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 If you're a traveller with a keen eye for emerging destinations, then The Island of Boracay, loacted approximately 300 kilometres south of the Filipino capital Manila, is fast becoming one of South-East Asia's hottest destinations for 2011. With affordable accommodation, pristine beaches, great seafood, vibrant nightlife and laid-back atmosphere, Boracay won't remain a secret much longer.
Another hot destination in Asia is Sabah, on the famed Island of Borneo. This beautiful location boasts deserted beaches, diverse rainforests, dizzying mountains and orangutans, so paired with cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur, it's no surprise this destination is going to be extremely HOT this year.
Once a war zone, the now-peaceful Eastern European country of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a great holiday location for eco-tourism, skiing and history buffs. This destination is a must on any seasoned traveller's guide. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Sarajevo with its Turkish heritage and lively cafe scene. You will also discover historic fortresses, splendid old mosques, monasteries and Catholic shrines to enjoy. But perhaps above all else, it is the reconstructed Ottoman bridge at Mostar that symbolises both the past and a positive new beginning for the country. Combine this historic region with the ever popular Croatia on a cruise or escorted tour.
Travel in 2011 is also expected to be influenced by anniversaries, events, celebrities and the economy, from the royal wedding in London to the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks in New York.
600,000 people travelled to London for the wedding of Charles and Diana, so it is expected that a million people will attend the nuptials of her son Prince William and Kate Middleton. Considered to be one of the world's great cities, as well as a "world in one city", thanks to the constant flow of immigrants, who contribute their energy and cultures to the capital's already spicy melting pot, London nevertheless feels quintessentially British, whether it's those boxy black cabs, the red double deckers or the grand symbols of Britain, such as the mother of all parliaments at Westminster, the silhouette of theTower bridge above the muddy Thames or the already world-famous London Eye, that is barely a decade old. There is much to do and see in the city of London, but don't just stop at the famous sights, make sure you also partake in a pint and some fish n' chips by the river or a night out in Soho.
New York has also turned up on hot lists for 2011, including the No. 1 city in Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2011" guidebook. For all of New York, 11 September 2011 will be a defining moment" wrote the publisher's U.S. travel editor Robert Reid. The memorial, with reflecting pools set above the footprints of the World Trade Center, is expected to open in time for the anniversary of the attacks.
The Big Apple can be anything you want it to be, which is why visitors keep streaming in from all corners of the globe. From high culture and hidden treasures, such as Trinity Church cemetery to chicken soup and matzo balls downtown, New York in 2011 is sure to keep every traveller on their toes.
The 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War is also being marked this year. One of the largest commemorations takes place July 21-24 in Manassas, Va., where the war's first major land battle took place. A historical re-enactment there is expected to draw as many as 15,000 participants.
With a reported 128% increase in Australian visitors in 2010, Vietnam is one hot travel destination right now. Easily accessible from Australia with cheap flights, Vietnam is a fascinating and diverse country which has always taken a back seat to neighbouring Thailand. This sleeping dragon that is about to wake from its slumber, offers vivd colours, bolder landscapes, a dramtatic coastline, and compelling history, not to foreget to mention divine tastes and life that is most definitely lived in the fast lane.
Looking for a hot spot a little closer to home, then New Zealand might be just what your looking for. There is increased interest due to the World Cup Rugby which will bring more visitors and is likely to have a positive effect on searches for flights to Sydney and other part of Australia too. The filming of the two part Hobbit movie, due for release in 2012, will also help focus interest on 'Middle Earth'. Christchurch has entered the Top 100 most searched for destinations on Skyscanner for 2011, and Sydney moved up 10 places, entering the Top 10.
One thing is for sure, our world has many wonderful, beautiful and historic places for the avid traveller to venture, whether you stay within Australia, cross the ocean to Asia or decide to long haul it to Europe, there is much to see and do out in this great big world of ours.
Have fun travelling in 2011.
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