Bring on something a little unique!

#1 - the crypts in Rome

Viator’s travelers are all over the weird and wonderful. Everyone still seems to love a good scare or a great thrill. Though Europe’s ghost & vampire tours top the list, it seems like the USA’s own ghost tours are not too far behind. Every corner of the world has something that’s a little strange. So here’s the top picks of Viator travelers for things that were a little spooky to do. Boo!

Top 13 Weird and Wonderful Things to Do

13. Ghost Walking Tour of Chinatown, San Francisco, USA

12. Stockholm Ghost Tour, Stockholm, Sweden

11. Evening Walking Tour of Edinburgh - Haunted Underground Experience, Edinburgh, Scotland

10. Vampire Tour of San Francisco, San Francisco, USA

9. Boston Ghosts & Gravestones, Boston, USA

8. Cemetery and Gris-Gris Walking Tour, New Orleans, USA

7. Kutna Hora Ossuary & Tombs, Prague, Czech Republic

6. Late Night Walking Tour of Edinburgh - Ghost Hunter Trail, Edinburgh, Scotland

5. Catacombs and Roman Countryside Rome Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

4. The Dark Heart of Rome - Ghost and Mystery Evening Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

3. Venice Ghost Walking Tour, Venice, Italy

2. New Orleans Vampire Tour, New Orleans, USA

1. Crypts and Catacombs Walking Tour - The Underside of Rome, Rome, Italy

Apparently you can’t go wrong with a good ghost tour, no matter what your haunt is. Keep pushing the spooky envelope!

-Kelly G

#1 - The East Side Gallery

Perhaps the most famous stretch of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery was left standing and painted over by graffiti artists after the rest of the wall was pulled down. It’s a major attraction, but its glory has faded somewhat. Much of the original art has been covered over by morons who think that the world needs to know their name, and the date they visited. There is talk of the East Side Gallery being repainted – hopefully this is the case; it’d be interesting to see it turn into a regularly evolving art space.

Walking along a preserved section of the Berlin Wall

#2 - Berlin Wall History Mile

Bernauerstrasse was split between east and west by the wall, which ran straight down it. Nowadays there are some remaining fragments along the street, plus the memorial and Documentation Centre. Along the path the wall once took, there are displays explaining what life was like, how buildings were destroyed and communities split. It’s all very moving, and well put together. Many of the attempts to escape from East to West were made alongside this strip, and some died in the process of trying.

#3 - Kunsthaus Tacheles

When the wall was pulled down, buildings in many areas around it became squats. Very few remain, and of those that do, the Tacheles is by far the most interesting. A former department store on Oranienburgerstrasse, it is now home to a series of ultra-grungy artists’ studios and an awesome bar called Zapata. It’s a real alternative crowd hang-out, which plays cool music and makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a rather disturbed painting. It’s dirty and graffiti riddled, but the Tacheles is packed with fascinating artworks and represents a slice of history that has just about been wiped out.

#4 - Potzdamer Platz

Drinking at Zapata, Kunsthaus Tacheles

This is the opposite of the Kunsthaus Tacheles – the new Berlin that the authorities would like you to see. Potzdamer Platz was once Europe’s biggest wasteland; it was bisected by the Berlin Wall, and on both sides, buildings were pulled down or fell into disrepair. After German reunification, revamping Potzdamer Platz became a multi-million euro project, and it is now a sparkling entertainment, shopping and nightlife hub. It’s undoubtedly architecturally stunning and, after initial reluctance, mainstream Berlin has largely taken to the new fun quarter.

#5 - Hackesche Hofe

A more pleasing revival is that of Hackesche Hofe. It’s a maze of courtyards that has been revitalised and filled with shops, bars and restaurants. It’s now a major nightlife hub, and is glorious fun to poke around. Each courtyard seems to have a slightly different vibe, while many of the shops are cool, unique joints rather than chain stores. Nearby on Rosenthalestrasse is the Anne Frank Zentrum, which explains the story of the famous schoolgirl and the diary she wrote whilst hiding from the Nazis.

#6 - Museum Island

Not far from Hacksesche Hofe is Museuminsel; one island packed with world class museums and galleries. Take in all of them, and it can easily eat up a day. The Pergamon Museum concentrates on ancient history and the Alte Nationalgalerie is the one for the art buffs. It contains works by many of the big names. Also thrown into the mix are the Altes Museum, Bodemuseum and Neues Museum. They all fall into the worthy rather than fun bracket, however. The island is also home to the Berliner Dom – the city’s cathedral.

#7 - DDR Museum

More entertaining is the hugely popular DDR Museum, which acts as something of a nostalgia trip for the days of Communist East Germany. It’s possible to get behind the wheel of a Trabant car, check out brutal (and near useless) cleaning products and listen to popular hits that never really made it elsewhere. There are lots of drawers to open and buttons to press, whilst the displays go into aspects of life that most of us probably never considered. These include popular methods of fare dodging on public transport, nudist holidays and utterly vile coffee.

Ahh, the Trabant. On display at the DDR Museum.

#8 - Stasi Museum and prison

Out further east than the main tourist haunts are two chilling reminders of the former regime. The Stasi Museum was the former HQ of the secret police, and has now been converted to display equipment used. This includes sneaky surveillance devices, hidden cameras and phone taps. Darker still is Gedenkstatte Hohenschonhausen. Now a memorial, this is the former Stasi prison. Conditions were not good, torture was commonplace and many prisoners were kept inside for ‘crimes’ they didn’t commit.

Tours of the complex are conducted by former prisoners – prepare for a lump in the throat.

#9 - Scheunenviertel

Berlin is a nightlife city, and there are new ‘cool’ areas springing up roughly every six minutes. But it’s hard to go wrong in Scheunenviertel. It’s one of those places where every building seems to be a bar or restaurant, every one of them looks rather enticing in a different way, and there are happy hour deals covering virtually any time on the clock. The area is roughly between Oranienburger Tor and Hackesche Hofe.

#10 - Fernsehturm

Aside from the wall, the most noticeable symbol of East Berlin was the giant TV tower. Whilst other buildings around it have been knocked down or revamped, the Fernsehturm still stands tall in the middle of Alexanderplatz. It’s the tallest structure in Berlin at 368m (1,207ft) high, and it can be seen looming overhead from various streets around the city. It’s also possible to go up to the top of it and look out for miles around. On a sunny day, it’s well worth getting in the elevator and checking out the view.

-David Whitley

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s tours & things to do in Berlin, from Berlin bike tours to Berlin Segway tours and more. If you’re a native German speaker, browse our Berlin Sehenswürdigkeiten und Berlin touren.

The Clash? #2 on the list.

Just when you think there’s nothing new to get excited about, just when you think the Web 2.0 has become stilted and boring, something comes along to reaffirm your faith in the Internet’s creativity, innovation and plain old fun factor.

Which is why I was so unspeakably happy to discover a site called England Rocks. First off, it’s been AGES since I had to mad-panic-scramble to mute my computer because of embarrassingly loud website music. Websites with music were annoying back in the 1990s; somehow today, England Rocks is a breath of fresh Internet air. (Mind your computer volume when loading the site. You have been warned.)

England Rocks takes a simple concept - that London, England and the UK in general have spawned innumerable great bands and have rich musical legacies - and makes it accessible to music fans. Did you know that a young Jarvis Cocker once worked in a fish stall at the Castle Market in Sheffield? Or that Dublin Castle in Camden, London, was where Blur got an early start playing live gigs? Or that the Fox and Hounds pub in Reading is where a pre-Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney worked behind the bar during the week and then played on Saturdays as The Nerk Twins?

Nope. Me neither.

