Top 10 cities for 2011(Lonely Planet)

Who doesn’t love a city? Lonely Planet has scoured the globe for next year’s hottest cities. Our top picks show that a city doesn’t need to be a heaving metropolis to get on the list. Then again, sometimes it helps. One of our favourites is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road. And there are even a couple of European cities that remain criminally underrated. Here they are, Lonely Planet’s top 10 cities for next year, ranked in order:

1. New York

Since 9/11, the site of the World Trade Center’s twin towers has stood out as a closed-off, out-of-view, painful gaping void. This year that changes, as the former WTC site finally reopens to the public with the National September 11 Memorial, a 6-acre, tree-filled plaza with 30ft-deep waterfalls at the footprint of the former towers, rimmed by the name of each victim and illuminated at night (its museum will follow in 2012). For the city, this will be more momentous than if the Yankees, Knicks, Rangers and Giants won simultaneous championships while the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. For all of New York, 11 September 2011 will be a defining moment.

2. Tangier

From its extraordinary position perched on the northwestern-most tip of Africa, Tangier looks in two directions: one face towards Spain and Europe, and the other into Africa. The ‘white city’ announces a culture excitingly different from that of its close cousins across the water. With the recent arrival of a new city governor, the town beach now sparkles, the hustlers are off the streets and even the taxi drivers are polite. A stylish new Tangier is being created with a dynamic arts community, renovated buildings, great shopping and chic new restaurants.

3. Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is the total flipside of Jerusalem, a modern Sin City on the sea rather than an ancient Holy City on a hill. Hedonism is the one religion that unites its inhabitants. There are more bars than synagogues, God is a DJ and everyone’s body is a temple. Yet, scratch underneath the surface and Tel Aviv, or TLV, reveals itself as a truly diverse 21st-century Mediterranean hub. By far the most international city in Israel, Tel Aviv is also home to a large gay community, a kind of San Francisco in the Middle East. Thanks to its university and museums, it is also the greenhouse for Israel’s growing art, film and music scenes.

4. Wellington

Wellington is Cool-with-a-capital-C, crammed with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York, and a slew of gourmet producers including some 10 independent coffee roasteries. Year-round you’ll find arts and cultural events in abundance. Likewise, its film industry, ‘Wellywood’, centred on the Miramar Peninsula, is booming thanks in large part to the success of Wellingtonian Sir Peter Jackson (executive producer of the 2011 and 2012 Hobbit movies currently being made here). This little capital will be front-and-centre on the world stage in 2011 when New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup.

5. Valencia

Valencia sits coquettishly and again confidently along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. For centuries, it was overshadowed by larger Spanish cities – hard-nosed, commercially-minded Barcelona and Madrid, the nation’s capital. Not any more. While retaining its provincial charm, Spain’s third city now mixes with the international crowd. Host of a couple of America’s Cup yachting jamborees and an annual street circuit Formula 1 motor race, it’s also European Capital of Sport for 2011 and a favourite destination for conferences and congresses. Valencia enjoyed its golden age two full centuries before the rest of Spain.

6. Iquitos

After days forging by boat along rainforest-fringed rivers, Iquitos, mighty megalopolis of the Peruvian Amazon, comes as a shock to the system. Pulsating with life, the city’s latest boom is tourism: visitors may flock to reconnoitre the rainforest but taking time to imbibe Iquitos itself is imperative too. This is a sultry slice of Amazon life: Brazilian, Colombian, indigenous and expat. Clubs bounce to salsa and rock until the early hours with the vigour you’d expect of Peru’s jungle capital, but Iquitos is also a cultural hub: expect works by Peru’s top artists, opulent rubber-boom mansions and a museum on Amazon ethnography for starters. As a trading post for rainforest tribes, market mayhem and riverboat bustle are part of the package, all conspiring to fill the city with an addictive, round-the-clock energy.

7. Ghent

Here’s a secret within a secret: Ghent might just be the best European city you’ve never thought of visiting, in a country that continues to be criminally overlooked. Ghent hides away in the middle of Belgium’s big three – Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. Most Belgium-bound visitors rushing between these see nothing more than the stately fortifications of Ghent’s St Pieter’s Station. Those who do hop off the train and stroll along the Leie River to the historic centre will have their eyes out on stalks. Here hides one of Europe’s finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old grand houses. But this is no place to simply kick back: Ghent has one of Europe’s most dynamic festival scenes, which vies for visitors’ attention. This year the entire centre will emerge from a major program of rebuilding designed to show off the huge pedestrianised squares.

8. Delhi

The great metropolis of Delhi, encompassing Old and New Delhi and sprawling out for miles, has not looked this smart and sparkling in centuries. Huge preparations for the Commonwealth Games, which took place in October 2010, improved the city’s infrastructure, cleaned up its streets and added to its accommodation options. Aside from, of course, a bounty of new or improved sporting facilities, there’s the marvellous artery of the Metro – an underground transport system that’s a futuristic, egalitarian world away from the sometimes chaotic, class-ridden situation above ground. This year marks 100 years since New Delhi was founded in 1911. At least eight cities are known to have been founded on this spot. The commemoration of this anniversary is sure to be a colourful and lively affair.

