We couldn’t be more excited about the destinations on our list of “25 Places To Visit In 2013.” Our Startle editors spent months researching, networking with travel experts, and combing through statistics, hotel openings, cultural calendars and new airline routes to find this year’s must-hit places across the globe. Whether it’s to join in on the bicentennial celebration of a prolific composer, relive the momentous speech of an iconic dreamer or discover the land of your forefathers, try these adventures in 2013.

— Sarah Gleim and Hayley Bosch

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  • Featured Properties

    New York

    You’ll find a new reason to visit New York City with the start of every year, but we think it’s worth returning in 2013 simply to witness the Big Apple’s knack for rebirth. Watch in the first half of the year for the completion of 1 World Trade Center at the site of the former Twin Towers—all 1,776 feet of the skyline-punctuating tower are expected to be finished. Visiting the Statue of Liberty is among many people’s favorite things to do in New York City (including Startle Tastemaker Michael White), so plan to take in the results of a recent $30 million renovation (and cleanup following damage from Hurricane Sandy in the fall of 2012). A new year brings new arts and culture to the city, including the Broadway debut of the late Nora Ephron’s final work, Lucky Guy, a play depicting the career of New York Daily News reporter Mike McAlary and starring Tom Hanks. Fans of photography and history will want to head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the landmark exhibition "Photography and the American Civil War." From April 2 to Sept. 2, more than 250 photographs of the war will be on display. Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, perhaps one of the most recognizable art pieces in history, will also be at The Museum of Modern Art through April 29. And no trip to New York would be complete without a little pampering. Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at David Bouley’s eponymous restaurant and then relax with a massage at Ivanka Trump’s redesigned Trump Spa New York.

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  • Featured Properties

    San Francisco

    It’s shaping up to be a big year for Startle Tastemaker Graham Elliot’s favorite city, San Francisco. First, you’ll be able to see renowned artist Leo Villareal’s The Bay Lights sculpture unveiled with the Grand Lighting on March 5. (It will display across the bridge’s west span for two years.) In April, visit The Exploratorium’s new home on Pier 15 at the Embarcadero. Afterward, head to one of Tastemaker Larry Stone’s two favorite restaurants for a quick bite—RN74 and The Slanted Door are both less than a mile away. You’ll also want to hit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art before it closes on June 2 for a two-year, $555 million expansion. During the closure, SFMOMA will partner with museums throughout the city to co-organize exhibitions, including "Beyond Belief: 100 Years of the Spiritual in Modern Art," which will be on view from June 27 to Oct. 27 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Of course, 2013’s not all about art: The City by the Bay was selected as the venue for the 34th America's Cup, as well—the first time a U.S. city has hosted since 1995. Book a room at Tastemaker Ming Tsai's favorite San Francisco hotel, Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, and you’ll have prime views of the course in San Francisco Bay.

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  • Featured Properties

    Dallas

    Last year, gems like the Santiago Calatrava-designed Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, Klyde Warren Park (an expansive urban green space that’s reviving the city) and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science came to Dallas; and this year, the George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University opens in April. But 2013 will bring a solemn day for the city, as well. Nov. 22 is the 50th anniversary of the fateful day in Dallas when President John F. Kennedy was shot. The city is planning a free memorial service at Dealey Plaza that will be open to the public. At the Dallas Museum of Art, you can check out "Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy" (May 26 to Sept. 15), which will display the original artwork that was curated specially for the couple during their stay at Fort Worth’s Hotel Texas. The Sixth Floor Museum—the space dedicated to the historic November event—also has events going on throughout the year. While you’re visiting, book a stay at Startle Tastemaker Tony Abou-Ganim’s favorite hotel, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

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  • Featured Properties

    Vail

    It’s a big year for Vail—the 2012-2013 ski season marks its 50th anniversary, and celebrations are in full swing. The beginning of the season saw a brand-new, state-of-the-art gondola—which happens to be the fastest single-cable, 10-passenger gondola in the world—and it’s decked out with heated cushioned seats and Wi-Fi. In addition to taking advantage of the new lift, make time for the events happening throughout the season. From Feb. 25 to March 3, the Burton U.S. Open (the world’s longest-running snowboarding competition) will make its Vail debut at Golden Peak. The end of the season welcomes Ski Heritage Week (April 8 to 15) and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Top it all off with a stay at Startle Tastemaker Wolfgang Puck’s favorite hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Vail.

