As a travel writer, I am often asked about my favorite places to visit. This is always a difficult question to answer since I enjoy so many types of destinations for differing reasons. I have a list of favorite beach getaways, the best big and little cities to visit, best cruise destinations, best spas, and many more.  I like to share these recommendations and trust that others will like them, too.  It is a real challenge to identify just a few of my favorite places to visit, but I will attempt to do so. As 2011 comes to a close today, I am making my recommendations for the best destinations of the year. Below are five of my favorite destinations that I visited in the past year.

My Top 5 Destinations for 2011:

1.       Venice, Italy
2.       Monte Carlo, Monaco
3.       Sedona, Arizona
4.       New Orleans, Louisiana
5.       Chicago, Illinois

I hope your year has been filled with wonderful travels and that 2012 will bring more happy adventures!