Now is when you should be considering visiting emerging destinations while cheap travel options still exist such as cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms and cheap vacation packages still exist and before they become crowded with tourists.
There are downsides of such destinations including often the lack of a good transportation infrastructure, basic hotel service, and poor medical facilities. However, if you enjoy an adventurous attitude, the benefits tend to outweigh the risks.
Below are emerging destinations worth considering:
The last section of the Trans-Labrador Highway opened to the public last summer. A two lane road goes from Labrador City in eastern Labrador, Canada through sub Arctic wilderness to remote villages on the coast. This part of the road goes south past the Mealy Mountains to the seaside communities of Port Hope Simpson and Marys Harbour, the gateway to Battle Harbour National District, a restored 17th century fishing village. Icebergs can be seen offshore if travelers drive down Iceberg Alley (Route 513) toward St. Lewis.
Mid June to the end of July is ideal for whale watching. Leaf lovers and those wanting to miss the summer mosquito swarms should go in September.
Diqing, China, in northwestern Yunnan, is famous for its traditional Tibetan culture, monasteries, villages and dramatic terrain. Diqing will soon become more accessible as result of an extensive road project which will widen the existing road to Diqing to two lanes and add tunnels, reducing the six hour drive from Gyalthang by three hours. Unlike other Tibetan areas in China, Diqing has for the most part remained welcoming to tourists.
Zimbabwe after suffering a decade of political crises, economic difficulties, and human rights violations has benefited from a new unity government formed in 2009 and relative economic stability aided by the adoption of the American dollar. Tour operators are beginning to return, offering trips that highlight Victoria Falls, Zimbabwes cultural offerings and impressive wildlife.
Mongolia is a land of undeveloped beauty and remains sparsely populated. Hilton Hotels, the Rezidor Hotel Group and Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have announced plans to build new hotels in Ulan Bator, the capital. Rezidors Radisson Blue Hotel is scheduled to open by the end of the year, with 175 rooms, three restaurants, a microbrewery, a wellness center and conference facilities.
Ulan Bator is considered the gateway to Mongolia and an ideal location from which guests can visit the countrys grasslands, national parks and Gobi Desert. www.cheapfares.com