-Diamond Penrose Room, the award-winning Spa at The Broadmoor, and tennis. Indoor activities include Play at The Broadmoor, with six lanes of bowling, while outdoor adventures comprise of horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, and more.

For more information on Golf at The Broadmoor, please visit Broadmoor.com or call 866.837.9520.

About The Broadmoor

Opened in 1918, The Broadmoor is situated at the gateway to the Colorado Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs with more than 60 flights into Colorado Springs Airport by Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta and United. The resort encompasses 3,000 acres with three championship golf courses, and more than 770 rooms and suites, including the new Cottage suites. Amenities include an award-winning spa and fitness center, nationally recognized tennis program, 26 retail boutiques and 19 restaurants, cafes and lounges.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Present Moment Retreat a Hidden Gem on the Mexican Riviera

Present Moment Retreat today announced that it has been named as a winner of the Top Small Hotels Traveler’s Choice category in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice® awards for the 3rd consecutive year. In the 12th year of the awards, the world’s most outstanding properties were identified in the categories of Top Hotels, Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Family, Luxury, Romance, and Small Hotels. Travelers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the reviews and opinions of millions of TripAdvisor travelers around the globe.

Present Moment Retreat is a boutique hotel, yoga retreat, wellness spa and gourmet restaurant in Troncones Beach, Mexico. It was co-founded by Minneapolis residents CJ Ananda Page and Thomas William Morisette in 2005. Present Moment specializes in Yoga, Meditation, Qigong, Dance & Healing Arts.

“It’s an incredible honor to have been recognized and included in such an elite group of boutique hotels,” said CJ Ananda Page, a Minneapolis native and co-owner of Present Moment. “I have to pass the credit on to our amazing staff and the natural beauty of Troncones Beach. Nine years ago the dream began when we packed up a U-Haul and headed south. The journey has been magical; every breath has been a continuation of that dream.”

“We’re excited to recognize the world’s best properties, based on the opinions of those who know them best – the millions of travelers around the globe who come to TripAdvisor to share their experiences,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “For those seeking inspiration for their 2014 travel planning, this list of spectacular accommodations that received 2014 Travelers’ Choice awards is a perfect place to start.”

For Present Moment reviews, click here.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Island Trader Vacations Reviews The World's Top Ten Best Beaches

There are beaches everywhere in the world, from idyllic to famous, popular to secluded. What makes a beach great depends on any of a hundred reasons. Whether it is because of the view or the sand, the people or the wildlife, these beaches have found their way into the hearts of millions of travelers. Island Trader Vacations reviews the top ten beaches in the world both famous and not so famous.

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles – A remote beach, this beach ranks as one of the most popular in the Seychelles. Pink sands and massive granite boulders characterize this stunning beach which is protected by a lovely reef.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda – Brilliant blue waters and beautiful pink sand make this a beach worth exploring. Named one of the most romantic and beautiful beaches, this quarter mile stretch of sand is a couples paradise.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia – Crystal clear blue waters and white sand characterize this stunning 4 mile beach.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola, Florida – A number of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico barrier Islands, this national seashore encompasses some of the most stunning scenery in the U.S. and protects a variety of unique plant and animal species.

White Beach, Philippines – Named for the color of its sand, White Beach, is unique in that its sands are cool to the touch thanks to the makeup of the sand. Coral reefs, sparkling sand, and clear waters make this a top destination for any beach lover.

Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii – The most famous beach in Hawaii, Kaanapali Beach is a long sandy beach with plenty of sun, shallow water and amazing opportunities for exploring including sailing, snorkeling, excursions and just relaxing.

Rabbit Beach, Islands of Sicily – Remote and unspoiled, Rabbit beach is famous for its natural beauty and wildness. Difficult to access, its remoteness and wildness sets it apart.

Eagle Beach, Aruba – Eagle Beach is famous for its soft sand and clear waters. It is the widest beach in Aruba and is perfect for nature lovers and luxury travelers.