The site is heavily skewed towards The Beatles. Which is fair enough. There’s also a decent mix of both modern and classic British rock bands, from Oasis to Blur to The Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin. But it also got me thinking about my own personal favorite Brit bands, which are not heavily featured (hint hint, England Rocks, please add more about these bands to your wonderful site). So I did what I always do in these situations, and made a list:

Scott’s Top 10 Favorite / Most Influential British Bands

1. Bauhaus. If you know me, you’ll understand why this is #1 on my list.
2. The Clash. Joe, we miss you.
3. The Pogues. Yes yes they’re not British. However Dublin is on their Google map, thus The Pogues ought to be included.
4. The Sex Pistols. You never forget your first bloody nose.
5. The Cult. Ian Astbury, where are you now???
6. The Cure. I don’t know why The Cure’s entry in Wikipedia cracks me up. C’mon people, it’s just a rock band.
7. Billy Bragg. Anybody who can get me fired up to join a labor union deserves a place on this list.
8. Stiff Little Fingers. Go Belfast go!
9. Simple Minds. I’m using Simple Minds as a placeholder for all my favorite Scottish bands, from Big Country to The Proclaimers to The Cocteau Twins.
10. Roxy Music. Punk, new wave, new romantic, call it what you like. The early stuff is amazing.

To those who didn’t make my list — Radiohead, PJ Harvey, The Jam, The Smiths — my sincere apologies. I still listen to your records, EPs, CDs and MP3s, so don’t take it too hard.

PS: Since I originally published this list, I received a lot of - um, constructive feedback? - about bands missing. So in one of the comments below I amended the original list as follows. And this list is final! And please don’t bother to point out that my top 10 list has 15 entries. Duh.

Scott’s New & Improved Top 10 Favorite / Most Influential British Bands

1. Bauhaus
2. The Clash
3. The Pogues
4. The Sex Pistols
5. The Cult
6. The Cure
7. Billy Bragg
8. Stiff Little Fingers
9. Simple Minds (don’t even start with me Bruce) / Big Country / The Proclaimers / The Cocteau Twins
10. Roxy Music
11. The Damned
12. The Specials
13. Motorhead / the Kinks / the Buzzcocks / Madness / English Beat
14. Elvis Costello
15. David Bowie (nothing past 1985)

-Scott McNeely

Interested in music? So are we. Check out our London rock music tour, a small group London Rock tour, NYC Rock ‘n’ Roll City Tour, NYC Hip-Hop tour, the Hound Dog - Elvis in Memphis tour and the Blue Music Tour in Memphis. There’s also classical music tours in Austria, Broadway shows in New York and musicals in London.

Words of wisdom at the Grand Canyon's edge

Let’s call it less of a party and more of an homage. After 90 years as an official National Park, the Grand Canyon continues to dazzle even the most jaded travelers. The Grand Canyon is one of the national park system’s most popular destinations (more than 10 million people visited in 2008). Its dimensions are mind-blowing. The Grand Canyon is a mile deep and averages 10 miles wide. Snaking along its floor are 277 miles of the Colorado River, which has carved the canyon over the past six million years.

That’s a long, long, long time. When the Grand Canyon was born those 6 million years ago, the planet was covered by glaciers and preparing itself for the Mediterranean Sea to dry up (don’t worry - it gets wet again later). Grand Canyon, what a long strange trip it’s been for you.

Top 5 things to do at / with / by / near / in / on the Grand Canyon

Our gift to the Grand Canyon is to highlight the very cool things to do there. We’re not necessarily hoping to drive more visitors to the Grand Canyon (10 million a year is plenty!). Instead, we want to highlight ways to get off the beaten path and do it on a budget and / or on a short timeline. If you’ve only got a few days to visit the Grand Canyon, you can still have an extremely worthwhile experience. Here’s how:

1. You’d be surprised how many people plan a vacation to Las Vegas and don’t realize the Grand Canyon is within easy reach. Yes, you would be surprised. Viator offers a variety of Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas - the most popular is the All American Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (check out some of the 625+ tour reviews and 190+ tour photos of this hugely popular helicopter tour). For less than $286 per person you get to fly (45 min each way) to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim, land at the bottom, have lunch, and fly back (including a fly-over of the Hoover Dam). Cool. At the other extreme is the 4-in-1 helicopter boat and fllight to the Grand Canyon’s West Rim.
2. Visit the Grand Canyon Skywalk. We’ve been talking about the Skywalk since the day it opened in March 2007 (read Rod’s first-hand account of the Skywalk’s opening ceremonies). If you’re short of time the Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter tour is a great option; though we also find that people really enjoy a self-drive Hummer or SUV and tour on their own. It’s a great experience either way.
3. Spend a few days and really explore the Grand Canyon and surrounding parks and national monuments. If you have the time, there’s really no better way to experience the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in all their majestty. The 4-day tour offered by Viator gets great reviews; also check out the #9 “top 10 travel photos of 2008” which was taken on this 4-day tour. Pretty amazing scenerey, all around.
4. It’s hot out there. So get wet. You can kayak on Lake Mead, take a cruise on the Colorado River and visit the foot of Hoover Dam, or you can even go river rafting between the Black Canyon’s cliffs. Even in the heat of summer there are lots of fun ways to explore the Grand Canyon from the water.
5. Traveling to Phoenix or Sedona & Flagstaff? Then you, too, can visit the Grand Canyon! Don’t forget there are lots of ways to get out of the city and experience some of nature directly.

We’ll finish up this homage to the Grand Canyon with some of our favorite photos (submitted by actual Viator travelers). Enjoy, and happy 90th!

-Viator’s Las Vegas & Grand Canyon Team

Philippe's amazing photo of horse and rider in Monument Valley

Bootee-clad Skywalkers on opening day

Landing the helicopter in the Grand Canyon

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s things to do in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. Also check out the map of Las Vegas & the Grand Canyon over on the Viator site. If you need a place to stay, check out Las Vegas Hotels on Planetware.com.

On the hunt this year for foam and pot stores.

This time last year I posted a list of the top and bottom searches of 2007 that occurred on Viator.com, and in keeping with this new tradition, I’ve updated the list for 2008.

The Viator.com search box gained a ton of searches over 2007’s total - we had more than 1.35 million searches in 2008! Once again, the one-off crazy searches were in many cases truly mystifying, and there were some new surprising gainers in the top ten.

So again in the spirit of Viator’s List Mania! I bring you the bottom 10 and top 10 searches from Viator.com’s search box for 2008.

Viator 2008 Travel Searches: The Bottom 10

We had a ton of searches that only happened once, in effect a big tie for last. I handpicked 10 favorites, and like last year, your guess on why people searched for these is probably as good as mine.

1. fieworks - You and I both know this is just fireworks mistyped, but wouldn’t it be funny if it really was Shakespearean. Fie! A pox upon your works.
2. miraculous events - I contend this is all a matter of perspective. Does me finding candy I forgot I had in my desk when I really needed a sugar boost count? It seemed magical at the time. Or are we talking more the Virgin Mary face’s appearing on a wall? If Viator can find a way for you to skip the line to see the Virgin, trust me, we’ll be all over it.
3. tattoo venice - Viator has lots of great things to do in Venice, but getting a tattoo had not yet made it to the list, we’ll definitely have to look into this. Any suggestions?
4. princesses - Again I’m surprised this only has one search, apparently people love having breakfast with princesses.
5. foam - You’ve stumped me on this one.
6. why do people live in london - Since I don’t live in London I’m not presuming to totally answer this one, but I think people who live there probably have good reasons for it. London is nice, have you been?
7. chincuatera - The most creative spelling for Cinque Terre I have ever seen. It is phonetically accurate.
8. for kid - Just one search? Viator’s got oodles of family friendly activities, check ‘em out.
9. pot stores - While Viator has some great tours in Amsterdam, you’re currently on your own in this regard.
10. raging - Of course everything on Viator is raging! That’s what all the kids are saying for cool now right??

Viator 2008 Travel Searches: The Top 10

If you’re curious about the Viator search results, you can click on the link to see them.

1. buckingham palace - A big mover, up from #3 last year.
2. pompeii - People love ruins.
3. changing guard -Short for “changing of the guard”, a corollary to Buckingham Palace searches.
4. New York Waterfalls - Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson’s public art display for New York was a big hit in 2008, sadly it closed in late October.
5. washington dc new york - Squeezing in a second city while on a trip gets more and more popular every year, and the New York - Washington DC combo got very popular in 2008. I’ll hazard a guess that the US Presidential election created some enthusiasm to visit the capital.
6. rome - Why does it not surprise me that Rome, one of our top destinations in 2008, gets searched for a lot?
7. roman catacombs - One of the most popular attractions in Rome, so no surprise its on the list.
8. santorini - I’m amazed to see this Greek Island made such a strong showing in 2008.
9. singapore zoo - One of the top things to do in Singapore, and the Night Safari gets especially high marks from travelers in their reviews.
10. discount - Fallen from #1 last year, I have a feeling discount will make a comeback in 2009. This search is still the easiest way to see everything on sale on Viator.com.

