Top ten in travel

Last week we had a look at Lonely Planet's top 10 eco-trips for 2009. Today AAP's Patrick Caruana list Flight Centre's picks.

Greece has been given the nod as the top place to visit in 2009.

Flight Centre listed Greece at number one in its annual Top 10 Where To Go list, thanks to the country's "simple pleasures".

The list is based on the company's top-selling destination data, showing the countries that have consistently gained popularity over the past 12 months and will be the places to be seen during 2009.

"Greece offers . . . an affordable holiday, delicious food at reasonable prices, cheap sailing, local wine, beautiful beaches, sunshine, quaint villages . . . and little islands full of scenic surprises," Flight Centre says.

The tiny nation of Brunei is a surprise at number two, and Flight Centre says it "offers a unique blend of modern refinement, scenic allure, cultural reverence and majestic opulence for the discerning traveller".

Croatia charts at number three this year, with its "sublime stretch of the Adriatic coast" and the atmosphere of towns and villages proving a favourite with tourists.

Vietnam confirmed its status as a hotspot for Western tourists - it sits at number four on the list, and Flight Centre is full of praise for the destination.

"Vietnam is rich with its perfect balance between ancient times and the here and now, and its people welcoming visitors with open arms," Flight Centre says.

The tiny Pacific island of New Caledonia - France's "best kept secret" - is number five on the list.

Still a favourite for tourists and known as the "Island Of The Gods", Bali is ranked at number six this year.

At number seven is Mexico, popular for its native American heritage and distinct Spanish flavour.

The Czech Republic is number eight on the list, and Flight Centre says this is because of the "culture and charm" of the city of Prague.

"Prague is a beautiful city of spires and a visual feast of the medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture," the release says.

"[It is] favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture and charm rather than pizzazz and parties."

Booming Dubai has seen the United Arab Emirates shoot to number nine, and there has been a sharp increase in the number of flights to Dubai.

Spain is number 10 this year, and has benefited from becoming the beach resort of Europe, thanks to affordable fares. 

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