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Oct 27, 2011 4:05:45 PM

Top 10 best value destinations for 2012

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If past years (or recessions) have sucked up your travel budget, plan smart and get more in bang for your buck in these value destinations, from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2012.

1. Northeastern USA

Cities of the American northeast – New York, Boston and Washington DC – might not be the world’s cheapest, but you can save a bundle by taking advantage of the recent boom of budget bus companies. These buses, which also connect with Philadelphia, Toronto, Pittsburgh and even Charlotte, are a steal at about US$5 one way (and sometimes just US$1). Considering most destinations are ped-friendly (with good public transport and walkable centres), you can hop-scotch across the region without booking a flight or hiring a car. Better still, the ride’s comfortable, there’s free wi-fi, buses leave on time and there’s often plenty of room.

Book early online to get serious discounts on already cheap routes from Megabus and BoltBus.

2. Japan

Japan had a rough 2011, with the March earthquake and a hard year for tourism, so travelling there is not only a good thing to do, but can actually make financial sense. Compared with destinations like London, Paris or New York, its attractions and accommodation are often much cheaper. In Tokyo, for example, it’s possible to find simple, Japanese-style minshuku guesthouses from ¥3000 (US$37). Also, many attractions are free (eg temples, botanic gardens) or just cheap (the Tokyo National Museum is a fifth the cost of Tower of London), while attractions like the Nagano ski runs or Disney tickets are cheaper than Alps lift tickets or Mickey Mouse’s entry in Anaheim.

The International Tourism Centre for Japan lists excellent-value minshuku guesthouses.

3. Tajikistan

Marco Polo was impressed – and you will be too, once you experience the stunning scenery of this safe, stable Central Asian nation. And it can be accessed at dirt-cheap rates, even including the hire of a car and driver. Getting a Russian Lada for several days can be arranged for about US$300, which opens up the Afghan border and Pamir Highway, one of the world’s greatest road trips. You’ll stop off at hot springs, 2000-year-old stone structures and cartoon-style forts, finishing your days at village homestays or yurts for about US$10 per person. For even less, make a DIY trek to emerald lakes close to the Uzbek border.

Murgab Ecotourism Association has community-based yurtstays for about US$5 per person.

4. Porto, Portugal

The town that put the ‘Port’ in Portugal (as well as the port in your wine glass) is a seriously good deal. Connected with much of Europe via budget airlines, Porto is a lovely town of atmospheric narrow lanes, village-like plazas and buildings decked in azuelo tile. You can stay in antique-filled inns with river views from just €25 (US$37.75), take a ride on an historical tram (€1; US$1.40) or head to the beach near Afurada village by ferry (€1). A few hours east is the traditional wine district of Alto Douro, where you cruise in a flat-bottomed boat (€20; US$28.50) and sleep in 200-year-old homes (€60; US$86). And did we mention the port?

The Ribeira district has dozens of lodges offering cheap wine tastings and tours (eg Vinologia).

5. Lesotho

Mountains, cannibal caves, dinosaur footprints, crafts markets – and you get around by pony. Welcome to Lesotho, the ‘kingdom of the sky’. Completely enveloped by South Africa, it’s a cheaper proposition than its powerful neighbour, with pony treks its main tourist drawcard. The best deals are to the west at off-the-beaten-track Malealea, about 60km southeast of the capital Masuru, where multiday treks lead into a massive mountain range and landscape coloured musk and orange. It’s extraordinary – and cheaper than pony treks in the east. Overnight trips, including a pony, food and a guide, begin at US$50 per day.

Malealea Lodge is a century-old trading post transformed into a well-run lodge with pony treks and good meals.

6. Iquitos, Peru

Booking a five-day Amazon cruise from abroad can run to US$3500 per person, not including flights. That can be cut at least in half by dealing directly with folks in Iquitos – the world’s biggest city not reachable by road. Local outfits can tailor trips to venture into piranha fishing spots, look for pink dolphins in the wildlife-rich Allpahuayo Mishana National Reserve (stopping at native villages to mingle with Amazonians) or reach the rustic Otorongo Lodge on the Colombian border. Meanwhile, Iquitos is interesting in itself: Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower) fame came to build rubber baron’s mansions. The best time to visit is October or November, when it’s still dry but before summer crowds.

For examples of trips on offer, check out Dawn on the Amazon.

7. San Francisco, USA

The city by the bay might expensive to live in, but San Francisco practically begs you to visit. Little boutique hotels near Union Square can be had for under US$100 – a fraction of what you’ll pay in New York or London. Beyond the street cars (the historical ones on Market St are cheaper than the touristy cable cars), BART has cheap, easy links to San Francisco’s airport – so no need for US$60 taxi rides. Food-wise, San Francisco’s ‘mission burrito’ (stuffed with rice, beans and carne asada) goes for US$5 in the bar-filled Mission. And there’s so much cheap and free stuff to do: walking on the Golden Gate, Pacific beaches, vintage arcade Musée Mécanique and a host of free art galleries.

