Destinations to Watch in 2012

England

England is preparing to take a great big bow on the world stage in 2012 as it hosts the Summer Olympic Games, celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and, just for good measure, throws in a bevy of additional attraction openings and festivities.

The Olympics kick off on July 27 and run, jump, and flip their way through August 12. While London is the hub of Olympic events, it's certainly not the only place to catch the fever. Soccer, sailing, mountain biking, and canoeing are among the events taking place beyond the capital. HomeAway.co.uk has a handy Olympics venues guide with vacation-rental listings in Olympic venues outside of London.

The celebrations begin well in advance of the Summer Games, though. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend takes place between June 2 and 5 and marks her 60th year as monarch. Events include the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, a procession of 1,000 boats on June 3; and a formal carriage procession through London on June 5. And cities around England, as well as the world, will be celebrating Charles Dickens' 200th birthday. Events include festivals, traditional pantomimes, walking tours, and even a quiz night at the Barbican Library in London.

Soccer fans have more than the Summer Games to look forward to with the opening of the National Football Museum in Manchester, which promises visitors the "greatest collection of football memorabilia ever assembled." Preston Guild Week, which happens only once every 20 years, is England's oldest festival, dating back to 1179. In 2012, it will be celebrated in Lancashire with processions, ceremonies, and performances over 10 days in August and September.

Mundo Maya

The end of the world or the dawn of a new era? These are just the sort of questions to ponder in the Mundo Maya, or the Mayan World, this year. Events in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico mark the end of the current Maya "Long Count," a 5,125-year calendar cycle, and usher in the dawning of a new age. Celebrations, themed tours, and ceremonies throughout the year offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient archeological sites and modern culture of the Maya people.

In Belize, Maya cultural festivities include traveling exhibitions, a solstice sleepover at Caracol, and a large festival on December 21, the estimated last day of the calendar. Guatemala's Oxlajuj B'aqtun blends new themed cultural tourism routes with special events. (Though it's a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State website before booking a Guatemala trip, since violence has been a concern in the region of Peten, home to the awe-inspiring archeological site Tikal.) Mexico's events will kick off on July 21 and be centered in Campeche, Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan.

Moon Travel Guides' Maya 2012 is a manual for traveling in the Mundo Maya and can be an invaluable tool for planning a trip that takes full advantage of the special events. Online, Moon also has a brief overview of key destinations and dates, as well as a blog packed with interesting tidbits about the year.

Los Angeles

Even major cities need the occasional burst of serious renewal, and that's exactly what visitors will find in Los Angeles during 2012. Next summer, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will unveil a new $1.5 billion international terminal, as well as a major renovation of Terminal 6 that should make the entire airport experience smoother for passengers.

Next summer will also bring a much-needed splash of green to downtown with the opening of the new 16-acre Civic Park. The Natural History Museum is finishing up seven years of renovations and will debut new permanent exhibits and outdoor spaces throughout 2012. And NASA has announced it will retire the space shuttle Endeavor to the admission-free California Science Center in September. Throw in the opening of Universal Studios Hollywood's new Transformers mega-attraction, and you've truly got something new for every traveler.

Cuba

If new and novel is on your travel wish list for 2012, consider Cuba. The recently loosened travel ban now allows religious organizations and institutions of higher learning to sponsor travel to Cuba. Since the new rules went into effect, dozens of travel companies have applied for licenses to run guided trips, and as more of them gain approval in 2012, the options for travelers should blossom.

Between 2010 and 2011, the number of Americans visiting Cuba nearly doubled, and another significant rise seems likely in 2012, especially as major airlines, including American, Delta, JetBlue, and United, ramp up their charter flight offerings and more U.S. airports gain clearance to offer flights to and from Cuba.

For the foreseeable future, travel to Cuba seems likely to remain restricted to guided groups, basically guaranteeing that it will stay relatively expensive. But for travelers looking for what amounts to a totally new destination that's not too far from American shores, Cuba might be just the ticket.

