The No. 1 Vacation Spot in the World

30-08-2008 - 20:00

If you could take a trip outside the United States, where would you most prefer to go? La dolce vita! Italy, that warm, sun-drenched land of Leonardo da Vinci, soaring cathedrals, idyllic scenery, pasta and wine, is the No. 1 vacation destination outside the United States, according to a 2008 Harris Poll of 2,454 U.S. adults who were asked this question: "If you could spend a vacation in any country in the world outside the United States and you would not have to worry about the cost, what one country would you choose?" This is the first time since 1997 that Australia hasn't topped the list, dropping to No. 2.

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Top 15 international vacation destinations:
1. Italy
2. Australia
3. Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
4. France
5. Ireland
6. Greece
7. Japan
8. Germany
9. Canada
10. Spain
11. New Zealand
12. Switzerland
13. Mexico
14. Bahamas
15. Jamaica

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Fun facts to know and tell:
--Italy is the favorite for Echo Boomers (those aged 18-31) and Matures (those aged 63 and older) while Australia is No. 1 for Gen Xers (those aged 32-43) and Baby Boomers (those aged 44-62).
--Men and women have different favorites. Australia is tops for men, while Italy is No. 1 for women.
--Japan jumps to No. 3 for Echo Boomers, while Switzerland is No. 5 for Matures.

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