top 10 travel destinations 2013

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Published: january 11, 2013, the 46 places to go in 2013.

Note: User photos and stories may be edited for size and clarity. Correction: Jan. 27, 2013: The cover article on Jan. 13 about 46 places to go in 2013 contained several errors. One of the businesses at Union Market in Washington, D.C., is Rappahannock Oyster Co., not Rappahonnack. Though Casablanca is indeed glamorous and relatively cosmopolitan, it is not the capital of Morocco. (Rabat is.) And a three-room resort in the Kimberley region in Australia, that is part of Kuri Bay, one of country’s oldest pearl farms, is no longer open.

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Top 10 travel destinations for 2013.

Luxury tour operator Insight Vacations shares its top ten travel destinations for the year

For modern city dwellers, time is of the essence. So when it comes to planning for that hard-earned vacation, settling for the standard fare offered on unexciting, run-of-the-mill tours can be an uninspiring waste of precious vacation time. Put both time and money to good use and travel in style to some of the most gratifying destinations in the world – for that ultimate holiday of a lifetime.

Saint-Tropez, France

Along the famed French Rivera, to the east of Marseille, is the town of Saint-Tropez. Despite a land area of only 15.18 km 2 and a population of just five thousand, the sandy beaches of this Provençal town have a reputation of being a magnet for the wealthy international jet set, including the likes of Victoria Secret Angels and hip-hop star P. Diddy. The most iconic of all would have to be the five-km long Pampelonne beach, where Bridget Bardot was first discovered. It is also home to some of the world’s most exclusive and expensive clubs - with that much glitz and glamour in the air, you can be sure that a night out in Saint-Tropez will be a party to remember.

Vienna, Austria

Voted as the city with the best quality of life in 2012 for the fourth time in a row, there is probably no better place than Vienna to enjoy all that life has to offer. Once capital of the powerful Habsburg Empire, refinement and noblesse are the hallmarks of the imperial city. Witness the grandeur of royal Vienna tracing the legacy of the Habsburgs as you stroll through the Schönbrunn Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Imperial Vault. Get a taste of the resplendence yourself when you stay in one of the world’s most legendary hotels – the Imperial Vienna. This former palace has hosted guests as varied as Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie Chaplin and even Adolf Hitler himself. Indulge in some old world hospitality and classic luxury at this sumptuous Baroque oasis.

Santorini, Greece

With dramatic rising cliffs, whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches making up the famously picturesque scene, Santorini is the Greek island to visit. The chic seaside cafes, perched along Santorini’s signature black sand beaches, are wonderful spots to soak up the sunshine and the sea breeze for that summer dream vacation. Absolutely breath-taking views of Santorini can be found at Ancient Thira – it is a tough climb up, but the photo opportunity at the top more than makes up for it. Take in the lingering charms of Ancient Greece as you stroll through the streets and explore the small towns nearby. It is not hard to see why Santorini is one of the most popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons.

Martha’s Vineyard, USA

“The Vineyard” is where the wealthy come to play in the off-season. Dotted with beautiful summer houses, this quaint island just south of Massachusetts is a favourite of presidents and their families. The summer home of former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the Red Gate Farm, still sits on the west end of the island, while the Obamas and Clintons have dropped by several times. Valued for its privacy and the warmth of the local community, the towns on the Vineyard are small, quiet and enchanting. In particular, the colourful gingerbread cottages lining the town of Oak Bluffs are a quirky prelude to the magnificent harbour views along the Marina.

Mayo, Ireland

Although few have heard of Mayo County in Ireland, this charming and beautiful place is a fantastic destination for those who desire a bit of rest and relaxation. The sleepy beauty of the rolling green hills and lake views lulls visitors into a comfortable, unhurried pace. The lush greenery, opulent properties and fresh air create the illusion of an exclusive club in the country. The epitome of luxury is a stay at Ashford Castle, a beautiful estate that offers panoramic views of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake. Fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunities in the blue waters, while cruises offered by the Castle allow other guests to enjoy spectacular views of the Maumturk range, the mountains of the Connemara and Joyce Country.

