Tourist Places

Udaipur known as the "Venice of the East", was voted the world's best city for travellers in 2009 in an online poll by Travel and Leisure magazine, trumping last year's winner Bangkok. The island of Bali in Indonesia topped the Galapagos to be named best island in the annual poll, in which casual and laid-back destinations prevailed. The complete "World's Best Awards" is available on www.travelandleisure.com . Some of the highlights are,

Best city - Udaipur, India

Best hotel - Bushmans Kloof Cedar Mountains, South Africa

Best island - Bali, Indonesia

Best cruise line (large ships) - Crystal Cruises

Best cruise line (small ships) - The Yachts of Seabourn

Best international airline - Singapore Airlines

Best domestic airline - Virgin America

Best tour operator - Austin-Lehman Adventures

Best car-rental agency - Sext

Best destination spa - Mii amo, A Destination Spa at Enchantment, Sedona