Do you want to visit the top 10 tourist destinations in your lifetime? Although the list does change as years go by, there are certain spots that hold their appeal over time. Tourist travel has expanded in recent years and now there are more ways than ever to see the wonders of the world. From cruises that will bring you to a variety of attractions to tours of some of the most famous sites in the world, access to the best tourist spots is continually improving across the globe. If you’re wondering where to begin, the best answer is to travel according to your interests and hobbies, whether you're looking for beach destinations or the best places to golf.

A significant amount of tourist travel is based on hobbies, but this only helps to narrow things down slightly. If you’re interested in history for example, you might be able to narrow down your choices to a personal top 10 tourist destinations, but it will still take a great deal of planning and time to see them all. Some of the top historical attractions across the globe include the ancient temples of Mexico, the ruins of ancient Rome in Italy and the pyramids in Egypt. For those travelers who are more interested in modern history, the city of Berlin is full of rich information on World War II. If American history perks your interest, be sure to explore Philadelphia, which is home to the Liberty Bell, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and other fascinating sites.

If cuisine and wine are a main interest, the best tourist spots will be different. Countries such as Italy, Spain, and France are known for their food and wine, and many tourists decide to take cooking courses, explore markets, and sample the cooking of famous chefs to explore culinary history. If you can’t make it to the vineyards of Bordeaux, there are many places to explore in the US for cuisine and wine as well. The Napa Valley has a long established reputation as a wine producing region, while nearby Oregon is steadily gaining more followers. Across the States chefs are creating award-winning restaurants, from New York City to Miami to Las Vegas to San Francisco to Chicago—and most cities in between as well!

The top 10 tourist destinations are often influenced by certain events in popular culture as well. For example, in 2010, a lot of attention was put in South Africa for the World Cup. In 2008, the Olympics were in Beijing, China. Both of these events, and a good dose of PR, made these desirable international destinations for tourists. New opportunity also increases tourist travel, such as the ability now to climb aboard a cruise to Antarctica. With more flights to more places, tourists can now reach further flung locations at better prices. Just about anywhere now can be considered a tourist destination, from the villages of India to the wildness of Patagonia Chile.

The best tourist spots depend solely on what you want from a vacation. If you want to put a smile on your kids’ faces at a popular family vacation destination, plan a trip to Disney World in Florida. To experience some southern hospitality, book a trip to New Orleans or to Nashville. For history, stay in a charming inn in Savannah, Georgia. To see the latest in contemporary art, explore the galleries of San Francisco. Some of the top tourist spots are defined by shopping, so if you’re looking to stock up on the latest fashion, New York City, Chicago, Miami, and LA are places to look. Wherever you decide to go, do your research ahead of time to find the perfect hotel, restaurants, and attractions that will make your trip a memorable one.