National Geographic recently selected 10 of the best trips to take in 2014, among which ranked the Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda. The African nation of Rwanda is famous for its stunning wildlife and pristine mountain rainforests full of chimpanzees and hundreds of species of colorful birds. Nyungwe only became a national park in 2005, so it is still relatively unknown and ideal for travelers.
The Nat Geo list encourages domestic travelers to check out the indomitable city of New Orleans. The gorgeous streets of the French Quarter are always lively and full of the jazz music that made the city famous. New Orleans’s subtropical climate welcomes visitors year-round, but the best months for deals are July and August, due to the region’s humid weather.
Those with a yearning for the Old World might be drawn to another entry in the list: Puglia, a region of Italy that extends between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Cruise ships often bring travelers to the coastline, but few venture into the interior to discover its many Italian pleasures, including beautiful countryside, cobblestone piazzas, and fine wine and traditional cuisine.