Check out the Diego Rivera Gallery, featuring a 1931 trompe l’oeil mural.

8. Ohrid, Macedonia

There’s always a race for the next big thing in Europe, and budget-friendly Macedonia is rising in popularity for its mountainous setting of vineyards, lakes and Byzantine churches; it’s also a mainstay stop-off on Balkan trips. Beyond the lively capital Skopje, the spiritual heart is three road hours’ west at Ohrid, a lovely town with a medieval castle looking over church-lined hilly streets and the lush coastline of Lake Ohrid. Private rooms are easy to find for €10 euro or less, while opulent historic villas turned into B&Bs run for under €50 (US$71.50). Bus services run to sites along the lake coast, including Galičica National Park with hiking, boating and swimming spots.

For info on local services, contact Lost in Ohrid.

9. Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Vietnam is always good value, but you can now skip the package trips arranged in Ho Chi Minh City that tread the same worn-out routes. It’s become easier, more rewarding and just as cheap to go on DIY multiday adventures to destinations like Ben Tre, Chau Doc and the floating markets of Vinh Long, and some less-seen ones like Ha Tien or Tra Vinh. Go by air-conditioned bus or hire moto-taxis as you go; the latter know ferry crossings on roads not on any map. Boat trips go for US$5 to US$10, while most guesthouses run US$10 to US$25.

Take a ferry or plane from Rach Gia to the beaches of Phu Quoc Island, then fly back to Ho Chi Minh City. Short flights are cheap – under US$50.

10. Mérida, Mexico

Most equate the Yucatan with the beaches, but the best place to experience the food, life and architecture of the ‘real Mexico’ is a few hours inland at this lively city. Historical homes have been turned into inns, often for the fraction of the cost of Cancún resorts. The Spanish colonial centre of Plaza Grande has 16th-century cathedrals and free art museums; on weekends it becomes the scene of dance, food and parties. Day trips to five Mayan sites on the public Ruta Puuc bus loop go for about US$40, or head to the village of Celestún and hire a motorboats (US$17 per person) to see hundreds of pink flamingos in the mangroves.

Mérida’s guesthouses are a bargain; rooms at Hotel Trinidad start at US$21.

For all your travel inspiration and tips for the coming year from Lonely Planet’s experts, get Best in Travel 2012 now!

Best in Travel 2012 also available on the iBookstore.



Comments

  1. 7 November 2011 7:27PM marklee23 Report this comment

    Above listed destinations are so good, amazing and has various types of tourist attraction places to have fun and enjoy with friends and family members.

    Year 2012 is very good and joyful for visitors to come around the world visit.

  2. 9 November 2011 4:12AM utrechtlocal Report this comment

    Porto is a city no-one should miss. Once you say Portugal, you'll think about Lisbon. Lisbon is nice, but Porto is perfect. The people are the best, the fado-music is good, the bear cheap, the bacalhao the best, the woman are beautiful, as is the city. On the other end of the big bridge that Eiffel built lies Villa Nova de Gaia, where you can taste the best port for free, and from there you can take a boat with a fisherman to the beach. The most beautiful bookshop of the world, Livraria Lello is also located here. Ask around, everyone will know it. If that is not enough, the surrounding of Porto is beautiful too. Definitely try the old cities of Braga, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Aveiro or Viana de Castelo. Or take a trainride just 1m along the Douro-river to the pilgrimage-site of Lamego. So dont miss out on this! Oh yeah, and stay at the Oporto Poets Hostel! Best hostel ive been with the nicest staff and the best view ever when youre making a number 1 or 2 if you stay at the top floor....

  3. 10 November 2011 2:37AM alexsts Report this comment

    3. Tajikistan What a joke. Do you want to get shot on the spot or after you spent all your money on pay to kidnappers? It is really your choice. I was born there and had to run away because it is worse place on earth right now! Yes it was a beautiful place back in 1980 and before that but since they decide to be "independent" country -- crime rate is sky high, electricity 1 hour a day, if you lucky to stay in central city of Dushanbe only! Hotels system none existing and "Russian build LADA" is something people born in Europe or Americans most likely last time see back in 1950...

  4. 11 November 2011 12:24PM linasm Report this comment

    alexsts, you probably ran away from Tajikistan a long time ago during the civil war. Recently I travelled this country all over, and can assure you that nobody tried to kidnap me, and I could rent a car (I believe made in 1990s), and even a car with a driver. The electricity is stabilized, at least in the cities. Now, here I am not talking about the crime rate (don't wander alone at nights - this is applicable everywhere in the world), or politics. If you are a fan of self-guided tours with no herds of other tourists around, this country is definitely worth visiting, especially for those who love mountains, lakes, and want to enjoy communicating with hospitable people.