9. Newcastle

Is it Australia’s most underrated city? Anyone surprised to see Newcastle on the list of 2011′s hottest cities (and there’s a few of you, right?) probably hasn’t pulled in off the Pacific Highway, or at least not for a while. Newcastle flies under the radar of Aussies and international travellers in part because it’s overshadowed by its bigger, bolder and better-known sibling, Sydney, 150km south. But, at around one-tenth the size, Australia’s second-oldest city has Sydney-like assets: surf beaches, a sun-drenched subtropical climate, and diverse dining, nightlife and arts. Not only is Newcastle ideally located just two hours by road or rail or 30 minutes by plane or seaplane from Sydney, it’s less than an hour’s drive west to the Hunter Valley wineries, south to sailboat-filled Lake Macquarie, north to whale-watching and sharkfeeding at Port Stephens and to sandboarding at Stockton Beach (the southern end of the 32km-long beach is a five-minute ferry ride across Newcastle’s harbour).

10. Chiang Mai

If Chiang Mai were a person, it would be Bob Dylan. With a history dating back further than anyone can remember, its influence remains enormous. And despite its great age, there’s still a bohemian chic that makes it as relevant and hip as ever. Culture capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai was once the heart of the Lanna kingdom. Today those wanting to flee the bustle of Bangkok visit to lounge in coffee shops and drink in the city’s artisanal atmosphere. With a friendly, cosmopolitan feel, this is one easy, safe and pleasant place to explore. There are dozens of well-preserved temples here, too. Many new ecotours and adventure trips are appearing, and with a choice of river rafting, elephant rides, trekking and off-road cycling, even the biggest adrenaline junkie will be sated.

• Reference/Source: lonelyplanet.com

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Picks for the Top Ten 2011 BMW Models

Is it just us or do you ever find yourself wasting time on BMW’s website optioning up your favorite Bavarian sedans, coupes and SUVs? Well, maybe it’s just us. We have spent enough time investigating the many trim levels and engines on offer with various 2011 BMW models and we think these are ten of the best. Do you agree?

And remember, just because it is expensive doesn’t always mean it’s good. That’s why the M6 (or any 6-series for that matter) is nowhere to be found on this list. So even though the economy is tough it never hurts to dream a little bit, now does it?

2011 BMW 128i Coupe
A luxury car maker is only as good as its most basic, stripped out model and in some ways a manual transmission equipped 128i is the closest you can come to finding a true 2002ti (the iconic 60’s coupe that put BMW on the map) descendant in the BMW line. The 128i is all about driving, the feel of the sweet shifting manual and the melodious straight six. No turbos, no gadgets—just one of the most fun to drive cars around.

But if you do have nearly $50,000 lying around the new 1-Series M variant looks set to be a whole lot of fun. Too bad they are only sending 1,000 to the United States.

2011 BMW 328i Sedan
Having recently driven an automatic 328i for the first time we were shocked at how fast it was thanks to the lightning quick reflexes of that gearbox. While we would prefer a manual transmission 328i there is no shame (or feeling of lethargy) when behind the wheel of this entry level 3-series.

2011 BMW 335i Coupe
If you are going to treat yourself to a coupe you might as well go the whole hog and enjoy the turbocharged 300 horsepower straight six in the 335i. As with any 3 build quality is exemplary, handling out of this world and the steering has more natural feel than ten of its competitors put together.

For the new model year all 335i models have 3.0 liter straight 6 engines with one turbocharger instead of the two that came with last year’s version. Oddly enough, power output is identical for both motors but efficiency is improved thanks to a new 8-speed automatic option. There is a high performance 335is coupe model on offer, however, with a more powerful version of the old twin turbo engine. Got that?

2011 BMW 335d Sedan
Attention all eco-geeks or tree stump pulling torque lovers! You can now officially have your cake and eat it too. The driving pleasure of a 3-series sedan mixed with a diesel 6 with 425 lb. feet of torque (more than the M3) and 36 miles per gallon highway. Could it get any better? Well, BMW could offer it with a manual transmission option but we should just be glad it’s even here.

2011 BMW 535i
The new shape 5-series may not be ground breaking or even all that attractive but the interior shares many upscale styling cues with the luxurious 7-series. It may not make you weak at the knees but it should make for a fun to drive executive express.

2011 BMW X5 xDrive35d
While most people probably say they bought their X5 diesel because of the environment or because of concerns about gas prices, the reason they love their X5 diesel is because of the fact that it is E.T. mothership fast at passing speeds. This car has so much power when the turbo is on boost that if you aren’t used to it you could easily find yourself in the rear fender of that Hyundai in front of you.

2011 BMW X6 M-Series
Take an SUV, remove the utility (read: spaciousness) and send it to the guys who brought you the M3 and M5 sport sedan icon. After that happens you should get a vehicle that makes no sense. And really, it doesn’t. But that is the beauty of the X6. Despite it having no purpose this thing looks cool, goes like stink (thanks to a turbo V8) and handles better than most any other SUV out there. They did it just because they knew they could and BMW should be applauded for that.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35i
Simply put this is the best looking folding hardtop convertible on the market today with the top up or the top down. Although you may lose most of the trunk with the top down you really won’t care because you will be looking gorgeous. And the 300 horsepower 6-cylinder version goes like stink in such a lightweight and small vehicle application.

