21 Must-See Destinations of 2014

For the first time ever, National Geographic magazine unveils the list of top destinations of 2014 as voted by its readers.

National Geographic conducted polls on Twitter, Facebook, and the Intelligent Travel blog.

Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

Established as Rwanda's national park in 2005, Nyungwe is home to a plethora of primates and tropical creatures, including the largest concentration of Colobus monkeys in the world. The USAID-funded project, Nyungwe Nziza (Beautiful Nyungwe), is constructing canopy walkways through the towering forest canopy, allowing visitors to get closer to the rich biodiversity.

Northern Australia Region

A town reminiscent of Wonderland where Alice once wandered, Darwin is a bustling city nestled in the northernmost part of the 'land of kangaroos'. The rugged landscape stands out with its red earth, azure skies, and golden-eyed crocodiles basking lazily in the lagoons of Kakadu National Park. Approximately 50 Indigenous tribes still call northern Australia home, supported by the government to preserve their unique way of life. Visitors to this destination can not only encounter indigenous peoples living off the land but also explore museums rich in artifacts and enjoy the amenities of a fairly modern city.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Much like Rome in Italy, New Orleans is a city of hope and resilience. No matter how many times you visit this metropolis, the feeling remains unchanged except for the dynamic atmosphere. Established in 1718, the city still retains its historic charm, although Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left its mark on many 18th-century architectures. Here, you might find yourself enjoying a five-hour lunch on a Friday with seafood delicacies, accompanied by a few glasses of hearty beer or wine.

Puglia, Italy

Greeks, Romans, or Venetians, all aspire to visit the 'heel' of Italy. Stretching 250 miles along the Adriatic Sea, the Puglia region serves as a vital link connecting Italy to the rest of Eastern Europe via maritime routes. In Puglia, you simply must visit or even stay in a Trullo, a cone-shaped stone house with whimsical drawings adorning its roof. The streets of the towns are not overly crowded, offering a serene lifestyle and fresh air, providing a completely novel Italian experience at this destination.

Córdoba, Argentina

The homeland of Pope Francis I, the city of Córdoba lies 435 miles northwest of the capital Buenos Aires and stands as one of the cities deeply imbued with Catholicism, from its architectural marvels to its people. Cordoba boasts over 80 bell towers and churches and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its dense concentration of Catholic structures dating back to the 17th century, including the oldest university in Argentina. The nearby town, founded by a Franciscan monk named Alta Gracia, was the destination chosen by Ernesto Che Guevara to spend his formative years.

Cape Verde

Situated off the coast of West Africa, the Republic of Cape Verde is an archipelago of beauty and emotive melodies. 'In the sky, you're a star, but on the ground, you're just white sand, my country is poor but full of love,' sings the renowned singer Cesária Évora about her homeland. The ten islands of this small nation in the Atlantic Ocean were once a stopping point for whaling ships.

Cape Verde is not only about the sea; its mysterious forests and mountainous terrain always offer an adventurous feel to travelers. Beachside hotels are built in harmony with nature. The Fogo volcano remains active, and coffee and vineyards dot the hills, always attracting adventurers seeking new experiences. In this bustling century, Cape Verde is a tranquil destination where travelers can find a place where time seems to stand still.

Ranthambore National Park, India

On the rugged road to Ranthambore National Park, the guide says, 'If we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a tiger.' Shortly after, in the sprawling 200 square kilometers of forest that has become Ranthambore National Park, travelers come face to face with the majestic Indian tiger. That's just a glimpse of the protected forest since 1973, where crocodiles, wild boars, monkeys, leopards, foxes, birds, and especially tigers reside. With 24 individuals and a growing number, it's a hopeful sign for travelers to trust in the somewhat dim future of the 'king of the jungle' in recent years.

Arbil, Iraq

One of the oldest ancient cities on earth, Arbil will make you forget what you know about Iraq. Travelers can now reach Arbil through a new airport without needing to stop in Baghdad. Thanks to abundant oil wealth, Arbil was chosen as the tourism capital of the Arab region in 2014. The 6,000-year-old city boasts Ottoman palaces and a labyrinthine market selling almost everything you need from traditional rugs to kitchenware. The increasing number of new hotels and restaurants serving traditional dishes like delicious kefta (a type of grilled meat) are enhancing the experience. Outside the city, mountain ranges, lakes, and winter ski resorts offer a completely different Iraq at this destination.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sarajevo has endured 3 devastating wars and 6 changing flags in a century, yet today it's known as the phoenix of the Balkans. Strong coffee in brass pots carries the atmosphere of the Ottoman era in the open-air markets. Forging shops, rug stores, hagglers, and laughter. Once the world's most dangerous city in the 1900s, it's now one of the safest cities in Europe. The renowned Sarajevo Film Festival held in summer draws both local and international visitors to immerse themselves in the cinematic atmosphere and explore the legendary Dinaric range with knowledgeable guides.