Jaipur, India

It may not be the destination at the top of your mind when you think of luxury, but India truly is one of the few remaining places in the world where visitors are treated like royalty. This is especially true in Jaipur, or the “Pink City”. The glory of the old Matsya Kingdom manifests itself in the stunning architecture and the breathtaking natural scenery. A short excursion by jeep takes you to nearby Amber Fort and Maota Lake, where you can admire intricately decorated ivory halls and landscaped gardens surrounded by placid waters. The magnificent skyline of Jaipur is crowned by the Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, where you will not only be able to see how the Maharajahs lived, but get to live like one yourself.  Prepare for a transcendent experience – as the Indian saying goes, “guests are treated like gods”.

Isle of Capri, Italy

The Isle of Capri is the foolproof formula for a perfect getaway. The brilliant Mediterranean sunshine, cobalt blue waters and towering cliffs all combine to provide you with that break you need from monotonous city life. Take a boat out and visit the Blue Grotto, a sea cave that is naturally illuminated in dazzling shades of sapphire and emerald. For a vantage point that captures the panorama of the Isle, be sure to take a tour of the Villa San Michele, a piece of real estate with a history that dates back to the Roman Empire.

Luxor, Egypt

Egyptian cotton, buried treasures and decadent gold-plated sarcophagi – you would be forgiven for thinking that the city of Luxor inspired the idea of luxury. Home to the pharaohs, this dazzling city was the ancient centre for scholarship, artistic enterprise, religion and politics, and was witness to the golden age of Egypt. From viewing treasures in ancient tombs to a leisurely sail along the Nile River, Luxor is the best place to explore the remnants of the world’s greatest civilisation. This exotic experience certainly cannot be found anywhere else.

Saint Moritz, Switzerland

If Saint Tropez is where the jet set choose to holiday in the summer, then Saint Moritz is where they choose to rendezvous in winter. It is in this little town where you will find the villas of modern royals like the Agnellis, the Guccis and the Heinekens. Home to the first ski school in Switzerland, Saint Moritz is the place for a perfect winter retreat for winter sports enthusiasts, while the breathtaking Engadine Lake, framed by the snow-dusted Alps, are a lovely distraction for those who do not ski. The town is also the starting point of the romantic Glacier Express, a stately train that takes you languidly through the most scenic stops along the Swiss Alps.

Granada, Spain

From the Romans to the Visigoths, to the Christians that came and conquered, has one of the most exciting lineages among the cities of Europe. Despite its multicultural origins, the influence of the Moors prevails, especially in the Alhambra. Part fortress, part palace, heritage site’s fantastical landscape – elaborate architecture, arabesque gardens, beautiful fountains and even an extensive Spanish-Muslim art collection – truly sets you up for an experience that can only be described as surreal. Granada is a Spanish city unlike any other. The rewarding insights at the end of your trip will be the best souvenir money can’t buy.

To find out more about these destinations, call Insight Vacations at +65 6922 5950 / +65 6338 7338, email  [email protected] or visit  www.insightvacations.com

The top ten places to visit in 2013

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• Margate, England

Tim Chester, Web Editor: From the Turner Contemporary gallery to the proliferation of other indie art spaces, retro shops and cute cafés in the Old Town, Margate now offers much more than its beautifully dilapidated seafront. Dubbed “romantic, sexy and weird” by local girl Tracey Emin, this gem on the Isle of Thanet constitutes one of the highlights of the forthcoming Rough Guide to Kent, Sussex and Surrey for many good reasons.

Puerto Rico

Dresden, germany, dubrovnik, croatia, košice, slovakia, northern cyprus, northeast iceland, stockholm, sweden, valparaiso, chile, nowhere, spain.

Stephen Keeling, Author, The Rough Guide to Puerto Rico: It has the palm-smothered beaches, the year-round sun and as much deep-sea fishing, diving and surfing you can handle, but there’s far more to Puerto Rico. Much of the coast remains incredibly raw, lined with miles of untouched white sands. And the island’s rich stew of cultures has produced an exuberant array of festivals, tantalizing criollo food, the finest rum in the world and a dynamic musical tradition that gave birth to salsa.

El Morro Fortress, San Juan, Puerto Rico © Gary Ives/Shutterstock

Alice Park, Editor, Pocket Rough Guide Berlin: Berlin’s post-reunification reinvention is well known, but a couple of other East German cities have also transformed themselves. Leipzig has a thriving art scene, but the Saxon jewel is Dresden. The city has rebuilt its Baroque splendours, piecing together its former architectural masterpieces and becoming a confident, stylish city in the process. However, the big surprise is that its nightlife can rival the capital’s, its Neustadt bar scene is quirky and a lot of fun.

