Any travel junkie will tell you that there is nothing quite like the buzz of being first to discover a wonderful part of the world. That could be an entire country, a hard-to-reach region, or a best-kept-secret neighbourhood of a city before it hits the mainstream and the developers move in. Sometimes it's a matter of timing it right, when there's enough going on to make a place exciting, and before it becomes tired and over-developed.

Here are the top 5 hot, exotic destinations that is predicted to be big news for travelers this year.


1. The Galapagos Islands
.A holiday break to the Galapagos Islands will be the vacation of a lifetime, providing a variety of chill out spots like you’ve never experienced before. Galápagos is one of the most fascinating places on earth, an evolutionary melting pot and is renowned for its incredible number of rare and endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin and his observations and collections contributed to the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Situated just 1,000 km from the Ecuadorian mainland, the island chain of Galapagos is made up of 13 islands, 5 of which are inhabited. The Galapagos Islands offer year round enjoyable weather, making any time of the year the ideal time to visit, and the perfect place to relax and enjoy the islands and all they have to offer.

2. PANAMA

Panama is the southernmost country of Central America. Situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, it is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south.The ease of travel and wide array of experiences make Panama one of the most attractive emerging tourism destinations in the world. In just one week, visitors can enjoy two different oceans, experience the mountains and rainforest, learn about native cultures and take advantage of vibrant urban life. The capital, Panama City, is a modern, sophisticated metropolis that resembles Miami and has established commerce, arts, fashion and dining.

3. New Zealand
No prizes for guessing why New Zealand is going to be firmly on the map in 2013. In a word: Hobbits. The Lord of the Rings trilogy did great things for its otherworldly mountainous interior, where it was shot; and now the biggest film of the year, The Hobbit, will be prompting trips to the Antipodes all over again. New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ and numerous smaller islands and because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

New Zealand is one of the most sought after destinations in the world. There is so much to see and do in New Zealand – vigorous outdoor & adventure activities, wildlife viewing & nature, Maori cultural experience and much more. Visiting New Zealand, you can expect to experience some of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes rarely found anywhere else on earth. From snow-capped mountains to geysers and boiling mud pools, from deep blue lakes to lush green forests; New Zealand is haven for those who enjoy outdoor activities or those looking for a place to unwind.

4. NEPAL
Wedged between the high wall of the Himalaya and the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, Nepal is a land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras.There are few countries in the world that are as well set up for independent travel as Nepal. Wandering the trekking shops, bakeries and pizzerias of Thamel and Pokhara, it’s easy to feel that you have somehow landed in a kind of backpacker Disneyland. Out in the countryside lies a quite different Nepal, where traditional mountain life continues stoically and at a slower pace, and a million potential adventures glimmer on the mountain horizons. The biggest problem faced by visitors to Nepal is how to fit everything in. Many people have spent a lifetime exploring the mountain trails of the Himalaya and the atmospheric temple towns of the Middle Hills, and they still keep coming back for more. Our advice is to pick a handful of essential experiences for your first visit and save the rest for trips two, three and four…

5. CONGO
THE CONGO. Its very name conjures up images of exoticism, quintessential Africa, of David Livingstone and Joseph Conrad paddling up the Congo River into the great unknown.
And most of the Congo is still unknown. Its rainforest is the second largest in the world, and it has barely been touched. Among it lives diverse and abundant wildlife including mountain gorillas, African forest elephants, bonobos or pygmy chimpanzees - all endangered, all found only in the Congo. It also has the most monkeys in Central Africa.
But until very recently, this exceptional wildlife has remained out-of-bounds - the country wasn't safe for tourism, and there was nowhere to stay anyway.
Now the political situation has settled down and there are two brand-new safari camps. Both are in the Republic of Congo, ethically created by Wilderness Safaris. Lango Camp is in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park; and Ngaga Camp is set deep in the forest, near to where the mountain gorillas live.

Did I jst c Nepal and Congo on dat list? You must be kidding me.

@ totalbaby,only well heeled Nigerians will appreciate your list except for location number3
Know that majority of Nigerians travel to go hustle& emigrate
Not for sight seeing

lmao ok i understand congo but why nepal?

Promix Tuhh: Did I jst c Nepal and Congo on dat list? You must be kidding me.

whats wrong with new zealand? well this is for people who want vacation(like maybe honeymoon or just a break)

ochukoccna: @ totalbaby,only well heeled Nigerians will appreciate your list except for location number3
Know that majority of Nigerians travel to go hustle& emigrate
Not for sight seeing