A IS FOR ANNIVERSARY
Trekkers the world over will be dusting down their walking boots in time for the 100th anniversary in July of Hiram Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu. Those in the know will also head to Espiritu Pampa (the-traveller.co.uk), for this dramatic site was the Incan Empire's final outpost, not Machu Picchu as Bingham first proclaimed.
B IS FOR B HOTELS
Watch out for new hotel brand B Hotels and Resorts (bhotelsandresorts.com). Just like that other one-letter wonder, W Hotels, it is set to be super cool, with its eye on rapid expansion. First up is B Ocean in Fort Lauderdale Beach, opening early this year. B there or be...
C IS FOR COMMUNITY HOLIDAYS
Set to grow this year are holidays en masse, with the emphasis on having an experience to remember. 'It's where a group of friends, family or neighbours go away together,' says trends forecaster Kate Franklin. UK travel company Rural Retreats (ruralretreats.co.uk) also identifies an increasing demand for larger properties, for more than one family holidaying together.
D IS FOR DUBROVNIK
Following the opening of the impressive Radisson Blu Resort and Spa, and a new gondola ride to the top of the city's fortress, Dubrovnik has found its cool factor. 'It's a destination to watch for the year ahead,' says Tracy Long, consumer PR manager, BA Leisure. 'Bookings are up by 53 per cent for 2011. There's a real interest in the hundreds of islands along Croatia's coast, too.'
E IS FOR EXPERIENCE IT YOUNG
Forget about the kids' club — parents are demanding adventure, education and originality for their children on holiday. 'Parents are looking for more authentic experiences for their children,' says Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell, director of Cazenove+Loyd. Choices include experiencing life as a real Samburu warrior in Kenya.
F IS FOR FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Some 200 miles off the northeast coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha archipelago is gaining a reputation as one of the country's top eco-adventure destinations. Amazing diving and beautiful beaches await, and tourist numbers are restricted to preserve the ecosystem.
G IS FOR GIVE SOMETHING BACK
More tourists are choosing to combine a once-in-a-lifetime trip with community work. Relief Riders International (reliefridersinternational.com), for example, takes groups horse riding through the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, India, dropping off medical and educational supplies to rural communities on its way.
H IS FOR HARLEM
New openings have put NYC's Harlem back on the map. Design-savvy hotel brand Aloft (aloftharlem.com) brings the first hotel to the neighbourhood for more than 40 years. On Lenox Avenue, chef Marcus Samuelsson has opened Red Rooster restaurant, while the Harlem Tavern opens soon in a former gas station on 116th Street.
