With nearly the entire world – almost 200 countries, hundreds of thousands of cities and towns, and countless rivers, mountains, beaches and deserts to explore – trying to narrow down a list of possible destinations to even a “Top 50” is tough. We know we won’t likely get to explore them all in a year, and it’s so hard to choose some places over others; it all depends on your particular travel style and interests. In the end, for this year’s Top 50 Travel Destinations we tried to offer Viator travelers a mix of popular destinations with compelling reasons to visit in 2013 plus some places you might not think of at first.
We’re excited about marking the anniversaries of big moments in history in the places where they happened, about seeing some countries that are only recently opening up more widely to tourism, about revisiting areas hit hard by natural disasters in recent years, and about seeing some popular attractions reopen after renovations. All in all, there are plenty of good reasons to visit any of the locations on our list of the 50 places to go in 2013 – including something as simple as, “Why not?”
Any combination of the places listed below would make for a fine 2013 itinerary, we think, and of course we’re open to serendipity taking us elsewhere, too.
Now, in no particular order, we invite you to join us on a virtual tour of the Top 50 Travel Destinations for 2013.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
We love a city that capitalizes on any excuse to party, so naturally we love Amsterdam. In 2013, the city has even more reasons to celebrate. Amsterdam wishes its iconic “Canal Ring” a happy 400th birthday, honors Van Gogh’s 160th birthday, and will re-open both the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum after lengthy renovations. It might be hard to tell whether the festivities are about one of those things or whether they’re just because Amsterdam loves a good time, but either way 2013 is a great year to spend time in Amsterdam – a city wearing its party duds all year long.
Read more about things to do in Amsterdam, including Amsterdam’s Top Museums
Turkey
Istanbul's Blue Mosque
No other country can claim to be a better mix of East and West than Turkey – a country that straddles two continents. Istanbul has long been a popular destination for Euro-philes looking to expand their horizons a bit, but there’s far more to Turkey than this gorgeous city. In fact, recently Turkey is making travel news as a great cruise destination, with plenty of coastline to explore. The cruise port of Izmir is a major city that dates back to 3000 B.C.E., and you can take day trips from there to Ephesus and Pergamum. Kusadasi is another cruise port close to Ephesus, though this one is more of a seaside resort village. Even Istanbul itself is an increasingly popular cruise port – and while you can certainly see the main sights in a well-planned day, you may be itching to get back as soon as you leave.
Learn about some lesser-known places in Turkey and explore the history and culture of Turkey’s coast
Christchurch, New Zealand
Peacock Fountain and Arts Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
Many of us watched helplessly from afar as Christchurch was hit by deadly earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, crumbling the cathedral and other buildings around the city. Today, visitors get to see a city as it rebuilds, with new (and likely temporary) concert and exhibition halls in buildings currently awaiting renovation. It’s an opportunity not only to see Christchurch reinvent itself but help in the efforts as well.
New Zealand as a whole is also a prime vacation destination for fans of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, showcasing some of the beautiful filming locations around the country. The second movie inThe Hobbit series will be out in 2013, earlier in New Zealand than elsewhere, so serious fans may want to plan to be there to check out the red carpet galas.
Read more about the Lord of the Rings in New Zealand and going off-the-beaten track in New Zealand
Baja California
Los Cabos in Baja California
The first beverage that comes to mind when you think of Mexico may not be wine, but Baja California wants to change all that. They’re working hard to promote their food and wine culture, both of which are likely to change your mind about Mexican cuisine, and the whole region offers the same activities you’ve come to expect from coastal Mexico – snorkeling, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, and horseback riding on the beach. What Baja California adds to the mix is whale watching, if you’re there at the right time of year.
Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart
Australia is by no means off the tourist radar, but surprisingly few people venture to its southernmost state – the island of Tasmania. Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart is an excellent base from which to begin your trip on the island. The city offers growing arts and food scenes well worth exploring, but it’s Tasmania’s emergence as an innovative eco-travel destination that may prove to be most interesting. Hobart was named Australia’s 6th most sustainable city in 2010, and Tasmanians have recently embarked on initiatives to ensure the purity of their air and water. The island is also an excellent destination for outdoorsy holidays, with densely forested areas and incredible rugged coastline.
