June 14, 2009|By Carol Pucci | Carol Pucci,McClatchy-Tribune
Question: : What destinations are you seeing as the emerging "new Prague" as we come into a new economic climate for travel? Any new cities in Eastern Europe, or perhaps Southeast Asia that are on your radar as the "next place to be"?
Answer: : Prague, as beautiful and interesting a city as it is, has become crowded and expensive compared to other Central and Eastern European cities. I wouldn't skip it, but I'd also spend time visiting some other cities in the Czech Republic, such as Cesky Krumlov and Budejovice.
Also high on my list is Sofia, Bulgaria. The city's past comes together in its mix of Christian Orthodox, Islamic and Jewish churches. Tucked along the side streets are upmarket restaurants and cafes that might be in Paris or Vienna - except for the prices. Bucharest is another city I regret not spending more time exploring when I was in Romania two years ago.
Croatia has been discovered, of course, but apart from Split and Dubrovnik, Zadar is worth time exploring. Also, Belgrade and Novi Sad in Serbia, and Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia.
It's hard to say what might fall into this category in Southeast Asia, but my guess is Malaysia. The food in Kuala Lumpur and Penang is some of the best and most varied in Asia because of the mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures.
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