Whatever your tastes, 2011 is filled with unmissable things to see and do. So broaden your travel horizons and get ahead of the pack with our top travellers’ picks for 2011.

Mumbai, India

This is the year of India’s financial powerhouse and centre for fashion and film, Mumbai. Made famous in Danny Boyle’s epic Slumdog Millionaire and fully recovered from the 2008 attacks, this most vibrant of Indian cities offers visitors a real taste of India, with grand colonial buildings, ancient bazaars and enormous temples. The Mumbai contemporary art scene welcomed some exciting additions in 2010, so 2011 is the year to discover the up-and-coming Colaba Art District’s galleries BMB, Volte, Project 88 and Maskara.
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Berlin, Germany

Berlin secured its place alongside city break bigshots like New York, London and Paris in 2010 with the summer opening of swanky Soho House Berlin. Plus, it’s still a must-visit destination for culture and clubbing – hosting an appealing mix of top museums and galleries, experimental restaurants and guerrilla clubs. When it comes to fashion, art, design and music Berlin has something for everyone, whatever you’re into.
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Dunedin, New Zealand

Often overlooked in favour of better-known destinations, 2011 is the year that Dunedin shines. New Zealand’s most southern city, it’s the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts – within easy access of adrenalin-fuelled Queenstown and the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Plus, in the autumn the spotlight will be shined on Dunedin as it’s a host city of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Stockholm, Sweden

From its quaint old town and beautiful residential streets to the thriving, vibrant city centre, modern Stockholm is like two stories set in one – and a delight to explore for that very reason. In December 2011 a film remake of Stieg Larrson’s book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, set in Stockholm, is due for release. Follow in the footsteps of stars Mikael and Lisbeth on one of Stockholm City Museum’s Millennium Tours through settings from the book.

Orkney, Scotland

The magical archipelago of Orkney is another hot tip for 2011. The second largest Island, Hoy, presents a superbly dramatic landscape, with some of the highest sea cliffs in the country. And there are suggestions that 2011 could the last chance to tackle the famous Old Man of Hoy climbing challenge, as it’s tipped that this 450ft pillar of sandstone will collapse soon.

Turku, Finland

2011 sees Turku crowned European Capital of Culture. Finland’s oldest city will be laying on a veritable feast of artistic and cultural events to celebrate the accolade, from film festivals and jazz orchestras to more Finnish events like cutting the world’s longest rag rug. After sampling this Smörgåsbord of events, you’ll deserve a relaxing dip in one of the country’s half million saunas.
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Machu Picchu, Peru

Although already firmly established on the tourist trail, Machu Picchu is still a must-see destination in 2011 for two reasons. Firstly, 2011 marks the hundredth anniversary of the now-famous Inca ruins being rediscovered by Hiram Bingham. And secondly, because Machu Picchu has been honoured as an important ecotourism destination at the World Travel Awards, due to the positive effect tourism has had on the economic, environmental and social development in nearby communities.

Galle, Sri Lanka

A new airport is due to open in Matara, in the south of Sri Lanka, towards the end of 2011; making the seaside village of Galle far more easily accessible. Now recovered from the 2004 tsunami, it’s a perfect time to visit this reincarnated area of Sri Lanka with its beautiful beaches, boutique hotels and chic guesthouses. Plus, 2011 has been designated Visit Sri Lanka Year, so there’ll be even more reasons to take a trip to the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

Cross-Country USA

2011 sees the release of On the Road, a movie adaptation of the classic novel by Jack Kerouac.The movie charts the journey of drifter Sal Paradise as he travels by road and railway across America, from New York to Los Angeles via Chicago and San Francisco. Why not make 2011 the year you get to grips with the real America and retrace the route of Sal in the great expanses between the big cities.

Daegu, South Korea

See old and new collide in the streets of Daegu, South Korea’s third largest city. Where once the city’s traditional medicine market was its largest tourist draw, now these traditional highlights sit alongside urban shopping malls, giving rise to nicknames like ‘fashion city’. Daegu also has some of the country’s best restaurants and nightlife – competing with the likes Seoul – and is a great hub for daytrips out to the temples of Jikjisa and Haeinsa.