Check out some great outdoor adventures in Tasmania
Berlin
Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin
Berlin is an increasingly popular tourist destination – it’s now Europe’s third most visited city – partly due to the sense that it’s continually reinventing itself, which means it’s constantly worth another look. While Berlin seems to look single-mindedly toward the future, 2013 reminds us of some major moments in the city’s history – namely, its 65 years since the Berlin airlift and 50 years since President Kennedy’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech. Looking for a full day trip? Head to Leipzig, where composer Richard Wagner was born 100 years ago.
Find out more with our Insider’s Guide to Berlin
Florida
St Augustine
There’s no denying the popularity of Florida as a tourist destination every year, but you only get to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Florida’s discovery once. Ponce de Leon landed on the eastern shore in 1513, and throughout 2013 the state will be commemorating his arrival with special events and tours. Head for St Augustine to see where Ponce de Leon landed, and try to imagine what it looked like 500 years ago. Honor another landmark’s birthday with a drive down the coast and along the Overseas Highway to Key West, 75 years after the original overseas railroad was opened there.
Find out about places to escape from Orlando theme parks, plus things to do in Miami
Las Vegas
Las Vegas
There’s never a bad time to visit Las Vegas, but there’s a new museum in town that should definitely be on your itinerary. Sure, we all love the blinking neon lights on The Strip, but head for the newly-opened Neon Museum to see some of the city’s vintage neon signs. The Neon Museum refurbishes classic signs to put them up as art pieces around Las Vegas, and even more of them are now on display. While the museum has led guided tours through the neon “boneyard” for a few years, with dilapidated neon signs in a lot behind a 1960s motel, they’ve finally finished restoring the building itself to use as a visitor’s center. It’s the perfect place to see what Vegas’ shiny future looks like when it becomes the faded past – which, in this city, happens awfully quickly.
Read more: The Insider’s Guide to Las Vegas
Cinque Terre and Emilia-Romagna
Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre villages on Italy’s Ligurian coast have long been popular with hikers and backpackers, and the Emilia-Romagna region is one of Italy’s top regions for foodies. The devastating Cinque Terre mudslides and Emilia-Romagna earthquakes of the past couple years left both areas in tatters – but both are coming back and continue to offer plenty of reasons for visitors to stop and stay for awhile. Hiking trails in the Cinque Terre are opening up (many were well outside the mudslide zone to begin with), and cities like Bologna and Parma are still replete with excellent restaurants and markets. Locals in both places are eager to welcome tourists back, too – never has “doing your part” felt (and tasted) so good.
Read more about things to do in Cinque Terre
Marseille
Marseille
The Mediterranean port city of Marseille once had a less-than-wonderful reputation, but it has reinvented itself in recent years – so much so that it’s a European Capital of Culture for 2013. Today’s Marseille combines an intriguing history, a laid back beachy attitude, a devotion to great cuisine, and a vibrant new arts scene. It’s easy to get straight to Marseille via its busy airport, but even if you’re starting in Paris you can catch the TGV to Marseille – the high-speed train trip lasts less than 3.5 hours, which means you can have croissants for breakfast in Paris and bouillabaisse in Marseille for lunch. Not a bad menu for one day, right?
Read more about things to do in Provence and the French Riviera
Beijing
Beijing
A new public transportation line may not seem like a reason to visit a city, but when you’re talking about China’s newest high-speed train it absolutely is. The new Beijing-Guangzhou line is now the world’s longest high-speed rail line, on which the train hits speeds of more than 300 km/h (that’s just under 187 miles/hour). On this train, a journey that used to take 21 hours now takes only eight. This means visitors to Beijing can now easily add a side-trip to Guangzhou to their itinerary without spending nearly 48 hours in transit. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of telling the folks back home about zipping through the Chinese countryside at 300 km/h?