  5. 16 November 2011 10:40AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    Dear NADBET We are not jealous of anything..Greece attracts more than 17 million turists every year.turists are more that 150% of Greece's total population.Anyway Greece was always in the top 10 destinations around the world.This country has the most clean beaches around the world and European standards.So keep visiting Vardarska/Fyrom we don't need turists that don't like our country we got many that do love us.But please...Read some history and not just talk without knowing basic history knowledge..Thank you!

  6. 5 December 2011 9:46PM ljupka Report this comment

    Dear alexander, the name problem is obvious - it's Ms. Ljupka. We won't discuss the history knowledge, I've read enough history books that support the existence of the Macedonian nation, that lives in their own country. However, this is not a place for a political and historical debate. People should visit the places that are beautiful, no matter how they're referred to - is it possible for once not to put everything in political context? Thanks!

  7. 6 December 2011 11:45AM martxthexkid Report this comment

    @alexandergreece: Macedonia is both a region of Greece and a country. Everyone knows the difference.

    The historical 'Macedonia' englobes parts of what is now 5 different balkan countries (Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, Kosovo). Macedonia being the only one which it's territory is entirely part of the ancient Macedonia.

    Never travel to the USA! It will enrages you; plenty of cities' name are copied from others such as Sparta, Athens, Rhodes... :(

  8. 6 December 2011 12:03PM lisaanddavid Report this comment

    I have to say that Tajikistan was one of the more pleasant travel destinations that we've experienced. I would not recommend it as a shopping or nightlife mecca. Go there if you want to experience real hospitality (stayed on the floor in people's houses outside of Dushanbe); you'll love the fruits and vebetables (I think I for the first time in my life saw what a carrot SHOULD look like in the markets)! Go see the bactrian camels down on the awesome Amu Darya river, and glance across at Afghanistan, before you are "shooed away" by the militsiya (observe the land mine signs). My husband and I spent 10 weeks getting through Tajik, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Turkmenistans. Totally wonderful experience. Helps a lot if you speak Russian (I do)!

  9. 6 December 2011 12:20PM aucklandecofarm Report this comment

    It's true that everyone is watching their pennies these days and wanting "cheap" travel, but do wish people would take a moment to look past the price when deciding on things. Surely "value-for-money" and "unique experiences" are important factors too? After all...Travel should enrich the soul, not be so cheap that you don't get authenticity!

  10. 6 December 2011 12:24PM randomnickname Report this comment

    For Japan, you're going to have to work hard to keep the prices down, particularly in the bigger cities. You can find good deals, but they are surrounded by a lot of more expensive options.

    It's also worth noting that hotel prices in Japan are frequently per person, not per room. So a couple pays double the price of a single person.

  11. 6 December 2011 12:43PM ljoh Report this comment

    Cambodia! Can't say enough good things about it, especially in terms of budget travel. Wonderful people, good food, World Heritage sites, beach towns, remote villages, I was there in November and would love to go back.

  12. 6 December 2011 6:36PM dicanda Report this comment

    Can we add Sri Lanka,it's another place lost in time,

  13. 6 December 2011 8:57PM stinkey Report this comment

    So let me get this straight, some of the top ten best value destinations are great values because they are cheaper than London and New York. I see. And in case you haven't noticed, Japan's yen exchange to the dollar and other currencies is at unusually strongest. And telling people they are going to be able to find minshuku for 3000 yen, as if this were the norm, is pure fantasy. Have you checked the prices of the average youth hostel in Tokyo? Minshuku in Tokyo will average over one-hundred dollars a night. Somebody needs to whip out their Oxford and look up the word 'value.' If these are your ideas of "best value destinations," I want to know what Planet you guys are from. And going for jeep rides around Afghan borders, sheer genius. Value? Are you guys trying to give Tony Wheeler, the man who started the Lonely Planet empire on SouthEast Asia On A Shoestring, a stroke in his old age? Who wrote this list anyway, Laura McKenzie?

  14. 6 December 2011 9:01PM happyhannaho Report this comment

    I have to agree with randomnickname, as much as I agree people should visit Japan (it's beautiful) I wouldn't say it's cheap- all the temples,palaces and zen gardens I had to pay for, some 5gbp, bottled water 1gbp for a small bottle (which you drink several of on a hot day), expensive beer and trains...

    ... so although I wouldn't agree best value for money, it's definitely best for culture etc, and worth a trip if you have a decent budget...

  15. 6 December 2011 10:41PM mattyboy876 Report this comment

    These lists are usually nonsense, and this one is no different. How can Japan possibly be a "good value" destination?

