Top 10 destinations for 2014

Malta is certainly not new on the travel scene, but as a mediterranean holiday destination, it is overshadowed by its Greek counterpart. Only for the better, some might say, for Malta is more about mediterranean charm and history than beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Malta consists of three main islands, all tiny and drenched in history. Medieval ruins dot the coast, while fine walled towns testify to a glorious past due to Malta's strategic position. The delightful ancient capital Valleta is of course UNESCO-enlisted, as are a couple of other (pre)historical sites like the impressive Megalithic temples. The beauty of Malta is that it is compact, and once you are done with historical sights, there are always the stunning coastline (with secluded beaches) and cute fishing villages to explore. And since the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French and British considered it worthy of a visit, there’s no reason it shouldn’t also be good for you.

A raw DIY destination, Tajikistan is so far off the beaten track that just getting there is an adventure on its own. Though rather small, the country shares borders with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China, giving a hint that something fascinating is awaiting those who come. As everywhere in Central Asia, the people are friendly (corrupt police besides), but what makes Tajikistan stand out from its equally exotic neighbours is the dramatic diverse landscape that will leave you dumbstruck at almost every turn. Jagged snowcapped mountains, blue alpine lakes, rocky valleys and green pastures, all accessible by jeep, bicycle, donkey or foot. It's not a surprise that the Pamir Highway, that winds its way through the rough mountainous Southeast region, is considered one of the most epic road trips in the world and is increasingly popular with extreme cyclists and adventure travellers.

Romania has it all: mountains and castles, sea and cities, medieval towns and wildlife, scenic train rides and Latin heritage, last-century country lifestyle and modern urban life. Yet, it still fails to attract the masses, and the indie traveller will be grateful for it. The Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta will attract the nature lover, while the numerous castles, ruins and fortified towns and saxon churches will please the history buff. And if medieval remnants are not enough, an escape to the countryside, where horse carriage transportation and traditional farming are still in fashion, will feel like a step back in time. Add a few grandiose or quirky sights like the infamous Ceaucescu's People's palace, underground salt mines, mud volcanoes or the colourful Merry Cemetery, and there is no excuse not to rush to explore this unique country.

When world travellers discuss overlooked travel gems, Sierra Leone's name pops up quite frequently. True, the country is still more known for blood diamonds than pristine beaches, but the country has now been at peace for more than a decade (which is a long time by African standards). And before the civil war (and blood diamonds), Sierra Leone was actually world famous for its long white beaches. The iconic commercial for the Bounty ”taste of Paradise” chocolate bar was shot in the late 1980's at Beach 2, not far from the capital, Freetown – and the beach is still as gorgeous today. So while Sierra Leone is still a rough diamond tourism-wise, the potential is not to be underestimated.

Svalbard is like nowhere else on the planet. Located in the Arctic Sea far to the north of mainland Europe, halfway between Norway and the North Pole, this is the place to visit for otherworldly adventures. This archipelago is home to polar bears, reindeer, walruses and whales. The sun never sets in summer, making Svalbard the perfect place for glacier hiking and sea kayaking. During winter, the ground is covered in snow great for dog sledding and snowmobile, and the night is lit up by northern lights. Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town and Svalbard’s most populated settlement, provides just a touch of quirky sophistication: restaurants, nightclubs, a university and the Svalbard Global Seed Bank. But beyond its boundaries, there is only wilderness: while not necessarily for faint-hearted travellers, an unforgettable adventure awaits those who enter.

It's a wonder why Indonesia isn't more popular than it is - Bali aside. Its 17,000+ islands are filled to the brim with so much culture and nature that they make other destinations look dull and ordinary. Anything, from picture-perfect white beaches, smoking (well, erupting) volcanoes and religious temples, to dark jungles and traditional tribal villages, is within reach of those who venture out of Bali's boutique hotels. You can go orangutan and Rafflesia spotting on Sumatra, get chased by Komodo dragons on Rinca and Komodo islands, temple cruising on Java, or trekking in remote Papua where tribes until recently were practicing headhunting and cannibalism. With so much to do and see, you’ll probably need more than short vacations to explore a decent part of Indonesia. But who says you can only go once?

Vilnius' beautiful and UNESCO-enlisted old town is full of Central European charm and elegance, far from the communist blandness that ex-Soviet regions are so infamous for. However, Lithuania is still unfairly fighting with its drab reputation. Very few tourist hordes are dragged into the cobblestone alleyways, leaving local pubs to locals. Lithuania is what you could call an authentic destination – and at a price tag not matched by many places in Europe (or in the world for that matter). Outside Vilnius, a handful of natural (Curonian Split), cultural (monasteries) and historical (Trakai Island Castle) sights are well worth ticking off, but prettiness apart, Lithuania will probably be best known for its quirky sides, like eccentric art communities, Soviet sculpture park, and a hill covered in crosses. Lithuania is not quite what you expect, but in a good way.

Years and years of bad luck and bad government have put Haiti on the travel destinations black list. But although the country is still struggling with many issues, more travellers nowadays are willing to give it a try. And that's enough to say Haiti is now on the rise as an alternative Caribbean destination. Yes, it has the nice beaches and nature, but it is so much more. With a fascinating history (it was, after all, the first Black republic in 1804) and an incredibly rich culture with strong African roots and French influence, Haiti is best enjoyed outside of the resorts, in the streets, celebrating with the locals. Going to Haiti as an independent traveller, however, is no walk in the park, and presents its fair share of challenges, but this will largely be compensated by the welcome you'll get. Because it really is the people of Haiti who will make your trip memorable.

Sao Tome and Principe is another hard-to-get-to destination on our Top 10 2014. The two-island nation is an old Portuguese colony and is only accessible by air through Portugal or lesser popular African countries like Gabon and Angola, meaning not many tourists find their way to this palm fringed archipelago (apparently less than 20 a week). And what a shame. Lush rainforests cover most parts of the islands with the occasional cacao plantation here and there. The tropical beaches are mostly deserted, the water is crystal-clear and the local people are friendly and very laid back – what more do you want from a true adventurous destination?

If you're a scuba diver, you already know Bonaire, at least by reputation. If you're not, unless you're Dutch, chances are you've never heard of it. And if you have, it probably was along the lines of "there's nothing to do in Bonaire besides diving". Bonaire is in fact a diver's paradise and most of its tourism industry is oriented towards diving. However, while you can drive all around it in less than 3 hours, the tiny island has much more to offer to the active traveller: kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, flamingo spotting and cave exploration, among others, with a little bit of history and culture, plus a few quirky sights. But you'd better get rid of the idea of endless Caribbean beaches and lush jungle: Bonaire is more of a diamond in the rough, with a windswept coast and rugged terrain, only smoothed by the residents' smiles and warm welcome.