Check out Insider Tips for the Best Beijing Visit, Train Travel in China and tips for exploring theancient history of China
Lisbon
Lisbon
Spain occupies almost the entire Iberian peninsula, so it’s easy to see why the other country on the peninsula – little Portugal on the western coast – often gets overlooked by visitors. But what ought to bring the tourists in droves is that Portugal has long been a more budget-friendly alternative to Spain. Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon offers the same perks of any Spanish city – world-class cuisine, gorgeous architecture, and a bustling historic center – without the same tourist crowds. Lisbon is an incredibly hilly city, which means just by exploring you’ll work up a great appetite in time for dinner. The city sits on the Atlantic Ocean and enjoys a moderate climate year-round. Lisbon is ready and waiting for you, no matter when you plan to visit.
Durban, South Africa
Hluhluwe Game Reserve
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, chances are good that you’ve got both Cape Town and a safari on your itinerary. But one of the many charms of South Africa is how diverse it is – so much so that traveling from one end to the other makes you feel like you’re visiting several different countries. It’s important, then, to include Durban on your must-see list, too. South Africa’s third-largest city sits on the eastern coast and is home to large populations of Indians and Malaysians in addition to Zulus – which, combined, make Durban an utterly unique cultural (and culinary) experience. Durban is the perfect jumping-off point for visits to the Hluhluwe and iSimangaliso game reserves, as well.
Find more of the Top Things to Do in Durban, South Africa
Germany’s Black Forest
The famous stories by the Brothers Grimm may seem timeless today, but Grimm’s Fairytales were first published 200 years ago. Germany’s Black Forest, where many of the stories take place, was certainly popular as a tourist destination before the publication of those stories, and it remains so today. Visitors can check out the German Clock Museum, a living history museum depicting 16th and 17th century farm life, gorgeous mountains and waterfalls, and one of Germany’s wine routes that winds through the Black Forest. Combine that with a visit to places made famous in Grimm’s Fairytales for the kids (along with ample opportunities to try Black Forest cake in the region that shares its name) and you’ve got the start of a great family vacation.
Discover the famous foods of Germany’s Black Forest
South Korea
Seoul
If you made it through 2012 without hearing South Korean pop star Psy’s infectious dance hit “Gangnam Style,” you might have been living under a rock all year. In 2013, the Seoul tourism department is hoping to capitalize on the viral video – Gangnam is, after all, a neighborhood in the capital city that officials think deserves to be held in the same regard as other major cities like New York or Los Angeles. Even though most of us can’t understand what Psy is singing about, the video gives us a sense of what “Gangnam Style” is all about, and, more importantly, who it appeals to – the fashionable and gorgeous. Folks in the Seoul and South Korea tourism offices likely don’t care whether the dance itself is silly – as long as you come visit to find out more about it in person.
Plan 48 hours in Seoul
Burma/Myanmar
Bagan, Myanmar
With the recent reforms in Burma (or Myanmar, depending on what you’re reading), particularly the 2012 elections in which opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi won a seat in parliament after 15 years of house arrest, the country is finally coming off the unofficial tourism blacklist. It’s by no means “undiscovered,” but it’s far less visited than other countries in Southeast Asia, with a unique culture most of the world knows little about. 2013 may be the year many of us discover the real Mandalay.
Iceland
Iceland's Golden Circle
Iceland has been on the tourist radar for a while – even before the Volcano Which Cannot Be Pronounced blew its top and closed half of Europe’s airports – so it’s far from an undiscovered vacation spot. Although Iceland has long been notoriously expensive, the little country that went bankrupt is still in recovery mode, so prices haven’t yet gone back up to pre-crash levels. In other words, your holiday budget will still go further than it used to. Not only that, the national airline, IcelandAir, often has great deals on flights from North America to Europe, as long as you include a layover in Reykjavik, and it’s been forecasted that 2013 may be one of the best times to see the Northern Lights. Add in the fact that Iceland says it actually wants to be your friend, and how can you say no?
Find out more about seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland
Vienna
Wine-loving travelers may think that the only way to get out and explore wineries is to rent a car, get a good map, and plan to make lots of wrong turns in the countryside. Visitors to Vienna know that’s not true – it’s one of the few cities where there are still vineyards within the city limits. More than 1,700 acres of Vienna are used for growing wine grapes, and different neighborhoods in the city are home to different wine-growing “regions.” Each has its share of vineyard-run pubs called Heurige, where you can sample that vineyard’s wines – the Viennese make a habit of spending much of Sunday in the Heurige, so you probably should, too.
