Here’s a vision of 2010 vogue – predictions of the hottest travel destinations in the coming year, made by our most expert clients:

Brittany
Reasoning: Brittany is a fantastic destination for families due to its proximity to the UK and excellent beaches. The summer season during the last two years has been slow, resulting in a notable drop in property rental prices and making it excellent value for money in 2010. A resurgence for this charming region of France seems inevitable, blessed as it is with considerable nostalgic appeal.  (VFB Holidays*)

Nicaragua
Reasoning: Nicaragua is set to be the next big Latin American destination du jour. Visitor numbers to the country have been increasing steadily in the last few years, and there are now ritzy hotels appearing. In June, the country’s first boutique hotel, the Contempo, opened complete with marble bathrooms and canopy beds; an all-suite beach hotel on Yankee Beach followed in September, boasting an infinity pool and spa. Still, neither place competes with the remote Corn Island for indulgent isolation. (Tailormade Explore*)

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Reasoning: Yala is perhaps the world’s best place for leopard-spotting, but it’s been off the map for many travellers in the last decade due to the Civil War. However, the end of the conflict has seen Foreign Office warnings on the area softened, and so visits are once again possible for UK operators. Sri Lanka generally looks a great bet for 2010, as prices are really low after years of low tourist numbers. Get there before the hordes catch on…  (Real Holidays)

Praa Sands, Cornwall
Reasoning: The village of Praa Sands, centred around an attractive, broad golden swathe, is said to enjoy the longest hours of sunshine in the UK. If that wasn’t enough, its consistent waves make it perfect for savvy surfers, yet is is nowhere near as well known as hotspots like Newquay. A couple of restaurants specialising in local seafood complete the wholesome taste of Cornwall’s south coast.  (Classic Cottages)

Papua New Guinea
Reasoning: This autumn’s awesome Lost Land of the Volcano series on BBC1 has placed Papua New Guinea firmly on the radar of intrepid travellers planning their next adventure. And rightly so: this is the place to marvel at masked fire dances, test your mettle amid the dense jungle of the Baining Mountains, snorkel the azure blue waters of the Duke of York islands and camp by an active volcano, Tavurvur. With an experienced guide in tow, travel Ray Mears-style to one of Earth’s last truly untouched regions.  (Baobab Expeditions)

Bulgaria
Reasoning: Perhaps better known as a busy Black Sea enclave, there’s a quieter side to Bulgaria just waiting to be discovered. Currently a very inexpensive destination, there’s never been a better time to explore Bulgaria’s impressive array of monuments, monasteries and museums, and beautiful, diverse landscapes. History buffs will be bowled over, too, by the tangible evidence of the many ancient civilisations that have left their mark on Bulgaria – including the Thracians, Greeks and Romans. (Voyages Jules Verne)

Bhutan
Reasoning: Hidden in the Himalayas, Bhutan is eternally overshadowed by its powerful neighbours, India and China. It ought not to be: having been inaccessible for years, Bhutan boasts a unique, traditional Buddhist culture, as well as gorgeous scenery and rich biodiversity. A democracy since 2008, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ is now much easier to reach, although tourist numbers remain controlled. Smoking-ban stalwarts will love it though: Bhutan is the world’s only country to prohibit the sale of tobacco.  (The Traveller)

South-Eastern Sicily
Reasoning: Most of Sicily’s very well-trodden in tourist terms, but much less so the island’s Baroque south-east. This is a region of long sandy beaches, river valleys, Greek heritage sites, sprawling farms and honey-coloured, crumbling towns that stay hot well into October. Whilst Taormina to the north – a great two-centre combination with south-eastern Sicily – has long been lauded, this more rustic corner of the island receives far fewer visitors… for the moment, anyway.  (Real Holidays)

Northern Peru
Reasoning: Although less accessible than the south, Northern Peru is deeply intriguing – pre-Inca archaeological sites and cultural treasures are both abundant and still being discovered. Take the Tombs of Sipan: discovered largely intact in 1987, with many precious gold and ceramic artefacts. Other sites include the Huacas del Sol y Luna (adobe pyramids) and the amazing Gokta Falls, while pink dolphins even swim in this region’s section of the Amazon.
(Sunvil Traveller*)

Mirleft, Morocco
Reasoning: Morocco’s always got a trendy new emerging destination, and The Best of Morocco suggests it’ll be Mirleft in 2010. An ancient, traditional village on the country’s southern Atlantic coast, it is an intimate world away from the rainy days and recessions of home, and a great place to relax and reflect. A Saturday morning camel market provides local colour, and daytime temperatures rarely drop below 22ºC.  

California by rail
Reasoning: California’s picturesque railroads offer a fascinating way to see America’s Wild West, with giant redwoods, rugged coastlines and historic gold rush towns providing a unique holiday combination. The pristine wilderness of Yosemite and a ride on the renowned Skunk Train – so called because of its gas engine’s distinctive smell – never cease to impress. And an escorted tour with door-to-door transfers from home to airport and several meals included provides excellent value for money.  (Ffestiniog Travel*)

Kosterhavet, West Sweden
Reasoning: Sweden’s first marine national park opened in autumn 2009, meaning 2010 represents the first opportunity to see this beautiful area in the height of summer. New experiences will be available, such as hands-on boat trips with a marine biologist to explore the life in the park.  Stay at Sydkoster Hotel Ekenas, located on the island of South Koster in the heart of the park, and just 45 minutes by ferry from Stromstad.

Beirut, Lebanon
Reasoning: Whilst Lebanon’s popularity as an escorted tour destination has increased recently, it’s still a relatively undiscovered gem for the independent traveller. The fascinating history and beautiful coastline are reasons enough to visit its vibrant capital Beirut, but what’s less well-known is the emergence of quirky boutique-style residences – an appealing alternative to the anonymous chain-style hotels of old. Combine these with improvements in infrastructure, and now’s the perfect time to enjoy a Beirut break.  (Kirker Holidays*)

Isle of Youth, Cuba
Reasoning: The Isle of Youth’s always been underestimated: a lack of gold lost Columbus’ interest, while Spanish conquistadors merely built a prison there in 1928, one that later housed Castro. Post-revolution, young Cubans (hence the name) cultivated the island, establishing the varied plantations that today provide many of Cuba’s fresh vegetables. And now tourists are arriving – in 2009, the  Hotel Colony was refurbished, making visits to the Isle’s perfect beaches, ecological zones, cave paintings and crocodile farms that much more attractive. (Captivating Cuba)

The Faroe Islands
Reasoning: Nestling within the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, the unique and stunning Faroe Islands boast the highest sea cliffs in Europe, a virgin landscape unlike anywhere else on earth, and a unique culture and architectural heritage. As a tourist destination, the islands are little known, but with an increase in direct flights from London planned for 2010, that’s likely to change. (Sunvil Discovery*)

Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Reasoning: After the success of its Mt Damavand hike in Iran, new in 2009, adventure specialist Explore is introducing another Kilimanjaro alternative in another unheralded walking destination. The Tien Shan Trek follows nomadic routes across remote mountains, travelling through blue fir and juniper forests, red sandstone canyons and alpine flatlands. There’s wild camping en route, and the shepherds you meet will offer a glasses of kumyz (fermented mare’s milk) to those lacking pep.
*This company is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO): 140 independent and specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO are assured of 100% financial security, high-quality holidays and excellent personal service.