Where: Havana, Cuba
Why: Following the announcement by Cuba and the U.S. to work to restore normal diplomatic relations, the country is undergoing an outburst of restaurants, providing residents and tourists with new, exciting food options. Imagine sipping on sparkling mint mojitos while lounging on white-sand beaches, or roaming the streets of Old Havana spotting vintage cars and soaking in culture and admiring Art Deco architecture. But what’s a visit to Cuba without smoking some cigars; better yet, attend the Habanos Cuban Cigar Festival in February if you can make it.
Best time to travel: January to May
Where: Cleveland, USA
Why: If the return of LeBron James to the city means anything to you, Cleveland is the place to visit. But if its rock music that has you by the ears and evokes a visceral excitement, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (rockhall.com) has a trove of exhibits to keep you occupied. It’s here that culinary geniuses Michael Symon and Jonathon Sawyer offer their creative spins on food. Cleveland is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.
Best time to travel: June to October
Where: Transylvania,Romania
Why: There’s more to Romania than just vampires (fortresses in the Transylvanian countryside are associated with the notorious Vlad the Impaler. For budget travellers, Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Be charmed by the towering castles, cast-iron bridges, sleepy monasteries, and beautiful villages. The well-preserved countryside, dotted with quaint villages has locals renting rooms in their homes.
Best time to travel: June to August
Where: Montreal, Canada
Why: There’s no reason to hibernate when new adventures await you at the Montreal en Lumière, which is the city’s biggest arts, music and food festival in winter. You can also indulge in holiday shopping at historic Jean-Talon Market for Quebec-produced items such as farm cheeses, chocolates, and artisanal baked goods. Montreal is surrounded by spectacular scenery. The town of Bromont is a place to nurture the romantic in you; walk around the lake, get lost in the woods and feed your wanderlust.
Best time to travel: November to March
Where: Washington D.C., USA
Why: Next year is the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Ford’s Theatre, where Lincoln was assassinated, plans a year-long tribute including a display of what the President and First Lady were wearing that night, and John Wilkes Booth's fateful derringer (hand gun). Then there’s the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. Most importantly, look for “secret” symbols at the Lincoln Memorial that are hidden in plain sight, National Treasure -style.
Best time to travel: March to June
Where: Milan, Italy
Why: The World Expo is coming to Italy’s chic capital in 2015 (after 109 years) and that’s where you should be heading if you want to bump into Giorgio Armani. Look forward to food tastings — the U.S. is reportedly sending six authentic food trucks featuring regional American and ethnic fusion menus. And the stately opera house, La Scala, will host performances daily. You can also thoughtfully gaze at The Last Supper at the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Best time to travel: May to November
Where: Medellín, Colombia
Why: Cartagena’s cobblestone streets, the exotic Amazon rainforest, seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, art-filled public parks — these are just some of the attractions Colombia has to offer. Go on one of the several Pablo Escobar tours offered in Medellín, or attend the annual Feria de las Flores, the 58-year-old flower festival.
Best time to travel: May to October
Where: Tokyo, Japan
Why: Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world; this is reason enough to visit the country. If it’s something sacred you’re looking for, head to Koyasan, primarily known as the world headquarters of the Kôyasan Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism that marks its 1,200th anniversary in 2015.
Best time to travel: April to November
Where: Corsica, France
Why: Better known as Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, Corsica has historic ties with Italy even as it has been a part of France for almost 250 years now. Visit the historic La Maison Bonaparte, the excellent Musée Fesch for classic Italian art, lie on beaches till the sun goes down, stroll through olive groves and quiet villages and indulge in chestnuts.
Best time to travel: May-October
Where: Singapore
Why: Chances are Singapore is the place most Indians choose as their first international destination. It’s supposedly safe, affordable and has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, shopping and attractions. Next year, the country celebrates 50 years of Independence so expect the National Day Parade to be bigger. Take part in the Jubilee Walk walking trail that will cover historic locations and don’t miss Singapore Zoo's new River Safari. If you’re in the city for a layover, avail the free city tours at Changi Airport
Best time to travel: All-year round
Where: Salisbury, U.K.
Why: Usually overlooked as a stopover on the way to the Stonehenge, Salisbury has been in the news thanks to the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta (the city supposedly holds the best-preserved original copy). The Salisbury Cathedral boasts of the tallest spire in Britain and the world's oldest working clock. A bigger draw is of course, author Sir Terry Pratchett who is Salisbury’s most famous resident.
Best time to travel: June-August
Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
Why: How can you say no to a land of dazzling white glaciers, stunning blue mist and painted hills? Enjoy the natural splendour the country has to offer — river rafting, fishing, diving, snorkelling, surfing, caving and hiking. Also try to spot large pods of magnificent orcas in winter. It truly is worth the time.
Best time to travel: December to March
Where: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Why: If you thought the world’s largest sand desert (Rub’ al Khali/Empty Quarter) was the only draw to Abu Dhabi, think again. The city is soon to become a cultural capital with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi set to be completed in two years and the Louvre Abu Dhabi by early next year. Abu Dhabi, looks like, is a city of records. Ferrari World dedicated to the illustrious racing car features the world's fastest rollercoaster ride, Formula Rossa.
Best time to travel: November to May
Where: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Why: Although it’s one of the poorest countries in the world, it’s easily one of the richest in culture, adventure and animals. With sun-spoiled deserted beaches and turquoise blue waters, you can indulge in swimming, sailing, fishing, or just relax under palm trees. Get to know unique people and cultures from the nomadic Masai in the north to the mix of Arab and African influences in Zanzibar.
Best time to travel: January to September
Where: Queens, USA
Why: If it’s New York, it’s usually Manhattan, or even Brooklyn. This ignored and often unseen borough offers everything diverse and eclectic. There are authentic Chinese food and artefacts, a cutting-edge art center in MoMA PS1, the Louis Armstrong House Museum, informal sheesha bars at Little Egypt.
Best time to travel: June to September