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos – Clear blue waters and soft white sand characterize this beach which is not just one of the best in the region, but one of the best in the world.

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands – Named one of the ultimate beaches almost every year, Seven Mile Beach is literally 7 miles of sand which attracts millions of visitors each years. Known for its clear waters and coral sands, it is located near to many popular resorts, restaurants, bars and has plenty of room to relax or enjoy a multitude of activities.

Island Trader Vacations reviews news, destinations and tips about travel to help travelers become more informed. A members only travel club, Island Trader Vacations offers members only benefits on travel.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

All-Inclusive Belize Vacations On the Rise For 2014

All-Inclusive Belizean Vacation packages are becoming increasingly popular this year, according to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, and the Belizean eco-resort’s general manager said several reasons for this trend have recently emerged.

Lucy Fleming, who with her husband Mick turned their family farm into Belize’s first eco resort some 30 years ago, said that factors such as time management, security and value for money are some of the reasons driving the popularity of all-inclusive vacation packages in Belize.

"Since we first began offering all-inclusive vacation packages they've grown steadily more popular, but there has been a noticeable surge in the last few years, and recent feedback from our guests shows why," Ms Fleming said.

"One reason commonly given is that people want to make the most of their holiday time, and rather than micro-manage every aspect of their vacation, they’re happier to leave it to local professionals whom they trust.

"Another reason we hear is safety and security. With an all-inclusive vacation, travelers are looked after from the moment they are picked up at the international airport until we drop them back off, and this translates into a more attractive, carefree experience," Ms Fleming said.

All-inclusive vacation packages also offer better value as opposed to itemizing and paying for each aspect of a vacation, Ms Fleming said.

"At Chaa Creek, for example, we’re situated in the midst of a private 365 acre nature reserve on the banks of the Macal River in Belize, and over the years have been able to develop a wide variety of features, such as miles of well-maintained trails, stables, canoes, an educational Belize Natural History Centre, butterfly farm, infinity pool, our Hilltop Spa and fine dining restaurant and lounge. And being located in the heart of the ancient Maya civilisation, we have over 70 recorded Maya archaeological sites within our property, as well as a Maya medicinal plant trail, Maya organic farm and an ancient temple.

"All of this has been developed over the years, so that now we’re often referred to as Belize’s ‘destination within a destination’, offering an array of tours and activities such as cultural and nature walks as well as birding with professional guides, which means our guests can enjoy a complete Belize holiday without leaving Chaa Creek."

Ms Fleming said that overall improvements in Belize’s tourism infrastructure, such as the recent addition of a nearby airstrip with regular flights to Belize’s Caribbean coast, islands and the western hemisphere’s largest barrier reef and atolls have also made the resort’s all-inclusive "Rainforest to Reef" vacation packages more popular.

"It’s now possible to wake up in the midst of a pristine tropical rainforest and then spend your afternoon snorkelling in the clear Caribbean waters off one of our colleagues’ beaches, and all for one set price that includes everything from accommodation to meals, transfers and even staff gratuities.

"With everything arranged by professionals with an intimate knowledge of the country, and no surprises or hidden costs, all-inclusive packages make for a very secure vacation with one affordable upfront cost, and couples, families, groups and individuals are responding very positively to this," she said.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is an award winning eco resort located in a 365 acre private nature reserve in Belize.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Stair Sainty Gallery Showcasing Cuban Born Painter Federico Beltrán-Masses Returning to Florida after 90 Years

After moving to Barcelona to study, King Alfonso XIII of Spain attended an exhibition of Beltrán-Masses’s in Madrid and became an early patron of the artist. Beltrán moved to Paris in 1918 and then exhibited at the XII Venice Biennale in 1920, in a pavilion dedicated solely to his work. There it earned the artist praise: critic Camille Mauclair described Beltrán’s talent as ‘like Veronese, like Tiepolo, like Tintoretto… a picture is lyrical drama.’

