15 amazing places to go in 2013: in pictures

Friday, 22 March 2013

A stunning collection of photos of incredible cities, sights and attractions which you've just got to go to... someday.

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Make 2013 the year to see the world. Or at least start planning to see the world when you've got the time, the money etc etc. Or just be an armchair traveller and feast your eyes on this gorgeous set of photos of cool, exciting places that hopefully you'll see for yourself one day...

 

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Ok, It's not the most original suggestion, of course - Angkor Wat is one of the most trodden attractions on the SE Asian backpacker trail, but with good reason at least. Like many famous sights around the world, get there as early as you can to beat the crowds and see it like this..

2. Corsica

Dizzying mountains fall into the blue in a sublime rock-and-seascape along the serrated west coast of Corsica. This phantasmagorical world is accessible only by those who walk, or have the luxury of a yacht, which must be rather nice.

3. Essaouria, Morocco

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, all that sand, salty air and a stiff breeze whipping up the waves. You can get that in Blackpool, but for some early season sun with a hint of the exotic, take a stroll along the front at Skala de la Ville in Essaouira.

4. Kolkata, India

Kolkata (Calcutta) has endured something of a reputation down the years as somewhere you really wouldn't want to be stuck in, but like Mumbai before it, India's second-biggest city is changing fast. The flower market is just one of the city's many colourful, intoxicating attractions.

5. Hanoi, Vietnam

The most beautiful city in Asia? Some might say so, but probably not when they're stuck in a gigantic traffic jam on the back of a motor taxi. But that's all part of the fun, so throw yourself headlong into Hanoi's many, many exciting experiences.

6. Iceland

2012/3 was good, but this coming autumn/winter is set to be the best time to see the Northern Lights for many a moon, so if you have always dreamed of seeing (and hearing) the Aurora Borealis in action, this could be the time to do it.

7. Kandawgi Lake, Yangon (Rangoon), Burma

Burma is back on the travel map this year. The starting point for your visit may well be Yangon, or Rangoon, where a visit to the madness of Bogyoke Aung San Market, a hive of haggling, is essential. After that, calm down at Kandawgi Lake.

8. Kerala, India

It's not new on the backpacker scene, but Kerala will always be on many people's 'must do at some time in my life' list. Stay in a tea planter's villa, take to the (back)waters on a houseboat and experience India at its most chilled.

9. Mezica, Slovenia

It's a funny old game. Slovenia isn't renowned for being a nation of cricket lovers, but seek and you shall find the gentleman's game being played in the benevolent shadow of the majestic alpine mountains in the north of this small, perfectly-formed country..

10. Lake Kuzuryu, Fukui, Japan

If you have thought about visiting Japan, and if you have time, consider combining the big city experience of Tokyo or Osaka with a contrasting trip into the country. In little-visited Fukui prefecture, discover away-from-it-all delights such as pretty, eerie Lake Kuzuryu.

11. Almaty, Kazakstan

According to Borat, of course, it's the best country in the world, but Kazakstan is certainly one of the fastest-growing in terms of visitors, now it is opening its box of scenic delights for the world to see. Not far from Almaty, the largest Kazakh city, are jaw-dropping mountains perfect for off-the-beaten-track trekking..

12. Old Souk, Kuwait City, Kuwait

The dark shadow of the first Gulf War hangs over Kuwait, but its city-state capital could one day be dubbed 'the new Dubai'. It has the shopping malls, the marinas and the man-made beaches, but still the remnants of its age-old self, like its Old Souk..

13. Geneva, Switzerland

It could be argued that Geneva is not the most exciting city in the world, unless you're on a pilgramage to the epicentre of watch-making, but it is fortunate to sit on a rather picturesque lake, as picture-perfect as Geneva is precise.

14. Majorca, Spain

Far from the Brits on the beers in Magaluf is another side of the Balearic island of Majorca that few tourists fully appreciate. Pack your hiking boots and explore the island's wild interior, or see it more restfully from the train that runs from Palma to Soller.

15. Tinuy-an Falls, Philippines

'Booming City by the Bay', Bislig, boasts many attractions, such as the massive annual battle of the reggae bands competition, and also 'the Niagara Falls of the Philippines', Tinuy-an. Make sure you visit between 9am and 11am to catch the falls' daily rainbow..