2011 BMW M3 Sedan (Manual Transmission model)
This is a performance sedan offers a V8 that actually requires a lot of revs to get the most performance from it. We are not sure that has ever been the case with an 8 cylinder before but we love that BMW
is up to challenging its M-powered drivers. With the M division downsizing engines it appears that this may be the only and last 8-cylinder 3-series.

2011 BMW 750 Li Extended Wheelbase
This luxo-barge may lack the V-12 from the 760Li extended wheelbase model but thankfully it retains its limo-like rear legroom. The other benefit is that the 750 starts at $88,000 as opposed to the quasi-ridiculous 760Li which starts off at $137,000. For that much money a Bentley or Maserati is within easy reach. That’s why the 750Li makes so much more sense. That is, if spending nearly $100,000 on a car can ever be called sensible.

• Reference/Source: insidercarreviews.com By James Hamel

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Top Ten Tablet Picks of CES 2011

CES 2011 was great and will be even better next year. The products debuted at CES 2011 were even greater than the convention itself. What was the best category of products released? We believe it was tablets. So many tablets were debuted and they all looked so great, that we thought it would be appropriate to find the top 10.



Here they are: Tablets

1. Motorola Xoom

2. LG T-Mobile G-Slate

3. Asus Ee Pad MeMO

4. Vizio VIA

5. Asus Eee Pad Slider

6. Asus Eee Pad Transformer

7. RIM PlayBook

8. Dell Streak 10

9. MSI WindPad 100W

10. Wi-Fi Only Galaxy Tab

• Reference/Source: techunwrapped.com By
  Graham,1/9/2011

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Top 10 energy picks for 2011

Demand for oil will continue to rise as developing economies in Asia and elsewhere fuel their rapid growth. Here's how to play a bullish outlook on oil.

As we move into 2011, we remain bullish on crude oil fundamentals for the long term. Increases in merger and acquisition activity and in capital spending by the oil and gas industry reinforce our view. And countries in the developing world, particularly from Asia, will continue to demand more barrels to fuel their economic growth.

Energy companies are looking over the horizon to bring projects forward to capture demand as it strengthens. Support for crude prices will be driven primarily by supply constraints, particularly production declines in major basins worldwide, including: Mexico, Norway, North Sea, Alaska North Slope, Venezuela, conventional plays in Canada and the U.S., and mature fields in Western Siberia. Other supply constraints are limited access by Western Majors to major producing basins of the world, rising costs, geopolitical instability, and energy insecurity by energy short nations.

On the demand side, accelerating GDP in emerging market nations and rising inflation fears will funnel greater investment capital to target inflation hedges in the form of commodities, particularly oil. We remain bearish on natural gas due to improved technology and oversupplied storage weighing on price. We see no reduction in production levels until perhaps the second half of 2011, with increasing risk to the sector of consolidation and bankruptcies.

With our bullish bias to crude oil price, we look for producers that are highly levered to crude oil and have positive production growth in their upstream profiles for 2011. These are the companies that are positioned to benefit from higher crude prices in 2011 and accelerating demand going forward.

Here we highlight our top 10 picks.

CNOOC (CEO)

At the top of our list is China's national oil producer, CNOOC. It is 71% state-owned and aptly named CEO, as in CEO of the energy world, and is up more than 51% year-to-date. Government owned, it has a lower cost of capital that has enabled it to make several significant acquisitions in 2010, and we don't think they are through yet. CEO currently has an 82% oil weighting in its production profile, and with 2010 acquisitions the company could easily grow production by roughly 10%-12% in 2011.

Coupled with crude prices on the upswing in 2011, and using a conservative oil price of $85 per barrel for 2011, CEO could grow 2011 earnings roughly 40% from 2010 to $22.10 per ADR, which would easily top consensus estimates. Using a crude price of $89 in 2011 will add about another $2 in earnings and roughly $1 billion in cash flow. Net cash flow (NCF) after capital spending and dividends could grow to roughly $3 billion, or $7.40/ADR. The company also boasts a strong balance sheet with debt to capital at about 13%, and net of cash at negative 2%.

MEG ENERGY

MEG Energy is a bitumen producer based in Calgary, Alberta with shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. We expect MEG's 2011 earnings to benefit from a full year in operation, a 3% increase in oil sands production lower operating costs per barrel, and expanding margins. With its strong balance sheet, a strategic partner in China's CNOOC owning 15%, debt-to-capital at 21% and net of cash at negative ~13%, we believe MEG is being underpriced by the market by roughly 30%.

The company is sitting on roughly C$1.4 billion in cash -- more than enough to meet its expected net cash flow deficit after capital spending of roughly ~C$600 million for 2011. It is in the growth mode, ramping up production for its next phase of expansion at Christina Lake, with expected start-up in 2013. Based on $85 oil in 2011, MEG's 2011 earnings should top consensus, reaching ~C$0.92 per share, up more than 150% increase from 2010. Should crude oil average $89 in 2011, MEG's earnings could go about 16% higher to ~C$1.06.

