You could close your eyes, spin around three times and point randomly at the atlas. But this could mean that you end up spending your two precious weeks of holiday in Kazakhstan. Or you could check out our list of 2007?s travel hot spot and become an uber-cool and trendy traveller.

Ethiopia

Most people would commonly associate Ethiopia with war and poverty, but that?s not the whole truth. Ethiopia is (for the slightly more intrepid traveller) an exciting and untapped destination.

Ethiopia is regarded as one of the earliest Christian kingdoms, and sights range from Aksum ? which some people believe to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant ? to the magnificent churches of lalibela, hewn from the bed-rock. Legend has it that all 11 churches were built in a single century with the help of ?angels?.

The eco-tourist will not be disappointed by the seven Rift Valley Lakes that teem with birds and hippos. The Simien Mountains also provide easily accessible hiking, with the possibility of encountering the unique gelada monkey and the elusive Ethiopian wolf.

Jordan

Admittedly, the Middle East, doesn?t strike most (with the exception perhaps of the religiously zealous) as an ideal holiday destination. There is always that pesky reservation about political unrest and the occasional bomb. Jordan, however, is an oasis of political stability and unrivalled hospitality.

The land of Lawrence of Arabia, biblical tales and the home of ?Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?, Jordan offers everything from Byzantine history to the desert playground of Wadi Rum.

Mexico

If you are willing to travel a little further abroad and have a penchant for tacos, tequila and all things spicy, then Me-hi-co is the answer. The cities are packed with vibrant colours, cultures and cuisine and music, but the real treasures lie in the unexplored.

Chiapas, which got the world?s attention with the Zapatista uprising in the mid-nineties, has been taking the rap as a dangerous destination for too long. It has a treasure of archaeological sites and with its new roads, eco-lodges and forest reserves, is the ideal destination for the eco-tourist.

The Isla Holbox off the Yucatan Peninsula, with its sandy roads, absence of traffic and empty beaches makes for a great Mexican sea safari where you could encounter anything from dolphins and sea turtles to massive whale sharks.

Nicaragua

Like Ethiopia, Nicaragua is something of a surprise contender. Scarred by war and natural disasters, it is nevertheless, one of the safest countries in Central America.

In liberal Leon, you will find grand colonial churches and old Spanish-style houses with quaint courtyards. Granada, which has the nickname of ?La Gran Sultana? (The Great Sultan) and dating back to 1524 is the oldest Spanish city (outside of Spain of course) and offers similar architectural delights.

China

China is such a vast country, that it seems a little silly to feature it on the hot spots list. This year, put aside the usual attractions - the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and the Imperial City ? and focus on Shanghai.

Shanghai, modern and sophisticated, is fast becoming the country?s cultural capital. The art scene is exploding with both up-and-coming and established artists flocking to the city?s many galleries. On the brink of change, a new cultural revolution, Shanghai offers a unique and exciting vista for cultural tourists.

Japan

Tokyo is the new, and luckily cheaper, London and New York. This thriving mega-city, which has the dubious recommendation of having the most vending machines in the world, has an efficient public transport system and is easy to explore.

Dubbed the ?Greenwich Village of Tokyo?, Shimokitazawa has quaint streets lined with vintage stores, cafes and cheap noodle shops. Omotesundo, on the other hand, has wide avenues and is home to designer boutiques. The city is best visited in the spring, when the cherry blossoms fill the streets with their beauty.

Vietnam

With the rather disagreeable reputation of being America?s most dismal military failing, Vietnam doesn?t strike most as an ideal destination. However Ho Chi Minh City, better known as Saigon, is rapidly gaining favour as an Asian city worth visiting.

The economic capital and largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a delightful blend of a bustling metropolis ? with its street markets, pavement cafes and vendors ? ancient culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It?s also the perfect jumping off point for the beaches further north and the Mekong Delta to the south.

So, when you sit down to plan your great adventure, look past the usual all-inclusive packages to Thailand, Italy and Greece and ? with at least one eye open ? settle on one of these fantastic destinations.