Read about things to do in Vienna, including budget travel in Vienna
Corsica
If your New Year’s resolutions include both “more travel” and “more exercise,” then Corsica might just be the ideal combination of the two. This island off the southern coast of France boasts both picturesque villages and rugged natural beauty, with a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. The island and its inhabitants are certainly French, but Corsica has its own unique identity. Outside the popular summer months, when people from all over Europe flock to the island’s beaches, Corsica is far less visited than other parts of France. In other words, you’ll get to enjoy great Corsican food and wine in relative peace in between your hikes. Headed for Corsica in July? So is the Tour de France, for the first time in its history.
Read more about things to do in Corsica
Ireland
Cliffs of Moher
Ireland is one of those countries that feels like it has representatives throughout the world, thanks to the exodus of so many Irish during the 19th century. The Irish may be warm and welcoming wherever they are, but nowhere are we made to feel more at home than in Ireland itself. The country has declared 2013 the year of “The Gathering,” during which it’s inviting the world to come visit and experience everything that’s wonderful about Ireland. There are special events and festivals happening all over the country, so no matter what cities you’ve got on your Ireland wishlist you’ll find something going on. And don’t worry if you don’t actually have any Irish ancestry – Ireland is quite happy to temporarily adopt you for as long as you’d like.
Find out more things to do in Ireland, including an Ireland road trip and 7 Secrets to Uncovering the Best of Dublin
Kangaroo Island, Australia
If asked to name an island off Australia’s coast, most of us could probably come up with Tasmania. But how about Kangaroo Island? Kangaroo Island is an ideal vacation destination for travelers who are interested in seeing Australia’s gorgeous natural scenery and really getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are a few small towns on the island, but people primarily visit in order to enjoy the great outdoors, sample the production at the local wineries, and check out the abundant wildlife. Yes, there are kangaroos on Kangaroo Island – along with koalas, echidnas, platypus, wallabies, and penguins.
Read more about the food, wine and wildlife of Kangaroo Island
Czech Republic
Prague
We have the sense that countries are older than the hills, but that’s not always true. Some of us are old enough to remember the breakup of the former Czechoslovakia, which created both the Czech Republic and Slovakia a mere 20 years ago. Prague has been the biggest draw in the Czech Republic for decades, and although it’s no longer the extreme bargain it once was it’s still an excellent vacation spot. And from a base in Prague, you can explore the less-visited parts of the country to get away from the tourist crowds in the capital and find some of those long-lost Czech bargains older backpackers talk about so wistfully.
Find more tips in our Insider’s Guide to Prague
London
The London Eye
London is one of the world’s most popular tourist cities for plenty of good reasons, but in 2013 visitors can be there as the city marks a few momentous occasions. For the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ first album, strike a pose on Abbey Road. For the 150th anniversary of the creation of the Football Association, go to a football (soccer) game and cheer for the home team. For the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, take a day-trip to one of Austen’s former homes in Bath or Chawton. And no matter when you visit, you’ll enjoy London’s robust post-Olympics tourist infrastructure.
Check out our tips for finding the best views of London from above
Toronto
Most food lovers already have a long list of destinations that they’d like to eat their way through – but if Toronto isn’t already included on your foodie travel list, it should be. Montreal may claim “poutine” as their own, and Vancouver may be an established food-centric city, but Toronto has been quietly upping the ante in recent years. These days, you’ll find innovative young chefs taking local ingredients and doing remarkable things with them – even Anthony Bourdain was wowed on a recent episode of “The Layover.” Bourdain may scoff at the idea of seeing the city from the top of the iconic CN Tower, but if you need a good adrenaline rush to work up an appetite then don’t miss the tower’s “Edge Walk,” during which you can hang off the top of the building by your harness. Yes, really.