Zwinger Palace art gallery museum Dresden, Germany © Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock

Alison Roberts, Contributor, Europe on a Budget: Encircled by handsome stone walls and piercingly clear sea, Dubrovnik boasts plenty of pluck beneath its lustrous exterior. With Croatia set to join the European Union in July 2013, prices in this already expensive city will rise accordingly; a savvy visit next spring would be well rewarded.

Travel Guide Croatia - Dubrovnik sea view © Shutterstock

Olivia Rawes, Editorial Assistant: Long established as the cultural hub of eastern Slovakia, Košice has now received wider recognition as the European Capital of Culture 2013. Along with opening and closing ceremonies in January and December to celebrate the award, Košice’s annual White Night Festival on 5th October promises to illuminate the city at night, turning it into an interactive space packed with musical and light installations.

Aerial view to Cathedral of St Elizabeth and Kosice, Slovakia © Hike The World/Shutterstock

Andy Turner, Editor, The Rough Guide to Cyprus: More and more travellers are discovering Turkish-controlled north Cyprus’s wealth of ancient sites, trekking trails and pristine beaches, now within an easy day-trip from the south. Highlights include Kyrenia harbour, the fairytale Crusader castle of Buffavento and Bellapais village, once home to writer Lawrence Durrell.

Port Kyrenia, Girne, Northern Cyprus © MarinaDa/Shutterstock

Monica Woods, Managing Editor, Europe: Get away from the crowds and the gloom, both meterological and economical, to somewhere that's weathered a headline-hitting crash and havoc-wreaking volcanic eruption and come out the other side. Leave Reykjavík to the hedonists and opt for a natural high hiking through Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to see Europe’s largest waterfall, the jaw-dropping Dettifoss.

© Shutterstock

Lucy Kane, Travel Editor: Spring 2013 marks the opening of the all-singing, all-dancing ABBA Museum – dedicated entirely to the fame and fortunes of the 1970s hit pop group –

in the brand new Music Hall of Fame on Stockholm’s island, Djurgården.

Glittering costumes, instruments and personal mementoes will all be on show,

livened up with dancing holograms of the famous four and snippets of their

much-loved music, and adding to this great city’s considerable charms.

The sailing vessel "Af Chapman" (constructed in1888) on Skeppsholmen in Stockholm, Sweden © Nikonaft/Shutterstock

Shafik Meghji, Co-Author, The Rough Guide to Chile: One of the most distinctive cities in Latin America, with colourful houses draped across a series of steep, undulating hills overlooking the Pacific, Valparaíso has an edgy, bohemian atmosphere, character-filled cobbled streets, and wonderful turn-of-the-century architecture, plus some of Chile’s best restaurants and bars.

Valparaiso, colorful house in Chile © f11/Shutterstock

Jo Kirby, Publisher: Burning Man festival is legendary, but if the Nevada desert is too far to travel you can get a taste at Nowhere, its sister festival in the desert of northern Spain. Taking place in 2013 from 9–14th July, the same principals of gifting and self-reliance apply – plus a dedication to hedonistic self-expression like nowhere else on earth.

Los Monegros in Aragon, Spain © nito/Shutterstock

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10 Places to See in 2013

Lonely Planet's Top-10 US Destinations for 2013

Dec. 13, 2012— -- intro: Lonely Planet's Top-10 U.S. destinations for 2013 were selected and ranked by the company's team of U.S.-based editors and expert authors. It features locations across the map that are either emerging or up-and-coming, or perennial favorites that have a new and timely angle that makes them prime for visiting in 2013. Once-in-a-lifetime northern lights, new top-tier museums, moose trails, Polynesian paradise, and barrels of bourbon are some of the elements that put these destinations among the Top 10 places Lonely Planet thinks travelers should add to their wish lists for the year ahead.

