1. PANAMA
Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, the Panama Canal was an epic feat of engineering which dramatically changed maritime trade when it opened on August 15, 1914. This year’s centenary is a good excuse to visit the central American country, which is now serviced by Air France flights via Paris.
The country is begging to be explored now rather than later. Rainbow Tours (www.rainbowtours.co.uk) offer a 10-night Best Of Panama itinerary from £2,930 per person, which includes visits to the canal, western highlands and cloud forest and the islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
2. RWANDA
Twenty years ago Rwanda hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. But now this small, progressive, country has become a conservation success story. Track a fragile but slowly increasing population of mountain gorillas on the slopes of the mist-shrouded Volcanoes National Park and see chimpanzees in the Nyungwe National Park.
Peace and calm now reign in the beautiful countryside, a world far removed from the horrors sensitively documented in Kigali’s Genocide Memorial Centre. Explore (www.explore.co.uk) offer six-day tailor-made packages to Rwanda from £2,090 per person including flights, accommodation, a tracking pass and some meals.
3. TOLEDO, SPAIN
Seventeenth century artist El Greco spent most of his life working in Toledo. To mark the 400th anniversary of his death, Spain is gearing up for a series of events, including major exhibitions in Toledo (from March to June) and Madrid (from June to October). Kirker Holidays (www.kirkerholidays.com) offer a three-night trip to Toledo, with B&B hotels, flights, car hire and entry to The Greek Of Toledo exhibition at the Museo Santa Cruz in Toledo, from £598 per person.
4. CHENGDU, CHINA
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, China is set to become the most popular tourist destination in the next seven years. One of the big attractions are giant pandas, and breeding and research centres in Chengdu allow close encounters.
Direct flights with British Airways have increased accessibility. Departing September 2014, Wendy Wu (www.wendywutours.co.uk) offers a fully inclusive 10-day trip to China, including a visit to Chengdu with panda ambassador and Countryfile presenter John Craven, from £2,590 per person.
5. EASTERN SICILY, ITALY
Tourism has been bubbling away in eastern Sicily for some years, but its popularity is set to rise dramatically – especially since Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, was added to UNESCO’S World Heritage list last year. Twice-weekly Ryanair flights from London to Comiso and additional Alitalia services from London to Catania are opening up the eastern part of the island.
Sunvil Discovery (www.sunvil.co.uk) offer a seven night B&B stay at Feaudo Vagliasindi agriturismo in Randazzo, from £817 per person, including BA flights from London and car hire.
6. YORKSHIRE, UK
With the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire on July 5 and 6, thousands of visitors are set to descend on the region.
The race will pass through the Swinton Estate, home to a luxury castle hotel. The hotel can arrange a private roadside area to watch the race, and can lend bikes to guests.
Their Tour de Yorkshire package costs from £190 per person, per night, with full board and a cyclist’s massage. Visit www.swintonpark.com
7. ZIMBABWE
A safer environment has enticed visitors to return to the wildlife-rich parks of Zimbabwe. Guiding is excellent, with certification requiring a four-year study, and guests are able to observe game at close hand. Victoria Falls airport has opened up opportunities for more flights. Expert Africa (www.expertafrica.com) offer the seven-day Grysbok Safari from £2,238 per person, including flights from London and full-board accommodation at Hwange National Park.
8. AUSTIN, TEXAS
Famous for its music scene, this hip Texan city is buzzing with excitement. From March, British Airways will operate direct flights from London. Spend days scouring quirky shops and hanging out in cafes, or exploring the State Capitol building. Flights with British Airways (www.ba.com) cost from £537 return. Rooms at the hip Hotel San Jose start from £122.60 per night with Mr and Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com).
9. SOUTH AMERICA
With the spotlight on Brazil for this year’s football World Cup (June 12 to July 13), South America will be on everyone’s radar. Cox & Kings have reported a 30% increase in bookings to the region, with most people choosing a multi-country trip.
Cox & King’s (www.coxandkings.co.uk) offer an eight-night Wonders Of The New World trip through Brazil and Argentina, from £2,695 per person for a private tour, including flights, accommodation and some meals.
10. ICELAND
When the weather is good, driving around Iceland is simple: one 832-mile ring road loops around the island.
Fly into Reykjavik, where highlights include the Skogafoss waterfall and Blue Lagoon thermal baths, then head north to second city Akureyri and the stunning Westfjords. Stopping off at fishing villages along the way, the trip should take a week.
Go to www.visiticeland.com for more information. Wow Air (www.wowair.co.uk) fly from London Gatwick from £74 one way.