We’ve rounded up this year’s trendiest and most intriguing destinations, from happening mega-cities to pastoral islands, plus a few surprises that even seasoned globetrotters won’t have thought of before.
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva, Colombia: No longer just for the intrepid traveller, Colombia is back on the travel map. Notable locations like Cartagena de Indias were the first to be rediscovered, but now visitors are stumbling on lesser-known gems like Villa de Leyva, outside Bogotá – a national heritage site that charms with its colonial-era architecture. James Lee-Tullis
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Liverpool
Liverpool, England: Whether it’s football, music, art or the bustling docklands, everything is served with a side of heritage. The same can be said of the latest additions to the city’s booming hotel scene, like Aloft Liverpool, housed in a formerly dilapidated heritage listed building, restored to its former glory. The Titanic Hotel occupies a sprawling warehouse on historic Stanley Dock, in the city where its ill-fated namesake was registered. At Ibis Styles, Fab Four interiors have guests whistling beat era tunes from hard day to night. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland: In 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way lifted the profile of the Irish west coast; 2015 could be the year Northern Ireland’s coast is rediscovered. The hugely successful tourist route ends at the border, but beyond lie many more beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and coastal views. The historic Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee in County Antrim, once more popular than the Giant’s Causeway, is set to reopen and could become the coast’s star attraction. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Park City
Park City, USA: Less crowded than Vail, less glitzy than Aspen. The mining town roots of this adventure hub imbue Summit County’s prettiest spot with its great charm. Hot springs, forests and the ski resort scene lure outdoor travellers, while Sundance Film Festival and cutting-edge companies like Skullcandy add a grace note of grit. Cleo Glyde
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Danube Region
Danube Region: The Danube flows through 10 countries – more than any other river on earth – and makes for a great guideline through Central and Southeastern Europe, taking in some of its most storied cities along the way. You can hike, cycle, drive to cruise your way downstream, and as of 2015, the TransDanube project aims to make it easier for visitors to travel across borders sustainably with tailored travel packages. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Detroit
Detroit, USA: Everyone loves a good comeback, and Detroit is currently in the middle of one. Successful techno club manager Dimitri Hegemann sees potential in the city’s run down post-industrial neighbourhoods that remind him of Berlin in the 1990s. Downtown heritage architecture, like the David Whitney and Wright Kay Buildings, have already been restored to their former glory – soon hip clubs in derelict factories will follow. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley, USA: Upstate New York’s picturesque towns have long been popular for their friendly vibe, flea markets, antique and salvage shops, as well as the fresh produce and farmer’s markets. What’s new is the influx of artists, creatives and hipsters from a certain borough, bringing with them craft beer and artisanal fare at The Hop, micro batch ice popsicles at Zora Dora, a boutique hotel at The Roundhouse, and a reclaimed factory art space at Basilica Hudson. Just don’t call it the new Brooklyn! Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Western Australia
Western Australia: Long the best-kept travel secret down under, Western Australia is finally being discovered for its deserted white beaches, unspoiled snorkelling sites and first-class surf breaks. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make its most stunning sights any easier to get to, so embrace the journey and set out on an epic road trip, for example to – the clue is in the name – Lucky Bay, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Houston
Houston, USA: The Lone Star State is home to a rising star of the culinary kind. Hot new chefs like Chris Shepherd (Underbelly) and Randy Evans (Haven) happily co-exist with icons like Brennan’s of Houston. Don’t strike oil — strike gold, with their famous Shrimp Chippewa and Bananas Foster. Cleo Glyde
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Vienna
Vienna, Austria: Move over Mozart, Conchita’s coming to town. Sorry, Opera Ball – Eurovision is the hot ticket this year. After the bearded drag lady swept the 2014 European song contest, she conquered talk shows, catwalks and variety stages around the world. Now the show is coming to Vienna – and for a moment, Conchita Wurst will be the city’s greatest star. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, Australia: Visitors to Queensland might soon have to scratch Fraser Island off their bucket lists – and replace it with K’gari. The original owners have recently been awarded native title rights by the Australian Government, meaning their right to maintain sacred sites, teach and conduct ceremonies on the island has officially been recognised. The logical next step is reinstating the aboriginal name K’gari, which fittingly translates as paradise. The milestone decision will also bring indigenous tours to an island that is rich not only in natural beauty, but also in history and heritage. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Trend: Total Immersion
