In Travellers’ Choice 2013 10 destinations on the rise in the world Havana, Cuba was rated top.

 

1. Havana, Cuba

Once a magnet for Americans who wanted a quick weekend getaway, Cuba’s capital city saw a drastic drop in post-War tourism thanks to a combination of strained foreign relations and economic woes. Recently, though, Havana has been experiencing a cultural renaissance, as the city shakes off the cobwebs and pours resources into resorts and hotels. Soak up some history while you soak up the tropical sun, strolling amid the colonial-era sights of Old Havana. Whether you prefer to hot-step it in a salsa club, tour a cigar factory or sip a mojito in one of Hemingway’s haunts, energy buzzes in and around Havana’s historic city centre, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

2. La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

La Fortuna de San Carlos is at the center of an array of geological wonders.  The nearby Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, routinely bursting with lava and ash, and the Catarata de La Fortuna is a waterfall pouring from a seventy-meter cliff.  The Tabacon Hot Springs are a relaxing intermission in the midst of the various spectacles, and the Leaves and Lizards Arenal Volcano Cabin Retreat is a blissful end to any day’s excursion.

 

 

3. Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is mystical and magical place, a trove of ancient structures that are enveloped in folklore. Ancient Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city, home to the legendary Kasthamandap temple, courtyards, fountains and the old royal palace. Kathmandu is a terrific base for various Nepalese adventures and Himalayan treks. For a more spiritual journey, visit a peaceful yoga or meditation centre or enroll in a course at a Buddhist monastery.

 

 

4. Jerusalem, Israel

Religious pilgrims have been travelling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.

 

 

5. Cusco, Peru

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, majestic Cusco still reigns supreme. The city is a layer of eras and cultures, as indigenous features blend with colonial architecture and modern nightlife. Explore ancient ruins and towering cathedrals, marvel at colorful wares in local markets or take a break from it all with a relaxing massage. Outside the city, whitewater rafting, mountain biking or a visit to the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary will get your heart pumping in more ways than one.

 

The other 5 countries are:

 

6 Ambergris Caye, Belize Cayes; 7 Sapporo, Japan; 8 Hanoi, Vietnam; 9 Corralejo, Spain; 10 Fortaleza, Brazil

 

For more on this story and to see more photographs go to:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TravelersChoice-DestinationsontheRise-cTop10-g1