quicklist: 1title:Louisville, Ky. url:text: Is Louisville's lively, offbeat cultural scene quickly on the verge of making it the new Portland, Ore.? It would seem so, what with old warehouses-turned local breweries, antique shops, and the city's coolest restaurants in "NuLu" or New Louisville in the East Market District; hipster shops and bars on Bardstown Road in the Highlands; and the new wave of micro-distilleries that serve as the jump-off for the Bourbon Trail. And then, of course, there's the Kentucky Derby.media: 17943979

quicklist: 2title:Fairbanks, Alaska url:text: If you haven't seen aurora borealis (aka the northern lights), get to Fairbanks. The year 2013 marks the end of a fiery 11-year-cycle, when sunspots are particularly feisty, making for a big show in the sky for locals and visitors 240 nights next year. Go starting in late summer, when the daylight isn't too strong. On the ground, curious foodies can sample traditional Athabascan cuisine at Taste of Alaska at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, or take part in a unique pub crawl, The Great Fairbanks Pub Paddle.media: 17943843

quicklist:3title: San Juan Islands, Wash.url:text:Called the "gourmet archipelago" by Lonely Planet author Brendan Sainsbury, these Pacific Northwest islands have 250 days of sunshine and are entirely self-sufficient when it comes to food. Explore the beaches and scenery by bike, but be sure to eat throughout your visit. San Juan Islands are filled with fresh food, with local artichokes and marionberries from farmers markets, seafood plates of oysters, razor clams and freshly caught salmon, and foraged edibles like seaweed and elderflowers.media: 17943867

quicklist: 4title: Philadelphiaurl:text:Forget the cheesesteaks and tri-corner hats. Philadelphia is becoming known as an arts capital. In addition to the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, the formerly remote Barnes Foundation -- a once private collection of Matisse, Renoir and Cézanne -- has a new central location. And it's not just the big museums: Philly's gallery scene is exploding with new venues like the Icebox, garnering international attention and turning the Northern Liberties and Fishtown neighborhoods into the new hot arts hubs. First Fridays, the monthly gallery open house, long a tradition in Old City, has expanded to the refurbished Loft District, where the party goes on in a host of new bars, clubs and live music venues.media: 17944104

quicklist: 5title: American Samoa url:text: Did you know that a U.S. passport can get you to an isolated South Pacific paradise without even leaving U.S. territory? From the U.S. mainland, American Samoa is a longer trek than Hawaii, but the distance rewards the visitor with some of the most stunning, untouched beauty of the Pacific, and a national park that even the most ardent park system fans won't have checked off their list yet. From the United States, flights run from Honolulu to Pago Pago on lovely Tutuila, with waterfalls, fishing villages and spectacular beaches nearby. But press on with a quick flight on Inter Island Air to nearby, 3-square-mile Ofu in the Manu'a Islands, with shining, palm-fringed white sand flanked by shark-tooth–shaped mountains. The best time to visit is Flag Day, April 17, when there are activities galore. This may be a U.S. territory, but it's some of the purest Polynesia you'll find anywhere.media: 17943855

quicklist:6title:Eastern Sierra, Calif. url:text:Just beyond Yosemite lies the secret California dream. The Eastern Sierra is the overlooked flank of the Sierra Nevada range, with other-worldly natural attractions and surprises, and far fewer visitors. Just follow the scenic U.S. Route 395 as it connects wonders like the Travertine hot spring in Bridgeport, the Gold Rush ghost town of Bodie, Mono Lake's bizarre calcified tufa towers or the surreal Devils Postpile National Monument's 60-foot curtain of basalt columns made from rivers of molten lava.media: 17943890

quicklist: 7title: Northern Maineurl:text:Maine isn't only lobster rolls, lighthouses and rocky shoreline. The woodsy interior, on the top half of the Maine "thumb" reaching north to the Canada border, makes for a wilderness adventure with moose, white-water rafting and epic hiking. The Appalachian Trail begins-ends atop Mt. Katahdin in primitive Baxter State Park, with 200,000 acres of lakes and mountains to reach by hiking boot. Nearby is Moosehead Lake, home to a 99-year-old steamboat to ride, and the source of the Kennebec River, with great rafting opportunities at the Forks. To the north in remote Aroostook County, miles of old rail beds have been transformed into bike trails, and multiday canoe trips can paddle you right up to the Canadian border.media: 17943922

quicklist: 8title:Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. url:text:Lake Wobegone might be "the little town that time forgot, and the decades cannot improve," but time has been much kinder to the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St Paul. Minneapolis is often called the country's best bike city, and the Nice Ride bike-share system, with its web of new bike lanes, proves the point. The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail is a 2-mile path along the banks of the Mississippi River. Plan time for Uptown's Bryant-Lake Bowl, an old bowling alley with seriously good food, and pay homage to the epicenter of Twin Cities' music scene, First Avenue & 7th St Entry , where hometown hero Prince sometimes comes by. St. Paul is quieter, but key to see. Pedal over for an authentic Lao meal at the Hmongtown Marketplace and a show at the Fitzgerald Theater.media: 17943957