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Viator 2007 Travel Searches: The Bottom 10

We had a ton of searches that only happened once, in effect a big tie for last. I handpicked 10 favorites, your guess on why people searched for these is probably as good as mine.

1. kahn - A misspelled Chaka or Wrath of? I vote for William Shatner yelling “Khaaaaaaan!”.
2. chiquittita - As far as I can tell this is misspelled ABBA song, and not their best one at that.
3. why is the tower of pisa tipping - Good question! Apparently it tips because of some very soft soil (technically called “loose substrate”) and a very poorly built foundation.
4. desyniland - The worst misspelling I have seen in our search logs, and that’s saying something. I’m not even going to tell you the correct spelling. M-I-C-K-E-Y…
5. blackberry - Leave the pda at home! You’re on vacation!
6. finish marriage - I like to think this was supposed to be “finnish marriage” which is much happier than a finished marriage.
7. hot babe -It was only a matter of time before something like this graced the list.
8. traveling tips - Just one search for this? We offer tons of traveling tips! Check out our suggested itineraries, or sign up for our newsletter to get some.
9. air guitar - Rock on!
10. invader spices - I see a great movie concept here. The pitch could be Snakes on a Plane, but with rosemary and paprika. And maybe a soundtrack tie in with the Spice Girls?

Viator Travel Searches: The Top 10

1. discount -Many people have figured out that this is a really easy way to see everything on sale on Viator.com, hence why its so popular. And also, who doesn’t like a good deal?
2. rome - Why does it not surprise me that Rome, our #1 destination for 2007, gets searched for a lot?
3. buckingham palace - If its good enough for the Queen, its good enough for our search list.
4. vatican - Again, what a surprise that the #1 thing to do in Europe gets a lot of searches?
5. kennedy space center - Out of this world.
6. chichen itza - Actually I am impressed this many people are spelling it correctly. I think the bottom search list skewed my view of spelling competency.
7. versailles - Another home fit for a king, and not surprising given how popular France was as a destination in 2007.
8. paris - Didn’t I just say France was popular?
9. grand canyon - A helicopter flight to the Grand Canyon was the #1 activity for the USA and Canada in 2007.
10. swim dolphin - Every year more and more people love to swim with dolphins.

-Kelly G

Thailand - Bangkok was voted #34 in 2008

Before we say farewell to 2008, let us take a moment to honor the Top 50 destinations of the year as determined by Viator.com travelers. This is our third annual “Viator Top 50″ list, and like last year, 2008 has been a great ride, full of surprises (good on ya Paris, Rome and Las Vegas) and some surprising absences (Mexico, we missed you).

If you’re not yet caught up on our end-of-year lists of top things to do around the world, these links will help: Europe, Asia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa.

Also have a look at our Top 10 Traveler Photos of the year - these photos will absolutely get you inspired to travel this year. Thanks again to the millions of travelers who visited us in 2008, we hope to see you again in 2009.

The Viator 50: Top Travel Destinations in 2008

50. Punta Cana. It’s the top resort in the Dominican Republic, with sandy white beaches, adventure safaris, snorkeling, speedboat rides, deep sea fishing, beautiful seaside golf course and a sunset cruise on the Caribbean. What more could you ask for?

49. Boston. Boston blends old-world beauty and modern convenience with grand architecture, renowned academic traditions, ghosts, harbour cruises, nearby seacoast and rolling New England countryside. Wicked cool, as they say in Harvard Yard.

48. Geneva. The most international city in Switzerland, Geneva is a peaceful place to explore museums, restaurants and cultural events, bask on the banks of Lake Geneva, hop across to the Alps, and eat plenty of chocolate!

47. Kyoto. The elegance and romance of Kyoto is found in its temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and museums. All this alongside famous artisans and cultural workshops, and a modern scene pulsing with life and activity. A definite must on your next trip to Japan.

46. Granada. Two words: simply breathtaking. Granada’s Alhambra is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, the next biggest attraction is the city itself, set against the backdrop of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

45. Montego Bay. Soak up the spirit of Jamaica with a walk in the canopy, trip to Kingston, horseback ride, jungle river tube safari, Jeep tour or just chill out to reggae.

44. Montreal. Montreal charms with a relaxed atmosphere, culinary excellence and lively nightlife, from the historic Old Port to Notre-Dame Basilica and Mont Royal Park, out to the magnificent surrounding countryside. Montreal puts a little oomph into any visit to Canada.

43. Auckland. Think: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Harbour Bridge Climb, Wilderness Experience, Aquatic Encounter, Bungy Jumping, America’s Cup and nearby Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools. They all make Auckland a city to savour, and a must-see when visiting New Zealand.

42. Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (KL for short) is an Asian Tiger bustling with colonial history, markets and charm, enjoy panoramic views from the revolving restaurant, or get up close to the elephants and fireflies in the Malaysian countryside.

41. Nice. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is a sparkling, gritty, sexy city bursting with nightlife, fantastical belle époque architecture, modern art and a buzzing cultural scene. It also has glamorous day trips along the French Riviera to Monaco and Monte Carlo.

40. Christchurch. It’s a thoroughly modern Kiwi city, boasting art, fashion, food, the International Antarctic Centre, historic tram and gondola rides, culture and heritage, Wildlife including whale watching, and spectacular scenery along the Tranz-Alpine Railway and down to the glaciers.

#32 in 2008 - Cairo. Photo taken by Phillip D on a private tour to the Giza Pyramids from Cairo

39. Brisbane. Climb Story Bridge or take a dinner cruise on Brisbane River, discover the historic city centre and glitzy cafe scene and nightlight of Bris Vegas, getaway to Fraser or Moreton Island, double the thrills at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, and spend the day at Australia Zoo. Brisbane? Oh yeah, it’s also the capital of Queensland.

38. Singapore. A foodies paradise, from Little India to Chinatown. Have a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel, eat at a hawker market, have a trishaw ride through town, have breakfeast at th4e Singapore Zoo with an orangutan.

37. Chicago. Diverse characters, unrivalled jazz and blues legends, and skyscrapers make Chicago an astonishing blend of tradition and modern, from Lake Michigan to Musicals and the prohibition, the Windy City is hoppin’! And see - we didn’t even need to mention it’s also the hometown of President Obama.

36. Perth. The sunniest and most isolated city in Australia, Perth is a City of Lights on the Swan River, home to magical beaches and festivals, perfect to embark on a Desert Adventure, explore Rottnest Island, taste fine wines at Swan Valley and Margaret River wineries, or swim with dolphins in Monkey Mia.

35. Costa del Sol. Like wedding cakes strewn along the seaboard from Málaga to Gibraltar, Spain’s Costa del Sol is the perfect base for a visit exquisite Granada and the Alhambra Palace, day trips to Morocco, Seville or Cordoba, or soaking up the sunshine, sports and nightlife.

34. Bangkok. Absorb this vibrant city (it’s the capital of Thailand) through your senses, a morning at the floating markets, silk shopping, a temple visit, or Thai cooking class before dinner on Chao Praya River. Or mnaybe a day trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai and Khao Yai National Park for an elephant ride.

33. Phoenix. Time your trip to Phoenix for the Scottsdale Rodeo or Yaqui Indian Easter Ceremonies in Guadalupe, an urban trek on Camelback Mountain, and a timeless visit to the wonderous Grand Canyon, West Rim, Apache Trail and Sedona.

32. Cairo. Cruise the Nile, visit the Sphinx, promenade by the Pyramids, then explore modern Cairo, a city alive with an intensity of tastes and sounds from the souqs to the palace, the chaotic to the bazaar. Cairo is a must on any trip to Egypt.

31. Salzburg. The hills ARE alive with the Sound of Music, in this mecca of Mozart. This highlight of Austria oozed charm along with gold and salt in the mines, mysterious ice caves and - for culinary decadence - Sacher Torte.

