1. The Philippines
This relatively undiscovered destination is where you'll go for the kind of unspoiled beaches and world-class diving you dream of, along with some unexpected delights like watching fireflies dance in Loay Town, paddle-boating to Cambuhat Oyster Farm, or touring a man-made forest in the Bohol countryside. Recommended hideaway: Eskaya Beach Resort.
2. The Maldives
When savvy Europeans want to sneak away and indulge in 24/7 luxury, they head to this idyllic island nation for what you might expect—white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, tiny atolls, and coral reefs—plus some surprises like exotic, easy-going, and exciting Malé, the world's smallest capital city. Visit soon, as this archipelago has been making news lately for being only a few feet above sea level, with rising waters from global warming threatening to literally submerge the islands. Recommended hideaway: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Once popular with young backpackers for its gorgeous Pacific coastline and beaches, all backed by the Sierra Madre Mountains, this up-and-coming region immediately north of Puerto Vallarta now has something for a more discerning crowd: a collection of brand-new luxe hotels, residential areas, and golf courses. Recommended hideaway: Hotel Cinco.
4. Basilicata Region, Italy
The streets of most of Italy's famed hill towns are truly alive . . . with tourists. Enjoy the same staggering beauty, along with plenty of elbow room—and cave dwellings, castles, and coastlines—in this not-yet-prime-time region of southern Italy. Recommended hideaway: Palazzo Margherita.
5. St. Vincent
Part of the string of islands and cays that includes the Grenadines, St. Vincent is finally coming into its own by opening its first luxury resort. Visit soon while it still offers that sense of classic, unspoiled Caribbean with sleepy villages and often empty, pristine beaches. Recommended hideaway: Buccament Bay Resort.
6. River Cruising in Portugal
We've long been proponents of European river cruising. Maybe 2013 is your year to slow way down and experience the best—and often least-touristed parts—of Portugal's bucolic Douro River, thanks to more river cruising options than ever with brand-new ships sporting all the bells and whistles. Portugal also has many new and intriguing boutique hotels for your pre- or post-cruise stay, so you can check out Porto and the surrounding countryside. Recommended cruise lines: AmaWaterways and Uniworld Boutique River Cruising.
7. Stateside Vacation Home Rentals
Hideaways started back in 1979 as a matchmaking service between vacation homeowners and those looking to rent a vacation home. And while the concept isn't new to us, renting a vacation home is enjoying a surge in popularity. We're still singing the praises of villa vacationing—like space, privacy, personality, and affordability—in "local" places from Florida to Montana. Recommended hideaways: Contact Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433; ts@hideaways.com) for vacation home rentals in popular places like the Outer Banks, Florida Keys, Colorado, San Diego, New York, and Chicago.
8. Expedition Cruising in New Zealand
This adventurous style of cruising allows you to travel like a pampered insider with exciting and edifying itineraries—perfect for a multi-faceted destination like New Zealand, where you might have the rare and privileged opportunity to meet with members of the Maori community, followed by a swim with New Zealand's rare Hector's dolphins. With the new Hobbit movie making a huge splash, New Zealand is hotter than ever. Recommended cruise line: Lindblad Expeditions.
9. Myanmar
In transitioning from communism to democracy, this previously closed country now has a new openness and plenty of travel treasures to discover, like impressive temples, lively antique markets, and the national noodle dish called monhinga—an unforgettable fish soup composed of fermented noodles, chickpea fritters, crushed red chili, fried onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Recommended hideaway: The Governor's Residence.
10. Cartagena, Colombia
Here's a place that suffered from a bum rap in the past (think drug cartels) but has really turned itself around in recent years, thanks to police crackdowns and a good PR campaign. This urban seaport on Colombia's northern Caribbean coast now is safe and inviting, with a walkable Old Town, restored colonial architecture, delicious fusion dining, and a swingy after-hours scene—all perfectly balanced by its proximity to calm and soul-soothing white-sand beaches. Recommended hideaway: Hotel Quadrifolio.
11. Ireland
Touring this fabled land's 40 shades of green—along winding roads that lead to cozy pubs, smiling faces, and elegant country-estate hotels—is a travel "must," especially this year with The Gathering Ireland 2013, a year-long series of events and festivals celebrating Irish culture, history, and genealogy. Recommended hideaways: Ballynahinch Castle, Ashford Castle, and any number of Ireland's elegant country-house estate hotels.
12. Oahu, Hawaii
Thanks to better and cheaper airfare to Hawaii, especially from smaller cities in the Lower 48, and more inter-island transportation options than ever, it's easier now to get to—and around—this tropical paradise. Oahu is hottest among the islands for its recent updates—like a sand replenishment project on Waikiki Beach—as well as its clear lagoons, historic sites, and activities from snorkeling to shopping. Recommended hideaways: Ko Olina Beach Villas Resort and The Kahala Hotel & Resort.
13. St. Barth
This eight-square-mile island, with 17 pristine beaches, offers a bit of European-flavored elegance in the Caribbean. St. Barth has been a favored playground for the international glitterati since the 1950s, but since the global recession, it has returned to its more understated roots, offering a sublime chance to enjoy the island's glitterati-free natural beauty. Recommended hideaways: Hotel Le Toiny and Le Sereno.
Top This!
We often return from our travels and share our experiences in our for-members-only missives. Here are a few favorites from Hideaways' extensive article archives that reveal even more about several of our "Top 13 Hottest Spots for 2013." For more insight and truly personal travel planning, get in touch with your expert agent at Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433).
Mexico's Riviera Nayarit: Simmering Slowly But Smartly
Portugal: A Perpetual Delight
Myanmar: Adding Spice to Your Travels
10 Best Reasons to Visit Ireland
Oahu for Kids (and Adults, Too!)
St. Barth: The Best Money Can Buy
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