quicklist: 9title:Verde Valley, Ariz. url:text:Between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, the Verde Valley is taking off as Arizona's go-to destination, and not just among the spa and crystal Sedona fans of years past. The 714-acre region is beautiful, with green canyons rimmed by red rocks, and towns like Cottonwood, Jerome, and Sedona that have long drawn visitors for good food, art, and mining lore. But the Verde boost is all about the wine. The new Verde Valley Wine Trail links four new vineyards clustered around Cornville, near Sedona, and you can kayak over to the Alcantara Vineyards.media: 17944079

quicklist: 10title: Glacier National Park, Mont. url:text: One of the countries wildest, most remote and pristine national parks, Glacier is everyone's favorite national park who's been. Its jagged, snow-blanketed ridges and glacier-sculpted horns tower dramatically over aquamarine lakes and meadows blanketed in wildflowers. Most visitors stick to the drive along the breathtaking Going-to-the-Sun Road, so it's easy to escape crowds by venturing beyond it. A relatively new shuttle system offers an ecofriendly alternative. But go soon. The park's 25 glaciers are melting, and could be gone altogether by 2030 if current climate changes continue.media: 17943843

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Top 25 travel destinations of 2013

Paris and New York have emerged as the most popular and sought-after travel destinations for 2013, according to travel site TripAdvisor.

Paris and New York have emerged as the most popular and sought-after travel destinations for 2013, according to the millions of reviews and opinions of globetrotters on the world’s largest crowdsourced travel site TripAdvisor. In the fifth edition of TripAdvisor’s top 25 Travelers’ Choice World Destinations, the City of Light moved up three places to take the top spot this year, while New York maintained its second place standing.

Rounding out the top five most popular world destinations this year are London, Rome and Barcelona in a list occupied by the usual suspects.

The ranking is compiled based on the popularity of the destination, millions of reviews, opinions, favorites and the most highly ranked places among members within the online travel community.

The French capital emerged the leader out of 412 destinations across 38 markets across the globe.

Meanwhile, though Paris has traditionally been a popular travel destination for its promise of romance, glittering towers, wine and cheese, this year the city suffered a few blows to its reputation, starting in March when a group of 23 Chinese tourists were robbed of their passports, plane tickets and cash shortly after landing in Paris.

Most recently, what was supposed to be a public victory party for fans of the city’s soccer team, Paris Saint-Germain following their win of the French League turned into a full-scale riot near the tourist-heavy Eiffel Tower.

The biggest risers on TripAdvisor’s list include Prague and Cape Town, which both climbed 7 spots, while Siem Reap, Cambodia plummeted 14 spots, and Marrakech likewise dropped 13 spots. New entries for 2013 include Venice, Bangkok, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Here’s how cities ranked around the world:

1. Paris 2. New York City 3. London 4. Rome 5. Barcelona 6. Venice 7. San Francisco 8. Florence 9. Prague 10. Sydney 11.  Berlin 12. Istanbul 13. Bangkok 14. Chicago 15. Tokyo 16. Cape Town 17. Rio de Janeiro 18. Buenos Aires 19. Marrakech 20. St. Petersburg 21. Beijing 22. Shanghai 23. Siem Reap 24. Chiang Mai 25. Queenstown, New Zealand

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Best of the Best Destinations

You’ve probably got one or two of these destinations on your list of dream vacays. What can we say? People love them—and for very good reason.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

Dominican Republic

Playa del Carmen

New York City

The Best Destinations in the World: The Gold List 2022

By CNT Editors

There are three great lists annually in  Condé Nast Traveler,  all of which have changed due to the events of the last two years: the Readers’ Choice Awards , which you, our beloved audience, select; the Hot List , which compiles the new and notable of the previous year; and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences our editors carry in their hearts. This year, when we say  our editors,  we mean  CNT ’s entire global crew, working in locations from California to Beijing ; we’ve also expanded the parameters of the list to include not just the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in years past, but also the destinations we treasure. The Gold List is, more than ever, made by humans for other humans—something we need more than ever in this day and age. Here, our favorite destinations in the world.

