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Hot places for cool cats in 2006

Wondering where to book your big break this year? Bored of the usual raft of over-priced and over-populated tourist destinations? Here, travel writer Francisca Kellett gives us an insider's glimpse at some of the lesser known holiday hot-spots for 2006

Slovenia
Ljubljana, with its old-world-mixed-with-new-style architecture and trendy vibe, makes for a stylish city break that includes medieval cobbled streets, a bright-white castle and excellent restaurants and bars lining the mint-green Ljubljanica river. An added plus are the locals - all long legs and swinging blonde tresses - who throng the riverside bars in summer. Active families should head to the Julian Alps, an undiscovered range peppered with turquoise lakes and wild forests, perfect for hiking, white-water rafting and riding the famous Lipizzaner horses.
Visit http://www.ljubljana-tourism.si for more information

Mozambique
Tacked on to the south-eastern edge of Africa, Mozambique is still well off the tourist trail, but its fabulous 2,470 km-long coastline of long, wave-lashed sand beaches and desert islands are finally catching the attention of jet-setters. For barefoot luxury, hop across to the Bazaruto Archipelago, a string of five coral-reef islands dotted with a handful of idyllic beach hideaways.
Visit http://www.rainbowtours.co.uk for more information

Germany
It's hardly a new discovery, but 5 million visitors will be flooding into Germany to watch the World Cup this year. The biggest matches will be played in Berlin, Munich and Cologne, and with up to four days between matches, you'll have plenty of time to explore. Berlin makes for an excellent city break, with cutting-edge boutique hotels, edgy nightlife and some of the most innovative museums in Europe. Munich is a weird mix of yuppie chic and old-fashioned Bavarian charm, and it's an easy hop to the Alps. In Cologne, don't miss the fabulous art museums, and use the city as a springboard for a trip down the Rhine.
Visit http://www.germany-tourism.co.uk for more information

Bulgaria
Bargain-basement skiing first grabbed our attention, but now we're set to flock to Bulgaria's beaches, strung along the Black Sea coast. Although some of the northern resorts are mushrooming into Costa-style eyesores, the stretch south of Burgas to Turkey is gorgeous. The prettiest town is Tsarevo, with an abundance of late 18th-century architecture at it's core, while Ahtopol has a laid-back feel and impressive two-kilometre-long soft-sand beach. Top tip: buy a holiday home now before the market booms.
Visit http://www.bulgariatravel.org for more information

Tunisia
The intrinsic naffness of Tunisia (think buckets, spades and chip-fat) is fading fast as a new breed of boutique hotels spreads across the country. First stop should be the Carthage Coast, where hotels such as the Dar Said, set in a restored Tunisian mansion, have set the standard. Another favourite is Dar Dhiafa in Djerba, a funky string of 16th-century houses with a well-respected restaurant. End up in the fast-paced capital, Tunis, and stay in the minimalist Villa Didon.
Visit http://www.cometotunisia.co.uk for more information

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