SUNCOR (SU)

Predominately an oil sands mining operation, Suncor -- also based in Canada -- is 87% weighted to company-wide oil production and 67% to oil sands production in its upstream portfolio. SU's 2011 earnings will be driven by higher crude prices, 14% higher oil sands production, and a 12% increase in overall upstream production. Higher production will drive down operating cost per barrel and expand margins. Its balance sheet is strong with debt-to-capital at 25% and net of cash at 24%.

Underpriced by the market by about 30%, SU is living within its means, with expected net cash flow at ~C$1.1 billion for 2011 at $85 per barrel oil. In addition, SU expects to garner about C$3.5-$4B in cash proceeds from asset disposals begun in 2010. At $85 oil, SU's 2011 earnings should reach ~C$2.40/share, or roughly a 58% increase from 2010. If crude oil averages $89 in 2011, SU's earnings could increase about 9% further to C$2.63/share. Higher production driven by greater capacity and a return to full upgrader utilization in 2011 should drive operating costs lower by about 13%.

CHEVRON (CVX)

Among the majors, CVX is the most levered to rising crude prices in 2011. CVX has the highest oil production weighting in its portfolio at 70%, and coupled with the best oil production growth among its peers, its upstream earnings growth stands to benefit the most in 2011. Year-to-date in 2010, oil production by the majors declined 1% worldwide and decreased 3% in the U.S. Only CVX and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA) have registered positive 2% oil production growth worldwide, and CVX recorded a 4% increase in the U.S., best among the majors.

Although we project modest growth going forward into 2011, CVX should post positive growth of at least 1% relative to its peers. At $85 per barrel crude oil in 2011, we expect CVX to easily beat consensus with a 15% increase in earnings per share from 2010 to $10.31/share. At $89 oil, earnings would jump nearly 22% from prior year to nearly $11.00/share. Chevron's balance sheet remains strong, with low debt leverage, debt to capital at 9.5%, and net of cash at negative ~-4%.

HESS (HES)

A high oil weighting (74%), international assets, and Bakken oil shale exposure are main drivers behind Hess's earnings growth going into 2011. Particularly, North Dakota's Bakken oil field in the Williston basin, where HES is the third largest oil producer and the largest gas producer, will drive its U.S. production growth. Current production from Bakken is 18,000 boe/d, with a 2010 exit rate targeted at 20,000 boe/d, and targeting 80,000 boe/d by 2015 – this would nearly double U.S. overall production.

Recent acquisitions in 2010 of American Oil & Gas (85,000 net acres) and TRZ's acreage (167,000 net acres) in the Bakken could push HES' production over 30,000 boe/d in 2011. At $85 crude oil in 2011, we expect HES to beat consensus with a 15% EPS increase from 2010 to $6.24/share. At $89 oil, earnings would jump nearly 50% from prior year to nearly $7.04/share, adding another $130 million in net cashflow. Hess has modest debt-to-capital at 26%, and net of cash at 17%.

HOLLY CORP. (HOC)

A niche refiner located primarily in the Southwest U.S., Holly has limited regional competition. HOC has a balanced distillation-to-upgrading ratio of nearly one-to-one -- balanced upgrading allows it to optimize its operating leverage during periods of both high and low crude differentials. With a strong balance sheet and modest debt leverage – 34%, net of cash at 23%, and a high EBITDA-to-debt, or "interest coverage" ratio of 5.4, HOC is well positioned to weather challenging refining conditions in the long run.

HOC trades at a discount to its peer Frontier (FTO) and a premium to Valero (VLO) at nearly eight times 2010 estimated EBITDA. Driving this higher valuation is its unique market position, its high distillate yield that capitalizes on wider margins and growing diesel demand in the U.S., and its top net income and margin per barrel. Generating the best net income per barrel and income margin among its peers in 2010, we expect HOC to continue to outperform fellow domestic refiners in 2011.

LUKOIL (LUKOY)

Although labeled a National Oil Company (NOC), Lukoil is 100% publicly owned. Yet geopolitical risk, the Russian economy, and an onerous export tax duty have all weighed heavily on Lukoil's share price in 2010, widening its market price discount to its discounted cash flow valuation further to 50%. Historically, NOCs trade at a steep discount to cash flow valuations and Lukoil's historical discount has been in the 30% range.

We believe its market discount will narrow, reverting to the mean in 2011, driven by several catalysts. Lukoil's high oil production weighting of 87% levers its share price to higher crude prices; its long-term reserves, its expanding production profile internationally, and its growing crude oil production profile of ~2% per year will contribute to significant earnings growth in 2011. Lukoil's balance sheet is strong with a debt-to-capital ratio of ~16% and a net of cash ratio at ~12%, meaning it's living within its capital spending. At $85 crude oil in 2011, we expect Lukoil to easily beat consensus with a ~25% EPS increase from 2010 to $14.75 per ADR. For 2011, net cash flow at $85 per barrel oil is targeted at $8.4 billion, or $10.12 per ADR. At $89 oil, earnings would jump 35% from prior year to nearly $16 per ADR, adding roughly another $1 billion in net cash flow.