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  • Featured Properties

    Washington, D.C.

    Though it happens every four years, the presidential inauguration is always a reason to head to the nation’s capital. The theme for the 57th inauguration, “Faith in America’s Future,” commemorates the United States’ perseverance and also marks the 150th anniversary of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol dome. View this year's swearing-in ceremonies on Jan. 21 from the National Mall. Also happening on the Mall later this year is the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech, which will be celebrated with a series of events between Aug. 24 and 28. Aside from all of the historical events, D.C.’s booming hotel scene makes it worth a trip. It will gain another luxury hotel in February, Capella Washington D.C., Georgetown, which will offer a glamorous rooftop bar. The bar is exclusively for hotel guests, so you might also want to check out Startle Tastemaker José Andrés’ newly reopened Penn Quarter spot, Minibar. When summer hits, take a side trip to the soon-to-open Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Va.

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  • Dominican Republic

    Tourism is on the rise in this sunny Caribbean destination: In the first quarter of 2012, the Dominican Republic saw an 8.4 percent growth in visitors—and a 14 percent increase in travelers from the U.S. and Canada. Some airlines, including Delta, have upped the number of flights to the island, while others have added routes to the country’s eight international airports. And in August 2012, the long-awaited Coral Highway debuted, allowing you to travel from Punta Cana to the capital city of Santo Domingo in just two hours. If you prefer an alternate mode of transportation, many cruise ships are adding the Dominican Republic as a major port of call.

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  • Panama

    As the Panama Canal undergoes an extensive $5.25 billion expansion that’s set to be completed by 2015, Panama City is becoming a luxurious metropolis. Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower Panama made its Latin American debut in summer 2011 and JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort welcomed guests in September 2012, while Waldorf Astoria, Panama is set to open in March. Adding to the excitement of the historic city is the June opening of Frank Gehry’s innovative Biomuseo—it’s the Canadian-American architect’s first Latin American building. Focusing on the natural history of Panama and the importance of its isthmus (the narrow strip of land that makes up country and its revenue-generating canal), the much-anticipated museum is a reason to visit in itself. Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, so Biomuseo has plenty to work with.

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  • Ecuador

    There’s never been a better time to visit Ecuador. The country’s railway system, now known as Tren Ecuador, is being overhauled for 2013 with several lines revamped and added, including Tren Crucero, which will link the capital city of Quito (and the gateway to the Galapagos) to the coastal town of Guayaquil. The new luxury line—which is scheduled to begin service in June—winds through the breathtaking Ecuadorian Andes to the Pacific Coast powered by steam and diesel locomotives. It includes four train cars, accommodations for up to 54 passengers, upscale dining and outdoor terrace seating. Plans are in the works to connect the Nariz del Diablo line to the Cotopaxi Volcano, and if it comes to fruition, the route will be one of the steepest railways in the Western hemisphere.

  • Featured Properties

    London

    Though the Summer Olympics are over, London is still abuzz with happenings. It’s the newest city for our Forbes Travel Guide star ratings—we’ll announce those in March. London’s culture scene is thriving, too: Head to the Victoria & Albert Museum between March 23 and July 28 to see the first international retrospective of David Bowie’s career in the “David Bowie is” exhibit, which will feature everything from handwritten lyrics to the superstar’s own instruments. In February, the much-anticipated View from The Shard will welcome visitors to the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors of the Renzo Piano-designed high-rise—now the tallest in Europe. As if that weren’t enough, Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard, London is slated to debut in late 2013 as the brand’s first U.K. outpost. If you plan a trip before the opening, book a room at Charlie Trotter’s favorite hotel, The Lanesborough, and make reservations at Ariane Daguin’s favorite restaurant, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught.

