If you're stuck for somewhere to spend your holiday this year, this brief guide may give you some ideas. It lists the top 10 'hottest' destinations for the coming year.
Berlin. If partying is your thing, head to this international city. The lack of licensing laws and cheap cost of living makes it an alien, and highly enjoyable, atmosphere for us Brits. The techno scene is especially prevalent, and is home to the legendary Tresor Club.
If you're a foodie, consider Istanbul. Fast becoming the food capital of the Near East, Istanbul offers food from cities such as Bulgaria, Mesopotamia and the Balkans. One restaurant chain also adapts local cuisines from Turkey, Armenia and Kurdistan, and uses rare herbs such as mallow and goosefoot.
For cheap holidays, Albania is the place to go. A beach hut on a gorgeous undiscovered coastline will only set you back 24 euros a night, and is ideal for backpackers. The Albanian countryside has tiny fishing villages, winding mountain roads and unspoiled forts - a treat for the more adventurous.
With the Olympic Games due to be held in Beijing this year, this Chinese city is extremely popular with sports fans all over the world. Even if the Games aren't your thing, the Peking opera, many museums and shops, and of course the Great Wall of China will ensure you won't be bored in Beijing.
Family holidays are being dictated by what children are learning in school - and this means Egypt. Package holidays are available suitable for ages 6 and up and include tours in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea - all on various methods of transport ranging from a sleeper train to a camel.
Our own Liverpool gets a boost this year as it's named the European Capital of Culture. Still in the UK, the Lake District has become popular with adventurers and thrill seekers due to the Via Ferrata (a series of metal ladders and steps driven into a cliff face) at the Honister Slate Mine.
Finally, for the music lovers, it can only be Seattle. Made famous by the grunge band Nirvana, Seattle was the grunge capital of the 90's, and has recently experienced a come-back. It's home to the record label Sub Pop, which has signed well-known bands such as Mudhoney, Nirvana and Soundgarden, and is still going strong with new acts found at Seattle's local music festivals.