NORTH AMERICAN ENERGY PARTNERS (NOA)

This Canadian oil sands resource "services" provider has been hit hard by the downturn in Oil Sands project expansion that began in 2009 and continued into 2010. NOA provides oil sands mining and site preparation, piling and pipeline installation services: as of the end of September, revenue from oil sands services generated 83% of net revenue, 84% of which is recurring revenue. Although its balance sheet remains under pressure at ~57% debt-to-capital and net of cash at ~50%, recent projected increases in capital spending by oil sands companies and the resumption of oil sands growth projects is good news for NOA, which will benefit from increased project spending.

Oil sands project growth will provide the catalyst to earnings growth into next year. For NOA's fiscal year ending March 2011, earnings are expected to decline 21% to C$0.61/share, but earnings for fiscal year 2012 (beginning in April 2011) should bounce back by ~120% to $1.36/share, driven by higher oil sands spending. Net cash flow for both years should remain positive, with fiscal 2012 expected at $32 million or C$0.90/share.

CANADIAN OIL SANDS TRUST

The company is converting to a corporation from a trust organization at end of December 2010. The stock recently took a hit on news that COS will cut its dividend payout ratio in half upon conversion to a corporation in order to maintain cash flow within capital spending. COS is 100% levered to oil sands production, as the largest partner (36.74% interest) in the Canadian Syncrude Joint Venture.

We view COS a company with upside earnings potential in 2011 -- potentially a 63% increase from 2010 to C$2.04/share at $85 oil, and net cash flow positive C$0.20/share after capital spending. At $89 per barrel oil, earnings could increase further to C$2.28/share, with net cash flow at C$0.45/share. We view shares as oversold, as the market overreacted to the dividend reduction news, presenting a buying opportunity. COS is undervalued by roughly 30% according to our discounted cash flow models. The company's operating fundamentals remain strong, particularly with high oil price leverage. The balance sheet has a moderate debt-to-capital ratio at ~23%, net of cash at ~21%.

OIL SERVICES (OIH)

Increases in capital expenditures by the world's major integrated oil companies, a boom in U.S. shale plays, and an aging fleet of rigs are all tailwinds for the oil services industry in 2011. Chevron recently announced that it will boost capital spending by 20% in 2011 and we anticipate that its counterparts will follow suit. Shell, TOTAL, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil have seen production declines in recent years and need to increase spending in the upstream to fend off further drops.

In the U.S., the boom in horizontal drilling has completely changed the future of recovery techniques for gas and oil. Horizontal rigs are up 80% this year while vertical rigs have trended flat. Advantage = oil services. Horizontal drilling consumes more "pipe" and wears it down faster. The pipe life for vertical rigs is 4-5 years while it is 2-3 years for horizontal rigs. Not only that, but horizontal rigs demand more powerful bits and motors to handle the torque of "the turn." Lastly, the global rig fleet is aging and needs upgrading. 75% of the world's "jack-up rigs" are older than their 25 year recommended shelf-life.

With "easy oil" in decline, exploration and production will occur in increasingly difficult and unconventional land and waters for which new, technically advanced rigs will be required. We are bullish on the entire sector (which can be played via the ETF OIH), though our favorite name is National Oilwell Varco (NOV).

• Reference/Source: cnn.com by Lou Gagliardi and Kevin Kaiser, Hedgeye

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The 10 Truths About Toilets

It's the first room we go to when we wake up, the last room we visit when we turn in at night. It's the room that relieves us, comforts and cleanses us. And sometimes it manages to raise our brows-with all the quirky customs and habits that people have about them. Yup, were talking about the most popular room in the house, the humble toilet.

Some truths you might want to know:

1. More than 40 percent of the world’s population do not have access to basic sanitation.

2. In Japan, it’s considered unethical to let other people hear you peeing. So public toilets are installed with music to cover it up. Others use a device called Otohime or Sound Princess to mimic the sound of flushing that some women prefer to music.

3. In Singapore, you could be fined up to $150 for not flushing.

4. In Switzerland, its against the law to flush a toilet after 10 p.m. if you live in an apartment.

5. In Korea, a closed cubicle door in the ladies room means the stall is vacant. Hmmm, you wonder how people know its occupied.

6. The stall nearest the door tends to be the cleanest. People prefer to use the stall at the end of the room.

7. Guys would rather wait than use the vacant stall in the middle; women spend more time in the shower.

8. It has been recommended by dentists that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from the toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

9. Filipinos are saving the forest by using tabo (Dipper). The world consumption of toilet paper accounts for 72,000 acres of woodland per day.

10. Talk about style! The French prefer scented and colored toilet paper, the standard being pink.

• Reference/Source: sundayINQUIRERmagazine, Philippines

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Top 10 of 20 Best Trips of 2011

Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary destination for your next vacation? Check out these 20 top trips, hand-picked by National Geographic Traveler editors as the best of 2011. Where do you want to go this year? Share your travel plans—real or ideal—below.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Nearly half of Mongolia’s three million residents are nomads, and most of the rest live in Ulaanbaatar—the country's capital and largest city. The cultural, economic, and transportation hub on the Tuul River is the starting point for two-humped Bactrian camel treks and other exotic Gobi desert expeditions, but its ten museums, close proximity to national parks, and collection of imperial palaces and Buddhist monasteries qualify Ulaanbaatar as a destination rather than way station.
Wander through the Narantuul, a 2,500-vendor, open-air market; visit Gandan Monastery—Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery—and the adjoining Megjid Janraisig and Kalachakra Temples; and view Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, sacred relics, and fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs found in the Gobi at the National and Natural History Museums. During the July 11-13 National Holiday, Ulaanbaatar hosts the nation’s largest Naadam Festival, a legendary cultural celebration featuring wrestling, archery and cross-country horse racing competitions, plus traditional costumes and dance.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia's 1,104-mile (1,776-kilometer) island-speckled Adriatic coast is a popular playground for sea kayakers, sailors, kite surfers, and divers. Additional water wonders await those willing to travel inland (a four-hour bus ride from the coast) to the mountainous, eastern Plitvice Lakes region, site of Croatia’s first and largest national park.