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  • Croatia

    Set to become the 28th member of the European Union in July—marking the first time that a country has entered the EU alone since 1981— Croatia is the place to be this year. It’s expected to receive around $12.7 billion in grants from the EU through 2020, which will certainly stimulate the economy. New hotels, including the seaside Hotel Lone, opened in 2012, while airlines continue to add routes. (British Airways tacked on a year-round flight from London Heathrow to Zagreb in December 2012, and Aer Lingus will bump its Dublin-Dubrovnik route up to five days a week in 2013.) Head to Istria—nicknamed the “Croatian Tuscany”—for a taste of its unique wine and olive oil. Startle Tastemaker Katrina Markoff, the founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, says it’s the best olive oil in the world. Boat over to the island of Šipan for a meal at her favorite Dalmatian restaurant, Kod Marka.

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  • Iceland

    Iceland has long been a tourism hot spot, but when the 2008 financial crisis struck, the economy—and tourism in this tiny island nation—took a plunge. Now, the country is bouncing back; in fact, it’s largely considered one of Europe’s most remarkable success stories. According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, between 2000 and 2011, international visitors to the Nordic country nearly doubled. If the trend continues, the country expects to host 1 million visitors by 2020. That’s huge, considering the island is home to only about 320,000 people. But what’s made Iceland such a draw recently is the relatively low cost to travel here and its stunning scenery. This is the land of mud pools, geysers, glaciers and waterfalls, as well as Europe’s largest national park, the 4,633-square-mile Vatnajökull National Park. Here you can hike craters in Laki, which were formed in one of the world's largest mixed eruptions in recorded history, or go swimming in Viti, a crater lake that has an average temperature around 86 degrees Fahrenheit. And despite its name, you’ll be warmed by the hospitality of the Icelandic people no matter what time of the year you visit. And to make traveling here easier, major airlines have steadily been adding direct flights to the capital of Reykjavik from U.S. cities such as New York and Boston. Recently, there’s been talk of tripling the value-added tax on accommodations, restaurants and attractions to maintain Iceland as an upscale destination. If all goes as planned, the tax would go into effect on May 1—all the more reason to book your flight now

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  • Corsica

    Though Corsica is part of France, the Mediterranean island tends to fly under the radar—its crowd-free towns and beaches (in comparison to those on the French Riviera) are particularly appealing. But this summer, the streets of Corsica will be filled with cycling fans from all over: The 100th Tour de France kicks off on June 29 in Porto-Vecchio, marking the first time that the prestigious race has passed through Corsica. There are three stages here: Porto-Vecchio to Bastia on June 29; Bastia to Ajaccio on June 30; and Ajaccio to Calvi on July 1. There’s plenty to see in each of the towns, but history buffs should head to Corsica’s capital, Ajaccio, to check out the birthplace of Napoléon Bonaparte. To make getting there a little easier, Corsican Places (one of the main tour operators on the island) will partner with British Airways and BMI Regional to add charter flights from London and Bristol for summer 2013.

  • Berlin

    Diverse, artsy Berlin is having a moment. There will be a slew of new hotels to check in to in 2013, including the Waldorf Astoria Berlin—the luxury hotel group opened its first new-build European hotel in January—and the über-modern Bikini Berlin this fall. The city’s burgeoning art and culture scene also makes it a travel standout. One of the most glamorous live shows you’ll ever see is located here. SHOW ME at East End Theater—the world’s biggest theater stage—features hundreds of dancers, artists and performers in stunning costumes (many created by renowned designer Christian Lacroix). The show is scheduled to run between Feb. 26 and June 29. While the city looks to its future, it also will solemnly remember its past. In 2013, the city will mark the 80 years since the National Socialists came to power with a yearlong, citywide theme, “Diversity Destroyed, Berlin During National Socialism.” From Jan. 30 until Nov. 9, special exhibitions, films, tours and temporary art projects will be held throughout the capital city to highlight the devastation Berlin suffered during the socialist reign. The I.M. Pei-designed Deutsches Historisches Museum (Museum of German History) will also include a free exhibition as part of the theme.