Book a food tour in Toronto and check out our Insider’s Guide to Visiting Toronto
Malaysia
Durians in Malaysia
Southeast Asia is a major draw for budget-minded travelers, but when most of the other backpackers are headed for Thailand you can make a beeline for Malaysia. The country boasts a great tourist infrastructure, and it’s an especially excellent destination for those who like to eat their way through vacations. Malaysia’s culinary scene includes the delicious contributions from its many Asian neighbors, making its kitchens true melting pots. For a serious foodie holiday, plan a visit during the International Gourmet Festival in October. And no matter what else is on your to-do list, arrive hungry.
Plan your trip with our Insider’s Guide to Malaysia’s Best Beaches
India
Taj Mahal
From the beaches of Goa to the buzz of Delhi to the palaces of Kerala to the bright lights of Bollywood to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, India offers visitors an enormous variety of experiences and sights. What’s more, prices are low enough to let you stretch your vacation budget tremendously, which is always a good thing. You’ll savor intense flavors, gaze up at towering mountains, watch famous rivers flowing, and marvel at one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. And if India feels like it’s a bit overwhelming for the senses, the country is ready to help you relax at one of its many ashrams. Stay for a few days or a few weeks to learn the fine art of yoga, and you’ll end up with a vacation souvenir that lasts a lifetime.
Read more about things to do in India, including where to go in Northern India
Melbourne
Melbourne
Sydney might boast iconic sights like the opera house and Bondi Beach, but cosmopolitanMelbourne is well worth a visit, too. The capital of Victoria is considered one of Australia’s cultural centers, with a host of musical productions, theater performances, and film festivals throughout the year. In between those, Melbourne has a number of galleries and museums to entice any culture vulture. Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home in Melbourne, too, where the average resident is crazy about Australian Rules Football, which was invented in the city. January visitors to Melbourne may also want to get tickets to the Australian Open, the annual Grand Slam tennis tournament that draws the sport’s top names.
Check out our First-Time Visitor Tips for Melbourne
Montreal
Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica
For anyone in North America who’s yearning for Europe but reluctant to spend the extra money to fly over the Atlantic, a trip to Montreal should satisfy your inner Euro-phile. Explore the picturesque neighborhoods, browse through quaint shops, dine on the local Canadian fare (with a continental twist), and as a bonus you’ll get to practice your French language skills the whole time. Montreal may be the most delightful European city that’s not actually in Europe – but in this city, in addition to some supremely fine food, you also get to dig into a recent cult classic: poutine. This late-night snack of french fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds was invented in Montreal, and locals are rightly proud of it. It’s the ideal antidote to an evening of too much wining and not enough dining.
Learn more about Montreal’s Old and New Worlds
Poland
You might think there are no stones left unturned in Europe, but some European countries are far less-visited than others. Poland, while growing in popularity in recent years, remains a comparative bargain on the continent, and it even boasts a long coastline on the Baltic Sea. The country’s rocky past, including as recently as the 1980s when Poland was still under communist rule, may have kept visitors away for a number of years – but today’s Poland is democratic and a stable member of the European Union. The medieval city of Krakow and the capital of Warsaw are both attracting more travelers lately, as are the seaside resorts on the north coast during the summer.
Read more about the highlights of Krakow and the national parks of northeast Poland
Naples
Everyone’s always looking for “authentic” Italy, which you’re unlikely to find if you’re following the same tourist trail as the rest of the crowds. Head for Naples instead, where you can explore the gritty historic center and its roads that have been in constant use since Roman times. The city’s remarkable archaeological museum is a must-see, followed by a day trip to nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum to see where all the excavated goodies in the museum were originally found. Naplesis an ideal jumping-off point for a visit to the sparkling Amalfi Coast, but don’t forget to devour as much pizza as you can before you move on – this is, after all, where pizza was born. Visiting Naples in April? So is the America’s Cup World Series. Find a spot overlooking the water to see the world’s top racing sailboats in action.
Plan a trip to see Naples in one day
Paris
Eiffel Tower
We doubt there’s ever a bad time to visit Paris, but 2013 is a very special year for a couple of the city’s most famous attractions. It’s the 100th anniversary of the return of the Mona Lisa to France after the famous painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. It’s also the 850th anniversary of the groundbreaking for Notre Dame, and in March there will be a special bell ringing to mark the occasion.