    I would be very surprised if the author has actually been to any of the destinations mentioned in the article.

  16. 6 December 2011 11:09PM tishobj Report this comment

    The name Republic of Macedonia is the name, which 132 countries use in their official documentation. The name FYROM is the name under which the country is listed by the UN and is used by Greece and some other countries. I think the name Republic of Macedonia is legally correct as long as this article will not be attached to official documentation sent to countries or institutions which do not recognise this name. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Macedonia_naming_dispute.png

    Otherwise, Ohrid is fantastic. All of the Balkans is a marvellous place to visit, surprises at every corner, very hospitable people, right in Europe.

  17. 6 December 2011 11:12PM tishobj Report this comment

    mattyboy876,

    I am reluctant to say that, but sometimes it feels like the lists are made according to the businesses which they get commissioned to recommend. $3500 for a cruise on the Amazon?? You can get the local boats from Iquitos all the way to Manaus for next to nothing.

  18. 6 December 2011 11:18PM tishobj Report this comment

    True that half of those destinations are not a bargain at all. Why not add Nepal, for example. You can fly return from Istanbul for 400 euros and trekking in the mountains there (without guides or porters) will cost you no more than $10 per day. You can spend months doing that. You can stay in quiet and beautiful monasteries for a few bucks a day, including food, accommodation and great people... Basically you can stay there for a month with the money you will spend in San Francisco for a weekend.

  19. 6 December 2011 11:27PM vera88 Report this comment

    apart from being a region spreading across few countries (of which greece is only one), macedonia is also a country ...

    its really beautiful and cheap - perfect balkan destination !

  20. 6 December 2011 11:47PM paul666 Report this comment

    just an fyi for all of you getting wound up up the use of the word Macedonia........ nobody really cares, just get over it.

  21. 7 December 2011 1:33AM tazmaniak Report this comment

    I have to agree with some other posters ... I think that neither New York City, Washington or Japan represent good value. With the Japanese Yen at such a high against other currencies, it makes Japan an expensive holiday in anyone's books. I agree its a gorgeous and fascinating country. NYC has never been good value other than some of the street food and free things to do but getting a decent hotel room .. forget it. I agree that Cambodia is fantastic value and Sri Lanka is certainly missing here ... far better value than neighbouring India or (heaven forbid) the Maldives.

  22. 7 December 2011 4:14AM mit_souko Report this comment

    I love San Francisco, but I have a hard time considering it a good value. However, it is certainly one of the best cities to visit in the US.

    Portugal in general and Porto in particular are high on my list as both good value and very interesting destination.

    Yes, the yen is high, but I maintain that Japan is good value. Staying in business hotels is very reasonable even in Tokyo, and most minshukus are bargains. You can also eat very cheaply in a myriad small restaurants all over the country.

    As far as Tokyo is concerned, as in most large cities anywhere, the part of town where you stay matters for prices. Ikebukuro and Asakusa, for instance, are obviously much cheaper than anything around Ginza.

    Viet Nam and Cambodia are great destinations.

  23. 7 December 2011 4:48AM maarten_w Report this comment

    Tajikistan is beautiful but the prices that are mentioned here are about 50% off..And no, it's not that they are cheaper. That's at least for the Pamir region. We paid at around $15 per person at homestays or yurtstays. (And yes, we did bargain.) And the old Russian Ladas? They are still there but most cars are Japanese or Chinese 4x4. They set you back around $1,- per kilometer.

  24. 7 December 2011 6:15AM meggie2187 Report this comment

    Budget traveling or not, accommodation just became more affordable and much nicer. A relatively new online service called airbnb (www.airbnb.com) allows individuals to rent out couches, rooms, apartments, or even their own house. It is an interesting alternative to hostels or hotels allowing the visitor to get a taste for what its really like to live in the place they are visiting.

    My boyfriend and I used airbnb throughout our trip to Italy and France, just about every place we visited we found that it was more economical to book with airbnb than get a bed in a hostal.

  25. 7 December 2011 6:56AM sandrapsg Report this comment

    "rizla001"...

    1. Before 30 Alexander had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world. Undefeated in battle, founded over 70 cities, led his army 11000 miles, is one most successful commanders in history , taught by Aristotle,etc (amazing stuff).

    2. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo were gay and hell Italy defo wants to claim those "battyboys" as their own kin. The list goes on of course...

    3. Why is this related or relevant to traveling to cheap destinations...?

    4. Cheap travel is possible in most countries

    5. Thank you writer for taking the time to point a few more places out, we all like travelling tips! Have you been to these places?

