- Brazil<p> Brazil is South America's country of the moment, with both the 2012 World Cup and 2016 Olympics due to take place here.</p> <p> A trip this hotspot wouldn't be complete with a visit to the buzzing Sao Paulo and Brazil's second-largest city, Rio. However, if you'd rather go off the beaten track, Kate Maxwell, Editor-in-Chief of <a href="http://www.jetsetter.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jetsetter</a>, also recommends Buzios, former hangout of Bridget Bardot and "Brazil's answer to St. Tropez", located just up the coast from Rio. The tropical wetland Pantanal, a UNESCO world heritage site, is also not to be missed.</p>
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York<p> Jetsetter's Maxwell hails Williamsburg as "New York's answer to Shoreditch" so visitors can expect plenty of quirky and cool boutiques, bars and restaurants, plus the brand new Hotel Williamsburg opening later this year.(There's also the super swanky <a href="http://www.mydaily.co.uk/2011/11/14/hotel-review-aloft-brooklyn-new-york/" target="_self">Aloft Hotel</a> nearby in Brooklyn, the younger sister of the W Hotel chain).</p> <p> Williamsburg also has great transport links and is just a five-minute train ride away from Manhattan. The district to watch out for in 2012? It's the only place to be if you consider yourself a trendsetter.</p>
- Greece<p> After the financial crisis, Greece will count on tourism to aid the country's economic recovery this year. So if you're travelling on a budget and looking for some winter sun, there's sure to be a deal to tempt you.</p> <p> Book a city break in Athens or take your pick from one of the many popular Greek Islands. Crete and Kefalonia boast some of the most spectacular coastlines - just pack your bikini and a good book for some serious me-time in the sun.</p>
- Egypt<p> Political unrest in Cairo has meant that tourists have been few and far between here over the last year, but the hotels and resorts on the Red Sea Riviera are expected to offer some great deals to lure tourists back in 2012. Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are the places to go for sunbathing and snorkelling, or take a cruise along the River Nile to Luxor for a lesson in ancient history.</p> <p> Find out more at <a href="http://www.redseaholidays.co.uk/" target="_blank">Red Sea Holidays</a></p>
- Iceland<p> Due to the current exchange rates, Iceland is no longer the most expensive country to visit in Europe. There are also a record number of budget flights to Iceland now, with EasyJet and Wow Air set to launch three flights a week from London this year.</p> <p> Once you're there, there's the famous Blue Lagoon for a dip in the world's most famous geothermal pool plus the Gullfoss waterfalls and the Northern Lights (which are predicted to be the brightest and most spectacular in 2012). It's time to go glacial!</p>
- Jordan<p> Jordan is hoping to make its mark on the tourism map this year, as it celebrates 8,000 years of Petra. </p> <p> As well as breathtaking lost city, there's the buzzing and diverse capital city Amman and the desert sands of Wadi Rum for reliving scenes from <em>Lawrence of Arabia</em>. It is also one of the safest and friendliest places to visit in the Middle East, and with plenty of budget operators offering low-cost deals, it's set to become one of the top countries to visit this year.</p>
- London<p> If the royal wedding wasn't enough of a hit for London last year, the 2012 Olympics and the Jubilee are set to put the capital city back in the spotlight.</p> <p> From Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the art galleries and museums, there's plenty on offer here to keep visitors occupied. Not to mention some of the best shops, bars and hotels on offer in Europe. If you've still got time to spare after all of that, don't forget to pop in to The Ritz or The Connaught for the most famous English tradition - afternoon tea.</p> <p> </p>
- Poland and Ukraine<p> Poland and Ukraine might not be the first two countries on your holiday wish-list, but as they will both play host to Euro 2012, we're going to be hearing a lot more about these destinations this year.</p> <p> Krakow, where the England camp have chosen to set up base in Poland, is famous for its cathedral, while Masuria and Tatra are the regions to head to for beautiful lake and mountain scenery.</p> <p> As for Ukraine, the capital Kiev is already a cultural hotspot with two UNESCO world heritage sites located here. If you're planning on visiting during June, be warned that accommodation is being snapped up quickly!</p>
- Dubrovnik, Croatia<p> Croatia has been on the up and coming list for a while now, but it's Dubrovnik in particular that's causing a stir this year.</p> <p> Once described as "the pearl of the Adriatic" by Lord Byron, it boasts beautiful monasteries and churches as well as plenty of cafes and bars to soak up the vibrant atmosphere along the Placa.</p> <p> The city's cable car is a must-do for spectacular views of the mountains and the Old Town and if you want to explore a little further afield, there are some great day trips to the local islands which boast beautiful beaches.</p> <p> When it comes to accommodation, the Excelsior and Hotel Bellvue are the places to stay for five-star luxury. However, flights are relatively cheap here though, with both EasyJet and Flybe offering good deals.</p>
- Mexico<p> According to the Mayan calendar, 2012 marks the end of the world but Mexico are being more optimistic about this news by promoting its Mayan heritage this year.</p> <p> Cancun has always been one of the more popular beach destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula and it continues to attract holidaymakers with its all-day sunshine and white, sandy beaches.</p> <p> However, the Yucatan is also the perfect place to experience the Mayan history and cuisine. If you're looking to escape Brits abroad sunbathing by the pool, head to the town of Campeche for something a little more cultural.</p>
Trendsetter: Ten Places To Travel To In 2012
Posted: 06/01/12
- Katie Jones
Follow: 2012 Travel Trends, In The Know, Travel
If a dreary week back at work has already got you thinking about where you're going on your next holiday, these 2012 travel trends might just give you some inspiration for your dream destination wish-list. From Dubrovnik to our very own London, here's your guide to the top ten travel hotspots to visit this year.
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