#23 in 2008 - Ayers Rock & Uluru. Photo by Tomoko K on the Kata Tjuta (Olgas) sunset tour

30. Edinburgh. Look for Nessie in the Loch, escape to the Isle of Skye, have a Highland fling, learn the truth of the da Vinci Code, immerse yourself in culture at Festival time, or just sip a wee dram o’ wonderful whisky.

29. Naples. Pulsating, anarchic and crumbling, see Naples and live! Capri, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius are nearby, taste Southern Italy along the Amalfi Coast, and head back into this colorful town to explore the Piazzas, Naples Bay or San Martino.

28. Oahu. Walk on the beach in Waikiki, hit the museums in Honolulu, or go underwater in a submarine. This magnificent Polynesian island paradise offers culture, nature and history in a sumptuous blend.

27. Hong Kong. The harbour, dim sum, a junk cruise at sunset, Hong Kong has plenty packed into a very small area - which makes it a fabulous place to visit for even a few days on your way to points east or west.

26. Vancouver. Cedar-scented rainforest to whale-watching cruise, shop, sail or ski, you’ll be back in the centre of this sophisticated and laid-back Canadian harbour city in time for a cocktail or three.

25. Dubai. Science-fiction skyscrapers stand alongside mosques and shopping centres in this lavish sun-drenched megalopolis. Desert adventure safari, vibrant cosmopolitan or lush oasis, all meet in Dubai.

24. Zurich. Creativity and innovation meet tradition and finance in Zurich, the chocolate box city blossoming into a unique cultural capital. Visit the City of Roses, admire the Alps, cruise on the lake and soak up the Swiss ambiance.

23. Ayers Rock. The geological ochre marvel at the heart of Australia, Uluru is an icon of magic and mystery. Dine under a million stars, ride a camel into the desert, learn about Aboriginal culture, or simply wonder at the sheer majestic beauty of this unique place.

22. Vienna. Echoes of grandiose empires abound in architectural wedding cakes, sumptuous theatres, lavish opera and grand churches, while low-brow pleasures are as simple as a walk in the forest, or splashing in the river.

21. Los Angeles. Fame and fortune’s siren call brings celebrities and stargazers alike to LA, land of the scrumptious power-brunch, Hollywood movie stars, shopping on Rodeo Drive, A-list nightlife and hidden enclaves.

#13 in 2008 - Amsterdam. Photo by Sari S on the Holland in One Day Tour

20. Cairns & the Tropical North. Adventures from rugged mountains to wild ocean, the biodiversity of World Heritage Rain Forests, snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, riding Kuranda Scenic Railway, simply relaxing on lush island resorts or taking in local culture and cafes.

19. Washington DC. Histrionics and history meet in the Memorials and colorful pageantry of American politics, take a Trolley Tour, visit the Monuments by Moonlight, The White House and Gettysburg, and taste extraordinary eco-friendly cuisine.

18. Dublin. Decadent and down-to-earth, Dublin offers a warm welcome and a well-pulled pint, historic buildings, garrulous sociability, and trips to the natural beauty of the wild coastline.

17. Munich. Sophistication and kitsch mix into an intoxicating brew in Munich, experience Bavarian Folk Traditions and Oktoberfest, high-end auto adventures, glamorous castles, vibrant arts, culture and Black Forest Cake.

16. Madrid. Europe’s highest capital and Spain’s headiest city, the addictive ebullience of Madrid extends from El Prado and Museums, to Tapas, Flamenco, the Royal Palace and Toledo.

15. Barcelona. Barcelona sizzles with stylish cool, from the genius of Gaudi to Mediterranean beaches, it’s time for Fiesta and Flamenco, experience the nightlife or a pilgrimage to Montserrat and adventure in the Pyrenees.

14. Milan. Visit the Italian design capital for serious shopping, worldly pleasures, famous art, flourishing theatre and gourmet delights. Milan will have your senses reeling all the way to Lake Como.

13. Amsterdam. Cruise the canals, admire the tulips, or hitch your bicycle to a bridge, explore the culture and the beer, Amsterdam is the ultimate hangout, where big city exuberance mixes with small-town manageability.

12. Orlando. The Orange City, home of Mickey Mouse and Gatorland, also offers an out of this world experience at the Kennedy Space Center, sandy white beaches, fine dining or swimming with dolphins and manatees.

11. Melbourne. Marvellous Melbourne, where hedonism meets high art, a paradise for football and fashion lovers, foodies, wine snobs and outdoor adventurers alike.

#3 in 2008 - Paris. Photo by Nick C on a 2CV Citroen tour of Paris.

10. San Francisco. Offbeat and genteel, the gorgeous City by the Bay is a unique mix, from Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown; Vampires to California Wine Country.

9. Sydney. Sun-drenched natural wonders, famous icons, world-class shopping, fabulous food - from the Harbour to the beaches, Sydney has it all!

8. Venice. Achingly beautiful Venice will seduce you equally with a Gondola Serenade along the Grand Canal, or a walking tour of hidden secrets in her labyrinthine lanes.

7. Tokyo. Dynamic Tokyo offers a dazzling mix of Zen-like calm, consumer culture, sushi and sumo.

6. Florence. Home of the Renaissance, Florence is blessed with art, culture and history; Pizzas and Piazzas; Fashion and Fishing Ports.

5. London. Cosmopolitan and traditional, take in the stellar sights of London from the London Eye to Portobello Rd, Buckingham Palace to a Musical or Theatre Show.

4. New York City. Go, go, go! to Gotham City for incomporable restaurants and nightlife, fashion-forward shopping, Broadway shows, or simply explore the fascinating streets and boroughs of this thriving metropolis.

3. Paris. Experience the magical lights, museums and monuments of Paris, taste mouth-watering French delicacies, listen to opera, jazz or sexy cabaret, and enjoy romance along the Seine.

2. Rome. Discover the wonders of the Eternal City in the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum, or on a day trip to the beautiful Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

1. Las Vegas. Fabulous Las Vegas! Experience the magic of a Casino Show on the Vegas Strip, getaway into the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam by air or land.

#1 in 2008? Las Vegas. Photo by Duncan H on the All American Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

So how’s your wanderlust doing after reading this entire list? For us, the Viator 50 list of top travel destinations is all about getting inspired to take that next trip. We hope this year’s list of top travel destinations on viator.com has got you thinking about your next holiday, whether it’s across town or across the globe.

Do you have your own favorites? Share them with us. Simply leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite travel destinations.

Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Team

Rome - a traveler favorite in 2008

After much pummeling of calculators and mashing of spreadsheets, we’ve calculated our Top 25 Things to Do in Europe for 2008. As always there are some surprises on the list as well as some notable absences. In the former category: Rome and Paris. Both of these great cities continued to dominate travelers’ itineraries in Europe. In fact, given the overwhelming popularity of Rome and Paris amongst Viator travelers in 2008, we could probably have renamed this list as the “Top 25 Things to Do in Paris and Rome”.

But we digress.

We’re happy to see London, Florence, Venice and Munich on the list this year.  And the absences? We’ll admit it, we have a soft spot for Istanbul, Dublin, Granada and Madrid. Yet none of these cities made it onto our list. Let’s agree to disagree for the time being, Viator travelers. And let’s work on broadening your travel itineraries in 2009. (We’ll tackle these cities - and why you should factor them into your 2009 travels - in a future post.)

Anyway, enough of the overview let’s get into the winners…

Viator’s Top 25 Things To Do in Europe: 2008

25. Ancient Rome Half-Day Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

Walk through Rome’s 2,000 years of history with an entertaining and informative guide, to relive life in Ancient Rome as a Gladiator, Emperor, Slave, Vestal Virgin, Merchant or Goddess!

24. Versailles by Bike Day Tour, Paris, France

Take to your bicycle and discover the full expanse of the gardens after your tour of the Palace, taking a picnic lunch at the end of the Grand Canal in the spot favored by Kings.

23. Versailles Half-Day Trip by Minivan, Paris, France

An intimate insight into the magnificent grandeur of Versailles on this small group guided tour will give you time to explore the Palace and gardens.

22. Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade, Venice, Italy

You’ll be captivated by the glamour and elegance of Venice as you glide along the Grand Canal in your shared gondola, complete with serenade.