Japan

After a very rough 2011, Japan is paving the way to a better 2012 with major openings around the country and new air service from the U.S. With its recovery well underway and visitor numbers on the rise, the destination remains unusually affordable, making it clear Japan is taking no chances when it comes to enticing foreign travelers this coming year. Plus, the Japan National Tourism Organization is running promotions like a Facebook sweepstakes through December 30 to give away a customized trip for four to Japan in 2012.

New planes and new service distinguish Japan Airlines' nonstop route between Boston and Tokyo. Service begins on April 22 aboard the airline's new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline will codeshare with American on the flight, and Japan Airlines is looking to partner with JetBlue to further strengthen its U.S. network structure.

New or totally reinvented hotels slated to debut in 2012 are the Ritz Carlton on Okinawa and the Tokyo Station Hotel. Other big events include the May opening of Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest free-standing tower in the world (at over 2,000 feet tall) and the summer unveiling of Hikarie tower in Tokyo, which will be a cultural hub with theaters, galleries, and shops. And those looking for something offbeat but very Japanese can visit the new Cup Noodles Museum, where visitors can learn the history of the snack before heading to the workshop to make their own cup noodle.

Hawaii

A big boost in service should make that wide stretch of Pacific separating the mainland from the Islands of Aloha seem a little more hoppable in 2012. And while nothing has been announced yet, it seems likely that another major low-cost player may burst onto the scene, shaking up the airline landscape in a way that favors travelers.

So here's the scoop on new service: In January, Hawaiian Airlines will add nonstop service from San Jose and year-round direct service from Oakland. Not to be outdone, Alaska Airlines will boost service and offer daily nonstop flights from Oakland or San Jose to Kauai or the Big Island starting in March. Hawaiian will then debut daily nonstop service between New York and Honolulu starting June 4, bringing welcomed new service to a route with otherwise limited nonstop options. And visitors who want to skip the flight altogether will have a new option starting in April, when Disney Cruise Line launches a new 15-night Hawaii cruise that departs from Los Angeles.

There's also the intriguing possibility that 2012 will be the year Southwest begins—or at least announces—service to Hawaii. Last year around this time, Southwest put in an order for a larger type of plane, one that can fly over the water for long distances. The planes will be delivered starting in March, and CEO Gary Kelly has mentioned that Hawaii is a likely eventual Southwest destination, so this is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Philadelphia

Here's a surprising tip: If Europe simply isn't in the travel budget for 2012, consider a trip to Philadelphia instead. Not only is the city celebrating major new museum reopenings, but it will also host an impressive parade of big-name traveling shows, many showcasing European masterpieces.

In May the Barnes Foundation will reopen—with its hundreds of works by impressionists, post-impressionists, and early modern masters—after moving from its former suburban location to a new building on Center City Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Also on the calendar this spring, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent will reopen after extensive renovations. Next year is set to be a great year at museums around and beyond the city, with exhibitions of works by Van Gogh, a traveling show of treasures from Florence's Uffizi Gallery, and a look at 200 years of discovery to celebrate the bicentennial of the Academy of Natural Sciences all taking place.

South Korea

Not one, but two major events geared toward international travelers make 2012 an ideal time to visit Korea. The World Expo will be held in the city of Yeosu from May 12 to August 12. More than 50 countries will be represented at the Expo. Featured attractions include a giant pipe organ that visitors can play using their smartphones and the Extreme Climate Experience, which has an immersive simulated Antarctic blizzard. Both Royal Caribbean and Costa will be offering cruises that dock at the Expo site.

And as if to dispel any questions as to why now is a good time to visit, the country is also in the last of its three-year-long Visit Korea Year, a promotion that brings greater access and better prices to foreign visitors. For instance, getting around is easier with special rates on trains, free bus service to popular cities and attractions, and special "international taxis," whose drivers speak English, in Seoul. There are also dozens of fourth-night-free promotions, as well as the massive Korea Grand Sale 2012, which features discounted shopping between January 9 and February 29.

