The Travel Hotspots of 2009

2009 already enjoys considerable hype as the year of the travel deal. Free flights to Phuket, dropping hotel rates -- it's a veritable boondoggle. If you've got the cash, there will be deals. But where shall you go? Here's a brief list of up-and-coming hotspots for 2009 travel, and of course, we have a few choice words to add.

1. Riviera Nayarit - Just north of Puerto Vallarta, this stretch of sun and sand is busy launching itself as the next place to be. Since it’s up and coming, the area is a bit of a hodgepodge of activities; luckily, there’s something for everyone, whether you like golf, surf, or just plain old sun.

2. Vancouver - If you didn’t know, Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olympic Games, and boy are they excited about it. The three-time “Best City” winner by way of Conde Nast Traveler has added several ski runs, bobsled runs, and two high-speed trains that shuttle between the airport and downtown Vancouver, then Vancouver and snowy Whistler. It’s a great time to go, as in 2009 there will be multitudes of parties and events gearing up for the games in 2010.

3. Kansas City - Reason number one: It’s cheap to go. Reason number two: You’ll want to stay. Kansas City has been busy pouring $9 million into the arts, culture, and dining scene, reinvigorating downtown. There are live performances, the recently expanded Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and a growing recognition of fine dining (don’t worry, there’s still plenty of delicious barbecue).

4. Peru - It’s hot now, and it’s going to remain hot in 2009. There’s hiking Machu Picchu, drinking pisco sours in Lima, and Lake Titicaca—floating islands housing hundreds of people. Plus, it is still affordable to go.

5. Vilnius, Lithuania - Each year the European Union taps one (or more) cities to be the reigning “Capital of Culture” for the year. 2009 is Vilnius’ year. It also happens to be the thousand-year anniversary of the birth of the city. There will be over 900 arts events spread out over the year, with the twin apexes being May 2 (Street Musician Day) and June 20 (Culture Night: Let There Be Night ... eh?). The former is a day for rock, classical, folk, and jazz in the streets all day long, and the latter will be an all-night affair—from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. there will be dance lessons, open-air movies, church concerts, fashion shows, and museum exhibitions. And the fact that Lithuania is in the EU but does not employ the Euro makes it super affordable.