Josh Gates, producer and host of SyFy Channel's "Destination Truth" talked openly on the reality of being the monster hunter at the 2012 LA Times Travel Show.
"The monsters and the sensational stories of the show is really a gateway to get people interested and excited about the places we're going", says Gates.
"We want to encourage people about emerging destinations and unusual places that are off the beaten path that people don't travel to. What I'm trying to do is get people excited about traveling."
Gates' engaging travel adventures and his "Just get up, 'Do-it and Go!'" attitude captivated a crowd of fans with his top 5 travel destinations for 2012.
Starting with his number 5 destination—Cuba!
Known as the jewel of the Caribbean, Cuba is a country held back in a 1959 time-bubble under the Castro regime—soon to change once the old regime is gone and a younger generation takes over.
Gates strongly recommends, if you can, to see Cuba before real estate developers, condo construction companies and investors flood into Havana Bay. And although traveling to Cuba is discouraged, it is not illegal to travel there by way of Canada or Mexico.
According to Gates, "No one has ever been prosecuted for going to Cuba. Now is your chance to see Cuba before the genie is let out of the bottle."
Number 4 travel destination—London!
"If you can swing it financially or if you've got a friend who's got a pull-out couch in London, I suggest you go online today and buy yourself a plane ticket", says Gates.
"The electric energy of being at the Olympics is an incredible event. By August 24th the Queen will kick off the 30th games of the modern Olympiad in London. And despite the fact that London is expensive, the Olympics is crowded, tickets are scarce and hotels are hard to find, there is no event bigger than the Olympics."
Number 3 travel destination—the Yucatan.
Only an hour flight from Miami, Florida, Gates considers the Yucatan a little under-rated because of Cancun. But if you by-pass Cancun the Yucatan peninsula is an amazing adventure destination with thick jungles, incredible ruins, a laid back atmosphere with some high-end vacation opportunities, Mayan art, amazing architecture and the Chichen Itza pyramid—a lot of value packed into one place.
Number 2 travel destination—Panama.
With the approaching 100 year anniversary of the Panama Canal, major changes are being planned to expand and deepen its structure.
Gates recommends visiting Panama before construction begins. The last chance to see one of the most amazing accomplishments in human engineering the way it was originally built. The completion is scheduled for the year 2014 for their 100 year anniversary celebration.
Gates' Number 1 travel destination—Thailand!
"A popular tourist destination for years, and with today's economy value is king.
"If you want an exotic travel destination for good value and you've never been to Thailand, it will knock your socks off! It's an incredible place!", says Gates.
"Accommodations range from $10 a night in a flop-house in Bangkok to a five star hotel that is hundreds of dollars cheaper than it would be in any other major city.
"Northern Thailand has a totally different landscape with Elephant safaris, rugged mountains and the nicest people."
Gates suggests visiting Thailand during Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year's from April 13 - 15. It hosts the planet's most ridicules public water fight. A time when anyone and everyone, no matter what social caste is drenched.
"Even if you do not visit Thailand during April 13 - 15, everyone is looking for value and Thailand is an incredible destination with value."
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