If you can plan your visit to coincide with Notre Dame’s special bell ringing, you’ll have the added benefit of being in Paris when the crowds are smaller, which will also mean you’ll have a better view of Mona Lisa. Paris is by no means empty in March, but the lines for the Louvre and Notre Dame are significantly shorter in the shoulder seasons – and shorter lines means more time spent actually enjoying the sights of Paris, which is always a good thing.
Learn more in our Insider’s Guide to Paris
New Orleans
New Orleans
New Orleans may be famous for the raucous party atmosphere of Bourbon Street, but this unique American city is so much more than that. The French Quarter offers a picturesque blend of European and Caribbean architecture, the Garden District is home to huge Southern mansions surrounded by even bigger trees, and there’s music seeping from every corner of the city.
Stay for a few days in New Orleans so you’ll have time for a day trip or two – take a swamp tour to see alligators up close, or visit old plantation homes to revisit the past. With a little more time, look into voluntourism opportunities in a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. No matter what you do in New Orleans, the most important thing is to go – and to see what lies beyond Bourbon Street.
Check out our guides to cheap things to do in New Orleans and New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street
Russia
Visiting Russia in winter may sound like a crazy idea, but it’s hard to argue that it’s a pretty smart place to hold the Winter Olympics. The Games will be in Russia in 2014, but of course the country is working hard right now to prepare – which means that although some of your photos may include the odd building crane, you’re also likely to enjoy brand new infrastructure long before the Olympics fans. If you’re up for a winter visit in 2013, you’ll probably still find bargains a-plenty – something you won’t find during the Olympics themselves. And, of course, a summer trip to Russia this year means you can skip the snow and ice entirely.
Find out what to eat in St. Petersburg
Nicaragua
When you’re looking for Central American destinations that haven’t already been overrun by tourists, you’re going to have to look beyond the usual suspects of Costa Rica and Belize. One excellent option these days is Nicaragua. The country has made great strides since the 1970s and 1980s, when it made international news for all the wrong reasons. These days, although tourism rates are up by more than 70% in the last decade, you’ll still find the country far less crowded with tourists than nearby Costa Rica – and it’s cheaper, too, so your vacation budget can be stretched even further. Head for the colonial city of Leon, the remarkable Corn Islands, or the beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean.
San Francisco
San Francisco
Everyone loves a good mystery story, especially when they’re true – and even more so when they’re unsolved. Such is the case on Alcatraz Island, just off San Francisco’s coast, which served as a federal prison for almost 30 years. 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the closing of the prison, but that wasn’t before three inmates famously escaped in 1962 – and were never seen or heard from again. Spend some time on a walking tour of Alcatraz and you’ll understand why they wanted out (you may also form some opinions about whether they survived the escape). For a reason to visit San Francisco that involves fewer conspiracy theories, the America’s Cup World Series returns to San Francisco in 2013 in May and June.
Follow the hippie trail in San Francisco and read more about things to do in SF
France along the Tour de France Route
The world’s greatest cycling race, the Tour de France, was first held in 1903 – but 2013’s Tour will be the 100th edition. Halted twice during the World Wars, the Tour de France will actually begin on the island of Corsica – the first time the race has visited the island in its history – and also includes stops at Mont-Saint-Michel, Marseille, Lyon, and Versailles. July visitors should check the official Tour de France route to find out where it will cross paths with your intended itinerary. Being in a start or finish town gives you a chance to see the festivities surrounding the race, even if you aren’t interested in hiking up into the Alps and waiting all day for riders to pass (which, for cycling enthusiasts, can be one of the best vacations ever).
Read more about visiting France during the Tour de France
New York City and Jersey Shore
NYC
Tourist money is always welcome, but it’s especially appreciated in a region attempting to come back to life after a devastating storm. Such is the case with New York City, the Jersey Shore, and much of the surrounding area in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 2013 will be a year of rebuilding, especially for the Jersey Shore towns that were so heavily hit, and travelers can help with those efforts. With limited time, you can simply plan to visit the affected areas and spend money – stay in locally-run hotels, eat in mom-and-pop restaurants, and shop in small boutiques. With more time (and maybe to fulfill one of your New Year’s resolutions?), you can seek out voluntourism opportunities to literally help rebuild communities.