Nature's color wheel is in constant motion at 114-square-mile (296-square-kilometer) Plitvice Lakes National Park (above) where 16 terraced lakes, formed by natural travertine dams, change hues throughout the day from bright turquoise to gray depending on the angle of the sun's rays and mineral makeup of the water. Well-maintained wooden boardwalks and trails link the lakes to the park’s centerpiece cascades, the largest of which—Big Waterfall—plummets 256 feet (78 meters) into the valley below. Home to abundant wildlife, including 261 species of birds, the walker-friendly park is divided into Upper and Lower Lakes sections bridged by the Lake Kozjak ferry.

Sardinia, Italy

Glitterati flock by the yachtful to Sardinia’s serpentine northern Gallura coast, where exclusive Porto Cervo and Costa Smeralda are two favorite summer playgrounds. While a winding coastal drive—perfect for a red Ferrari roadster—offers dramatic Mediterranean views and a powerful adrenaline rush, the real rock stars of Italy’s second-largest island are the actual rocks, or more precisely, the prehistoric stone dwellings found in the mountainous interior.

Sardinia is home to more than 7,000 stone nuraghi towers, Bronze Age castles built between 1600 and 1100 B.C. Best known is Nuraghe Santu Antine near Torralba, a well-preserved nuraghic royal palace surrounded by the eerie remnants of a once thriving nuraghic village. To experience modern village life on an island where sheep outnumber humans by nearly three to one, check into Hotel Su Gologone in Oliena, where hearty guests can sign up to shadow a local shepherd for the day.

Tasmania

In Australia’s smallest state, remote rain forests, secluded beaches, and more than 200 vineyards are accessible by foot. Tasmania’s mild, maritime climate and compact size (comparable to West Virginia) make this heart-shaped island 150 miles (240 kilometers) off the Australian mainland a year-round destination for walkers and hikers of all ages, interests, and fitness levels.

Great Walks Tasmania features seven distinct, guided walking tours ranging from the moderate 14- to 18-mile (23- to 30-kilometer) Bay of Fires wilderness trek along the coastal rim of Mount William National Park to the gentler 12- to 28-mile (20- to 45-kilometer) gourmand’s ramble through Maria Island’s eucalyptus forest and pristine beaches. In 2011, Tasmania hosts the biennial Ten Days on the Island international arts celebration from March 25 to April 3, an event that features nearly 500 artists in 111 venues.

Fjord Norway

Western Norway, known as Fjord Norway, is home to the world’s largest concentration of the saltwater-filled, glaciated valleys. The iconic destination encompasses 1,646 miles (2,650 kilometers) of pristine coastline, glaciers, mountains, and cascading waterfalls, including the 2,148-foot (655-meter) Mardalsfossen, the world’s fourth highest. The region’s six National Tourist Routes offer easy driving access to bouldering, ice climbing, glacier walking, base jumping, caving, and year-round skiing.

Four UNESCO World Heritage sites are located here, including the deep-blue Geirangerfjord (above), considered one of the world’s most unspoiled fjords. Fjords are best experienced from water level, so hop a ferry, book a cruise, or rent a kayak for unobstructed views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks, steep mountainsides, and abundant wildlife. The midnight sun in June and July brings near round-the-clock daylight and the most visitors. Days are shorter in May and September, but the lighter tourist traffic makes for easy meandering from Kristiansand to Trondheim along the Fjord Coast Route.

Uruguay

A laid-back vibe, day trip-friendly dimensions (only 68,036 square miles/176,215 square kilometers), and lively beach scene make Uruguay a favorite getaway for the South American jet set.

The capital city, Montevideo, pulses to the rhythm of candombe, the thunderous Afro-Uruguayan, three-drum sound fueling spontaneous street parades, as well as the all-night Desfile de las Llamadas, the featured event of Montevideo Carnaval. In southwestern Uruguay, stroll the winding, cobblestone streets of Colonia del Sacramento’s 17th-century historic district—a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s only a 50-minute high-speed ferry ride from Buenos Aires—to explore the country’s Portuguese roots. Go west to the hilly interior to play gaucho at a luxury dude ranch or a more traditional working estancia, where tourists can trade labor for trail time. For sun and surf, hit the beaches of Punta del Este, the narrow peninsula dividing the waters of the Rio de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean.

Shimla, India

Visiting Shimla is equal parts journey and destination. For optimal snow-clad Himalayan views, chug back in time on the narrow-gauge Kalka Shimla Railway (above), one of three Indian lines on the World Heritage List. It passes through 102 tunnels, across 864 bridges, and up 4,659 feet (1,420 meters) to the Shimla Hill station in northern Himachal Pradesh. Colonialists built the engineering marvel in the late 19th century to service the Shimla Highlands, an escape for the British from the summer heat.