The Netherlands

A once-a-decade flower spectacle, a major dance festival, and the 25th anniversary of the world's leading art and antique fair put the Netherlands on the map in 2012. And if your trip includes a flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, consider yourself lucky: Not only was the airport recently voted Europe's best, but its newly opened international-departure lounge offers a terminal full of new shopping and dining options.

The country blooms its way through the duration of Floriade, the once-a-decade horticultural expo running from April to October 2012. Visitors can explore more than 160 acres of carefully crafted nature divided into five themed zones where they can witness the splendor of more than a million tulips, bid on flowers at a simulated flower auction, or arrange a floral masterpiece. Plants won't be the only cultivated offering: there are also 900 dance, music, theater, and other performances staged during the six-month expo.

Winter heats up starting in January with the Holland Dance Festival, a three-week series of more than 70 performances, 100 interactive workshops, and a massive dance parade. March 16 marks the opening of the 25th TEFAF art and antique fair. The event draws serious art buyers, but it's also a great way for noncollectors to get a glimpse at exceptional artworks not on the museum circuit.

Guimaraes, Portugal and Maribor, Slovenia

Each year, two European destinations—often regions that are under the radar of travelers—are honored for their cultural vibrancy. These capitals of culture celebrate with a year of special events, performances, and festivals.

This year, the Portuguese city of Guimaraes has earned European Capital of Culture status. Culture can mean tradition or innovation, and Guimaraes has both in spades, with its UNESCO World Heritage historic city center and one of the youngest populations in Europe. In 2012 it will be a gathering place for music, film, photography, fine arts, dance, architecture, and street art.

Six cities in Slovenia also share the European Capital of Culture title this year. Maribor, Murska Sobota, Novo Mesto, Ptuj, Slovenj Gradec, and Velenje will come together for festival concert series, folklore spectacles, international music competitions, puppetry, and even an exhibit about the comic strip in Slovenia.

More Reasons, More Destinations

Looking for new service, special events, and other great reasons to visit a destination in 2012? Here are a few to keep on your radar:

New Service

Slovakia: As of January 1, Slovakia will be among the European countries included on the Eurail Global Pass, making it easier to include a visit as part of a broader European trip.

Berlin, Germany: Berlin's new Brandenburg Airport will open on June 3. It's expected to see 27 million passengers in 2012.

Big Events

Indianapolis: Indianapolis is ready to shine for its time in the Super Bowl XLVI spotlight with a new three-block Super Bowl Village that comprises restaurants, concert stages, and "Tailgate Town." The zone will be free and open from late January through Super Bowl Sunday. Plus, the city's new eight-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail will be complete by the end of the year.

Scotland: Scotland is determined to make itself one of the world's most creative countries by 2020. In that spirit, 2012 has been named the Year of Creative Scotland. Events include the 18-day Celtic Connections music and cultural festival and the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art.

Anniversaries

Switzerland: Light shows and the unveiling of a new subway to the famed Ice Palace are among the events planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway.

New Mexico: New Mexico heralds 100 years of statehood with a ball, parades, a Pony Express ride, and more events.

Arizona: Arizona celebrates its centennial year as a state with galas and outdoor festivals.

Rare Natural Events

Australia: On November 14, a total solar eclipse will be best viewed from northern Australia. There will even be a Solar Eclipse Marathon in Port Douglas, near Cairns.

Northern Destinations: NASA has predicted that 2012 will offer the brightest northern lights in more than 50 years. Good destinations for catching the aurora borealis include Alaska, Canada, Finland, Iceland, and Norway.

More Capitals of Culture

Manama, Bahrain: This year's Cultural Capital of the Arab World is Manama, Bahrain. Note that the U.S. State Department recently issued a travel alert for Bahrain.

Sao Luis, Brazil: The American Capital of Culture organization has chosen to celebrate Sao Luis, Brazil, in 2012. Brazil's Reggae Capital has a UNESCO World Heritage Site city center and is known for its rich mingling of cultures.

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