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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER,
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2006
THIRD ANNUAL "PLACES RATED" SURVEY (PAGE 112)
For the third straight year, Traveler takes on the daunting task of rating some of the world's favorite travel destinations. This year our panel of experts from a variety of fields such as ecology, sustainable tourism, geography, site management, travel writing and photography, historic preservation and indigenous cultures looks at 94 of the world's most classic places -- World Heritage destinations. They are divided into five categories, listed below with a sample from each.
- Best Rated--Norway's West Fjords tops the list. France's Vézelay, Mexico's Guanajuato, and Spain's Alhambra, medieval Granada and Córdoba also make the top category.
- Destinations Doing Well--Salzburg, Austria; Old Quebec City, Canada; Siena, Italy; the historic center of Bruges, Belgium; and Kyoto, Japan make the grade.
- So-So Destinations--South Africa's Cape Floral Region; Florence, Italy; St. Petersburg, Russia; Historic Prague, Czech Republic; and Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef are a mixed bag of success and worries.
- Destinations in Trouble--Stonehenge, England; China's Great Wall; Machu Picchu, Peru; Acropolis, Greece; Egypt's pyramids; and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, have serious problems.
- Worst Rated--Barrier Reef in Belize; Venice, Italy; and Ecuador's Galápagos Islands are among those at great risk from a variety of pressures.
Where is the United States? Sadly, even though the World Heritage program holds a "made in the USA" label, U.S. regulations make it almost impossible for our own historic cities or districts to apply for submission, leaving only our national parks eligible for inclusion on the World Heritage list. A Congressional provision states that every single property owner in a U.S. city or district, even the cranky neighbor on the corner, would have to send a written letter of consent. Chances of that happening? Virtually nil. And the clock is ticking ... Currently, the United States has only five months left to propose any new World Heritage sites. After the five-month window closes, it will be another decade before people can propose new U.S. sites.
Jonathan B. Tourtellot, National Geographic Traveler's geotourism editor, is available to discuss:
- Why do U.S. cities like Charleston, S.C., and Cape May, N.J., deserve recognition?
- Why have scores for places like the Galápagos and the Great Barrier Reef plummeted?
- Can the United States change the law that leaves our historic cities off the list in time?
- How can poorly scored destinations like Angkor and the Great Smokies improve ratings?
ACTOR ANDREW MCCARTHY ON "THE LONGEST WAY HOME" (PAGE 102)
After a 10-year absence, actor/director Andrew McCarthy returns to the home of his ancestors to rediscover a cinematic place alive with great characters -- and great character. "I want to see if, as I hope, the place I had once felt so mysteriously at home in myself years before can still be found," he says. He takes readers on a personal journey, allowing access to his intimate relationship with County Clare. Plus: Check out McCarthy's Irish travel journal and Yahoo! trip planner with his own photos and comments at http://travel.yahoo.com/irelandam.
SPECIAL SECTION: PASSAGES THROUGH INDIA, SIX DREAM TRIPS (PAGE 147)
India is big -- in ideas and stature, in tourism and economic might, in pure beauty and historical and cultural resonance. And, certainly, in the scope of its attractions. India is also, seemingly, unfathomable -- mind-bogglingly complex, rich and diverse. With 22 recognized indigenous written languages, as well English and hundreds of local tongues and dialects, this sprawling country is a veritable United Nations unto itself. That's why Traveler dedicated a whopping 68 pages to six different dream trips to this exotic land. If you are planning a trip to India, one of these six featured trips is the right one for you. If you're not planning a trip, check out the stunning photography, vibrant colors, stories and cultural attractions featured in this in-depth look at India, and you just may change your mind! Highlighted areas include:
- Serenity of the South--The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala offer color, relaxation and a rapidly modernizing rural culture that still holds the charm of yesteryear.
- Jewels of the East--Eastern India's attractions range from the bustling streets of Calcutta to the quiet temples of Orissa to a lush, wild tiger park and birder's paradise.
- Wonders of the West--The dynamic city of Mumbai anchors India's western coast, home to sultry Goa's palm-fronded beaches and Portuguese churches, the cool hill stations of Western Ghat mountains and the jaw-dropping cave shrines of Ellora and Ajanta.
- Land of Maharajas--The state of Rajasthan presents a panorama of lively festivals, teeming wildlife sanctuaries and cities filled with storied forts and palaces.
- Himalaya Sojourn--Northeast India, in the shadow of the world's highest mountains, is a world apart, home to wild animal parks, lofty kingdoms and verdant tea estates.
- Ladakh, Little Tibet--India's most remote northern province straddles two of the Earth's highest mountain ranges -- the Himalaya and the Karakoram -- with rugged villages, gem-green valleys and heaven-touching monasteries.
BEST LITTLE CITY IN AMERICA (PAGE 88)
Austin is not just the capital of Texas, but also a place where misfits fit and creativity is unbridled. "Austin has always had its hip card punched, but now it influences the rest of Texas," says Kinky Friedman, founder of the satirical band The Texas Jewboys and 2006 candidate for Texas governor. "Even redneck places like Fredericksburg have been 'Austinized.'" Traveler explains why it calls Austin the best little city in America.
EXTREME CARIBBEAN (PAGE 139)
Most thrilling, most dramatic, most rewarding -- we set out to find the Caribbean's ultimate chart toppers. The islands' top high-octane options run the gamut from thrilling whale shark swims to challenging mountain biking. Plus a look at great secluded getaways.
SMART TRAVELER: SKINNY ON TRAVEL INSURANCE (PAGE 22)
You think you're covered, but are you really? In an uncertain world, travel insurance isn't always a sure bet. According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, 17 percent, or one out of every six people, who buy travel insurance end up filing a claim, compared to the approximately 7 percent who file claims against their home insurance policies each year. The answer to whether travel insurance is worth it, Traveler explains, is in the fine print.
National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.95) and Canada ($6.95). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler; AOL Keyword: NatGeo Traveler.
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Contacts:
Heather Wyatt
National Geographic
(212) 610-5535
NGTraveler@HwyattPR.com
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