  26. 7 December 2011 10:32AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    ljupka martxthexkid tishobj vera88 paul666 An answer for all of you.Ok I understand the fact that this is a website for travels(that's why I signed in) but I got mad when I read that you refer FYROM/Vardarska as "Macedonia" and you claim that Alexander the Great was a Slav.I got crazy and I am not willing to learn you histoy.If you don't know history you just don't talk.

    Ok Ms.Ljupka.

    There is not a Macedonian nation except if you read dirty old propaganda books.Their country was established as Vardarska.In ancient Macedonia the language,the alphabet,the architecture,the names and the cities where all Greek.That's a fact.I challenge you to come the real Macedonia here in Greece and visit one of our great museums about Macedonia.

  27. 7 December 2011 10:33AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    .Macedonia during Roman Perion was extended through Balkans(this is what you mean).But this was after Alexander's death and STILL the Slavic populations haven't moved in this region yet.SO!!! We got a Greek kingdom with a Greek name(Macedonia),we got Greek names as Alexander(Protector of Men),Philippos(friend of horses),Voukefalas(Ox head) etc.All the names are totally Greek.Then we got the Slavic nation that you call as "Macedonians" who do not have Greek names,they don't speak the Attic Dialect(the dialect of Macedonians) and they don't use the Greek alphabet that Ancient Macedonians did.SO how do you dare call them Macedonians??Do you know that Philippos took place in the Olympic Games which were exclusively for Greeks? Do you know that Alexander prayed in Troy (a place where only Greeks were allowed to pray) before it's campgaign.

  28. 7 December 2011 10:34AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    Do you know that Philippos was elected by the Greeks to be their commander.And why through the path of Alexander there are cities with totally Greek names? You know the Greek pantheon right? Greeks decided to make the house of their Gods(12 Gods) the Mountain Olympus,that is set in the heart of the real Macedonia,here in Greece.Do you think that they chosed a house for their Gods beyond the Greek borders?How is it possible to be fooled so easily by their propaganda.This is just a small history lesson for all you ignorants and with no Greek history knowledge at all.

    I RECCOMEND ALL OF YOU TO READ MY TEXT,PLEASE ljupka martxthexkid tishobj vera88 paul666

  29. 8 December 2011 12:00AM ljupka Report this comment

    haha:) Dear alexander, all this offensive language of yours with pumped history information, presented in a histerious panicking style can ONLY serve to show readers the ultra-nationalistic attitudes of (some of)your people, that has lead to the creation of artifficial political crisis between the two countries - Greece and Macedonia. You can't underestimate people's intelligence and knowledge by offering them your inormation on greek's exclusivity on names. Once again, this is NOT a place for a political and historical debate.

  30. 8 December 2011 1:30AM molly_from_oz Report this comment

    Congratulations Lonely Planet guys! Simply by posting this list you have elicited reactions that give us all up to date, on the ground and genuinely relevant and current info. How clever are you!

  31. 9 December 2011 10:12AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    ljupka

    Did I speak offensive so far? Now I'm gonna speak offensive.I don't know what kind of uneducated or propagandised person you are but what I'm saying is real history information.You can read them in any encyclopedia or elsewhere.SO STOP calling FYROM/Vardarska as "Macedonia" and read some history for God's sake.Am I a nationalist when I protect my country's history or you are ignorant and unable to read some history??Probalby you are ucapable of understanding such simple things. Finally do you think that my words are just Greek words? There are hundreds arcahaeologists around the world who may inform you about this issue and they gonna explain you what I try to tell you.You can read about Stephen G. Miller or Mr. Robin Lane Fox from Oxford university.Plus there are plenty exhibitions that accomodate the Greek ruins of Macedonia and guess what? They are presented as Greek.Because they are Greek.Louvre Museum had a 3 month exhibition this year and The Ashmolean Museum as well.

  32. 9 December 2011 10:17AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    Is this ok for you?If you want you can keep reading the propaganda books otherwise you can read some real history.You don't believe me?Ask a historian.It is good to get educated about Greek history and not only.YES this is not a place for historical debate,but when people are so uneducated and support the propaganda against my country,it get's on my nerves and I have to react. For one thing you can be sure. I won't stop underestimate your intelligence till you stop propagandising and knowing false or no at all history.

  33. 9 December 2011 10:21AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    molly_from_oz I m really sorry for my behavior in this website but I really can't stand someone to propagandise against my country and my history.This is outrageous.Anyway the uneducated and uninformed people should feel more sorry than me

  34. 12 December 2011 9:04PM ljupka Report this comment

    Once again alexander, the offensive and low-level style of communication does not help you enhance the infromation that you are presenting and does not present you at all as "educated and sophisticated" - on the contrary. And talking about propganda - you are the one that started the whole discussion against my country, without anyone mentioning one piece of historical information in the article! You can excuse yourself all you want but I'm sure that everyone is clear that this is only one of the organized efforts to convince the international community in the greek version of the Macedonian issue. However, I do not plan to spend another minute in pointless discussions with rude people.