21. Skip the Line: Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Head to the front of the line for your guided tour of Paris’ Louvre Museum, to focus on the Venus de Milo, the Victory of Samothrace and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

20. Giverny and Versailles Day Trip, Paris, France

See the water-lily garden that inspired Monet in Giverny, and lunch at Versailles before entering the gilded world of this fabulously opulent Royal palace.

19. Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour, Munich, Germany

The French Rococo hunting lodge of King Ludwig II boasts a fantastic grotto and Moorish pavilion, while Neuschwanstein is a magnificent neo-Romanesque style fairytale castle.

#4 in 2008 - Stonehenge & Bath day trip from London

18. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Rome Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

Discover the hidden secrets of the Vatican in this guided walking tour, exploring Christian Rome’s most inspirational sites and an extremely impressive collection of fine art.

17. Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise, Paris, France

A magical evening with dinner at the Eiffel Tower, followed by a leisurely cruise on the Seine admiring the gorgeous lights of Paris.

16. Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise on the Seine, Paris, France

A fabulous three-course French dinner aboard the unique Bateaux Parisiens glass roofed boat with panoramic views of the illuminated riverside sights, and sophisticated musical entertainment.

15. Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Day Trip, Rome, Italy

Visit the charming fishing town of Positano, sample Limoncello liqueur in the labyrinth of Amalfi, see Moorish-style Paradise Cloister, and take a walking tour in Pompeii’s ancient ruins.

14. Paris City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Paris, France

Discover Paris at your leisure over 2 days, making your own itinerary between the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, Grand Palais, Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay and the Trocadero.

13. Skip The Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Tour, Florence, Italy

Immerse yourself in the world of Michelangelo at the Accademia Gallery, and take the special entrance to the Uffizi Gallery for superb paintings by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and more.

12. Paris Illuminations Tour and Moulin Rouge Show, Paris, France

Paris is unforgettable at night, and even more so with the spectacular Moulin Rouge Cabaret.

11. Dinner and Show at The Moulin Rouge, Paris, France

Marvel at the essence of Parisian cabaret in the lavish Moulin Rouge Cancan show, enjoy traditional French Food and fine wine and a coach ride home.

10. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour, Rome, Italy

Jump the queue and head straight to the wonders of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, enjoy an indulgent Italian lunch and finish with a tour of Christian Rome and the Catacomb’s.

Venice - #22 and #9 in 2008

9. Venice in One Day - The Original Venice Walk and Grand Canal Boat Tour, Venice, Italy

Walking is the best way to see this magical city, from San Marco Square to the Rialto Bridge, then relax as you cruise along the Grand Canal sipping prosecco.

8. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Entrance Tickets, Rome, Italy

Save your hours for visiting the art in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s rooms, enjoy no standing in line and wander at your leisure through the magnificent Vatican Museum.

7. Sightseeing Tour including il Cenacolo - Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, Milan, Italy

Reserve your place at Leonardo’s famous Last Supper, visit the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping gallery and Sforza Castle, the Duomo and La Scala opera house.

6. Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour, Rome, Italy

Explore the Eternal City at your own pace, in an open top bus with 360 degree views as you travel with personal audio commentary, between the Vatican, Colosseum, Piazza’s and more.

5. Skip The Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

Spend the morning in Ancient Rome, from Colle Oppio to the Colosseum, admire the views of the Forum and Circus Maximus and stroll the Via Sacra ‘Sacred Way’.

4. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Georgian Bath, London, England

Visit the Royal Family home and witness the Changing of the Guard, travel back in time to the mysterious enthralling Stonehenge, and finish with a panoramic tour of elegant Bath.

#1 in 2008 - Rome & the Vatican

3. Eiffel Tower Dinner and Moulin Rouge Show, Paris, France

Bohemian cabaret, spectacular views and cruising on the Seine make this an unforgettable evening in Paris, with Cancan at the Moulin Rouge and dinner at the Eiffel Tower.

2. Naples and Pompeii Day Tour, Rome, Italy

Experience the drama of Mount Vesuvius and the wonder of Naples on this fascinating day trip into art, history and archaeology, with the sights of Naples, lunch and a walking tour in Pompeii.

1. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s, Rome, Italy

Don’t wait in line to see the world’s most extensive collection of art in 2000 rooms stretching over nine miles, in a small guided walking tour of the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica.

Do you have your own list of favorite things to do in Europe? We’d love to hear about them. Simply leave us a reply below and we’ll add them to the list.

Stay tuned for our final ‘Best of’ lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in Europe, keep on reading…

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What were the big surprises in 2007? Certainly the popularity of hop-on hop-off bus tours across Europe. These aren’t every travelers cup of tea, and few people would argue that a hop-on hop-off bus tour will change your life or blow your travel socks off.

That said, we were pleasantly surprised by the consistently positive reviews these bus tours received: travelers love the geographical and historical orientation they provide, not to mention the low-cost and easy on, easy off transport the buses offer.

So without further ado, may I have the envelope please, and the winners for 2007 are…

Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in Europe: 2007

25. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Entrance Tickets, Rome, Italy

24. Capri and the Blue Grotto Full Day Tour, Rome, Italy

23. Florence Day Tour, Rome, Italy

22. Skip the Line: Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum, Paris, France

21. Eiffel Tower Dinner and Seine River Cruise, Paris, France

20. Chianti Region with Wine Tasting Afternoon Tuscany Tour, Florence, Italy

19. Alhambra and Generalife - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Granada, Spain

18. Giverny and Versailles Day Trip, Paris, France

17. Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise on the Seine, Paris, France

16. Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour, Munich, Germany

15. Siena and San Gimignano Full Day Tuscany Tour, Florence, Italy

14. Florence City Sightseeing Morning, Afternoon or Full Day Tour, Florence, Italy

13. Paris City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Paris, France

12. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and St Peter’s, Rome, Italy

11. The Paris Pass, Paris, France

10. Venice in One Day - The Original Venice Walk and Grand Canal Boat Tour, Venice, Italy

9. Dinner and Show at The Moulin Rouge, Paris, France

8. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Rome Walking Tour, Rome, Italy

7. Paris Illuminations Tour and Moulin Rouge Show, Paris, France

6. Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Georgian Bath, London, England

5. Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Double Decker Bus Tour, Rome, Italy

4. Sightseeing Tour including il Cenacolo - Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, Milan, Italy

3. Eiffel Tower Dinner and Moulin Rouge Show, Paris, France

2. Naples and Pompeii Day Tour, Rome, Italy

1. Skip the Line: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tour, Rome, Italy

There you have it, Viator’s list of Top 25 Things to Do in Europe for 2007. This list showcases the tours and activities that were most popular on Viator.com in 2007.

And remember: it’s never too early to start planning your next trip to Europe. And as much as we feel passionate about the Top 25 things to do listed above, we also think it’s important to strike off on your own, get off the beaten path, and find a quiet corner of Europe to enjoy.

One of the best pieces of advice we’ve heard is to split your trip in half, mixing a better-known destination or two with something less mainstream. This is doubly true if you’re planning to visit Europe in June, July or August when things are at their busiest.

A good example of this “mixed trip itinerary” are combinations like Italy and Malta, Germany and Poland, England and Scotland, Turkey and Greece, Spain and Portugal, France and Belgium. But as we say at Viator, it doesn’t really matter where you go, just go!

Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Team

And there are a few surprises. Apparently New York City was and is all the rage in 2008. New York was our most popular North American destination this past year, as evidenced by the number of NYC tours and activities that made it on the Top 25 list below.

Nipping at New York’s heals was good ol’ Las Vegas, Sin City. It’s no surprise that Las Vegas is one of the top travel destinations in the USA. But what is a little surprising is how Las Vegas is evolving into a regional hub for travelers to visit the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, even Death Valley.

#1 in 2008? Grand Canyon helicopter tours from Las Vegas

The other big surprise in the list? Helicopter tours. You love them. Whether in New York City or the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, helicopter tours and 2008 went together like peanut butter / Marmite / Vegemite and jelly / butter (take your pick). Finally, we were also pleased to see San Francisco, Orlando, and Los Angeles represented on this year’s list, and hope to see more of them in 2009.

