They’re finally 9 destinations, not 10, but I couldn’t decide which one to pick for that 10th place.

Tell us your favourite destination in the comments!

Iceland

Iceland is a frequent spot in the travel wish lists, but due to its prohibitive prices, most of travelers just putt off this trip and pick a budget destination. Good news (well…for us, not for Icelanders :/): last year’s fall in the value of the Icelandic krona made the country far more affordable to european travelers. So pack your bag to enjoy volcanoes and geysers or a visit to the open air Blue Lagoon Spa. But most important, keep your mind open and you might be one of the lucky ones meeting an elf :)

Cuba

You can start your trip in Havana, a cosmopolitan city with a effervescent nightlife. Then follow the coastline up to Varadero, an area full of resorts where indulge yourself with non-stop parade of mojitos and dairiquis thanks to an all inclusive package. You shouldn’t miss a visit to Santa Clara, where took place one of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s most successful battle during the Revolutions and where are supposed to be buried his remains. And finally get to Santiago de Cuba, the country’s cultural city and the one with a more distinctive Caribbean influence. And since Raul Castro took office two years ago, the country has been experimenting a wave of openness that allows Cubans and foreigners to interact in a more spontaneous way.

Galicia, Spain

San Andrés de Teixido on Panoramio

This is probably the only place you might have not heard about before, but I pretty sure you’re going to love it. Located in the Northwest of Spain, Galicia is blessed with amazing natural landscapes, an extraordinary gastronomic variety and nice people looking forward to welcome you. Home of the highest coastal cliff in Europe in San Andres de Teixido, the oldest running lighthouse un the world, Tower of Hercules or 1.200km of coastline to enjoy a wide range of food and fish.

[Disclosure: I'm from Galicia, so I can't help saying that it's absolutely worth the visit ;-) ]

Australia

Australia is a dreamy country. I guess we all have this image of Aussies being the craziest and coolest people ever, surfing all day, having parties in the rooftop of their houses or being sort of a Crocodile Dundees. Well, they are like that (I know these all clichés) and a whole lot more. The entire country is a nature’s marvel and a hot destination for adventure seekers. The Great Barrier Reef in the West Coast or a sunset over the sandstone rock Uluru or a venue at the Sidney Opera House. Also drop by the multicultural Melbourne to explore it’s artistic and musical scene.

Here is half of our own list of top destinations for 2010. Check the blog next week to see the other 5 destinations!

New Zealand

New Zealand is surrounded by a halo of coolness. No matter who you ask, everybody is going to tell you that New Zealand is great. A beautiful, clean and safe country with outstanding landscapes, friendly climate and a paradise for sports and adventure lovers. Besides New Zealanders are always on the top of life satisfactions surveys. Don’t you want to discover the essence of their way of life?

New Zealand to the World

South Africa

Just three words: FIFA World Cup. Yes, football. Probably this is going to be enough to bring South Africa to the top worldwide destinations this year. Home of one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Cape Town, South Africa it’s a majestic country where enjoy nature. Starting from Kruger National Park and its “Big Five” safari in the North and down to the Wild Coast in the South East, an area of isolated beaches and traditional rural villages.

Argentina

Pretty hard to choose where to go in a country that offers such a variety of experiences. Iguazu Falls or the Train to the Clouds in the North, a visit to the eastern city of Mendoza, the country’s wine capital. Maybe whale watching in the east coast or a flight over the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, also the main port for Antarctic expeditions. Argentina worth more than a single visit.

Palo Alto, San Francisco

We know, it’s not a typical holiday destination. But we’re techie people bootstrapping our startup and there is no place like Silicon Valley to meet other folks like us and share some good advices, attend to any of startup-related events that take place everyday or even to give a try to your fundraising strategies. Not a good year, though. While being there, you can enjoy cycling in the numerous parks and preserves that surround the city, practice water sports in the Bay Area or drive a mere 50km to the north to spend the day in San Francisco.

Scotland

Only have a week and want to make the most of it? Then visit Scotland. If you can make it in August you’ll get a surprise: Edinburgh Festival, the largest art and culture festival in the world. Then head to the North to explore the Highlands and enjoy the stunning landscapes and local gastronomy. Back to South, stop a day in Glasgow and relax listening music in any of the city’s live-music venues. Next day make your way to Western Isles: Arran, Skye or Coll, just to name a few. And please, don’t forget to try haggis! :-)

If you are like me, or if you just decided that the burden (or risk!) of taking a plane is not worth it, you will like our new feature: Driving directions.

from LA to Vegas, let's have fun!

Ok, lets face it… it is nothing fancy or exotic. But it is useful! It is not there to impress you, only to make your trip easier.

This is only the start of it and we have exciting plans to enrich your road trips… but we won’t be telling yet! We want to know what you would expect and what annoying routines you would like to see resolved.

Triptance is all about you, your trips and having fun… tell us how we can help!

Photos from Kyoto on a Triptance trip timeline

The results of the first round will be published on January 1st, 2010, and then companies passing this first (internal) filter will be displayed on the open talent website where they will be voted by the public.

We are excited about this opportunity and expect to get through this first filter.

We hope to get your votes next year!

Our goal is to reduce the number of websites that a user has to visit to plan a trip, get all the information together in Triptance and link the three main issues in a trip: transportation, accommodation and activities.

Our travelers design their own personalized guides, that take with them and update during the trip.

Back at home, Triptance offers a travel journal that gathers together all the pictures and messages posted in social websites that otherwise wouldn’t be included in the travel experience.

Well, we (Abel and Maria) are sorry but it is currently full of holes and dangerous spots… you could get injured if you entered in its current shape (well, not really… but almost).

We are opening this blog to satisfy your curiosity, to let you know a bit of what we do and what we plan to do. And what’s even more important, for you to tell us what you want Triptance to be.

Stay tunned for fresh information and come meet us in this blog, our Facebook page or drop us a tweet (or two).