Hot spots for 2007

If you need inspiration for your holidays, whether it's a cultural city break close to home or an exotic trek somewhere wild and wonderful, here are our top ten tips for 2007. So be inspired and find pastures new

Go west
Perth, Western Australia
Let the crowds flock to the famous East Coast while you head to Australia's wonderful west. The capital Perth is Aussie laidbackness epitomised. Stroll along Swan River, go walking in the natural bush of the city's Kings Park, stretch out on Cottesloe Beach or head up the coast to Lancelin for a spot of windsurfing or sandboarding. Join the locals on the ferry to Rottnest Island for secluded bays and mesmerising clear waters of head south to Rockingham and Mandurah and spot dolphins and pelicans frolicking in the waterways. Also south of Perth is the lively port city, Freemantle, and the lovely Margaret River region, teeming with world-class vineyards and gourmet eateries.
For more information: visit the Australia website www.australia.com/

Small is beautiful
Northern Ireland
It's only about the size of Yorkshire but Northern Ireland packs a punch. Ringed by hills, a sea and river valleys, its capital, Belfast is a lovely city with its lively waterfront, Victorian streets, Edwardian gems like City Hall and bustling nightlife. Nature is what Northern Ireland does best, from the Mountains of Morne and Sperrin to the Sea Lough of Strangford and the Fermanagh Lakeland. The valleys at the Glens of Antrim form a wonderland of rivers and waterfalls, or visit the desolate beauty of the moors of Western Ulster. And for 60 miles of stunning coastline, enjoy a road trip along the beautiful Causeway Coast.
For more information: visit the Discover Northern Ireland website www.discovernorthernireland.com

Baltic chic
Tallin, Estonia
For the ultimate in hip, go Baltic. Tallin, the capital of Estonia which sits just below Finland, is a medieval masterpiece. Its Old Town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and justifiably so with its maze of cobbled streets, atmospheric squares, soaring spires and 600-year-old Gothic Town Hall. For the best city views, climb up Toompea Hill and the towers of Oleviste Church and the Town Hall. The Old Town, between the harbour and the business districts, is a walker's paradise, packing in cosy cafes, unique shops and numerous art galleries. By night, you'll quickly see that the Estonians love a good party by the city's impressive, all-hours nightlife.
For more information: go to the Visit Estonia website http://www.visitestonia.com/

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Santiago-de-Compostela_©Turespana

Green and pleasant lands
Northern Spain
Green meadows, snowy mountains and spectacular beaches typify the lesser-known regions of Spain. Out west, bordering Portugal, is the lushest of all, Galicia, where the fjords, known as rias, create a stunning coastline. Its capital Santiago de Compostela is a thriving university town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Neighbouring Asturias serves up mountains, lakes and valleys in abundance while Cantabria is home to lovely Santander, the stunning Picos de Europa mountains and a coastline dotted with picturesque fishing villages. The region's piece de resistance is the Basque Country. Enjoy fine dining in gorgeous San Sebastian with its shell-shaped La Concha beach, best seen from the heights of Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
For more information: visit the Turespa?a website www.spain.info/

Winter wonderland
Finland
It's home to the reindeer, midnight sun and, erm, Eurovision 2007. Dubious singing aside, northern Finland is where you can experience some of the country's most dramatic scenery including the famous phenomenon of Aurora Borealis, or the Northern (Polar) Lights. This natural light show in the night sky can be seen in Finnish Lapland around 200 times a year, or enjoy snowmobile safaris through the stunning forests or a sleigh adventure with huskies and reindeer. Helsinki is the country's capital of cool, with great nightlife and hip shops. Attractions include the island fortress of Suomenlinna, the Open Air Museum of traditional buildings on Seurasaari island and the unique 'Church in the Rock'.
For more information: visit the Finland website www.visitfinland.com/uk

Lost cities
Peru
It might not be an official wonder of the world, but it could be. South America's 'Lost City of Machu Picchu', a World Heritage Site, is no ordinary city. Abandoned before the Spanish conquest, its perfectly-preserved vestiges of former glory stand high on a mountain ridge. Respectful travelling is key, as high visitor numbers threaten to damage the fragile relics. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana where Inca astronomers would predict the solstices. Adventurers can hike along the famous Inca Trail but you can also arrive by train from colourful Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire and World Heritage Site with its blend of Inca and colonial Spanish design.
For more information: visit Peru's tourism website www.peru.info/

Atlantic beauty
Canada
Apart from the favourable exchange rate, Canada's fusion of English and French influences make it much more than just a greener, calmer version of the USA. For stunning scenery, go west to the provinces of British Columbia [BC] and Alberta where you'll find laidback Vancouver city, the spectacular Rocky Mountains and the national parks of Banff and Jasper. Wildlife is abundant so join a whale watching tour for a glimpse of this fascinating creature. For an altogether different Canada, go east. French-speaking Quebec is home to Montreal, where lively takes on a whole new meaning. The region is also a winter sports mecca and as you'd expect from the French, boasts excellent food and wine.
For more information: visit the Canada Tourism website www.explore.canada.travel/c

Madagascan

Tropical magic
Madagascar
Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you've seen the film, fallen in love with the animals, so now you have to go? Trips to the stunning African island, the world's fourth largest, are on the increase as news of the island's animal kingdom spreads - all of its mammals, 225 of its 257 reptile species and almost 80 per cent of its plants cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. You can see Madagascar's national animal, the lemur, in abundance in the Berenty forests. Organised tours are the best way to visit Madagascar and usually take in sights such as the last Royal Palace, the beautiful Isalo National Park, lush rainforests and the tropical island of Ile Sainte Marie.
For more information: visit the Wild Madagascar website www.wildmadagascar.org/

Landscapes to remember
Vietnam
Travelling is easy in this land of beautiful contrasts. Natural wonders include the mountains of Sapa and the breathtaking limestone islands of Halong Bay in the north The country's capital Hanoi is a joy of a city with its elegant French colonial architecture, tube houses and serene Hoan Kiem Lake. Go south and find the lush Mekong River providing fertile soil for paddy fields and delta towns. In the middle, there's the charming river town of Hoi An, the imperial city of Hue on the Perfume River and the beaches of Nha Trang and Mui Ne. And, of course, the madcap affair of whizzing motorbikes and street life that is Ho Chi Minh City.
For more information: visit the Vietnam Tourism website www.vietnamtourism.com/

Rugged ruins
Romania
The largest state in the Balkans, Romania's striking mountain landscape, romantic castles and Black Sea coastline are destined to make it a top draw. Admire the Belle Epoque buildings of the country's medieval capital, Bucharest, picturesquely situated on the River Danube, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is also home to the world's second largest building (after the Pentagon) - the 12-storey Palace of Parliament and the open-air Village Museum in Herastrau Park. In the country's most famous region, Transylvania, where rugged peaks and dark forests form the legendary homeland of Dracula, you can visit Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) and medieval gems like Brasov and Sighisoara with its hilltop citadel.
Find out more: at the Romania Tourism website www.romaniatourism.com