Top 25 Things To Do in USA & Canada: 2008

25. Grand Canyon West Rim Sunset Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

A magical sunset tour of the Grand Canyon with champagne picnic, flying low over the dazzling Vegas Strip on your return.

24. Skip The Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, California

Go straight to the front of the line for Universal Studios Hollywood’s attractions, and get the best seats in the house at all the shows.

23. Skip The Line: Grand Canyon Skywalk Express Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

Express trip to the Grand Canyon with a scenic helicopter flight to the West Rim, and fast-track entrance to the Skywalk, for travelers on a tight schedule.

22. Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight, New York City, New York

Magnificent views of Manhattan from the sky, see the Statue of Liberty close-up, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, New York Harbor, and the famous skyline on this thrilling ride.

21. Grand Canyon West Rim Combo: Luxury SUV, Helicopter and Boat, Las Vegas, Nevada

Take it all in on this combo tour, a luxury SUV Ride to the Grand Canyon West Rim, helicopter flight into the Canyon, boat ride on Colorado River, Eagle and Guano Points, and a deli-style lunch.

20. Grand Canyon West Rim Indian Country Deluxe Air and Ground Day Trip, Las Vegas, Nevada

Fly to the Grand Canyon and tour the West Rim by coach with a Hualapai Indian guide, stopping at Eagle and Guano Points with a barbecue above the mighty Colorado River.

19. Mamma Mia! On Broadway, New York City, New York

Fall in love with the music, story and characters of Broadway’s ultimate feel-good show, “Mamma Mia” an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship told with the music of ABBA.

18. The Lion King On Broadway, New York City, New York

The Hamlet-like tale of Simba, Prince of African Lions comes alive in “The Lion King,” a visual and audio Tony-winning extravaganza with music by Elton John and Tim Rice.

17. Hop On Hop Off Tour, New York City, New York

Get to know the city that never sleeps over 48 hours, creating your own itinerary from the Uptown, Downtown, and Brooklyn Loops or take the Night Tour.

16. New York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island, New York City, New York

Bite into the Big Apple, in a thrilling flights with fantastic aerial views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Verrazano Bridge and the world-famous skyline.

15. Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour, San Francisco, California

The ultimate introduction to San Francisco, with a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz, audio walking tour and drive along the waterfront to see the Golden Gate Bridge and Park.

14. Grand Canyon West Rim Self-Drive Hummer Day Trip, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hit the road and take the Grand Canyon your way, heading out past Boulder City and Joshua Tree Forest in a Hummer to explore the West Rim, Guano and Eagle Point at your leisure.

13. Grand Canyon West Rim Air and Ground Day Trip with Skywalk, Las Vegas, Nevada

See the Grand Canyon from air and land, amazing views from you airplane flight, skywalk and drive to Eagle and Guano Points for an afternoon and barbecue on the West Rim.

12. Las Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel like a star over the city of neon, as you sip champagne with dazzling views of millions of lights on the Las Vegas Strip.

11. Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ranch Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

Hang out with the cowboys on Grand Canyon West Ranch, ride a wagon along the trail of Joshua Trees and take a spectacular helicopter ride below the rim.

#3 - Niagara Falls from New York

10. Universal Orlando 2-Park Unlimited Admission Ticket, Orlando, Florida

You’re the star at Universal Studios Orlando, where all your comic and cartoon heroes come to life, get in the picture from the Simpsons to Shrek on these fabulous rides and attractions.

9. Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

Pass through millions of years of geological time deep into the mysterious Grand Canyon on the most extensive helicopter tour, ending with an unforgettable pass over the Las Vegas Strip.

8. Big Apple Helicopter Tour, New York City, New York

Experience the grandeur of Manhattan’s famous skyline up close, come face-to-face with the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building and George Washington Bridge.

7. Grand Canyon Skywalk, West Rim, Hoover Dam, Las Vegas, Nevada

Travel through the ancient Joshua Tree Forest by coach to the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, with lunch at the Hualapai Buffet, Skywalk and spectacular views over Colarado River.

6. New York in One Day Sightseeing Tour, New York City, New York

The perfect introduction to the Big Apple, this comprehensive guided tour takes you to all the major sites, from Times Square to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Strawberry Fields.

5. New York Elegant Dining Cruise, New York City, New York

Enjoy the ever-changing panorama of the New York City skyline along with your superb four-course dinner, dance the night away or take a moonlight stroll on the Hudson and East Rivers.

4. Grand Canyon West Rim Air Adventure Day Trip from Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada

After an exhilarating helicopter flight, take a champagne picnic deep in the canyon and revel in the natural beauty during this unforgettable experience.

3. Niagara Falls from New York by Air, New York City, New York

Ride on the historic “Maid of the Mist”, or take a Journey Behind the Falls to discover the awesome power and beauty of Niagara Falls close enough to feel the mist on your skin.

2. Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

The ultimate Grand Canyon adventure, complete with helicopter flight, boat ride and skywalk.

1. Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

After an exhilarating helicopter flight, take a champagne picnic deep in the canyon and revel in the natural beauty during this unforgettable experience.

Do you have your own list of favorite things to do in the USA & Canada? We’d love to hear about them. Simply leave us a reply below and we’ll add them to the list.

Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in the USA & Canada, keep on reading…

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In 2007 the big trends were Las Vegas & New York (surprise surprise) along with a healthy dose of Miami, San Francisco, and Orlando. In case you’re nostalgic and want to recap last year’s winners here they are:

Top 25 Things to Do in the USA & Canada: 2007

25. Empire State Building Observatory, New York City, New York

24. West Rim Indian Country Deluxe Air and Ground Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

23. Everglades National Park, Miami City Tour and Biscayne Bay by Boat, Miami, Florida

22. Teatro ZinZanni: Love, Chaos and Dinner, San Francisco, California

21. Grand Canyon West Rim Van Tour with Optional Skywalk, Las Vegas, Nevada

20. VISITicket: Power Pass, Las Vegas, Nevada

19. Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

18. The Phantom of the Opera On Broadway, New York City, New York

17. New York, New York Helicopter Flight, New York City, New York

16. Chicago On Broadway, Washington, DC

15. Overnight Swim with Dolphins and Everglades Airboat Adventure, Orlando, Florida

14. Grand Canyon West Rim Air Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

13. Vegas Night Strip Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

12. The Lion King On Broadway, New York City, New York

11. Mamma Mia! On Broadway, New York City, New York

10. Hop On Hop Off Tour, New York City, New York

9. Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour, San Francisco, California

8. Grand Canyon Helicopter and Ranch Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

7. New York Elegant Dining Cruise, New York City, New York

6. Grand Canyon Skywalk, West Rim and Hoover Dam Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada

5. The Big Apple Helicopter Flight, New York City, New York

4. The New York Pass, New York City, New York

3. Niagara Falls from New York by Air, New York City, New York

2. Ultimate Grand Canyon 4-in-1 Helicopter Adventure, Las Vegas, Nevada

1. Grand Canyon All American Helicopter Flight, Las Vegas, Nevada

Next up for list mania 2008? Our Top 25 Things to Do in Europe, so keep checking back over the next few weeks. In the meantime, start planning your 2009 travels now. It doesn’t really matter where you go, just go somewhere!

Happy & safe travels in 2009.

-The Viator Travel Team

Viator's Top Things to Do in Asia? Read on!

But first, let’s review the major travel trends in Asia in 2008. Surprisingly Singapore has slipped a few spots in overall popularity, as has Thailand. What happened? Japan in general, and Tokyo in particular, skyrocketed in popularity this year with Viator travelers. And on the flipside, Thailand had some political turmoil this year (plus a strike at the airport) that kept many travelers away. Ditto with Hong Kong, which remains one of the top destinations in Asia this year but also fell a few spots. Kuala Lumpur also made our 2008 list.

On the ‘notable exceptions’ list is China and Vietnam (also see our blog post of suggested itineraries in Vietnam). We assumed the 2008 Olympics in Beijing would thrust Beijing into the Top 25 spotlight, but alas it did not. And here’s hoping to Vietnam making a splash in 2009. In the meantime, without further ado, the top 25 things to do in Asia in 2008.

Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2008

Japan's Mt Fuji - Voted #1 in 2008

25. Macau Full Day Tour by Catamaran, Hong Kong

Sail across the sea to the Monte Carlo of the Far East, with a trip to the Old Fort, Penha Hill and Grand Prix Race Course, glimpse the Chinese Border Guards before going into the Casino.

24. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island Tour, Hiroshima, Japan

Dedicated to promoting peace around the world, your visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum is a deeply moving reminder of the devastating effects of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

23. Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament, Tokyo, Japan

An exciting Sumo wrestling ceremony in the Kokugikan, and introduction to this fascination tradition in the Sumo Museum.

22. Kamakura Full-Day Walking Tour with Optional Rickshaw Ride, Tokyo, Japan

Walk through the cherry trees on Wakamiya-Oji, Komachi Shopping street, and visit Tsurugoaka Hachimangu Shrine on this fascinating guided walking excursion to Kamakura.

21. Kuala Lumpur Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary Private Tour, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Spend an exhilarating day in close contact with semi-wild Elephants in this beautiful tropical rainforest, experiencing the Malaysian Wildlife Society’s Elephant conservation program.

20. Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip, Singapore

A relaxing afternoon on gorgeous Sentosa, take a cable car to Singapore’s island resort, watch the pink dolphins play in the lagoon, go on your own underwater voyage and hear songs of the sea.

19. Island Tour - Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Stanley Market, Hong Kong

The highlights of Hong Kong, from the panorama of Victoria Peak, to Aberdeen fishing village and the floating community, finishing at Stanley Markets and a local jewelry factory.

18. Lantau Island Tour including Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

Discover pristine beaches, lush valleys and soaring mountains on Lantau, visiting Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha, with spectacular views from the cable car and ferry trip.

17. Guangzhou (Canton) China including Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Hong Kong

Meet a panda and the Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors, on this colourful day trip to mainland China, which also includes Shekou Industrial Zone, and Guangzhou City.

16. Singapore by Night Tour with Dinner at Clarke Quay, Singapore

An evening on the town in Singapore, with dinner by the riverside at Clarke Quay, a visit to the vibrant Night Market and Bugis St, and finish by sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel.

15. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan

Explore wonderful Kyoto in the morning, from Nijo Castle to Kinkakuji Temple, Imperial Palace and Golden Pavilion, then spend the afternoon visiting Todaji Temple and Deer Park in Nara.

14. Morning at the Singapore Zoo with optional Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans, Singapore

Enjoy a wild breakfast with these highly sociable and intelligent primates, and tram ride around the Open Zoo with landscaped gardens and minimal cages to see the animals up-close.

13. Hong Kong Harbour Night Cruise and Dinner at Revolving 66 Restaurant, Hong Kong

A delicious buffet dinner with fabulous panoramic views of Hong Kong, stroll along Temple Street Night Market and cruise on Victoria Harbour to enjoy the mesmerizing city lights.

12. Panoramic Tokyo - Meiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

A perfect day in bustling Tokyo, visiting Meiji Shinto Shrine, Akasaka Palace, Imperial Palace Gardens, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Ginza shopping district, lunch and the Rainbow Bridge.

11. Kyoto Day Tour - Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan

The magic of Kyoto awaits you on this day trip to enjoy the cultural attractions and lunch in this beautiful city, including Kinkakuji Temple, Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.

10. 2-Day Mt Fuji and Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

Travel to Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and aerial cableway before speeding to Kyoto, visiting the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, and the famous Shrines and Temple after lunch.

9. Kyoto Rail Tour By Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

Zoom to Kyoto on the Bullet train, with splendid views of Mt Fjui for an afternoon sightseeing in this beautiful traditional city, visiting Kiyomizu Buddhist Temple, Heian Shinto Shrine and more.

8. Mt Fuji Daytrip including Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, Tokyo, Japan

Lunch on Mt Fuji, cruise Lake Ashi and ride the cableway with sweeping views of Hakone national park in this popular day trip from Tokyo.

7. Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, Japan

The best of dynamic Tokyo in a day, from panoramic views, a traditional tea ceremony and Imperial Palace, to Ginza shopping district and cruise from Hinode Pier to Asakusa.

6. Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour with optional Buffet Dinner, Singapore

Roam through the jungle on this fantastic nocturnal safari in Singapore Zoo, with the mystery and drama of the animals in a simulated natural habitat enhanced by moonglow lighting and dinner.

5. 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

The quintessential Japanese travel experiences in three days, travel from Mt Fuji to Kyoto and Nara, visiting magnificent cultural and historical World Heritage Sites.

4. Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

Magnificent views of Mt Fuji from the Bullet train taking you to Todaiji Temple and Deer Park in Nara, then overnight in Kyoto for a trip to the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace.

3. Nikko National Park Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan

Look out for monkeys on this scenic trip, exploring shrines and temples in the stunning natural landscape of Nikko National Park, with Japanese lunch near the sacred volcano Mount Nantai.

2. 2-Day Mt Fuji, Hakone and Bullet Train Tour, Tokyo, Japan

A relaxing coach trip to Mt Fuji, cruise on Lake Ashi and Mt Komagatake cableway, stay overnight at Hakone, try the famous hot spring baths (onsen) before the Bullet train to Tokyo.

1. Mt Fuji, Lake Akashi and Bullet Train Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan

Enjoy the crisp mountain air of iconic Mount Fuji on Tokyo’s most popular day tour, cruising Lake Ashi, riding the aerial cableway over Hakone National Park and the Bullet train home.

Do you have your own list of favorite things to do in Asia? We’d love to hear about them. Simply leave us a reply below and we’ll add them to the list.

And if you’re looking for more inspiration in Asia, Viator’s got you covered in: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia (including Bali), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in Asia, keep on reading…

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So what was hot in Asia in 2007? The latest installment in our series - Top 25 Things to Do in Asia - has a few surprises. The biggest are the overwhelming popularity of Japan and Singapore.

Viator’s travelers clearly know how to make the most of a visit to Singapore, either en route to other destinations in Asia or on a weekend getaway for Singapore’s shopping and world-class dining scene.

Top 25 Things to Do in Asia: 2007

25. Malacca Malaysia Day Tour, Singapore

24. Half-day Safari around Phuket, Phuket, Thailand

23. Kuala Lumpur Grand Day Tour, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

22. Sentosa Island Afternoon Trip, Singapore

21. Lantau Island Tour including Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

20. Kyoto Day Tour - Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto, Japan

19. Morning at the Singapore Zoo with optional Jungle Breakfast with Orangutans, Singapore

18. Island Tour - Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, Stanley Market, Hong Kong

17. Macau Full Day Tour by Catamaran, Hong Kong

16. Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament, Tokyo, Japan

15. 2-Day Mt Fuji and Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

14. Panoramic Tokyo - Meiji, Asakusa, Tokyo Bay Cruise, Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan

13. 2-Day Mt Fuji, Hakone and Bullet Train Tour, Tokyo, Japan

12. Mt Fuji Daytrip including Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise, Tokyo, Japan

11. Kyoto Rail Tour By Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

10. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto, including Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan

9. Singapore by Night Tour with Dinner at Clarke Quay, Singapore

8. Guangzhou (Canton) China including Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Hong Kong

7. Tokyo Tower, Tea Ceremony, Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo, Japan

6. 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

5. Hong Kong Harbour Night Cruise and Dinner at Revolving 66 Restaurant, Hong Kong

4. Singapore Zoo Night Safari Tour with optional Buffet Dinner, Singapore

3. Nikko National Park Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan

2. Kyoto and Nara 2-Day or 3-Day Rail Tour by Bullet Train, Tokyo, Japan

1. Mt Fuji, Lake Akashi and Bullet Train Day Trip, Tokyo, Japan

There you have it. Viator’s list of the Top 25 tours and things to do in Asia in 2006.

Happy travels across Asia and the world in 2006.

-The Viator Team

What's hot in Africa & the Middle East? Read on...

Fellow travelers, it’s time for another installment of Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do list. So far we’ve covered Central & South America,  Caribbean and Australia & New Zealand. That makes it three continents down, four more to go in our ‘top things to do in 2008′ series (based on the tours and activities most popular with actual travelers on Viator.com this year).

So now it’s time for us to shine a spotlight on Africa and the Middle East.

