2009’s Top 10 Travel Destinations?

Thanks to Amateur Traveler I was recently pointed to Yahoo!’s Top 10 Destinations of 2009. I always wonder about parameters for lists like these, because in this case, all but one destinations are located in North America — I’m going to go out on a limb here and assume data for this list was collected from North American users! Anyways, here’s the list of 2009’s Top Travel Destinations, based on user searches on Yahoo!Travel:
Eiffel Tower, Paris France: 2009’s Top 10 Travel Destinations amalaysianabroad.today.com
Eiffel Tower by jnichols
10. Paris, France

Ah, gay paree. I’ve been here once or twice, with only fleeting memories in my head, because I was really young then. While taking French classes at Chicago’s Alliance Française, there were lots of exercises that involved the streets and sights of Paris: one day, I’ll return for a proper touristy visit!! If nothing else, I’d like to see the Mona Lisa “live”. I’d need to brush-up on my French — again!
9. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

The only time I’ve set foot on any Hawaiian island was on my first ever trip to the USA: the long (and delayed) flight had stopovers in Narita and Honolulu before arriving in Los Angeles. Didn’t set foot outside the airport, of course. I’m in no hurry to visit, but I’m sure I’ll end up here one day; after all, I would like to be able to say I’ve visited all 50 US states (and its territories!).
8. Orlando, Florida, USA

I have yet to find my way to Florida, let alone Orlando, home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Escape, Sea World and who knows how many other themed attractions, which aren’t really my thing.
7. San Francisco, California, USA

Visited San Francisco for a few days in 1999, and totally fell in love. I couldn’t tell you specifically what did it for me, but I’d love to go back and explore the place for real. It’s one of the most expensive places to live, tho, so I wouldn’t try to move there, just visit.
Statue of Liberty, New York: 2009’s Top 10 Travel Destinations amalaysianabroad.today.com
Statue of Liberty by bunnygirl
6. New York City, New York, USA

I’ve visited NYC at least twice that I can remember, both times pre-9/11. The first was during Thanksgiving 1991, where I caught a part of the Macy’s parade without knowing how this was the thing to see if in NYC on Thanksgiving, LoL!
5. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I admit, I have yet to visit our neighbor to the South. Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas earned the reputation for a place to catch El Marlin Azul, and seems to have become more like an enclave of the US than part of Mexico, I hear. Meh, I think I’ll pass.
4. San Diego, California, USA

The second biggest city in California, it’s also popular due to its proximity to Tijuana, Mexico, so visitors can essentially enjoy the arts and culture of two very different cities in the same trip.
3. Cancun, Mexico

I’ve only ever heard Cancun mentioned in conjunction with Spring Break, frankly. It doesn’t sound like a place I’d enjoy. Perhaps the rest of the Yucatán, yes; Cancun, no.
2. Miami, Florida, USA

I’ve enjoyed glimpses of Miami life from reading Dexter and occasionally watching CSI:Miami: the infusion of Cuban and other Hispanic culture has resulted in vibrant nightlife, music, food, etc; I’d be interested in experiencing it “live”!
1. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

This was one of the destinations of my family’s Grand Canyon tour in the early ’90s: the main thing I remember is the obscene waste of water used in fountains in front of all those grand hotels in the middle of the desert. I think I’ll stick to watching CSI than going out of my way to visit again.