    All readers are welcome to visit Ohrid and all the other beautiful places in the Republic of Macedonia.

    Have a nice day!

  35. 13 December 2011 2:47AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    ljupka

    Of course! Since you can't deal with historical information that I gave you before you can only call me as rude and you can criticize our discussion as pointless.Anyway you are talking about which effort? Even Ljubčo Georgievski the president of the party that nowadays rules Skopja,gave you historical information about the propaganda that you spread.What else do you need? As I told you there isn't any definition for all the Macedonian names in your language but only in Greek.Well...Do you still believe that this organised propagand effort is from the Greek side or your side?

  36. 13 December 2011 2:54AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    You can ask any historian,any proffesor,any arhcaelogist to tell you the truth.Believe me...You country was established as Vardarska Banovina.Ask your grandfathers,they may remember it(except if your government brainwashed them so much).There is not any tiny link between your country's history with the Macedonian history.In contrast 100% of the evidence and historical findings are of Greek origin.And the international community know how great is the Greek history and that we wouldn't need someone else's history.But what is your history? There are Slavic nations with real history.But not you..For once again I will ask you....Finally, deap in your mind who do you concider as a propagandist?

  37. 13 December 2011 10:47PM gsenev Report this comment

    Sri Lanka is on the top 6 in Nat Geo's listings for Best Trips 2012. How come Lonely Planet missed it!

  38. 16 December 2011 7:34AM khafiz Report this comment

    alexsts, 1) No one gets shot on the spot these days in Tajikistan. It's a secure country nowadays. 2) For the past 10 years I have never heard about kidnapping in Tajikistan. At least no tourist has ever been kidnapped. 3)Tajikistan is much better and more beautiful than it was in 1980. 4)What crimes are you talking about? If you mean small crimes like pickpocketing etc. they are everywhere in the world. 5)In Dushanbe there is electricity through out the year. Electricity shortage can be seen in villages and remote areas. 6)Hotel system is one of the developing field of the last 4-5 years. You won't believe but there is Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dushanbe. 7)What makes a country attractive for the tourists its possesion of antique things. So some people come to see those old Russian Lada cars to Tajikistan. You still wouldn't believe if I told you that in Tajikistan you can see even a Hammer. 8)Never say things you don't know and put yourself in shame.

  39. 27 December 2011 2:41AM travela Report this comment

    Loved Lake Orhid, but really didn't think much of Skopje. If you go, beware of more than the normal number of ripoffs..."lively" ??? Not what I saw. Lovely bus trip from there to Orhid though, go during the day so you can enjoy the scenery.

    Place names come and go. Our Greek writer should get over himself and get a life!! I would have thought the Greeks had more pressing problems to deal with...

  40. 28 December 2011 3:52AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    Dear TRAVELA. Believe me there is not a bigger problem than the national and historical problems. Should I thing of this fake economical crisis more than the loss of my own history? Does this sounds logical? Furthermore, this crisis is here to destroy our lifes for the sake of Goldman Sachs. Is there anything I could do for this? NO,nor you,can do anything.Believe me I have a life because I responded to a misunderstanding of the website that is related with my country's history.I think you are the one who should get a life.Is there any reason that you are addressed to me,without sense,only to judge me? Finally I appreciate at least,that you have the minimal historical knowledge that is required for not calling them as "Macedonia"!

  41. 14 January 2012 12:52PM sophialauren Report this comment

    I think Macedonia is beautiful. At least people are not as aggressive and nationalist as in Greece. I prefer Turkey rather than Greece anyway.

    Alex relax! Hahahahaaa

  42. 17 January 2012 11:11PM ncpjb12 Report this comment

    First off all I would like to thank the Lonely Planet for listing variety of choices for traveling throughout the world. I am from Germany and several times been to Ohrid. It's really amazing. What surprised me most is the amount of hatred by the Greeks on the name Macedonia. Knowing all the problems that Europe has with Greeks and their behaving. My message is-Macedonia is wonderful country as it is Greece also and Ohrid is definitely worth to be visited!

  43. 19 January 2012 8:29PM etc4ca Report this comment

    Tajikistan - I can confirm that I've travelled the Pamir Highway on four separate occasions and never heard of kidnapping. People interested in travelling there will find the META link to the PHIP project is out of date (five years...). META has recently launched an independent tour operator - www.pamirhighwayadventure.com - but you can still learn all about META's ecotourism initiatives at link: http://pamirhighwayadventure.com/eco-projects/

  44. 20 January 2012 3:13AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    sophialauren I don't think that you are funny...When I am writing 5 comments with historical evidence and you keep calling them as "Macedonia" then I wonder if you ever went to school. Haven't you learn that Macedonia was a Greek kingdom?? For once more...When someone defends his own history is not a nationalist...WAKE UP!! Do you think that I care if you visit Turkey of Greece? Anyway when you visit Turkey you visit the Greek ruins of Clasical Greece.

