1. The Andaman Islands 

Jacques Costeau called them the invisible islands and little has changed since the claim was made more than 20 years ago. The Indian island chain is actually closer to Myanmar and Thailand than the Sub-continent but you can fly or sail from the mainland. Enter the intriguing and untouched Andaman Islands via Port Blair, where the majority population is concentrated. The islands are home to sea gypsies and beach-side elephants who were once trained by mahouts to swim in the ocean. One still does, Rajan, and visitors can join his daily swim from Havelock Island. This is an intrepid paradise that you go to for simplicity: it’s a haven of peace, beaches, forests, diving with neon fish and easy to reach reefs. 

2. Iceland 

It’s moody and mysterious. It’s so atmospheric it is used as the fantasy setting for TV show Game of Thrones and happy-go-lucky film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty with both making the most of the barren landscape. Like a blank canvas, you can cater a trip to Iceland to your tastes. If it’s culture and nightlife, stay in Reykjavik and meet some eccentric locals. If its isolation and reflection, take a cabin along the brutal west coast – the Snefellsnes Peninsula is a cinematic favourite. The Northern Lights are predicted to be spectacular this winter, and Iceland is one of the best places on the planet to view the elusive light show. If you don’t get to see it, console yourself with the unpredictable antics of volcanoes, geysers, glaciers and hot springs. 

3. New York City 

This year the greatest city on earth will achieve closure on an event that defined the last decade. The National September 11 Memorial Museum is slated to open in 2014 and it will commemorate the victims of the World Trade Centre terrorist attack. This will be a place for visitors to comprehend the New York psyche post September 11. To further get under the skin of this dynamic destination, NYC & Company is promoting local neighbourhood secrets to visitors. The latest is East Harlem, also known as El Barrio in Upper Manhattan. “As the cradle of the Puerto Rican community in New York City, El Barrio is a mecca of Latino arts, music and culture, making our community an exciting and unique destination,” New York City councillor Melissa Mark-Viverito said. 

4. Indonesia 

The world’s largest archipelago and one of our nearest neighbours has a lot more to offer beyond Bali. In fact, the B word will not be mentioned again. Except to say that Lombok is the new Bali and that it is more accessible than ever, with Jetstar launching direct flights to the island late last year. Then there’s the Buddhist temple of Borobudur in Java – stone bell-shaped monuments perched in the mountains and more akin to what you’d expect to find at Siem Reap. With more than 17,000 islands to explore, the landscape is a world of contrasts with rice fields to Borneo rainforests and dive-in coasts. One thing is for sure, it will not remain ignored for much longer.   

5. Algeria 

Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know where this desert gem is situated. It feels like a Morocco/Middle East hybrid and it is appropriately sandwiched between Morocco and Libya. It is also home to one of the most extraordinary cities that is under the radar of most travellers. It is called Constantine and is the third largest city in the North African country. Coincidentally, Peregrine Adventure has recently launched a new tour for Australian travellers. “Algeria’s incredible Roman ruins and mosaics would be packed with tourists if they were in Europe, but after 20 years off the tourist map you’re likely to have them to yourself. Add cities packed with colonial charm, desert towns, and the spectacularly situated Constantine, perched high above a gorge, and Algeria has to be the ultimate destination for experienced travellers,” Peregrine general manager Steve Wroe said. 

6. Panama 

The country famous for its hats and canal will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its waterway this year. In its centenary year, there is an extension to the shipping passage on its way as well as exhibitions and events. Cruise companies such as Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean International will travel through the canal to coincide with events around the month of August. Beyond the canal, this Central American country is the last on the land bridge that connects north to south. Panama has a blend of African, Spanish and Caribbean culture and is increasingly known for its ecotourism in the jungle – competing directly with neighbour Costa Rica. Panama City is also a thriving metropolis that has crumbling colonial buildings amid modern skyscrapers.