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San Francisco is one of the hottest travel destinations for 2013, according to Oranum.com. Photo by Amanda Hoffstrom.
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I recently received a pitch from the online site Oranum, the “first global esoteric portal that connects you with the world’s most renowned psychics, astrologers, tarot masters, clairvoyants and healers straight from your smart phone or tablet.” Esoteric portal? Clairvoyants? Tarot masters? I was intrigued, and how! So in the name of good fun, I decided to ask the folks at Oranum to predict the five hottest travel destinations for 2013, and here’s what they came back with … It’s all in the stars, n’est-ce pas? P.S. Oranum’s psychic experts also specialize in clairvoyance, dream interpretations, rituals, energies and Chakra healing.
1. Bhutan
Tshechu: Held every year in temples and monasteries around the country, Tshechus, or 10th day festivals, are celebrated on the 10th day of a month of lunar calendar. The Tshechu is a religious celebration where Bhutanese gather from various villages to witness mask dances and receive blessings.
Hot Spring Therapy: Found in most places throughout Bhutan, hot springs have been used throughout history to cure aches and pains. The most well known hot spring is Gasa, located in western Bhutan.
Tang Mebar Tsho: Considered one of the most sacred locations in Central Bhutan, Mebar Tsho is a serene freshwater lake surrounded by multicolored prayer flags. Many visitors come to Mebar Tsho to relax, pray and revel in its beauty.
Bumthang: Known as the religious heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang is home to some of the country’s most historic Buddhist temples and monasteries. Bumthang is home to Membar Tsho, or the burning lake, where sacred scriptures were recovered in the 15th century as well as Tamshing Lhakhang, the most sacred Nyingmapa temple in the country.
Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2011 in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum provides visitors with a cultural overview of Bhutan. The museum regularly showcases rural traditions and customs and allows guests to see what a typical Bhutanese life is like.
2. Myanmar
Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni: Measuring more than 11 feet tall and weighing 500 tons, this Buddha sculpture sculpture, completed in 2000, is a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike.
Inlay Lake Sanctuary: Located in southern region of Myanmar, the Inlay Lake Sanctuary was established in 1985 to protect natural wildlife and topographical beauty of the region. Visitors can bask in the company of vast numbers of birds, fish, otters and turtles.
Kaung Moo Lon Golden Sambur King Pagoda: Located on the east bank of the Malikha River, the Kaung Moo Lon Golden Sambur King Pagoda was one of 84,000 built by the Great Thiri Dhama Thawka.
3. San Francisco
America’s Cup: San Francisco is this year’s home to the America’s Cup World Series. A famed yacht regatta, America’s Cup is the oldest currently active trophy in the international sporting arena. As host of the 34th America’s Cup, San Franciscans and visitors alike can revel in this sure-to-be-exciting race.
New Santa Clara Stadium: Scheduled to open in 2014, the new San Francisco 49ers football stadium is almost 90,000 square feet larger than the team’s current home at Candlestick Park.
4. Panama
Volcán Barú: One of two volcanoes in the country, Volcán Barú offers stunning views of Panama. Ideal for hiking, trekking or walking.
The Panama Canal: One of the most visited sites in the country, the Panama Canal’s exquisite engineering is also home to the Canal Museum, where visitors can peruse old documents and the history of the Miraflores Locks. Whale Watching: Panama offers a superb location for watching these majestic creatures.
5. Canada
Whistler: Nestled in British Columbia on the Coast Mountains, Whistler is home to some of winter’s most spectacular sports. Consistently ranked as the No. 1 mountain resort in North America, the community offers guests skiing, snowboarding, championship golf courses, exquisite shopping, fine dining, state-of-the-art spas and much more.
Iceberg Viewing in Newfoundland: One of the best places in the world to view 10,000-year-old glacial masterpieces, Newfoundland is home to icebergs that are viewable from many points along the northern and eastern coasts.
Adventures in Taste, Nova Scotia: For the culinary coinsures, Adventures in Taste is the ultimate food and wine experience in Nova Scotia. With different options to suite every palate, guests can take a kayak tour to feast in a secluded cove or stroll through a vineyard.