  45. 20 January 2012 3:20AM alexandergreece Report this comment

    ncpjb12 What suprise me even more is the European Anti-Hellenism... IF you read my comments then you may understand why we Greeks don't like them.How would it be if Czech would claim that Bavaria is in Czech with all it's history within?? I bet that you learn at your schools about Alexander the Great and the Greek kingdom of Macedonia. But Friedrich Nietzsche at the "birth of tragedy" gave the answer why the rest of Europeans hate the Greeks. History is here.Read it and stop calling them as "Macedonians". Without history we would be nothing. And you as an ignorant German who thinks that Greece is the problem in E.U. and not Goldmans Sachs should get more informed in historical and political issues.

  46. 26 January 2012 10:23PM craigstoke Report this comment

    I have to recommend Macedonia, as i have been there last summer and had a great time. Its really cheap, the food and wine is great and the people are always friendly. I would recommend it to everybody, especially now when we have cheap flights from London to Skopje with Wizzair for 40 gbp. And i have to say that i am really annoyed by these greek people, because they are just spamming with comments full of hatred against Macedonia. @alexgreece you are so blinded by the politics of your government. I have a friend, a history student at the Cambridge University here in the UK, and he borrowed me some books from their library on this matter. And let me tell you something dude, you are sooo wrong on this matter it just makes me sick when i see what you and your country are doing to the Macedonians

  47. 1 February 2012 12:41PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    craigstoke Your friend from Cambrige hah?? Are you sure?? Then you should watch this.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIRe5tnqRKM An exhibiton about Ancient Macedonia. The one and only. Which is located in Greece. Here's Mr. Robin Lane Fox from Oxford university talking about this issue.Or maybe you should take a look at the exhibiton of Louvre which took place for 3 months and they presented the Macedonian ruins as GREEK and only GREEK and not Slavic.Here we talk about real history and not bullshit.Or maybe you should come and visit the Vergina's archaeological site where Philippos was assassinated which is recognised by UNESCO as Greek heritage.So stop pretending the matcho man because you are just another illeterate person who thinks that Alexander the Great was a Slav instead of Greek at that time that the Slavs didn't even exist.Hahah...An unededucated and Anti-Hellen just tried to humiliate me.Really...Your ignorance make me sick.GET EDUCATED NOW!

  48. 1 February 2012 12:49PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    craigstoke If you like travelling then you should visit India as I did.And guess what? When they asked me where I am from and I told them "Greece" their reaction was like that; "Ohhh Greece,we are ancestors of Alexander the Great".You should travel through Alexander's footsteps to see in which language the Macedonian signs are written.Greek or Slavic? I can give you the etymology and the definition of all Macedonian names in Greek.Because Macedonia is in Greece.These peoples that you call "Macedonians" don't know what Alexander means.Believe me I can give you more history.But it's not my job to educated uneducated people.You speak in hard tongue with lack of knowledge.You receive hard tongue.

  49. 1 February 2012 9:15PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    Excuse me why my comments are deleted?? What kind of censorship is this??? craigstoke I can't leave without giving you first basic history knowledge.You are ignorant and you don't know history. So!! You are the one who is blinded by Skopjan propaganda.My government gives a shit about our history. You are so funny when you say that I am the ingorant.My name is Alexander.And Alexander the Great was Greek.That's why I can define you the meaning of the name while your friends in Skopja can't. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIRe5tnqRKM You should watch this first and then talk about propagda.A British proffesor.If you are so brainwashed and you don't believe me,then here is one of your compatriots.And I have to inform you that Louvre museum in Paris organised an exhibition about Macedonian ruins and they were presented as GREEK and only Greek.

  50. 1 February 2012 9:25PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    craigstoke What was the language of Ancient Macedonians? What alphabet were they using? In which gods were they praying? In what language are the etymologies of names as Alexander, Philippos, Voukefalas, Macedonia? Where did Alexander prayed before his campaign? How is Alexander known through Asia?? As a Slav or as a Greek? What architecture did the ancient Macedonians use?? Search for the answer you ignorant man. What language do they speak in Skopje? (not Greek for sure,as the ancient Macedonians did ) How is it possible to be ancestors of Macedonians while they came in this region at 600AD, 1000 years after Alexander the Great? Why do they have Slavic names? Why they can't translate the names Alexander and Philippos? Whey their country was founded in 1929? These are some questions which they gonna help you resolve your confusion about history and never behave so foolishly again.