Read the complete set of Gold List winners   here .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Puebla, Mexico

I love when I can feel familiar with a new place in 48 hours. In Puebla , Mexico’s historic, fourth-largest city, all the spots you want to hit are walking distance within its center, itself a tidy sprawl of bright pink and yellow villas and small plazas. That includes food markets for a crispy cemita (a schnitzel-­style sandwich with all the fixings); the gilded Capilla del Rosario and the city’s famed talavera, or ceramic houses; I stayed for close to an hour watching the row of artisans hand-paint and hand-fire their mugs, plates, and vases at Uriarte Talavera. Before the pandemic, tourism was just starting to happen here, and the city was in that sweet spot of supporting a new breed of traveler, like with the artisanal-inspired Cartesiano hotel, but without muting any of its essence for international business. I liked that I had to use my shoddy Spanish with barkeeps and store owners. And that sitting in those plazas meant a front-row seat to daily Poblano life: vendors selling sliced cucumber spices with cayenne, old-timers playing dominos. Puebla felt like a special somewhere on the verge of discovery in a country with pockets already turned over to the masses. My guess with all that’s happened this past year is that it still does. —Erin Florio

Rio de Janeiro

If you were to hook the city of Rio de Janeiro up to a cardiogram, the needle would swing off the page. The city thrums with live samba and bossa nova at all hours of the day; the bustling streets, bookended by the dramatic rise of granite monoliths on one end and the pounding waves of the Atlantic on the other, have a pulse all their own. It's easy to feel this when you're amid throngs of colorfully clad cariocas —I feel it most swaying to the live music at Pedra do Sal on Monday nights, or when, perched in the leafy hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa, I hear people in neighborhoods below lean out their windows to cheer when Flamengo scores a goal. It's a complicated city, with plenty of issues—insecurity, corruption, inequity, to name just a few—but there's a premium on joy and celebration that isn't reserved for Carnaval . There are few places in the world where you know you couldn't possibly be anywhere else, and whenever I hear the whole of Arpoador beach break into applause as the sun sets in summer, I'm reminded that Rio is one of them. —Megan Spurrell

Alentejo, Portugal

I call the road to the sea through Portugal’s Alentejo region the place where the beatniks read Pessoa; you can imagine Kerouac breezing through its small hotels, surf camps, and villages scattered with craft shops, markets, and bohemian bars. For me it’s a place of happiness. There are boutique hotels like São Lourenço do Barrocal and Dá Licença and olive groves, cork oaks, and infinite horizons. The road ends at Vicentine Coast National Park, a wild, protected coastline in southern Europe. A paradise for surfers , it has electrifying sunsets, but the icy waters stop it from ever getting too crowded. —David Moralejo

Svalbard, Norway

Arctic Svalbard —whose capital, Longyearbyen, is the world’s northernmost town—is like nowhere else I’ve been. On the one hand, it’s a deep-nature Scandi fantasy of snowmobiles, Northern Lights, ski-touring along glacial valleys, and surprisingly smart boutiques with stacked wine cellars. But there’s also a compelling strangeness to this international settlement, where no one is born and no one dies. There are the Soviet mining towns with their Lenin busts, whether abandoned or (even weirder) still working; the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which preempts a coming apocalypse; it’s advisable to leave Longyearbyen with a shotgun, in case of polar-bear attack. As much as a destination, it’s a journey into the heart of the climate crisis, with academics from across the world doing game-changing research here. I’m itching to go again—to escape but also to think and connect, which is what happens in all the best places. —Toby Skinner

My first trip to Goa as a college student was wrapped in dreams of homemade chorizo and reliving moments from the cult Bollywood coming-of-age film Dil Chahta Hai . Many trips and feni cocktails later, Goa remained a respite for my city-weary bones. The state straddles its multicultural past and present, trading up ’60s hippie markets for hipster boutiques while keeping its old-world Indian and Portuguese traditions intact. Simple fish-curry plates, aunties doing an impromptu jig to fado, old-timers squabbling over their favorite Goan soccer club, and the right freshness of bread coexist with edgy global menus, alt-music gigs, and all that is artisanal and arty. The ocean changes color from one season to the next, the multi-color sunsets never repeat, and like many travelers, I continue to return and find my salve in sunshine, sea, and susegad —the quintessential Goan idea of the slow, easy, and good life. —Diya Kohl