Read more about things to do in New York City
Panama
Panama Canal
Most of us learned about the building of the Panama Canal in school, but the enormity of this engineering feat is really only best grasped in person. The 100th anniversary of the opening of the Panama Canal is coming up in 2014, so you can head for Panama to see the country as it prepares for the big celebration. There are plenty of other great reasons to visit Panama, too, including the fact that it’s one of the Central American countries that hasn’t been over-touristed – you’ll still get to experience Central America at bargain prices, and without the huge crowds. What you will find is an increasing number of North American retirees – their pension goes further in Panama, too.
Learn more about Culture and Wildlife Shore Excursions in Panama
Brussels
Brussels chocolates
Sometimes it’s fun to see not just into the future, but to look at what people of the past thought about their future. In Brussels, one of the most popular tourist attractions remains something that was built for the 1958 World’s Fair. It’s called the Atomium, and it’s an enormous scale model of an iron crystal cell. A few of the spheres are exhibition spaces, and the very top one offers great views over the city. The fact that a 1958 structure still looks futuristic more than 50 years later is no small feat.
Find out what to eat and drink in Brussels
Seattle
Seattle's Post Alley Gum Wall
Seattle is one of those cities that delivers surprises as a vacation destination, mainly because people often expect too little from a place that offers so much. The spectacular natural surroundings – including the nearby San Juan Islands, lush Olympic National Forest, and imposing Mount Rainier – are playgrounds for outdoors enthusiasts almost no matter the weather. Downtown Seattle is a treasure trove of interesting architecture (from the iconic Space Needle and Gehry-designed EMP Museum to the gorgeous new Central Library), great shopping, and excellent restaurants. That combination of cosmopolitan city and verdant natural beauty is something the Pacific Northwest does particularly well, and it absolutely means there’s something for everyone in Seattle.
Learn about Seattle’s unusual sights
Montana
Montana’s nickname of “Big Sky Country” is one that doesn’t always make sense – until you go. The skies (and the starkly beautiful landscapes beneath them) do seem to go on forever, no matter which direction you look. Anyone hunting for a slice of that old-fashioned wild west will find it in Montana, where ranching isn’t an anachronism – it’s still a way of life. Dude ranches in Montana give us city dwellers a chance to see what the cowboy life might be like (albeit in a much more luxurious fashion), and the oft-overlooked Glacier National Park in Montana is a treat for any nature lover.
Philippines
Philippines
Travelers looking for a vacation destination in Southeast Asia that isn’t the always-talked-about Thailand or Bali should consider a visit to the Philippines. This archipelago contains a staggering number of islands, so if the chaotic city experience of Manila isn’t your thing, there are many more options that will undoubtedly satisfy. Head for the spectacularly beautiful Boracay Bay (some of the impossibly white sandy beaches that pop up regularly on Pinterest), check out any one of the active volcanoes on the islands to release your inner vulcanologist, try to count the many shades of green in the rice terraces, and visit some of the European Baroque churches on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. On top of everything else, English is widely spoken in the Philippines, which makes it an easy vacation spot for many.
Learn more about the food of the Philippines
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Sure, visiting a city like Rio de Janeiro during either of the two world events it will host in 2014 and 2016 – the World Cup and the Summer Olympics – sounds like a sports lover’s dream come true. But if you’re just interested in seeing the city sights, taking advantage of newly-upgraded tourist infrastructure, and avoiding the bulk of the chaos and crowds, then 2013 is a great time to go. Rio is a city of beaches, and Brazil is a country devoted to “the beautiful game” – soccer. This means that any trip to Rio can include watching people play beach volleyball and soccer, albeit without the official event stadiums (or ticket prices). Don’t miss a visit to Rio’s famous “Cristo Redentor” statue, the enormous Christ statue overlooking the city. The Corcovado Mountain on which Christ stands is part of Rio’s newest UNESCO World Heritage site, listed in 2012, that encompasses the natural landscapes around the city itself.