  51. 1 February 2012 9:36PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    craigstoke Hahaha you say that I am wrong right?? Well tell me..What are your evidence?? I can give you 1000 evidence to prove you the correctness of history. Or you can come to the Greek museums here in Macedonia. The place where Philippos was assassinated is called Vergina. It is a very nice archaeological site which is recognised fron UNESCO as Greek heritage.And not Slavic. Well your ignorance make me sick.And you have no evidence.But believe me...All the scientific world is by my side.Because history speaks better than propaganda.Propaganda is for fools and gullible.History and knowledge is for elect and educated people.As much as I see your are in the first category.I feel sorry for you.

  52. 2 February 2012 12:00PM joolz2 Report this comment

    Why would you buy bottled water in Japan? The tap water is fine to drink and free water is often supplied in retaurants. Take your own water bottle and fill it up when you need to.

  53. 6 February 2012 9:59AM balifornian Report this comment

    Really interesting choices here. Thanks for the ideas. I was shocked by SF but I know there are some great deals there as well. I would love to add Bali to your list as you can live like a queen or king for so little each day. Plus its gotta be the best quality of massage for the money anywhere. thanks for the ideas! And for more check http://www.balifornian.com/blog/ - Enjoy!

  54. 16 February 2012 8:49PM makedonka Report this comment

    dear MR alexandergreece, please know your history first than teach others. first, GREEK historians have written that Alexander the Great (АЛЕКСАНДАР III МАКЕДОНСКИ) is occupier of Greece.if he was greek why did he have to conquer Greece??? in Alxander's time Greece had it's territory only in Peloponnese. please look for historic maps for evidence. Also look for historic maps of the Balkans from hundred years ago, and you'll see Macecdonia's real territory.You've taken huge part of Macedonia's territory, called Aegean Macedonia, during the Balkan wars.there is a document for that too. Second, how can Macedonia be part of your culture, when the word Macedonia was forbidden in your country until 20 years ago???? when we step out of Yugoslavia,and declare independence you suddenly remembered the word??? you have tortured Macedonian population in Aegean Macedonia,you didn't care whether they were women or children, until they finally left their homes and go wonder in the world.

  55. 16 February 2012 8:50PM makedonka Report this comment

    so, all the archaeological sites from Alexanders' time are in Greece because you have occupied the territory!!!! and if you take out 3 children from mothers embrace, will she forget them, or will she morn until she find them again??? We are cosmopolitan people, full with tolerance and love, but you've made big injustice to us. Now is time for you to correct it, first by accepting our name MACEDONIA.

  56. 17 February 2012 1:25PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    makedonka Hahaha you are just ridiculous.Really I don't where to start from...First of all..Did you read my historical proves? What the F**K are you talking about? We Greeks occupied Macedonia? In Greece there was a territory called Macedonia many years before the Slavic arrival in this area.And YOU ARE Slavs.Read first the Slavic history and then talk.Have you ever seen this bullshit in any monument? АЛЕКСАНДАР III МАКЕДОНСКИ????? But you can find hundreds of monuments with the name Alexander written like this...Αλέξανδρος ο Μέγας.And believe me...Thousands of historians and me took a look at a map of that time.Have you ever taken a look at a map of Yugoslavia before 1940?? Your coutry was called Vardarska Banovina.WE always had a territory with this name and we fough at the beggining of the 20st century to liberate it from the Turks.Your country was not even founded that time.

  57. 17 February 2012 1:30PM alexandergreece Report this comment

    makedonka All I know is that you live in a shity fairytale.You CAN'T even tell me what the F**K the name Alexander-Αλέξανδρος means and you want to be named ancestors of him.Hahaha...Pathetic..History is by my side.Because all this are historical evidence.YOU ARE SLAVS,you can easily communicate with a Serbian who is Slav as well(In contrast with you Serbians have a wonderful history).ANCIENT MACEDONIANS WEREN'T SLAVS.OK??? They were speaking the Greek language,they were writing in Greek,their architecture was Greek,their names were Greek and Alexander fought against Athens and Thebes to take control of Greece and Philippos was elected by the Greeks to be their commander.Have you ever heard of Greek city states and kingdoms? The civil war was part of daily life.So wake up from your fairytale and face your non sense history which is less than 90 years old.End of story.Good night wannabe Greek.

  58. 20 February 2012 6:33PM subinpauljoy Report this comment

    India also have nature rich travel destinations. if you want to be a real outdoorman, come India. Edakkal Cave is the most popular place, and the most visited place in Wayanad. Edakkal cave is well known for the prehistoric stone carvings inside it. The carvings are made somewhere before 5000BC in the time line. it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in History.

    see more info here http://cyberwayanad.blogspot.in/2011/12/edakkal-cave-and-edakkal-stone-carvings.html

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