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  • Amsterdam

    This year is shaping up to be full of celebrations in Amsterdam—if you've never made a trip to this Dutch city, 2013 is the time to do it. The Dutch will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—five main festivities will be held between 2013 and 2015, the first being the Kingdom Concert in The Hague on Nov. 30, 2013, honoring the date that William, prince of Orange and Nassau, landed at Scheveningen. Amsterdam also marks the 400th anniversary of the building of its famous canals (which are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the city's landmark Concertgebouw building and orchestra will commemorate 125 years with several special concerts and a six-continent world tour. Art lovers should head here in late spring when the city’s renowned Rijksmuseum finally opens in April after an extensive 10-year renovation. And later in May, the Van Gogh Museum reopens after an eight-month renovation just in time to celebrate its 40th anniversary (and the 160th birthday of the artist). Other milestones in 2013 include 175 years of Artis Royal Zoo, 100 years of the Frans Hals Museum and 225 years of the Felix Meritis Observatory.

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  • Ireland

    If you’re an O’Malley, O’Reilly or Shannon, listen up: The people of Ireland want you to head home in 2013 to visit the Emerald Isle and join in “The Gathering,” a yearlong celebration including music festivals, a new show by the creators of Riverdance, and traditional Irish dance and sports events like the “Meet to Compete” in South County Dublin, which features 25 international sports tournaments in everything from basketball and baseball to cricket and soccer. Of course, The Gathering is open to everyone (and you certainly don’t have to be Irish); the premise is deeply rooted in Gaelic tradition, when groups related by name congregated for annual festivals. Don’t miss the USA vs. Ireland Polo Match in Wicklow on April 7, marking the 20th year that Americans have crossed the pond to play against the Irish. Celebrations kicked off in Dublin on New Year’s Eve, and you can bet they’ll continue until the Final Gathering on Dec. 28.

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  • Barcelona

    One of the most-visited cities in Europe, Barcelona has seen an influx of new hotels—there were 13 in 2012 alone—and Turisme de Barcelona expects visitor numbers to continue rising over the next couple of years. Startle Tastemaker Anthony Bourdain’s favorite city has plenty going on this year: The Picasso Museum, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, will exhibit "Yo Picasso. Self-Portraits" between May 31 and Sept. 1—the first major monographic exhibition of the artist’s self-portraits. It’s also a big year for sports: The Catalan capital will host the X Games (May 16 to 19) as part of the competition’s international expansion. For a taste of Barcelona, dine at one of Startle Tastemaker Eric Ripert’s go-to restaurants—Jean Luc Figueras, Comerç 24, Casa Tejada—or Joe Bastianich’s standby, Cal Pep.

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  • Paris

    While Paris is a regular contender on travel lists, hotel enthusiasts, arts fanatics and foodies will especially want to visit the city in 2013. If you get to the City of Light before the end of March, book a stay at Kelly Wearstler’s preferred spot, Hôtel de Crillon, before its palatial doors close for a two-year restoration. Otherwise, plan to check in to the much-anticipated Peninsula Paris, which debuts in late 2013, or snag a room at Startle Tastemaker David Bouley’s favorite, Le Bristol. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the Paris Opera Ballet School, which will pair up with the Paris Opera Ballet to celebrate in April. Also, Opéra Garnier will honor the bicentenary of two of the great 19th-century composers—Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi—with concerts such as Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung and Verdi’s Falstaff. And you can’t leave Ivanka Trump’s favorite city without dining at L’Ami Louis, a top choice of Tastemakers Jason Pomeranc and Tom Douglas.

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  • Venice

    As the Queen of the Adriatic sinks, now is the time to put Venice on your travel bucket list. Plus, 2013 may be your last chance to experience the infamous high tides. The multi-billion euro floodgate project is on schedule to debut in 2014—the mobile gates can isolate the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea when the water reaches a certain level. But forget the high waters; 2013 marks the 55th Venice Biennale (June 1 to Nov. 24), one of the world’s preeminent contemporary art exhibitions. Part of the Biennale, the Venice International Film Festival (Aug. 28 to Sept. 7) will celebrate its 70th anniversary. Check in to Startle Tastemakers Adam D. Tihany and Miguel Forbes’ favorite spot, Hotel Cipriani, for real Venetian flavor.