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa's summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun. The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs—where a slew of new hotels like The Robberg Beach Lodge sit beside grandes dames like The Plettenberg Hotel . Pretty young things like to celebrate the end of matric student exams, where hedonism sweeps across the bay, while dolphin and whale watches come during the languid, warm winter months. Venture just outside Plett to find the luxury Tsala Treetop Lodge , a manicured Gary Player golf course, indigenous Keurbooms River Nature Reserve, the Plett Polo Club on the Kurland Estate, and a host of animal sanctuaries to meet cheetahs, elephants, and monkeys. But above all, come for the glorious golden beaches. Central Beach—dotted with bars—surfy Lookout Beach, and the eerie, mist-covered sands of Robberg Nature Reserve. Search hard enough and you might stumble on a sand dollar—the symbol of Plettenberg Bay, thought to bring eternal luck. —Isabella Sullivan

When I can’t take another minute of winter, I head to Scottsdale. As, historically, do the day-drinking spring breakers and the far less rowdy snowbirds. Recently, though, the Valley of the Sun has come into its own, claiming its stunning desert setting and Southwest culture in new ways. If I’m bringing the kids, the 1929 Frank Lloyd Wright–designed grande dame The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (on the border of Scottsdale and Phoenix), is my place. It has sprawling grounds and seven pools, one with a legitimate waterslide, and just underwent a much-needed facelift. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort , terraced into the side of its namesake adobe-hued mountain, has my favorite spa in town. Its adults-only pool on weekends and easy access to sunrise hiking give me plenty of excuses to leave the kids at home. Solo or with family, I can always bank on sunshine, a great exhibit at Phoenix’s nearby Desert Botanical Garden, and excellent Sonoran-style Mexican food. —Rebecca Misner

Val Graziosa, Italy

I am a frequent traveler to Val Graziosa, a valley near the Pisan mountains and a part of Tuscany relatively unknown and terribly beautiful. Here there is Monte Pisano—“ che i Pisan veder Lucca non ponno, ” the poet Dante said, a small group of mountains that hides Lucca from Pisa and makes it impossible for the Pisan locals to see the city of Lucca. There are olive trees everywhere, producing the best olive oil on Earth in a splendid countryside. I love to walk around the surroundings of Montemagno—please read the book Maledetti Toscani, by Curzio Malaparte, and you will understand a lot about Italians from this region. I love to go to the grocery store in Patrizia for a glass of wine (the one and only épicerie of the village) and then to Certosa di Calci, a 14th-century monastery, and one of the many secret beauties in my crazy country of Italy. —Maddalena Fosati

Chiang Mai, Thailand

When I first went to Chiang Mai, I intended to stay a couple of nights and ended up staying more than a week; for me, that trip is a reminder of travel at its most impulsive and impetuous: the freedom to move on when you feel like it. There’s no beach pressure here, and inland Thailand always feels more interesting than the obvious hits of the beachfront. And, away from the beaches, there's the sense of a modern Thai city where young creatives are carving out a contemporary aesthetic, with the energy that a large student population gives a city. —Rick Jordan

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Top 10 destinations for 2013

  Portugal

  Mozambique

  Kyrgyzstan

  Panama

  Armenia

  Rwanda

  Cuba

  Ukraine

  Malawi

  Canada

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The 10 Best Ethical Travel Destinations for 2013

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Since 2006, Berkeley-based non-profit Ethical Traveler has compiled an annual list of the 10 best ethical vacation destinations for the coming year, and it just released its 2013 list this week.

“We try to encourage travelers to vote with their wings by going to places where travel and tourism benefits local people, where the government has an eye on the environment and supports human rights,” Jeff Greenwald, Ethical Traveler's executive director, told a packed house at San Francisco's Commonwealth Club on Monday evening.

Greenwald's group focuses on developing nations, with an eye toward encouraging travelers to put economic power into these nascent tourism economies. In 2011, international tourism receipts exceeded $1 trillion for the first time, and this year the number of international tourists in the world is expected to hit one billion, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

The list is offered in alphabetical order, so they're all equally weighted within the top 10. Each nation is judged based on its social welfare programs, its efforts to protect its environment, and its human rights records. In the list below I've focused mostly on environmental protection and recreation.