Plan your bar- and club-hopping with our Guide to Nightlife in Rio
Morocco
Marrakech
Much of North Africa is in the midst of enormous changes for (what we hope will be) the better, but while those destinations may not be ready for tourists at the moment, Morocco still is. This beautiful country has long been popular with tourists who wanted to try something different after visiting Europe, and its proximity to Spain doesn’t hurt – you can even make Tangier a day trip from Tarifa. Head further into the country to explore the ancient medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, the modern port city of Casablanca with its historic heart, and the capital of Rabat. The latter was named to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in 2012 for both its 12th century center and the relatively modern French city built in the early 20th century.
Find out how to visit Morocco from Spain
Rome
Rome
Look around the city of Rome long enough and you might get the impression that there’s a whole other city underneath your feet. You can see excavated proof at the Roman Forum, of course, but for years, further evidence has come in the form of a subway line that remained incomplete – work constantly halted because they ran into some ancient Roman ruin or another. In late 2012, archaeologists in Rome announced that they’d found a 900-seat auditorium, part of a much larger complex they think was an arts center, under one of Rome’s busiest intersections. They’re calling it the biggest find in the city since the Forum was unearthed. While this site is not open to the public just yet, you can visit the Roman road that runs under the Baths of Caracalla – newly reopened after a 10-year renovation. In Rome, everything old is new again.
Read more in our Insider’s Guide to Rome
Athens
Everyone loves a bargain, and that’s especially true of travelers. Due to Greece’s ongoing economic struggles, you’ll find prices remain attractively low – at least for visitors. Visiting Athens also gives you the feel-good experience of letting your tourist spending help the local economy. Patronize small hotels and restaurants rather than chains to make sure your money goes right to the people who need it most. And in Athens, in between feeling good about your spending habits, you get to hang out in the birthplace of one of the world’s great civilizations. Not a bad combination, if you ask us.
Learn more about the Best Day Trips from Athens and Greece’s Hidden Beaches
U.S. Civil Rights Landmarks
If you’re even remotely interested in history and looking for a good excuse for a road trip in theUnited States, 2013 delivers in a big way. This is a major anniversary year for several landmarks in the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. 2013 is 150 years since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the battle of Gettysburg, and the subsequent (and remarkable) Gettysburg Address. It’s 100 years since Rosa Parks was born. It’s also 50 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. to deliver his “I have a dream” speech. A tour that included Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Montgomery, Alabama; and Washington D.C. would be a moving experience in any year. In 2013, it will take on even greater significance.
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo has long been considered one of the world’s great metropolises, and both Tokyo and the country of Japan have a long history with earthquakes, but in March 2011 such a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the northern Pacific coast that recovery continues now, nearly two years later. While the earthquake was felt in Tokyo (more than 230 miles southwest of the epicenter), the city’s earthquake-resistant structures made it through almost entirely unscathed. If you put off a visit to Japan in 2011 or 2012 due to the earthquake, Tokyo would like you to know it’s completely open for business, and travelers in Japan’s capital won’t notice any leftover earthquake-related issues.
Read more: 8 Amazing Cultural Experiences in Japan
U.S. National Parks
Grand Canyon
There’s never really a bad year to put “visit National Parks in the United States” on your to-do list. The big names like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone never fail to inspire – but even the smaller parks offer stunning natural beauty and national history. Summer road trips are one of the more popular ways to visit several parks in one vacation, but keep in mind that some cities (including Las Vegas) are good bases from which to explore a few parks without needing to camp or drive long distances. And if you’re the kind of traveler who loves collecting passport stamps, don’t forget to get your U.S. National Parks passport – and then collect those stamps as you visit each park.
Read more: The 6 Best U.S. National Parks
Venice
Venice
Most people need very little motivation to add Venice to their list of must-see sights. The city makes you feel like you’re walking around in a postcard, and who doesn’t love that? In 2013, however, Venice gives you another reason to visit – Biennale. This major international arts festival only takes place in odd-numbered years, making 2013 another Biennale year. The festival runs from June through November, with exhibits ranging from art to dance to theater to music. Summer is a notoriously busy time in Venice, so if you want to avoid most of the crowds but still enjoy the arts, plan your trip for September-November after the summer rush.