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  • Istanbul

    The alluring city that served as the backdrop for the latest Bond movie, Skyfall, is about to get much more appealing with several new luxury properties. Shangri-La makes its Turkish debut in early 2013 with Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, while Raffles is slated to open in the innovative Zorlu Center—Turkey’s first (and only) mixed-use project that will include everything from a performing arts center and retail to residences. Marti Istanbul Hotel, which had its soft opening in July, will also unveil its spa and gourmet food hall in January. And if you need another excuse to head here, make time for the 13th Istanbul Biennial (Sept. 14 to Nov. 10). The contemporary art exhibition is considered one of the most prestigious in the world.

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  • Sochi, Russia

    In the year leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi will warm up for the main event. The Russian city is building new hotels and prepping roads for the rush of visitors who will head here next winter. The new ski spot in Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort, opened in 2011, and the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Centre, Sochi debuted in 2012, while 2013 will welcome the Solís Hotel and Solís Suites in the Caucasus Mountains village of Gorky Gorod 960. Marriott also plans to open three hotels before the Games. It’s a year of transformation for the Black Sea resort town as it evolves into a wintertime destination. New rail lines and roads are part of that change, too—a new electric train will take athletes and spectators from Sochi to the Olympic venues in the mountains. To kick it all off, the Olympic Torch Relay will begin its epic journey in Moscow, and travel through 2,900 Russian towns and villages like St. Petersburg and Kazan in October.

  • Abu Dhabi and Dubai

    Though the global downturn may have slowed the pace of construction in the booming city of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates continues to be one of the world's most intriguing tourism destinations thanks to its abundance of luxury resorts. Already home to the renowned Burj Al Arab, by far one of the world’s most opulent hotels, and the Palm Islands, the massive artificial archipelago built off the coast in the shape of a palm tree, Dubai is also now home to the world’s tallest hotel, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, which opened in November 2012. Its sister city of Abu Dhabi has its own share of über-luxe hotels worth checking into, including the new Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal; Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi; and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. To top it all off, the airlines just made it a little easier to get here: Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai recently became hubs for both Qantas and Virgin Australia airlines.

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  • Jordan

    When you think of luxury travel destinations, Jordan likely isn’t on the top of the list. But sophisticated travelers know the country has a wealth of history and culture, like the lost Nabataean city of Petra, cosmopolitan Amman and the Dead Sea. And because luxury travel here has increased in the past two years, high-end hotels brands are opening new properties, including the 300-room Fairmont Amman and Starwood’s Luxury Collection’s 200-room Al Manara, Aqaba, both slated for 2014; and The St. Regis Amman and the 280-room W Amman Hotel in 2015. Adding to the country’s luxury appeal is the creation of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The low-tax, duty-free development area in Aqaba on the Red Sea has encouraged investors to inject $20 million into the area to build high-end shopping, lavish resorts and golf courses, a new cruise ship terminal and a 667-acre master-planned marina community designed by American firm AECOM. Even the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is expanding to accommodate the influx of travelers.

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  • India

    If you want to observe one of the largest spiritual gatherings on Earth, early 2013 might be a good time to travel to India. Sure, you can visit the Taj Mahal or even trek through the desert city of Jaisalmer and stay in Startle Tastemaker Dushan Zaric’s favorite spot, Hotel Killa Bhawan. But if you’re visiting between Jan. 27 and Feb. 25, make a point to wander off the beaten path to witness Maha Kumbh Mela. Occurring every 12 years in four Indian cities depending on the positions of Jupiter, the sun and the moon—Nasik, Maharashtra; Ujjain, Madhya Prades; Haridwar, Uttarakhand; or Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh—Kumbh Mela is when devout Hindus celebrate the spiritual bathing ceremony. In 2013, millions from all over the world will travel to Allahabad to cleanse at the Sangam (the junction of the Ganges, Yamuna and the lost Saraswati rivers) to purify themselves from sin and attain salvation. In 2001—the last time the Maha Kumbh Mela occurred in Allahabad—nearly 70 million people joined the celebration, which also included theatrical sideshows, singing and processions of elephants, horses and camels.