The colonial influence endures in Shimla’s architecture and ambience, particularly along the Mall, a bustling pedestrian marketplace and cultural hub featuring shops, restaurants, and the 123-year-old, neo-Gothic Gaiety Theatre renovated in 2009. Guided walking tours around Shimla and the surrounding seven hills include stops at historic temples, churches, palaces, and mansions, including the Viceregal Lodge, a baronial-style estate built high on Observatory Hill as a tribute to the empire.

Messinia Region, Greece

Widely known for its Kalamata olives—Messinia produces about 55,000 tons of mainly cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil annually—this road-less-trampled region on the southwest Peloponnesian coast features numerous World Heritage List archaeological sites, including Olympia, Mystras, and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

Sun-drenched hills and valleys are dotted with stone houses, vaulted tombs from the Mycenaean era, Byzantine churches, and medieval castles (such as the castle of Methoni, above). Retreat to secluded bays, remote beaches, and protected lagoons, including Gialova, Greece’s southernmost major wetland and home to more than 270 bird species.

The latest chapter in Messinia’s 4,500-year history is being crafted by international shipping magnate Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos, the visionary behind Costa Navarino, an energy-conscious resort that aims to be powered entirely by renewable resources. The luxury destination’s Navarino Dunes on the Ionian Sea opened in 2010. Initial sustainable elements include “living roofs” planted with native fauna and the world’s first large-scale geothermal heating and cooling installed beneath a golf course.

Dominica

A lack of white sandy beaches and an overabundance of rainfall keep this mountainous island of tropical rain forests off typical Caribbean vacation itineraries—a plus for adventure seekers.

Perpetual geothermal and volcanic activity—there are seven active volcanoes—make 285-square-mile (739-square-kilometer) Dominica, located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, a paradise in progress. Venture into the rugged landscape Spiderman-style on an Extreme Dominica canyoneering tour, which takes visitors rappelling down pristine waterfalls, deep gorges, and volcanic bedrock canyons. The seven-mile round-trip hike from Titou Gorge to Boiling Lake, a vapor-covered cauldron that reaches 198º Fahrenheit (92º Celsius), is strenuous but worth the panoramic Caribbean views from atop 3,000-foot (914-meter) Morne Nicholls, as well as the chance to explore the Valley of Desolation’s brightly colored sulfur springs, mini-geysers, and bubbling mud pools. Recharge at the locally built and staffed Jungle Bay Resort & Spa. The 55-acre (22-hectare) tropical retreat features 35 secluded, hardwood cottages perched high atop posts beneath the jungle canopy.

Namibia

Southern Africa’s youngest nation is well known for its vast windswept deserts—the inland Kalahari and the coastal Namib—so it’s no wonder that the country’s first conservation area (established in 1907) is named for the “place of dry water.”

Etosha National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in far northern Namibia centered on Etosha Pan, a 75-mile-long (120-kilometer-long) mineral lakebed. During the June to November dry season, large numbers of elephants, giraffes, black rhinos, lions, and other game are drawn to the park’s natural and manmade watering holes. During the rains, huge numbers of flamingos arrive to feed and breed. In addition to unsurpassed big game viewing, the nearly 8,494-square-mile (22,000-square-kilometer) preserve includes numerous lodging options ranging from rustic guest farms to luxury retreats. For more intimate game viewing, head about two hours south to Mundulea Nature Reserve. Guests at the privately owned nature reserve in the Otavi Mountains encounter antelopes, leopards, hyenas, and other resident game on daylong, guided bush treks.

The 11-20 are:

Laos | Kodiak Island, Alaska | Scottish Highlands | Tunisia | Palawan, Philippines | Black Sea Coast, Crimea | Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec | Shikoku, Japan | Papua New Guinea | Kurdistan, Iraq

• Reference/Source: nationalgeographic.com

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Top 10 Best Value Destinations for 2011 (lonelyplanet)

Worried that the economy might put a crimp in your travel plans next year? Never fear: travel doesn’t have to break the bank. Your currency may be depressed, but that doesn’t mean you have to be; there are still many destinations around the world that can be enjoyed on the cheap. If you let the global economic ups-and-downs work to your advantage, adopt some personal austerity measures in pricier destinations, and head towards up-and-coming destinations, you can stay on the road longer for less.

Fresh from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011, we bring you this bargainous bounty of 10 budget-friendly destinations where you can get the most bang for your buck.

1.Bangladesh

This subcontinental treat might just be the cheapest place on earth to travel. Bangladesh offers marvellous meals for under US$1, a mid-range hotel room for less than 10 times that. This means that anyone who isn’t a masochist goes up a price bracket or two. You’ll pay a little more to get around the Sunderbans National Park on a tiger-spotting tour – US$150 or thereabouts – but it’s still peanuts, even compared to what you pay next door in India.

Bangladesh is almost disgracefully under-visited. Here, paddleboat is one of the main forms of transport and you can trek, canoe and even surf to your heart’s content with some of the world’s friendliest people for company. The Rocket is Bangladesh’s most famous ferry, running daily between the capital Dhaka and Khulna. First-class river cruising for 27 hours will cost US$15.

