VIRTUOSO LIFE Magazine® Reveals Where to Go Now

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Has riding a camel through the Arabian Desert always been a wish-list item? How about shucking oysters fresh out of the ocean? Or getting up close and personal with a gorilla? As 2012 draws near, luxury travel network Virtuoso® turned to its expert travel advisors to get the inside scoop on where those 'in the know' will be venturing in the year ahead. One thing is for sure: 2012 is the year to travel, whether it is near or far, and Virtuoso has eight enticing options.

Virtuoso shares a taste of their advisors' top 2012 destination choices below, with an additional full report to follow in the January issue of VIRTUOSO LIFE magazine. Would-be wanderers interested in learning more or connecting with a Virtuoso travel advisor can contact Virtuoso at 855-570-3830 or visit www.virtuosolife.com for more information. For an extended version of the below, including Virtuoso recommended vacations for each destination, visit: http://www.virtuoso.com/thecompany/virtuosolifemagazine®revealswheretogonow/

Jordan
Although it is a small country – about the size of the state of Indiana – Jordan is a destination with much variety. It is a land of great beauty and even greater history, where medieval castles meet ancient ruins amongst a landscape of rolling hills, expansive deserts and dramatic mountains. Well-known sites include the Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra and Aqaba.

Thailand and Laos
Travelers looking for exotic, yet affordable locations will find the ideal destination in Southeast Asia. Virtuoso's experts say not to be deterred by the recent flooding in Bangkok. The north of Thailand remains unscathed, and the recent misfortune may cause prices to tumble this year.

Tasmania
Located on the other side of the world, and then a two-hour flight from Sydney, Tasmania offers wild and dramatic landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. Because of its remoteness and the currents that flow from the Southern Ocean, the island has some of the planet's most pristine coastal and inland waters.

Ireland
For Europe first-timers or travelers seeking an English-speaking destination, Ireland offers rolling green countryside, quaint bed and breakfasts and hospitable locals that extend warmth and friendliness to visitors. Virtuoso advisors recommend it as an alternative in 2012 to London, which will no doubt be bulging with Olympic enthusiasts.

River Cruising
"River cruising is really emerging as the one of the preferred modes of travel around Europe," says Bill Smith, Virtuoso vice president of cruise sales and exclusive product. "It's an efficient way for cruisers to see a lot of the destination without having to deal with confusing train schedules and roadways, or currency fluctuations."

Republic of Congo
Split almost directly in half by the Equator, the French-speaking Republic of Congo sits in the western region of central Africa. The country's consistent temperate climate and heavy rainfall allows for heavily forested regions with large populations of gorillas.

Colombia
After a 21st-century makeover, Colombia's reputation has certainly changed due to improved security and a significantly reduced crime rate. From the regal coffee plantations, dense jungles, snow-capped mountains and gorgeous beaches to the bustling capital, Bogota, the country offers a wide variety of landscapes.

Brazil
In preparations for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Brazil is gearing up for a tourism surge. Brazil's sunny beaches, culinary scene and nightlife culture are among the best in the world, according to Virtuoso advisors.

SOURCE Virtuoso