Top Leisure Vacation Destinations

Even if you’re not a gambler, you will enjoy a trip to the country’s most popular vacation destination – Las Vegas. Around 36 million people visit Las Vegas every year and enjoy the spectacular shows, dining and shopping. In recent years, Las Vegas has become more of a family destination; it is also relatively inexpensive in terms of accommodation and dining. The casinos slash prices for many items assuming the cost will be made up at the slot machines and the card tables.

Florida is one of the country’s most visited states, largely due to the weather as well as the lasting popularity of Disney World. The Orlando area also boasts around 100 other attractions and theme parks. Disney World is a great place for families; however in recent years, it has successfully appealed more to couples without children. It’s easy to find a hotel room here. The Orlando area has well over 100,000 hotel rooms to suit all tastes and budgets.

Almost as popular as Orlando is Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. More than 100 golf courses make this one of the best golfing destinations anywhere; although Myrtle Beach also offers plenty of family activities, outlet shopping and live shows. It’s also relatively inexpensive to vacation here; and if you have had enough of the crowds, the beautiful and historic city of Charleston is within easy reach.

Three of America’s largest and most well known cities are among the most popular vacation destinations – New York, Chicago and San Francisco. All three of these cities have world class tourist attractions, shopping and cultural attractions. Some of the best museums in the world can be found here, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum which attracts over 4 million art lovers every year.

America’s most visited National Park is the Great Smoky Mountains Park, which straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. The park attracts around 10 million visitors every year who come to hike, bird watch and camp or simply enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere. Gatlinburg is the biggest resort in the Smokies, offering a wide range of family themed activities, casual dining and reasonably priced accommodation.

Some of the other most popular national parks that should be visited for their unique and wonderful scenery are Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. The island of Puerto Rico contains the only tropical rain forest in the US national park system. If you really would like to escape the crowds, visit the Southwest United States. This sparsely populated area contains much of the country’s most dramatic scenery.

The Caribbean has always been popular with US vacationers. It’s close enough to be easy to reach, but different enough to be considered exotic. There are plenty of Caribbean islands to choose from; whether you want night life, a European ambience, a variety of outdoor activities or just miles of secluded beaches. Also, it’s easy to get there, many US airlines offer nonstop service to several islands.

Hawaii has the appeal of being far enough away to feel different – but still offering all the conveniences of home as well as no language barrier. The Hawaiian Islands still retain much of their culture and traditions; although many people visit there simply for the beautiful beaches, almost perfect year round weather and the chance to get way from it all for a few days.

Mexico is a popular vacation destination – and not just because it’s so easy to get to. Around 30 million people travel “south of the border” every year to experience not only the country’s beautiful beaches and resorts, but a vibrant and fascinating culture as well as some spectacular Mayan remains. Also, no trip to Mexico would be complete without sampling the country’s unique cuisine.

Outside North America, France is the most visited country in the world, attracting around 90 million tourists every year. It’s no mystery, France really does have something for everyone, including historic cities and towns, beautiful countryside, great works of art and, of course, some superb food and wine. You could spend your entire vacation in Paris without seeing everything the city has to offer. This multitude of activities gives you an excuse to return someday, especially with that special someone.

Once considered off-limits to all but the most adventurous, China has quietly become one of the top few destinations for tourists. China hosted the 2008 Olympic Games which gave the country’s popularity a big boost. A trip to this country is a unique and unforgettable experience. The country offers some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, vibrant cities, world famous sights and one of the oldest cultures anywhere. Not to be missed is China’s famous Great Wall.

Everybody will have their own idea as to what makes a good vacation. With so many options, the hardest part is deciding where to go.