Are these your top ten destinations for 2012?

New year, new resolutions, new top ten destinations for 2012.

While everyone else is planning Christmas, festive holidays and New Year parties, here at Worldette we’ve been planning something different. Where shall we visit next year? With this in mind we caught up with Black Tomato to find out their top ten destinations for 2012. Let’s see if you agree…

1. Lulea, Sweden – Meet Lulea, a little-known winter wonderland on the northern coast of Swedish Lapland. Think vast Narnia-esque vistas shared only by reindeer, lip smacking regional fare, and exhilarating adventures on ice. With Swedish cuisine catching on internationally, this little-known region epitomises what Swedish gastronomy is all about – taking the shortest possible route to the table with uber-fresh ingredients from the nearby forests, fields and rivers.

2. Texas, USA – Think of Texas and think of cowboys? Naturally. But what about its eclectic mix of people, growing arts scene and hundreds of miles of untouched Gulf coastline? The Texas of today is a far cry from the ubiquitous cowboys and cattle ranches in most peoples’ minds and an area of true untapped potential. Of course, it retains the authentic cowboy culture we love but why not sample the beaches of Padre Island or the music scene of Austin at the South by Southwest Festival to turn preconception on its Stetson-laden head in 2012.

3. Belize – It’s time to get Belize on the travel wish list for next year as the country celebrates the closing of the Mayan Calendar. The Calendar completes its 13th cycle or B’ak’tun after nearly 52,000 years meaning there’s not a better time to get under the skin of this ancient Mayan civilization. Couple this with a blessed Caribbean that no superlative can quite do justice to see why Belize is a stunning choice for an alternative Caribbean getaway next year.

4. Myanmar – All eyes have been on Myanmar for some time and now for good reason. The country has gone from being one of the world’s most controversial holiday spots to one of the most exciting destinations on the travel radar. Virtually untouched by tourism, Myanmar is the place to head for authentic cultural South East Asia. Get here before the crowds for the chance to explore Yangon’s pagodas at sunset, Bagan’s 4,000 temples and kick back on unspoiled Ngapali beach. 

5. Galica, Spain – This lesser-known region of Spain could be 2012’s gourmet hit. Whilst France pulls in the crowds and the nearby Basque region steals the foodie headlines, Galicia is where gourmands-in-the-know head. With a whole festival in February dedicated to the chorizo sausage Galicia is as much a feast for the eyes as the belly. The oh-so-fresh seafood and local delicacy, percebes (goose neck barnacles) plucked off the rugged coastline by hardy fishermen are what’s drawing foodies in. Check out the historical town of Noia for authentic Galician culture and beaches the locals try to keep secret.

6. Tanzania – For a more off the radar safari experience try Tanzania. The Mahale Mountains are becoming more accessible to trekkers and is the place to spot chimpanzees. Next year, Black Tomato will be offering experiences in the country such as pop-up camps in little-visited areas, climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano and fishing with the locals in the second deepest lake in the world.

7. Philippines  – The beautiful archipelago of the Philippines keeps pulling in visitors to South East Asia with vibrant cultural influences, world class wreck diving and tropical rainforests spilling out onto myriad islands (all 7,000 of them). Still, it’s the lesser known locations such as Sugar Beach, Negros and Araia Island for stylish private island living that make an impact. All this natural goodness minus the crowds make for a brilliant South East Asian island hopping adventure.

8. Namibia – Namibia’s wild untamed beauty keeps this African country high on the travel radar. In this land of stark contrasts, the terrifyingly barren Skeleton Coast region remains home to the San, a tribe of semi nomadic hunter gatherers, who have survived in this stunning yet harsh environment for thousands of years. In 2012, Black Tomato will be offering a trip to get up close with these indigenous Bushmen.

9. Yukon, Canada – Sitting neatly next to Alaska the north-easterly Canadian region of Yukon is truly one to watch for next year. Why? Rich in gold rush history and still retaining a ‘last frontier’ quality, this little-visited territory offers a beguiling combination of super-sized landscapes and robust locals. Expect tall tales and well-woven stories with a mix of ancient and contemporary cultures. Kayak down the regions namesake, the mighty Yukon River, check out northerly Dawson for a slower pace of life and don’t miss the mountain trails of Kluane National park. Mark this on the map for 2012, before everyone else does.

10. Tahiti  – There’s that element of retro about these islands that we can’t wait to revisit with a new 2012 gloss. With new islands opening up, incredible marine life and diving, Tahiti and the surrounding islands make the ideal backdrop for an intrepid sailing adventure. The smaller, lesser-visited islands of Tikehau and Manihi are a must for authentic rustic Polynesian living. Take a sail boat to venture to uninhabited islands Motu Tautau and Motu Mahana and make a star-crossed date for summer 2012 to observe the rare transit of Planet Venus as it sweeps across the sky high above French Polynesia.

Black Tomato is a UK- and US-based luxury bespoke travel company that delivers imaginative and cutting-edge travel experiences around the world. They create inspiring itineraries in up and coming and remote destinations, recommend the best design hotels and use their fixers to give clients the inside track wherever they are.

This is one list. Do you agree? Is there anywhere we missed? Where are you planning to visit in 2012? Let us know in the comments below.