China

Why? Western travellers have always been fascinated by China's distinctive, sometimes unfathomable, culture. Most travel stopped after the Tiananmen Square protest in 1989, and the suppressed demand has meant heightened interest in recent years. The level of security in China will be regarded as an advantage in an age when tourists have become terrorist targets.
What to see: You'll have to make difficult choices when planning a tour. You must visit Beijing, and the Forbidden City; the Great Wall and the extraordinary army of terracotta warriors in Xian. You might well want to fly south to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai; or perhaps cruise on the Yangtze river, whose new dam is changing the topography; or take in the stunning scenery at Guilin; another idea would be to stop off in Guangzhou (once known as Canton) on your way to Hong Kong.
Where to book: Kuoni (01306 740500) has a 16-night China Highlights tour, combining Beijing, Nanjing (on the Yangtze), Suzhou, Shanghai, Xian, Guilin, Guangzhou and Hong Kong from £1,629pp.

Sri Lanka

Why? Less than two years after Tamil Tiger terrorists destroyed passenger jets at Colombo airport, a peace deal has been struck, and it is holding. The result has been a huge increase in visitors already; but there are still plenty of hotel beds to fill. After years in the wilderness, Sri Lanka has become the sub-continent's hot spot.
What to see: History, culture and beaches. Anuradhapura, the ruined capital of the old Singhalese kingdom, famous for its massive Buddha temples; Kandy, the second city in a glorious lakeside setting; Nuwara Eliya, the hill town with its echoes of empire; the elephant orphanage at Pinnewala; Hamabantota, a coastal town that is close to four national parks; the beach resorts around Bentota. Where to book: Audley Travel (01869 276218) has a 10-day Classic Sri Lanka tour covering much of the ground from £1,145pp. Tailor-made tours are available.

Mexico

Why? Mexico is the closest of the Latin American countries and offers a rare diversity of attractions. Interest has been heightened by the Aztecs exhibition now running at the Royal Academy, and will receive a further boost in the spring when Frida, a film about the life of artist Frida Kahlo, wife of Mexican muralist Diego Riviera, is released in Britain. Hotel accommodation has been improving; there is a bigger choice of exclusive hotels and a terrific range of colonial-style haciendas.
What to see: Everything from ancient civilisations to whale-watching in the Pacific and beach resorts on the Caribbean. The culture encompasses Aztec pyramids, Mayan temples and baroque Catholic cathedrals. Mexico City is the largest and perhaps the most polluted conurbation in the world, yet it contains the remains of the Templo Mayor, the pyramid at the heart of Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital. The colonial cities reflect the wealth generated by the silver mines. There are countless archaeological sites reflecting the sophisticated early civilisations. Or you can just settle on a Caribbean beach.
Where to book: Journey Latin America (020-8747 8315). A 10-night itinerary combining the Yucatan, Mayan ruins and the Caribbean coast costs from £2,235pp.

Fiji

Why? The South Pacific is likely to draw increasing numbers of visitors as a result of the Bali bombing, and not just from Australians turning east instead of west. There is a sense of being on the edge of the world in these island archipelagos, as far as you can get from danger. Fiji has had troubles of its own since a failed coup attempt, but as the internal politics have settled it is most likely to benefit from the changing times. There is a wide range of established resorts and a reputation for warmth and good service.
What to see: Beaches, and more beaches. The resorts on Denarau Island, linked by a causeway to the mainland just 20 minutes from the airport, are often the first stopping place. But take a catamaran or a flight to one of the many island resorts. The Mamanucas are closest, with resorts of different sizes and prices. Yasawa Island stands out among the more exclusive thanks to its close relationship with the neighbouring village.
Where to book: Buy a round-the-world ticket from £924 with All-Ways Pacific (01494 432747). Malolo resort on the Mamanuca islands costs £44 B&B per night; Yasawa Island costs from £289pp per night for full board.

Croatia and Montenegro

Why? The coastline of the former Yugoslavia has always drawn British visitors. And while 110,000 Brits visited Croatia last year - a record since the Balkan wars - there is a long way to go before the numbers of the 1980s are matched. Nostalgia plays its part: these Adriatic resorts have the freshness of the Mediterranean in the early days of the tourist boom. Several tour operators have added Croatia to their programmes for this year. But if you want to be one jump ahead of the crowds, look to Montenegro, Croatia's southern neighbour.
What to see: Dubrovnik, fully restored after Serbian shelling, is as beguiling as ever. The resorts of the Istrian peninsula, which borders Slovenia, have a Venetian influence - and you can make a day-trip by catamaran to Venice. The Makarska Riviera, south of Split, claims to be the most beautiful stretch on the coastline. The islands in the south, such as Korcula and Mljet, are enchanting. Montenegro is an independent republic federated with Serbia. Its most distinctive resort is Sveti Stephan, a rocky island with sandy beaches.
Where to book: Holiday Options (0870 0130450) has a Best Of Croatia tour with six nights on the road followed by eight nights at a choice of resorts from £775pp. Seven nights' half-board at Hotel Sveti Stephan costs from £569pp.