Trend: Total Immersion: A damp sleeping bag and a sore back used to be the breaks of snoozing under the stars, but now there are pods. From Finland to Scotland, mountains to coast, we’re seeing a rise in ultra-rural “resorts” that offer tiny stand-alone pods for rooms, the draw being privacy, sustainability and cosy immersion in nature. Take, for example, the new PurePods on New Zealand’s South Island, where each room is encased in glass from the floor to the roof (three of the walls slide open), heated with bio-fuel and reached only by hoofing it through the bush. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Leipzig
Leipzig, Germany: After over half a century of war and GDR neglect, Leipzig’s heritage listed buildings have been restored, jobs created and – slowly but surely – life has returned. The young, creative new locals are attracted by its cheap rents, artistic flair and alternative nightlife. Sound familiar? Whether it’s the new Berlin or merely overrated Hypezig, it’s worth visiting as the city marks its first millennium with a year of celebrations. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy, Australia: In the opal mining capital of the world, the most interesting sights usually lie underground. Opal mines, homes, art galleries, hotels and even churches were dug out of the sandstone hills all around, offering climate-controlled cave living in the middle of the desert. This year, centenary celebrations are due to draw residents and visitors out from their caves, for a street party marking the first Australian opal find in 1915. Fiona Brutscher
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Naxos
Naxos, Greece: It may lack the drama of Santorini or the party-hardiness of Mykonos, but the largest of the Cycladic islands feels altogether more authentic, as locals depend more on agriculture than tourism. Sample the olives, wine and potatoes, visit sites both ancient and medieval, then sun on beautiful beaches — particularly if you sail to the island’s uninhabited southern shores, where your only companions belong to a herd of wandering goats. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Milan
Milan, Italy: If there’s one place to be in 2015, it’s Milan. The Expo 2015 mega-event (May through October) is a given, centring around food in all its facets, but there’s also the opening of Prada’s contemporary art museum, a major da Vinci retrospective at Palazzo Reale, plus a revitalisation of the Darsena dock complete with gardens and a market. Snazzy new digs, like ME Milan Il Duca and the already happenin’ Moxy Milan, just add fuel to the fire. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard Archipelago, Norway: The Northern Lights are expected to continue their show in the young months of 2015, so why not check them off along with another bucket list item: a visit to the world’s northernmost extremes. The island of Spitsbergen is home to the most northerly settlement inhabited year-round, where Arctic safaris and dog-sledding fill the days, and sky-gazing rules the night. Be there on 20 March to get dress circle seats for a total solar eclipse. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Lima
Lima, Peru: From crime capital to foodie heaven, Lima is gaining culinary and cultural cred across South America. Peruvians are fiercely proud of their alimentary heritage, and travellers are practically guaranteed a treat, whether it’s served from a street stall or an upmarket eatery in Miraflores. Real foodies, though, will want to visit in September when Mistura — the continent’s biggest food festival — is on. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Lithuania
Lithuania: Meet the newest member of the Eurozone. Lithuania is primed to become Europe’s next big thing as travellers explore its wild Baltic coastline, Soviet relics and the charm of Vilnius’ Baroque old town — among the largest historic city centres on the continent — with more ease than ever. Best visited in March, when film and fashion festivals overlap in the artistically inclined capital. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park, USA: For many Colorado is synonymous with skiing, but this western state offers world-class hiking and camping during summers at the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. Turning 100 this year, the park celebrates with special guided hikes, climbing exhibits, walking tours, educational talks, art shows and more throughout 2015. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Toronto
Toronto, Canada: July’s (entirely carbon neutral) Pan American Games and the feverishly popular Toronto Film Festival (turning 40 in September) are two of the most high profile reasons to visit this Canadian staple, but there’s more. A thriving theatre scene (welcoming homegrown works like Daniel MacIvor’s Cake & Dirt), new flavours for foodies (Jamie Oliver’s first Canadian restaurant, for example) and a brand new airport-to-city express train are just three more ways Toronto is going places this year. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Trend: Premium(er) Economy
Trend: Premium(er) Economy: The Premium Economy phenomenon isn’t going anywhere; in fact, airlines are getting more creative with new products like Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch (a row of 3 seats with footrests bookable for 1 to 3 passengers), JetBlue’s Mint Class suites (lie-flat seats and gourmet meals at more affordable prices) and Thomson Airways’ booth-style seating for families and Champagne pods for couples, plus an in-flight Kids Club. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
The Maldives
