AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
Architecture: Doha, Qatar
Set to open in March, the modernist National Museum of Qatar will feature artefacts and exhibits depicting the country’s 7,000 years of history.
Hiking: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
It’s a gruelling, week-long journey to reach Africa’s highest peak. Head down to beachy Zanzibar for a well-deserved cool-down afterwards.
AMERICAS
Music heritage: Catskill Mountains, US
Celebrate the legendary Woodstock music festival’s 50th anniversary this year. Join in the earthy festival in New York state, where it’s set to be held in August.
New hub: Seattle, US
Cathay Pacific’s next new flight route, which starts on 31 March, is a treasure trove of mountains and lakes for nature lovers and hikers of all levels.
ASIA: Nature
Beachy: Davao, Philippines
Hang about on the beach, and enjoy diverse cuisine and tribal cultures.
Wildlife: Medan, Indonesia
Head to Mount Leuser National Park to see Sumatran orangutans, tigers and rhinos, and learn about conservation in this UNESCO-listed park.
Climbing: Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka
Check out the Sri Pada, thought of as a sacred footprint, on top of the 2,243-metre-high mountain. It’s revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
ASIA: City
Ancient opulence: Jaipur, India
Soak in the city’s glorious palaces and monuments. The popular Jaipur Literature Festival (24-28 January) is a great time to visit.
Modern opulence: Singapore
Go for a taste of the Crazy Rich Asians life. Tip: Raffles Singapore hotel is opening its doors in the spring after years of renovation.
Classic culture: Xi’an, China
As the ancient capital of China, Xi’an is emerging as a hub of historic culture and modern cool, where hip cafes rub shoulders with a terracotta army.
Cool culture: Toshima, Japan
The 2019 Culture City of East Asia, Toshima is in the north of Tokyo, where visitors can take a peek at traditional Japanese culture and get lost in the bustling Ikebukuro area.
AUSTRALASIA
Diving: Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Much closer to the shore than the Great Barrier Reef, the Ningaloo is also less popular than its massive cousin, making this an accessible, easy diving destination.
EUROPE
Design: Germany
Celebrate the centenary of the Bauhaus art movement in the many museums, exhibitions and installations around Berlin, Weimar and Dessau.
Sports: Minsk, Belarus
Catch all the action at the European Games from 21 to 30 June, when athletes from more than 50 countries compete in 15 sports.