Last year we got serious about making Viator the one-stop-shop for tours and things to do in Egypt, from Cairo to Luxor and more. Our efforts paid off, as this year Egypt nearly dominated our list of top things to do.

That said, Dubai was a star performer again - it took the #1 spot two years in a row, which is no easy feat. Rounding out our list of top things to do are South Africa and Jordan. Now without further ado, the winners of our 2008 Top Things to Do polling…

Top 25 Things To Do in Africa & the Middle East: 2008

25. Private Tour: Luxor East Bank, Karnak and Luxor Temples, Luxor, Egypt

Explore the East Bank with your own guide, from the Temples of Karnak to the Great Court and Luxor Temple, which has survived thousands of years of floods, invasion and the elements.

#11 - The ruins of Petra, Jordan

24. Cairo Private Tour: Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Cairo, Egypt

See the magnificent Pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx with your own private Egyptologist guide to these, last of the original Wonders of the World.

23. 3-Day Classic Kruger Breakaway Tour, Johannesburg, South Africa

A dream safari across the Highveld and Machadodorp, open-vehicle game drives in Kruger National Park, a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

22. Private Dubai City Sightseeing Tour - The Golden City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A private tour from the famous landmark hotel Burj Al Arab, to Jumeirah palace and residential area, onto Al Bastakiya and the Al Fahidi Fort, and shop in the gold souk.

21. Private 4×4 Adventurer Safari including Sandboarding, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Leave the comfort of your hotel for some of the most beautiful sand dunes in Dubai, and experience the exhilaration of sandboarding.

20. Pyramids Sound and Light Show with Private Transport, Cairo, Egypt

Hear the story of Egypt as seen by the Spinx over the ages, dramatic and mysterious, with breathtaking lighting to illuminate the pyramids under the stars.

19. Private Air Tour: Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt

Speed into the ancient world, with your guide to the Temples of Ramses II and Nefertari.

18. Private Four Day Jordan Special Tour: Petra, Wadi Rum and The Dead Sea, Amman, Jordan

South to the ancient Nabataean rose city of Petra, the unique Wadi Rum mountain rising above the rosy red desert sand, and the incredible Dead Sea.

17. 8-day Nile River Cruise with Private Guide on M/Y Mirage, Luxor, Egypt

Relax on a leisurely cruise along the Nile with your private Egyptologist guide, to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan Temples, enjoying meals and entertainment on board.

16. Private Air Tour: Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

A private tour to visit the Great Pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx, Egyptian Museum and time to shop at Khan el Khalili bazaar.

15. Private Tour: Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, Khan el-Khalili, Cairo, Egypt

Immerse yourself in central Cairo’s most famous sites, from the Alabaster Mosque to the Citadel of Salah el-Din, with free time to stroll through the Khan el Khalili bazaar.

14. Dubai City Half-Day Sightseeing Tour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life from luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel, to Jumeirah Mosque and shopping in the famous gold souk.

13. Private Tour: Luxor West Bank, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, Luxor, Egypt

Visit the necropolis of ancient Thebes, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, who posed as a man to gain the throne of Egypt and Colossi of Memnon.

#2 - Private Tour to Giza Pyramids near Cairo

12. Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo, Egypt

A fascinating introduction to Giza pyramids with your own Egyptologist, on to the Sphinx and King Tutanhkhamun’s treasures in the Egyptian Museum.

11. Private Full-Day Tour to Petra, Amman, Jordan

The beautiful rose-red city of Petra, carved from pink-hued stone will amaze you with the Siq, El-Khazneh treasury, Altar of Sacrifice and royal tombs.

10. Nile River Dinner Cruise on the Nile Maxim, Cairo, Egypt

Elegant dinner cruise with spectacular belly-dancing and folklore as you glide past Cairo’s illuminated skyline.

9. Private Tour: Alexandria Day Trip, Cairo, Egypt

Your personal Egyptologist will guide you through Alexandria, to Kom ash-Shuqqafa Roman burial site, Pompey’s Pillar and of course, the famous Library, home to every book in the world.

8. Three Day Zimbabwe / Victoria Falls Fly-In Tour, Johannesburg, South Africa

See the majestic Victoria Falls by air and guided walking safari to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a relaxing sunset cruise on Zambezi River.

7. Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus, Aswan, Egypt

Visit these awe-inspiring Temples in a personal tour with your Egyptologist guide to explain their mysteries, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure.

6. Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

East meets West in Dubai, a city of fascinating contrasts. Sea, sand, sun and shopping, whatever you wish for in a holiday destination, here you can see it all!

5. 4-Day Nile River Cruise with Private Guide from Luxor to Aswan, Luxor, Egypt

Luxuriously relaxing cruise on the Nile with privately guided tours, evening entertainment and all meals, accommodation and sightseeing included.

4. 5-Day Nile River Cruise with Private Guide from Luxor to Aswan, Luxor, Egypt

A sumptuous cruise along the Nile to the West Bank, Luxor Temple, Esna, Edfu, Aswan, Unfinished Obelisk and felucca trip to Botanical Gardens, with evening entertainment on board.

3. Private Tour 4×4 Desert Adventure Safari, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Scenic desert drive, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, belly dancer and optional dune buggy adventure, relax by the campfire under the stars.

2. Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara, Cairo, Egypt

Step back in time with your own private Egyptologist to visit the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Necropolis and Memphis.

1. 4×4 Desert Safari, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

An extraordinary Arabian desert adventure, with camel ride, sandboarding, henna decorations, dinner, and a wonderful belly dancer, after the beautiful sunset.

#1 in 2008 - Dubai's Desert Adventure Safari

There you have it. Viator’s list of the Top 25 tours and things to do in the Middle East & Africa in 2008.

Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year in Africa and the Middle East, in 2007, keep on reading…

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

Along with a healthy showing from South Africa, the big news on the 2007 list is Dubai. It tops our list and remains one of the most popular destinations we have in the Middle East & Africa. And it’s no wonder. How many places in the world can you take a 4×4 desert safari, go sandboarding (think: surfing on a sand dune), and have a BBQ under the desert stars with a bit of belly dancing thrown in, all in the same day? Answer: just one that we know of, and it’s the #1 thing to do on our list this year.

Top 25 Things to Do in Africa & the Middle East: 2007

25. Private Three Day Safari to Amboseli, Nairobi, Kenya

24. Private Dubai City Sightseeing Tour - The Golden City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

23. Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus, Aswan, Egypt

22. Nile River Dinner Cruise on the Nile Maxim, Cairo, Egypt

21. Cape Peninsula Tour, Cape Town, South Africa

20. Sun City and Pilansberg Nature Reserve Safari, Johannesburg, South Africa

19. Scuba Dive or Snorkel with Great White Sharks, Cape Town, South Africa

18. 3-Day Classic Kruger Breakaway Tour, Johannesburg, South Africa

17. Private Full-Day Tour to Petra, Amman, Jordan

16. 4×4 Hatta Safari - Mountain Springs, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

15. Private Air Tour: Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

14. Private 4×4 Adventurer Safari including Sandboarding, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

#1 in 2007: Dubai 4x4 Desert Safari

13. Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo, Egypt

12. Private Tour: Alexandria Day Trip, Cairo, Egypt

11. Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara, Cairo, Egypt

10. Dubai City Half-Day Sightseeing Tour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

9. Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

8. Aquila Game Reserve Wildlife Safari, Cape Town, South Africa

7. Private Abu Galum Tour: Jeep Safari, Snorkeling, Camel Ride and Bedouin Lunch, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

6. Private Air Tour: Abu Simbel, Aswan, Egypt

5. Private Tour 4×4 Desert Adventure Safari, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4. 8-day Nile River Cruise with Private Guide on M/Y Mirage, Luxor, Egypt

3. Three Day “Zimbabwe” Victoria Falls Fly-In Tour, Johannesburg, South Africa

2. Private Three Day Safari to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi, Kenya

1. 4×4 Desert Wonder Safari - Sandboarding & BBQ Dinner, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

There you have it, Viator’s list of Top 25 Things to Do in Africa and the Middle East in 2007 and 2008. If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out our tours and activities throughout Africa and the Middle East: Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, South Africa and Zambia (including Victoria Falls). Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Team