2. Nicaragua

As other Central American destinations inflate prices with an influx of travellers, there are still a few good value delights to be found in the region. Nicaragua is somewhere where the careful traveller can get by spending US$15 a day, and midrange comforts can be had for less than double that amount. What you get for your money is nothing short of spectacular: hammock-hanging opportunities on the mythically unspoilt Corn Islands, bar-hopping and live music in colonial León and Granada, and volcano trekking on the Isla de Ometepe. Paying departure tax when flying out of Nicaragua may be the single most expensive thing you do at US$32, and this is usually already included in the price of your ticket.

3. Washington, DC

Lincoln Memorial: free. National Air and Space Museum: free. Capitol: free. Library of Congress: free. White House and State Department: tough to get in, but free. Get the picture? Washington is a city packed with iconic things to do and very few of them ask for an entry fee. If you’re happy to walk and bring your own lunch bag, you can absorb centuries of American history, politics and culture without having to so much as touch a dollar bill all day. DC’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is the only national park in the USA devoted to water plants. It’s free.

4. Paris

The French capital is never going to win any awards for cheapness, but here’s a winning formula that anyone can afford. First, you need a Swiss Army knife. Then stroll into a boulangerie – every neighbourhood has several – and buy a freshly baked baguette for €1 (US$1.35) or thereabouts. Follow your nose to your next stop, a fromagerie, and grab a fist-sized hunk of cheese. Lastly, grab a bottle of wine, nothing fancy, and head for the banks of the Seine opposite Notre Dame or the garden adjacent to Pont Neuf on a sunny day, preferably with a friend or loved one. Zut alors – a Parisian dining experience for under €10 (US$13.50) per person that any local would declare formidable! You’ll find everything for a picnic on Rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement.

5. Namibia

Botswana wants big spenders only and South Africa’s not the deal it once was, so southern Africa bargain hunters should head for Namibia. Well set-up for backpackers, this is still a territory of US$50 or less a day if you’re careful, with an excellent network of local minibuses and tours aimed at budget travellers to go to places public transport won’t. And if you go up a price bracket you’ll eat and sleep well in excellent-value midrange options that bring South Africans flocking over the border year after year. Admission to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve on the Skeleton Coast costs a mere US$3 per person.

6. Philippines

The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular. For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge. Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water.

7. Argentina

The Argentine peso is the currency that keeps on giving. In the middle of the last decade, incredulous visitors regularly queried bills for being too cheap after feasting on fine steak and red wine. While not quite the bargain it was during those years, Argentina still offers a terrific deal. Characterful mid-range hotels start at around AR$180 (US$46) per night in Buenos Aires and Patagonia, and half that in other places. Argentina’s gourmet eating houses usually won’t charge more than US$30 a head and you can enjoy wonderful meals on much less. Best of all, you get great quality food, wine, lodging and transport throughout Argentina for your money.

Bounce up and down with some of Buenos Aires’ more raucous citizens at a fútbol (soccer) match. Terrace tickets for Boca Juniors, River Plate and others cost from AR$14 (US$3.60).

8. Naples

Italy: not cheap. Even a slice of pizza can seem like lousy value if you’ve come from a part of the world that uses a currency that’s slumped against the euro. Thank heavens then for Naples. Here’s one Italian city that prefers food that’s fresh, simple and good value. You can dine brilliantly on the city’s spectacular street food alone. Naples eschews budget-blasting frills in favour of small and simple B&Bs charging around €75 (US$100) per night. Best of all, Naples is a city full of life being lived for its own sake, with few of the tourist hordes who descend on other Italian classics further north.

The ferry from Naples to the idyllic island of Capri, one of Italy’s classic journeys, costs a mere €10.50 (US$14) with Caremar.

9. Ukraine

Eastern Europe isn’t the US50c-a-beer haven for bargain hunters it once was, but good deals are still available. OK,
mid-range hotels can be pricey, especially in the capital, Kyiv, but good budget options in Lviv and Odesa are available for less than US$50. Once on the ground you’ll find your funds go a long way. Public transport is fantastic value, with a train between Kyiv and the lovely city of Lviv costing less than US$10, and a tram ride from the station into town a hundredth of that. If you know where to look, food, beer and coffee can be really very cheap.

One of Ukraine’s top sights is the immense and moving Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv; it includes the final resting place of national poet Ivan Franko and thousands of dramatic tombstones. You get hours of fascinating wandering for less than US$1.

10. Syria

While some neighbouring countries up the entry costs to ancient sites, Syria remains an excellent-value place to travel. As you might expect, there are superb street shwarma (sandwiches), felafel and eye-tightening qahwa (coffee) available for small change. A ride between Aleppo and Damascus won’t touch US$5, and a daily budget of US$50 will get you well into the mid-range bracket. Best of all, the delights of the Old City of Damascus and the souq at Aleppo are free. If you get locked into a tussle with a carpet merchant in the latter, though, you’re on your own.

The Crusader Castle of Crac des Chevaliers, one of the world’s great castles, charges around US$3.50 entry.

• Reference/Source: lonelyplanet.com

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