Top Destinations for Summer 2012: London
Sure, the Royal Wedding made London one of the most buzzed about destinations of 2011, but things are about to get even hotter as the British capital opens its arms to the world as host of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The Olympics will bring millions of people to London, but what many people don't realize is that the global event is so much more than just a sporting competition. In addition to the myriad of sporting events, the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad is the largest cultural celebration in the history of the modern Olympic and Paralympic movements and will culminated with the London 2012 Festival, bringing leading artists from all over the world together from June 21 to Sept. 9.
READ MORE: One Year Countdown to London 2012 Summer Olympic Games
Top Destinations for Summer 2012: Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic
A recent poll from booking engine Kayak found that the Dominican Republic was the most searched Caribbean destination for summer 2012 travel. If you're one of the interested parties, here's what you need to know: When foreign tourists head to the Dominican Republic they go to one of three places: Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, or Santo Domingo -- and that's why you should head to the Samaná Peninsula. Equidistant from Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, this North Coast peninsula boasts untouched beaches, soothing azure waters, and coconut-covered mountains that march down to the sea. Connected to Santo Domingo by a fast new highway and the rest of the word by a recently opened international airport, it's never been easier to reach Samaná. Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are great -- but they're expensive and you'll spend most of your time in the company of peeling, pink-skinned tourists. If you're searching for a beach that doesn't look like it was attacked by the creators of Disney World, head to Samaná.
READ MORE: Exploring the Untouched Paradise of Dominican Republic's Samana Peninsula
Top Destinations for Summer 2012: Bugarach, France
Resting in the foothills of the Pyrenees -- a region once home to the mysterious heretic sect of Catharas before they were driven underground in the 13th century -- Bugarach has inspired countless myths over the years. But the greatest myth is yet to come as visitors continue to pour in to town in the thousands awaiting "the apocalypse" on December 21, 2012. Apocalypse devotees, dressed in white, are fast becoming a familiar sight in the picturesque village, population 194. They're drawn here by a myriad of New Age theories, including claims that a nearby rocky outcrop, the Pic de Bugarach, harbors an alien technical base. Forget the Mayan heartland of Mexico, if you really want to get into the doomsday spirit, head to this French hill town and chat with the over 20,000 believers waiting for their alien saviors.
READ MORE: France's "Doomsday Village" sees Influx of Apocalypse Believers
Top Destinations for Summer 2012: Virginia Wine Country
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(Source: International Business Times)
