Top 10 Travel Destinations For 2013

With Christmas out of the way and a new year just beginning it is that time of year to start thinking of the annual vacation. In the past few years the reccesion has hit us all hard and to save our hard earned pennies we have chosen holiday destinations that have been easier on the pocket but just as good as the most expensive destinations.

2013 is already seeing more of the same, money is tight for almost everyone and those who have already booked their annual holiday abroad the less expensive destinations are topping the list again.

Sourced from several major travel companies the list below is where more people are heading on vacation in 2013.

Destinations in Eastern Europe have massively increased in popularity with today's travellers, and features quite a bit in the top ten list this year, starting at number 10 with the Dalmation coast in Croatia.

10 Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has something for everyone from sun kissed beaches to a sightseers paradise, you can choose to lay on the beach all day soaking up the rays or you can explore the city which has a rich history and a plethora of architectural styles to choose from.

After a hard day at the beach or a long day of exploring the city, you can choose from the many different restaurants around the city. After dinner you can choose to either have a quiet dtink in one of the many bars that can be found in the city or you can go clubbing in one of the big nightclubs.

Dubrovnik welcomes every traveller from those camping in tents to those living it up in 5 star hotels.

In 2012 there was a massive increase in the amount of visitors to the Dominican Republic and with good reason. This island in the Caribbean is surrounded by beauty.

Hundreds of miles of white sandy beaches lined with palm trees, desert scrub lands and the colonial architecture from times gone by.

The perfect getaway for those in need of a relaxing break, the Dominican Republic has everything that you need from sunbathing on one of the many beaches to Whale watching tours in Samaná.

Go white water rafting in the Dominican Republic's adventure-sport center in Jarabacoa or snorkeling at Isla Saona national park.

Have a relaxing round of golf on one of the many courses on the island or just relax and have your cares massaged away at one of the many spa hotels.

Our second Eastern European destination on the top ten list is Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania.

Taking a trip to Vilnius is like taking a trip back in time with cobbled streets and an eclectic mix of architecture which has German Russian and even Scandinavian influences.

A perfect Mixture of the old with the new Vilnius is the perfect getaway plenty of sights for those who like to explore the history of the city and shopping galore for those who just have to shop.

Eating and drinking in Vilnius again is suited to all tastes with restaurants and bars that cater for an international market.

The city awakens at night with many pubs and clubs dotted around the city.

Fancy a quiet drink or would you rather dance the night away? Vilnius has it all.

Scotland is the must visit destination this year for fans of James Bond after watching him racing through the countryside and seeking solace in the Highlands in the movie Skyfall.

Scotland has a long bloodthirsty history, from the Romans the Vikings to fighting their close neighbors the English and even fighting between themselves.

A country dotted with castles and ruins of old castles Scotland is a history buffs wet dream.

Take a trip to Edinburgh the nations capital city and home of its most famous castle, a trip to Glasgow is a must a city built around the shipyards of the river Clyde. Try out the Ayrshire coast and visit the birthplace of Rabbie Burns the national poet.

Take a trip to the Highlands and basque in the glorious scenery or visit the Mull of Kintyre where you may find Paul McCartney hiding out.

Scotland has something to suit everyone just a pity the weather can let you down.

Phuket is the largest island of Thailand and is joined to the mainland by two bridges, famed for its beaches, water sports and nightlife Phucket is a favorite destination for tourists all year round.

Phucket town is the largest town in Phuket and favorite haunt of most travellers not only for its beautiful beaches and water sports but for the sightseers there are temples, museums and some beautiful Chinese carved buildings to explore.

A visit to Phuket would not be complete without taking a trip to Patong beach, home of the Simon Cabaret where you will find the world famous Thai lady boys performing in their glamorous and stunning stage show.

If you are looking for a quiet getaway Phuket may just not be the place for you.

Varna tops the list of Eastern European destinations on this years top ten this year and with good reason.

This Black sea resort has every thing on offer for all types of visitor, beautiful sandy beaches for the sun worshippers.

An abundance of museums, ancient remains and roman baths for the sightseers.

Shopping galore for those who like to spend a little money.

Throw in a plethora of restaurants pubs and night clubs and you will find that there is something in this city for everyone and the best thing is that at Eastern European prices you will most probably have some of your planned spending money to take home with you.

Home to over 2 million people Las Vegas is the brightest and most spectacular city on earth and plays host to over 37 million tourists every year.

Take a walk through the famous Las Vegas Strip, where you can almost travel around the world in a few hours, with mock ups of many world land marks such as the pyramids of Egypt, New York, Venice, Paris or even a trip back in time to see the Romans.

Many couples take a trip to Las Vegas to get married in one of the many wedding chapels around the city and it is even possible to be married by an Elvis impersonator if you know where to look.

Take a trip to see the impressive Hover dam or the Grand Canyon where you can fly over in a helicopter if you choose to do so.

There is so much to do and see in Las Vegas that you will probably need another vacation to get over this one.

In the aftermath of hosting the Olympic Games in 2012, London has seen a massive increase in visitors from all around the world.

One of Europe's largest cities London boasts a population of over 8 million included in those is the British royal family who have opened up the doors of Buckingham Palace for passing visitors.

Take in the sights dotted around the city, see a show in the famous West end or see the whole of the city from the London eye.

Take a trip to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament or even pay a visit to the Prime Minister himself at Downing street.

For those who love to shop all of the big names are there and for exclusive shopping pay a visit to Harrods the worlds most famous department store.

Pubs restaurants and nightclubs are plentiful in London and you will be sure to find something to suit your taste.

Dubai a man made Island with seven star hotels, the worlds tallest tower, an under water hotel and shopping galore. This haunt of the rich and famous is becoming more and more popular with visitors every year.

Dubai is seen by most people as a vacation place for the super rich but if you go a little off centre there are hotels and stores that almost anyone can afford and live like a celebrity for a week or two.

Even if you don't like shopping the Malls of Dubai are an experience worth seeing, The Souk Madinat mall has a waterway and you travel from store to store by boat, Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope for those who prefer winter sports and the Mall of Arabia is the largest shopping mall in the world.

You can soak up the rays on the golden sandy beaches or you can go on a search for some local culture there is plenty of both to be found.

East meets west, until 1997 Hong Kong was a British territory leased to them by the Chinese 1898 under the Nanking Treaty.

Although largely westernised there is a massive Chinese influence in the city, where high rise buildings meet chinese temples and live in harmony with each other.

Take tram up to the top of Victoria peak and view the city in all of its glory, then spend some time visiting the ornate chinese temples that are dotted all around, go shopping at the many street markets or in the centre of town where you will recognise most of the high street names.

If all of that fails to please you why not take a trip to something that you already know, Hong Kong Disney Land, even the Chinese have their favorite cartoon characters too.