Cathar Country, France

Travelers to the south of France often visit the Montségur fortress or Château de Peyrepertuse but don't overlook the city of Albi along the Tarn River. The 'Cathar Country' situated on a hill is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortresses and churches from the 13th century along with Michelin-rated restaurant L’Esprit du Vin by David Enjalran will conclude a fulfilling day of exploration in this fantastic destination. (Michelin is a highly respected culinary guide that rates and ranks restaurants).

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

Becoming a national park in January 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA boasts 77 peaks over 3,600 meters, including the 4,320-meter-high Longs Peak. Visit Rocky Mountain in September as autumn gradually replaces the leaves with new coats, immersing yourself in the world of vibrant colors of this destination.

Sochi, Russia

The city hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, nestled peacefully on the shores of the Black Sea. A 30-minute ride from the town on a cable car up the Caucasus Mountains reveals magnificent scenery below. Sochi National Park is home to bears, wolves, deer, and the recently rediscovered Persian leopard.

The city of Sochi itself (home to the Olympic Stadium) feels more like a seaside resort town on the Black Sea. From the time of the Russian Tsars to the current President Putin, classical neo-architecture buildings are still preserved and revered. You'll also find premium honey and honey wine sellers due to artisanal harvesting and processing unique to this destination found nowhere else outside of Russia.

John Muir Way, Scotland

John Muir, a nature lover and founder of the Sierra Club, explored windswept hills ending at rocky cliffs by the sea. Commemorating Muir's 100th death anniversary, the John Muir Trail destination will open in 2014, spanning 105 miles outside Dunbar (his birthplace), running along the west coast, past natural wonders like the ancient volcano North Berwick Law, Loch Lomond, the UK's largest lake, Edinburgh Castle, and many scenes featured in numerous Scotland films.

Nahanni National Park, Canada

No one returns from Nahanni without exclaiming how vast, wild, and ancient it is. Travelers board Twin Otter planes from Fort Simpson northwest, starting the journey across vast plains, up to the Ram Plateau, and then the deep 200-mile-long valleys home to the Dene people for thousands of years. Many say the journey stopping here feels well worth the money. But further down the Nahanni River, the mighty Virginia Falls cascades from nearly 100 meters high (twice the height of Niagara Falls), where rare orchids hide under the mist.

Cacao Trail, Ecuador

Cacao is believed to date back to the Mayan Empire, but recent archaeological sites have found traces of cacao tree development 5,200 years ago in Chinchipe, Ecuador. From the latter half of the 19th century, farmers here began tasting the first sips of cocoa they made themselves.

At Santa Rita destination, the heart of the Amazon River basin, travelers can live on farms where they personally harvest and dry cocoa beans. The journey of cocoa – the Cacao Trail will take adventurous souls through the Andean highlands, one of the world's richest forests with over 25,000 plant species, nearly 1,600 bird species, and 340 mammal species.

Riga, Latvia

With the choice of the European community, Riga will become the cultural capital of the continent in 2014. After two decades of independence, Riga is swiftly reclaiming time lost to conflicts. The city's artistic richness is evident in the old town with over 800 architectural wonders, including the theater where Mikhail Baryshnikov began his career. The central market still trades wild mushrooms and black truffles as it did in days of yore.

Liechtenstein

The tiny nation nestled between Switzerland and Austria spans just over 160 square kilometers with a population of about 37,000, often overlooked in Europe. The entire country is virtually perched on hills, with numerous trails like the Princess Gina Trail offering explorers views of three countries atop the mountains. Besides its banks and millionaires, Liechtenstein also boasts ancient European traditions such as Lenten bonfire festivals and Wimmlete season when grapes are harvested and chosen for winemaking. Sipping a glass of wine alongside käseknöpfle (cheese noodles), you'll find happiness can be simple.

Guyana

Guyana is only as large as the U.S. state of Kansas and remains a mysterious land in South America. 80% of the country's land is lush rainforest, often referred to as its treasure trove. Travelers come to Guyana to marvel at toucans, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and stay right within the canopy of the pristine jungle.

Alentejo, Portugal

Alentejo occupies 33% of the country's land area but only 7% of Portugal's population, making it an ideal region for nature-centric tourism activities. One of the newest hiking trails stretches 212 km along the rugged coastline before reaching the tranquil countryside. Don't forget to visit Lake Alqueva, a paradise for stargazing unaffected by urban light pollution.

Bolaven Plateau, Laos

The nutrient-rich red soil is what makes Laotian coffee exceptional. On the Bolaven Plateau, travelers stand amidst the crater of a giant ancient volcano. This is one of the richest agricultural regions in Southeast Asia. Beyond coffee, the friendly people and vibrant culture also contribute to Bolaven's allure.

Derawan Island, Indonesia

Every traveler seeks to escape the ordinary when embarking on a journey. Derawan is simply a pristine village with a small, welcoming community ready to embrace people from all over the world. Wake up to the slowly rising sun on the horizon, dive into the emerald waters, and frolic with sea turtles amidst colorful coral reefs. Midday is for lounging on the beach, listening to coconut palms swaying in the breeze, and awaiting the serene sunset accompanied by the soothing call to prayer from the mosque.

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Source: Travel Handbook from Mytour - According to VnExpress