Hideaways.com announces its picks of top vacation destinations and trends for the savvy and sophisticated traveler in 2013. Most are true hideaways, but a couple are rebirths of popular destinations. Included are recommendations for the best boutique hotels and resorts or cruises.
PORTSMOUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, US – “We consulted our travel crystal ball to find places and vacation ‘styles’ on the verge of discovery, or prime for rediscovery, in 2013,” says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International Inc. “Our ‘Top 13 Hottest Spots for 2013’ are unique, not heavily touristed, and away from the mainstream. And each celebrates those special things, like pristine beauty, that set them apart from every other place or experience.”
Hideaways.com’s Top 13 Hottest Spots for 2013
1. The Philippines
2. The Maldives
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
4. The Basilicata Region, Italy
5. St. Vincent
6. River Cruising in Portugal
7. Stateside Vacation Rentals
8. Expedition Cruising in New Zealand 9. Myanmar
10. Cartagena, Colombia
11. Ireland
12. Oahu, Hawaii
13. St. Barth
And here’s a little insight into why each destination made the list.
1. The Philippines. Here, you’ll find the kind of unspoiled beaches and world-class diving you dream of, along with unexpected delights like paddle-boating to Cambuhat Oyster Farm.
2. The Maldives. This idyllic island nation has white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs plus surprises like exotic, easy-going, and exciting Malé, the world’s smallest capital city.
3. Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. With its gorgeous Pacific coastline and beaches, this region north of Puerto Vallarta now has a collection of brand-new luxe hotels, residential areas, and golf courses.
4. Basilicata Region, Italy. Enjoy stunning “hill town” beauty along with plenty of elbow room-and cave dwellings, castles, and coastlines-in this not-yet-prime-time region of southern Italy.
5. St. Vincent. Part of the string of islands and cays that includes the Grenadines, St. Vincent celebrates classic Caribbean heritage with its sleepy villages and often empty, pristine beaches . . . and now it has its first luxury resort.
6. River Cruising in Portugal. Slow way down and experience the best-and often least-touristed parts-of Portugal’s bucolic Douro River in 2013, thanks to more river cruising options with brand-new ships sporting all the bells and whistles.
7. Stateside Vacation Home Rentals. Renting a vacation home is enjoying a surge in popularity for its space, privacy, personality, and affordability, especially stateside.
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.
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.
10. Cartagena, Colombia. After suffering from a bum rap (think drug cartels), Colombia has turned itself around, and its urban seaport on the northern Caribbean coast is safe and inviting, with an historic yet hip Old Town and proximity to white-sand beaches.
11. Ireland. Touring this fabled land’s 40 shades of green is a “must” this year with The Gathering Ireland 2013, a series of events and festivals celebrating Irish history and culture.
12. Oahu, Hawaii. With better and cheaper airfare, and more inter-island transportation options, it’s easier to get to and around Hawaii. Oahu is the hottest island for its beauty, activities, and recent updates.
13. St. Barth. This eight-square-mile island with 17 pristine beaches offers a bit of European-flavored elegance in the Caribbean. Once a favored playground for the international glitterati, it has focused more on its natural beauty since the global recession.
“Let’s face it, a ‘hot’ destination is only hot if you discover it before the crowds,” says Mike. “And each one of our hottest spots offers a special something worth experiencing this year. My best advice? Go now, before the rest of the world discovers our little secrets!”
Photo caption: Riviera Nayarit, in Mexico.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
