Bulgaria Makes CNN Top Destinations List

Bulgaria has been touted as one of the top travel destinations in the world for 2011 by CNN.

The American news network enlisted some bona fide experts for its forecast on whats hot for 2011. The panel included Lonely Planet editor Robert Reid, Pauline Frommer, the creator of Frommers guides, and Martin Rapp, Senior Vice President at Altours.

Nine destinations featured on the list, including some predictable choices, such as New York, Barcelona and The Lord of the Rings scenery of New Zealand. However, Bulgaria has made a welcome entrance onto the scene.

Robert Reid of Lonely Planet enthused that Bulgarias Black Sea coastline was the best in the region. Likewise, for when things are a tad colder, hes a fan of the great skiing in the mountains. Reid also revealed his penchant for road trips:

"I love doing road trips in Bulgaria. It begs for it. It's beautiful, and not much traffic. It feels very safe," he says.

Other hot spots on his Bulgarian itinerary are the ancient capital of Veliko Tarnavo, and Plovdiv, with its famed Roman ruins.