The Maldives: It may be famous as a hangout for the seaplane set, but it is possible to get closer to this idyllic archipelago than just your desktop wallpaper. Since the government’s legalisation of small guesthouses, visitors no longer need to maroon themselves at outrageously priced resorts and can opt for independent travel instead, staying at B&Bs, dining at mom and pop restaurants, getting around with the (erratic yet cheap) ferry system and enjoying not only a more affordable, but also more authentic experience. The southernmost Addu Atoll, home to former RAF base and a population of friendly locals, is perhaps the best place to start. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan granted visa-free entry to citizens of nearly a dozen nations last year, but it was a gift with an expiration date: 15 July 2015. Before it’s too late, check out how the country’s surreal natural beauty contrasts with capital Astana’s bombastic skyline and the buzz of metropolitan Almaty, the proud owner of one of the world’s youngest (and prettiest) metro systems. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe: If Hawaii is too touristy and the Seychelles too hoity-toity, try this small volcanic island nation off the western coast of Africa. The waters are clear and teeming with marine life, the locals friendly and mellow, the beaches soft, deserted and free of concrete resorts. Sample the indigenous sweets at Claudio Corallo Chocolate, hike the islands’ jungle interior, and then just leve leve (“take it easy”) as the locals do. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Trend: Astro-Tourism
Trend: Astro-Tourism: More and more city dwellers are going in search of the Milky Way and its backdrop of cosmic glitter, heading to isolated places like New South Wales or Arches National Park in the US to catch the spectacle of a big night sky. In Chile’s Elqui Valley, star-seeking has become the main draw, with hotels like Elqui Domos providing telescopes and nightly tours. Jessica Keller
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Uruguay
Uruguay: This sleepy South American country has piqued everyone’s curiosity as it’s put itself on the map with big headlines about its liberal policies. And Uruguay is ready to welcome the tourists, too, to its stretching beaches, buzzing capital and up-and-coming wine regions like Garzón. Karina Martinez-Carter
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Salvador
Salvador, Brazil: After the 2014 World Cup it’s all eyes on Brazil, and Salvador in the north is the country’s pulsing cultural heart. The city has white-sand beaches and a vibrant musical scene, stemming from its Afro-Brazilian roots and also hosts the country’s most popular and authentic Carnival celebrations. Karina Martinez-Carter
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Singapore
Singapore: The city is always worth a visit, but when the year in question coincides with its 50th birthday, you can only expect attractions, facilities, fashion and food to be at peak intensity. Sport thrives in 2015, though Club Street is where the dining and drinking action is likely to be at its hippest and best. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
London
London, England: Yes, London is all set to host the rugby and motor sport championships this year, but that’s not the only reason to go. 2015 also sees the opening of trendy boutique hotels such as citizenM and Z Shoreditch, making for smart and stylish city centre stays. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Aogashima Island
Aogashima Island, Japan: If it hasn’t appeared on your travel radar just yet, make sure it does, because this untainted double volcano island in the Philippine Sea is a great way to soak in the sights and steam of a geo-thermal sauna. But wait, there’s a catch – before your trip, check fog forecasts to avoid ferry/chopper cancellations. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan: Design, culture and cuisine come together in this pulsating Taiwanese capital — not only has the city earned itself a new sobriquet as 2016’s World Design Capital, spurring new developments across its scape, but a Rem Koolhaas-designed performing arts centre also opens right by the Shilin Night Market. And to round it off, there will (as always) be a variety of food everywhere for every palate. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Vietnam
Vietnam: As the country marks 40 years since the end of the Vietnam War and declares 2015 as its national year of tourism, special shows and events are expected at various heritage sites, including The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long. Take advantage to get a dose of local history and culture. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Lombok
Lombok, Indonesia: With all the hype surrounding Bali, it may be time to explore a calmer, more charming alternative that comes with the added attraction of the Rinjani volcano, a crater lake, beautiful reefs and hot springs. The wondrous scenery is a photographer’s delight, and the waters are so inviting you’d want to surf and snorkel all day. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Seville
Seville, Spain: It might have been known for its well-preserved history and tapas bars until now, but the Andalusian capital will particularly appeal to Game of Thrones fans this year, as the fifth season — which completed filming at the Alcázar of Seville — returns to small screens. Keep an eye out for film location tours of the Moorish castle, plus authentic medieval menus at local restaurants, to get a flavour of fantasy. Purnima Shrinivas
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Palermo Hollywood
Palermo Hollywood, Buenos Aires: When TV studios gentrified Palermo Hollywood over a decade ago, hip eateries, bars and hotels were always going to follow suit. Home to Tegui, Argentina’s top restaurant led by celebrity chef Germán Martitegui, new eco abode Palo Santo and the smart Home Hotel, as well as countless cool cocktail bars such as Leitmotiv, Palermo Hollywood is a blockbuster of Buenos Aires base. Sorrel Moseley-Williams