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  • Tibet

    The Chinese government tightened travel restrictions to the remarkable land of Tibet in May 2012, making it even tougher for some international tourists to obtain the elusive travel permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. But it’s still possible, and it’s even more important to visit the spiritual land of the Tibetan people now, before the culture is eradicated. The civilization that was once dominated by stunning monasteries set high in the Himalayas is being modernized—but not on its own terms. Lhasa, home to the Potala Palace—the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is experiencing a surge of new Chinese hotels, restaurants and tourists. And throughout the region, laws have banned Tibetan traditions in favor of Chinese culture and language. So if Tibet is on your travel bucket list, consider making it a priority in 2013 before the last traces of this amazing culture are gone.

  • Kenya

    If you dream of seeing the “big five” (lions, leopards, African elephants, African buffalo and black rhinos) in the wild, there’s probably no better place to go than Kenya. And there’s a lot happening in 2013 in southwest Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, the area famous for its population of big cats (including endangered lions, leopards and cheetahs) and the Great Migration—the annual journey of zebras, Thomson's gazelles and wildebeests to and from the Serengeti between July and October. A few new luxury accommodations are popping up here, meaning you can have a side of glamour with your game drives. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition portfolio opens Mahali Mzuri (“beautiful place” in Swahili) in Maasai Mara this summer—the camp will feature 12 tented suites with elegant bedrooms and terraces overlooking the sweeping terrain. Kempinski Hotels officially takes over Olare Mara Kempinski (also in Maasai Mara) on Jan. 15, and the newly branded resort features a large organic garden and tents outfitted with four-poster beds; but its main draw is, by far, the two lion prides living right on the property. It’s not just the Maasai Mara that’s gaining lavish lodging—last year, the luxurious Hogmead estate opened on 10 private acres in Nairobi (its closest neighbors are The Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi National Park and Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Sanctuary); and the Kicheche Valley Camp debuted at the top the 55,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy, as well.

Tastemaker Spotlight

Where is Thomas Keller traveling in 2013?

I’m going to Australia. We close the restaurant for three weeks beginning January 1, so I’ll be at Qualia.
It’s just off the Great Barrier Reef. I could only get a room for seven days, though. I wish it was longer — I really need at least 10 days of vacation.

Thomas Keller
Chef/Restaurateur
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Where do you plan on traveling in 2013?

I'm kicking off the new year with trips to two of my favorite cities: London and Paris. Both have welcomed new hotels and restaurants in the past year, so stay tuned for some sneak peeks at what's hot on the scene. I'm especially looking forward to enjoying some downtime in the Parisian cafés, and exploring some of the best museums and shops in London.

Melanie Nayer
Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent
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This year, I'm taking a long-awaited trip to Sri Lanka. Aside from enjoying the sweeping sandy beaches and — I'm told — friendly sea turtles of the sun-drenched south, I also plan to explore the ancient kingdoms and hidden forests of the island's less-visited north.

Joseph Reaney
Forbes Travel Guide Correspondent
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Our family is considering Japan for the summer, as our daughters are half Japanese and they have never been. And hopefully, we can head back to Hana in the spring as well. The hike to Waimoku Falls is one of our family’s favorite spots on the planet. That hike is a must for anyone who loves lush green and waterfalls. My favorite part of the hike? No cell signal.

Brian Gullbrants
Executive Vice President/General Manager, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas
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I can't wait to head to London in 2013. Forbes Travel Guide will launch its first star ratings in the must-visit city in March, and I plan on revisiting iconic spots —The Dorchester, The Savoy — checking out the new hotels — Bulgari, Corinthia, The Belgraves — and having high tea everywhere in between.

Jennifer Kester
Forbes Travel Guide Editor
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Being from Montreal, where the winters are cold and snowy, I’m really looking forward to my trip to the Riviera Maya, Mexico. The white sands and turquoise water are all I need to help me get through the long winter. To make this trip even better, I will be staying at the very luxurious Rosewood Mayakoba. Forbes Travel Guide’s editors say it’s the best place to stay in the Riviera Maya.

Alain Ethier
Assistant Chef Concierge, Le St-Sulpice Hotel Montreal
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