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10 Hot destinations

For a trip with a guaranteed 'wow' factor just take your pick from this delicious list.

New York City

Because it will never go out of fashion and the mere mention of it makes people go 'oooh'. If you have never been then you must. If you have been before there are a million reasons to return. Marvel at the world's most famous skyline, take a boat trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, ride half a dozen lifts up to the top of the Empire State Building and lose yourself in the beauty of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Central Park is stunning whatever the season and the city has never lost the timeless elegance captured in Breakfast at Tiffanys. Dance all night, shop all day. You'll never want to leave.

Newquay

You don't to be a professional surfer to have a fantastic time in Newquay. It may be a breeding ground for champions and host of world championships but it is also a gigantic surf campus where people of all ages can learn in safety, with expert tuition, and build their confidence on waves that range in difficulty from easy to 'awesome'. If you don't want to get your feet wet at all then head to the Eden project, spectacular gardens the size of 30 football pitches. There is also a zoo, aquarium and seal sanctuary. And you can fly there from three UK airports.

Cape Town

Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town will delight the senses. From pristine coastlines and a magnificent countryside offering a unique floral kingdom, to the many shopping malls, restaurants, jazz cafes, fleamarkets, theatres and glitzy casinos and nightclubs, Cape Town appeals to the nature-lover and the nightcrawler. Conquer Table Mountain, bike through vineyards, dive with sharks and enjoy some of the best food and wines in the world.

The Maldives

It is impossible to do anything other than relax when you arrive at this string of paradise islands nestling in the Indian Ocean. Swim, snorkle and scuba dive in crystal clear waters teaming with psychedelic fish. Abandon yourself to the powdery beaches and lush greenery all no higher than a tennis net above sea level. Your cares will melt away. Outstanding service and wonderful food in a romantic haven. Leave the children at home.

Dublin

A city of fascinating cultures woven from its colourful past. Step back in time and visit a selection of ancient and historic castles situated both in the city and throughout Dublin County. Stroll through the elegant Georgian streets of Merrion and Fitzwilliam Squares. Shop in 150-year old department store Brown Thomas and have a pint of Guinness or a shot of whiskey in one of the city's 1000 pubs. Dublin has one of Europe's best nightlife cultures. Whether it's the traditional pubs with Irish music, bar and clubs or theatre you'll find it here.

St Tropez

Pink and gold housefronts along the harbour reflected in deep-blue water, under an azure sky; a brilliant red sunset behind purple hills, viewed from a café terrace on the port. Postcard clichés, too good to be true become reality here. In Saint-Tropez and on the peninsular you will find truly exceptional luminosity and intensity of colour. The outstanding climate on France's Mediterranean seaboard is perfect for lazy days and elegant nights. You wont find a better venue for people-watching and celebrity-spotting than this. Order a chilled bottle of Krug, sit back and watch the world go by.

Thailand

With a culture as delicate and beautiful as the jasmine that fills the air, Thailand will find a place in any visitor's heart. The Thai people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. Go trekking or on elephant safari in the mountainous forests of the north and discover spectacular waterfalls, lush green scenery, secret caves and stunning wildlife. Relax on the spectacular beaches on the southern coast. Delight your senses with unique Thai cuisine and only go home to plan your return trip.

Valencia

To the outside world, oranges and paella, but in Spain its reputation is somewhat different: wild partying and fiestas. Yes, Valencia is Spain's best kept nightlife secret. Innocently start with sophisticated tapas and vinos in the beautiful old town centre. Enjoy the buzz in the bars and clubs at midnight. At 2am, feel the heat. The city becomes jam packed chaos and it won't slow until Sunday lunchtime. But even that's routine. The party spirit reaches a peak in March when the city hosts undoubtedly Europe's wildest party - Las Fallas. A week of music, dancing, fireworks, explosions and over 200 simultaneous street parties. In short, Cultura Valenciana.

Isle of Mull

Mull and the surrounding islands, lochs and mountains of Western Scotland are some of the most beautiful parts of Britain. You couldn't dream up a more breathtaking place. Think Narnia with whale-watching and whisky. Heather-clad hills roll into fern-filled woods. Fill up your sense with long walks, dip into the several castles (the old hunting - and subsequent dinner menu - records at Torosay alone are worth the trip) or tour the local distillery. Neighbouring Staffa and Iona make for magical day trips. No wonder it has become the holiday choice of Prince William. And if the prettily-painted houses on Tobermory harbour look familiar it's because they are the backdrop for children's programme 'Balamory'. So go during term time for peace and quiet.

Estonia

The capital, Tallinn, has been described as the 'new Prague' but as a style-conscious city full of medieval charm and modern spirit, it has a firm identity all of its own. Dodge the stag parties by getting out of the mile-square city centre and head beyond the ancient walls to leafy Tsarist Kadriorg Park, the trendy regenerated Portside area or the bustling modern district with its department stores and hotels. If you want fairy tale fun and dare to venture into the deep, uninhabited forests you can swim in crystal clear lakes. Avoid February when it is very cold and dark.