There are so many interesting destinations in the world that it’s difficult to choose just a few to focus on. However, some places are a bit more in the public eye than others — and some of them are working hard to be so!

To listen, hit play below or find episode 261 in iTunes or Soundcloud:

Spain

The economic downturn has hit particularly hard in Spain, which means that prices are down — now’s a good time to visit. Head to the big cities if that’s your thing; we prefer smaller places like A Coruña, Toledo, Jerez.

Riazor beach, A Coruña, Spain

Slovenia

The only country with “love” in its name is worth a visit for its spectacular scenery — when we showed people photos of Bohinj after our IndieRail trip, they were blown away.

Bohinj, Slovenia.

European capitals of culture: Kosice, Slovakia and Marseille, France

Marseille has more press, but Kosice is also deserving of its title, with its storybook-like town centre.

Kosice, Slovakia.

Georgia

We’ve been hearing more and more about this Eurasian nation. Not many travellers get to this part of the world, but that seems set to change.

Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi, Georgia

China, Russia and India

Three of the BRIC nations (the other one’s Brazil) are located in Asia, and their growing economies will likely be paired with growing tourism numbers. They’re all enormous in terms of landmass, so there’s no shortage of destinations to choose from.

Laxman Jhula, India

Sri Lanka

Plagued by war for decades, Sri Lanka hasn’t been on many travellers’ radars for some time. But now things are looking up, and more people are visiting — it’s conveniently located off the coast of India, so can be added on to a trip there.

Ambewela, Sri Lanka.

Laos

Now that things have changed in Vang Vieng (the bars selling drug-laced cocktails have closed, for a start) hopefully Laos will be able to get more leverage on its natural charms.

Young monks cross the bridge at Nong Khiaw, Laos.

New Zealand and Australia

These two destinations are popular with backpackers and will probably remain so, even though they’re expensive at the moment because of strong economies. They’re both great places to get a Working Holiday Visa, or to make the most of a three-month visa waiver.

Kings Canyon in NT, Australia.

Read more about Australia and Read more about New Zealand

Fiji and Bali

Apart from visiting each other, New Zealanders tend to head to Fiji on their overseas holidays, and Aussies go to Bali. If you’re visiting, you might be able to pick up a cheapish flight.

Fiji beach.

Brazil and Argentina

With the World Cup and the Olympics coming up, Brazil’s in improvement mode. Now’s a good time to visit. And Argentina is always awesome.

A beach in Brazil.

Read more about Argentina and Read more about Brazil

Ecuador

Ecuador has been positioning itself as South America’s eco destination. It’s certainly cheaper than Brazil and Argentina, and seems to have a lot going for it.

Ecuador’s a colourful place.

North America

Apart from the perennially popular Las Vegas and New York, this year it seems to be all about the road trip.

Road trip!

North Africa and the Middle East

Egypt and Jordan have the drawcards of the pyramids and Petra, and Morocco has a strange charm about it. We’re hoping to get to all three this year.

The Siwa Oasis, Egypt, viewed from a fortress.

Southern Africa

South Africa is popular again this year, and Madagascar is getting more attention too — and not just because of the movies.

Madagascan wildlife is awesome.

Cameroon

Our surprise pick of the year is this small nation in west-central Africa, nestled in the corner of the continent. We learned a bit about it at World Travel Market, and it sounds awesome — there’s a wide range of terrains and it’s much more politically stable than some other African nations that have been in the news recently.

Cameroon.

That’s our picks… What’s yours?

Hot destinations for 2013 by Craig and Linda was originally published on Indie Travel Podcast (find in iTunes). They also have travel books, travel resources and guides to Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, and more.