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Gaiman
Gaiman, Argentina: Brimming with teahouses and quaint chapels offering services in Welsh, and populated by dozens of Williams and Jones families, it’s a fair bet to say that Gaiman is located in Wales. Yet this rural town, founded by Welsh colonists in 1885, is in the heart of Argentine Patagonia and will celebrate its 150th anniversary this July. Sorrel Moseley-Williams
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany: Move over, Munich, and back up, Berlin. Hamburg’s new opera house by Herzog and de Meuron won’t debut until 2017, but its HafenCity HQ is booming with a new subway line, restaurants and retro hotels like the 25hours Hotel, that pays homage to the city’s maritime history. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden: The once-dodgy neighbourhood of Hornstull, on Södermalm’s western tip, is becoming Stockholm’s most stylish address. The Tjoget restaurant complex near the revamped T-bana stop is ground zero for the renaissance. Don’t miss the new Hornstull Bodega for its well-priced list of strictly European wines. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Rodez
Rodez, France: The 2014 opening of contemporary art museum Musée Soulages has put a beautiful lost corner of southwest France on the map. Café Bras, the museum’s restaurant, is an affordable offering by native son and three-star Michelin chef Michel Bras. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands, Denmark: Denmark’s New Nordic cuisine goes well beyond Noma and the capital. The rugged Faroe Islands (a 2.5-hour flight from Copenhagen) woo foodies with nosh spots like Restaurant KOKS, where the produce, fish and meat are all locally harvested, and new arrival Barbara Fish House, where fresh seafood is served in one of the oldest houses in Tórshavn. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Trend: River Cruising
Trend: River Cruising: Float in a different kind of boat. Everywhere from Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River to the Amazon, new riverboats are redefining the cruise market and giving travellers more options for getting far from the beaten Caribbean and Mediterranean paths. Try Myanmar’s Viking Mandalay, or cruise the Rhine with A-Rosa’s new vessel — it might not be as economical as an open-sea trip, but better views and a more personal experience are the reward for loosening the purse strings. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
British Columbia
British Columbia: Pass on skiing the US Rockies for a road trip along the Powder Highway in British Columbia’s less-trampled Kootenay Rockies. Quirky former mining towns like Fernie and Nelson have remarkably good restaurants where you can refuel after a day of cat-skiing pristine terrain. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Chiloe Island
Chiloé Island, Chile: Situated in Northern Patagonia, Chile’s largest island has caught the interest of adventure travellers as a lonelier alternative to the Lake District. The seafaring residents still live in palafitos, stilt houses at the water’s edge. Get a more authentic experience by passing on the new high-end hotels and opting for Palafito 1326 in Castro, with its bay views and great rates. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand’s windy capital reigns as its most stylish city, with a legendary locavore food scene and great new restaurants like The Bresolin opening in heritage-listed buildings. Even though upmarket brands are arriving (a new Sofitel will be the city’s first five-star lodging when it debuts this year), but don’t expect Wellington to lose its shabby-chic appeal anytime soon. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Jordan
Jordan: Still one of the safest travel destinations in the Middle East, Jordan also ranks among the most exotic. A spate of stylish new luxury hotels are launching everywhere from Aqaba to Amman, but we prefer the more affordable Boulevard Arjaan in the capital for catching our breath — before having it taken away again in spots like Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
La Reunion
La Réunion: Smack between Madagascar and Mauritius, the delightfully non-commercial French Indian Ocean island of Réunion has long been on the surfing set’s radar. Now, this veritable Eden is trending among hikers and general scenery voyeurs, too, thanks to over 950 kilometres of hiking trails and active volcanoes to admire. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Trend: Art & Travel
Trend: Art & Travel: A trend that began with local art on hotel walls has broadened its horizons for an even more immersive experience in cities like Rotterdam, where the Wake Up In It program lets visitors during Art Rotterdam Week actually bed down in the homes and studios of local artists for a truly interactive stay. Terry Ward
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Quito
Quito, Ecuador: The highest capital city in the world has a sense of the undiscovered, with a historic centre that’s charming, vibrant, fascinating – and quite the well-kept secret. In fact, visitors are more likely to spot a pop-up roasted guinea pig stall than another tourist. Vicki Williams
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The 2015 Trend Destination Hot List.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong: A fast-paced, constantly evolving dining scene has made Hong Kong the favoured city in Asia for noted UK and European chefs to expand their reach – a trend that’s set to continue in 2015. Case in point: legendary French chef Yannick Alléno is confirmed to join this group in the coming months. Vicki Williams
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