And here's a little insight into why each destination made the list.
1. The Philippines.
Here, you'll find the kind of unspoiled beaches and world-class diving you dream of, along with unexpected delights like
paddle-boating to Cambuhat Oyster Farm. Recommended hideaway: Eskaya Beach Resort.
2. The Maldives.
This idyllic island nation has white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs plus surprises like exotic,
easy-going, and exciting Malé, the world's smallest capital city. Recommended hideaway: Taj Exotica Resort
& Spa.
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
With its gorgeous Pacific coastline and beaches, this region north of Puerto Vallarta now has a collection of brand-new
luxe hotels, residential areas, and golf courses. Recommended hideaway: Hotel Cinco.
4. Basilicata Region, Italy.
Enjoy stunning "hill town" beauty along with plenty of elbow room-and cave dwellings, castles, and coastlines-in
this not-yet-prime-time region of southern Italy. Recommended hideaway: Palazzo Margherita.
5. St. Vincent.
Part of the string of islands and cays that includes the Grenadines, St. Vincent celebrates classic Caribbean heritage with
its sleepy villages and often empty, pristine beaches . . . and now it has its first luxury resort. Recommended hideaway: Buccament Bay Resort.
6. River Cruising in Portugal.
Slow way down and experience the best-and often least-touristed parts-of Portugal's bucolic Douro River in 2013,
thanks to more river cruising options with brand-new ships sporting all the bells and whistles.Recommended cruise lines: AmaWaterways and
Uniworld.
7. Stateside Vacation Home Rentals.
Renting a vacation home is enjoying a surge in popularity for its space, privacy, personality, and affordability,
especially stateside. Recommended hideaways: Villa rentals in popular places like the Outer Banks, Florida Keys,
Colorado, San Diego, New York, and Chicago.
8. Expedition Cruising in New Zealand.
This adventurous style of cruising allows you to travel like a pampered insider with exciting and edifying
itineraries-perfect for a multi-faceted destination like New Zealand. Recommended cruise line:
Lindblad Expeditions.
9. Myanmar.
In transitioning from communism to democracy, this previously closed country now has a new openness and plenty of travel
treasures to discover, like impressive temples, lively antique markets, and the national noodle dish called monhinga. Recommended hideaway:
The Governor's Residence
.
10. Cartagena, Colombia.
After suffering from a bum rap (think drug cartels), Colombia has turned itself around, and its urban seaport on the
northern Caribbean coast is safe and inviting, with an historic yet hip Old Town and proximity to white-sand beaches. Recommended hideaway: Hotel Quadrifolio.
11. Ireland.
Touring this fabled land's 40 shades of green is a "must" this year with
The Gathering Ireland 2013
, a series of events and festivals celebrating Irish history and culture. Recommended hideaways:
Ballynahinch Castle
, and any number of Ireland's elegant country-house estate hotels.
12. Oahu, Hawaii.
With better and cheaper airfare, and more inter-island transportation options, it's easier to get to and around Hawaii.
Oahu is the hottest island for its beauty, activities, and recent updates. Recommended hideaways: Ko Olina Beach
Villas Resort and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
13. St. Barth.
This eight-square-mile island with 17 pristine beaches offers a bit of European-flavored elegance in the Caribbean. Once a
favored playground for the international glitterati, it has focused more on its natural beauty since the global recession.Recommended hideaways: Hotel Le Toiny and
Le Sereno.
"Let's face it, a 'hot' destination is only hot if you discover it before the crowds," says Mike. "And each one of our
hottest spots offers a special something worth experiencing this year. My best advice? Go now, before the rest of the world
discovers our little secrets!"
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