Reports of Beltrán’s fame reached the United States by 1921; a paragraph in American Art News mentioned the success of Beltrán’s first Paris exhibition, and in 1924 the painter was invited to exhibit at the Wildenstein galleries in New York City. A sell-out exhibition in Palm Beach, and show in Los Angeles followed in 1925. Such was Beltrán’s fame a year later that Martha Graham titled a dance in her first public performance in New York Portrait – Beltrán-Masses.

Beltrán-Masses found favor in Hollywood too, where he painted portraits of screen legends Gloria Swanson, his great friend Rudolph Valentino, of Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Beltrán painted or sold his work to some of the most renowned personalities of the Golden Age of Hollywood including Charlie Chaplin, newspaper columnist Louella Parsons, actress Marion Davies as well as her lover William Randolph Hearst (who purchased four paintings by the artist and whose portrait he painted).

Whilst Beltrán’s portrait subjects included the Kings of England and Spain, Princes and Princesses, Hollywood stars, and society on both sides of the Atlantic, he was particularly sought out by women who rejected convention. We will show in Miami a portrait of aviator and socialite Mme. Bonnardel, Countess Montgomery, whose Chanel dress is in the Met Costume Institute, and a portrait of the Fashion icon Marquesa Luisa Casati.

Born in Cuba and raised in Cuba and Barcelona, the painter’s Hispanic heritage would influence his oeuvre throughout his career across the globe. Beltran painted enigmatic, languorously posed women and nudes, often in nocturnal settings characterized by their nocturnal light and open starry skies. These allegorical paintings are rich with musical and poetic references and like his friend, the painter Kees van Dongen, Beltrán captured the escapism that characterized post-First World War society and the Jazz age.

Further information, JPEG images and a 180-page catalog on the artist is available upon request from the gallery:
Stair Sainty Gallery

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Bambu Announces the Grand Opening of its Newest Shoppe in South San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area founded Vietnamese chè chain, Bambu Desserts & Drinks, announced the grand opening of its newest shoppe in South San Francisco this past weekend. “The love and demand for Bambu chè continues to expand across the Bay Area,” said Kelly Nguyen, co-founder and CEO of Bambu Desserts & Drinks, Inc. “Our chè is true enjoyment in a cup for all ages.”

Bambu - South San Francisco located at 2223 Gellert Boulevard, South San Francisco launched its grand opening this past Friday, December 27 at 9:00 am and they continued the festivities until 9:30 pm Sunday. “We were instantly hooked on our family first visited Bambu in San Jose,” said Richard Tan, owner of Bambu - South San Francisco. “As soon our visits became a weekly family tradition, we knew we wanted to open our own Bambu shoppe as soon as possible.”

Located in Gellert Square, Bambu Desserts & Drinks is surrounded by many popular restaurants such as Ling Nam and Topping. Also near Lucky Chances Casino, this Asian mecca serves South San Francisco and Daly City’s dominant Asian communities including Filipino and Chinese. “It was great to see such wonderful local support this holiday weekend,” continued Richard.

“It’s truly great to see Richard and his family’s passion and commitment to sharing Bambu’s unique experience with their community,” said Kelly. “My sisters and I are proud to share Bambu with South San Francisco and Daly City communities and we hope that they enjoy our chè and drinks as much as we do.”

Bambu Desserts & Drinks was founded in 2008 by four sisters in San Jose, California. With 32 new shops opening across the U.S. in the past 19 months, Bambu has become nationally known for its fresh, healthy and colorful Vietnamese-inspired chè, fresh coconut drinks, Vietnamese espressos, blended coffees, and exotic smoothies. Their menu has nearly 100 desserts, coffees, teas and drinks to select from, but you can order any item “just the way you love it” including extra jellies, pearls, or shots of espresso.

For more information on Bambu Desserts & Drinks, visit DrinkBambu.com.

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Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.