BARBADOS Chosen for its proactive environmental programs—including its 2012 Green Economy Scoping study—and its transparency, Barbados also offers some of the best surfing (and rum) in the Caribbean.

CAPE VERDE This island nation on Africa's east coast boasts a program to achieve 100 percent renewable energy. “We're always wary about commodification of culture,” said travel expert Malai Everette at the event on Monday, but she feels Cape Verde has maintained its rich culture without cheapening it.

COSTA RICA With its 20 national parks and ecotourism market, that this country made the list won't come as a big surprise. Costa Rica has banned shark finning and put the kibosh on a dam project that could have caused considerable damage. Great surf abounds, and seeing the country from the saddle of a mountain bike is increasingly popular.

GHANA Ethical Traveler calls out Ghana's pioneering ecotourism work, as well as its efforts to enforce taxes on things with a negative environmental impact, such as single-use plastic packaging. Trekking and birdwatching in the country's national parks is a big draw.

LATVIA The proudest environmental work here is in water quality improvement. In its early post-Soviet years, the lakes and rivers were horribly polluted, but have since become among the country's biggest selling points—especially inside its Gauya National Park, which you could peruse by canoeing the Gauya River .

LITHUANIA Twelve percent of this country is comprised of parklands and reserves, and there's a big push at present toward agritourism and farm stays. Kaunas, its second-largest city, was a recent candidate for the 2012 European Green Capital Award for urban sustainability.

MAURITIUS The government of this Indian Ocean island nation (off Madagascar's eastern coast) is focused on developing its tourism industry, but also the energy efficiency of its infrastructure. Like most islands, climate change is a major threat here. It's not all about beaches; Mauritius offers mountainous parks and has been making concerted efforts to boost native flora and fauna.

PALAU In 2003, Palau became a pioneer in the movement to stop shark finning. It was already one of the world's top diving areas, and a shark sanctuary has only elevated this island in Micronesia as a top scuba destination. It levies an airport tax ($35) to fund environmental programs on the island, too.

SAMOA This South Pacific island was one of the first countries to sign the Kyoto Protocol, back in 1998, and its government has since been quite vocal and proactive on the issue of climate change. It's also working to designate national parks and improve the management of its coasts, which offer some of the world's best, most consistent surf.

URUGUAY This South American destination scored among the highest in Ethical Traveler's environment rankings and is making a marked push to improve the sustainability of its agricultural industry. Kayaking, birding, and surfing are among other reasons to visit.

Six of these 10 developing nations were also on the 2012 list alongside Chile, Serbia, and Argentina, but those three countries fell off the new list due to “declining performances,” says the report. Proposed mega-dams that would push through Patagonia led to Chile's delisting.

Greenwald noted that some countries that seem like shoe-ins have never appeared on the list. Bhutan is one such example. Despite its strong environmental policies, that country's poor standing on human rights and record of discrimination keeps it off the list.

Everette, who recently founded a socially responsive travel company called Altruvistas , said no matter where you go, ethical travel is “about the intention and meaning of travel.” Even if a destination is on the best 10 list, you should still do your due diligence, and be inquisitive about who owns the hotels, the tour providers, and transportation providers you patronize. Throwing your money toward a multinational corporation without ties to the local economy likely won't help the locals in the long run.

—Mary Catherine O'Connor @mcoc

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Lonely Planet's Top 10 U.S. Destinations For 2013 (PHOTOS)

Lonely Planet is the place to turn for every kind of trip inspiration, insight and advice – whether you’re following the beaten path or road less travelled.

Every year our US-based editors team up with Lonely Planet's expert authors to compile a list of US destinations that are prime for the next year. Best in Travel 2013 already covered two places we think the world should be looking at -- San Francisco and the Gulf Coast -- but here we wanted to dig deeper and shine a light on 10 places in the US that travelers should add to their wish lists for the coming year. These spots are not necessarily new or obscure, but they are all having a renaissance worth witnessing. Their relevance is of the moment even though the madding crowds have not reached them yet.

Our 2013 picks are literally all over the American map: once-in-a-lifetime northern lights, new top-tier museums, moose trails, Polynesian paradise and barrels of bourbon. Enjoy, and send us a postcard!

For more details, see Robert Reid's article on LonelyPlanet.com.

Lonely Planet's US Destinations For 2013

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