“Chris’ Top Ten Favourite Places” is a regular feature of top travel destinations selected from Chris Robinson’s personal experience. In his Top Ten Favourite Places he selects his personal best destinations in a range of categories.

Here’s a Top Ten that’s bound to cause disputes! Why isn’t Paris on the list? New York? Well it’s my Top Ten, so I get to choose... Each of these cities has a “wow” factor that’s off the charts.

1. Sydney, Australia
   A truly unique setting, with miles of coastline and over 70 beaches, a breathtaking harbour and mountainous parklands - all complemented by a benign sub-tropical climate. Sydney Harbour Bridge is an icon and the Opera House is spectacularly elegant. Scoot over to the Pacific Ocean for a fabulous alternative to the city sights.

The Brits have a penchant for ferrying cold Canucks to the sun every winter. With the recent amalgamation of Sunwing and Signature Vacations, a division of TUI Travel plc, another in a venerable line of UK based travel conglomerates shares interest in a Canadian mass market travel company. The merger also marks the end of the last family-owned major Canadian tour operator.

And The Hoscar Goes To…
Niagara Falls Hostel Voted Best In North America
Hostels are the perfect places for young (and not so young) people travelling on a budget. They’ve changed a lot in recent years, with many now offering private rooms with ensuite bathrooms as well as the more familiar dorm-style accommodations. Website Hostelworld.com features over 23,000 hostels around the world, and ratings posted by hostel guests result in the annual Hoscar awards celebrating hostel excellence.