10 must-visit travel destinations in 2014

Travel has always been on my life’s to-do list. Consumed by wanderlust, the desire to see the world was (and still is) painfully intense.

I have yet to quench my thirst for travelling, mostly because of my endless procrastination. If you’re facing a similar situation right now, then join me in vowing to stop putting off travelling and start making plans. Do whatever you need to do — even if means blindfolding yourself and then pinning a location on a map using a thumbtack! It’s time to pack up your bags and go someplace else!

To help you (and me!) get a headstart, let me show you 10 places to visit this 2014:

1. Disneyland around the world

Ok, seriously parents, we should be Disneyland veterans. Those of you with older kids can probably call yourselves that. Those of you who have gone through long queues in the sun, tantrums on Magic Mountain, ice cream spills on t-shirts and all sorts of public meltdowns in this enchanting place seriously deserve a medal!

Despite all the hassle involved with traveling to Disneyland with children, it’s still most likely that one day we will pack tons of diapers, snacks and extra underwear just so our kids can experience it. Who are we to deprive them, right?

Luckily for us in Singapore, there are many Disneyland spots around the world including those in Asia, namely Tokyo and Hong Kong. This makes for easier budgeting so you’ll have more cash to spare for souvenirs or savings for your next trip.

To help you choose the right Disney destination for your family, check out the various options here

2. Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

While in Hong Kong, you should definitely visit Tsim Sha Tsui, which is full of shopping malls, stores and restaurants. You’ll find many international brands in the area, and Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard is a perfect place to shop for fashionable clothes. (If you have teenage kids, they’ll totally enjoy it there!)

Mums will also enjoy stocking up on cosmetics at Granville Road. Meanwhile, dads (and the whole family, too, most likely!) will enjoy a cultural experience at the Hong Kong Space Museum and Cultural Center.

Don’t forget to visit the Avenue of Stars (a Hong Kong version of Hollywood Boulevard if you will), showcasing the local movie industry. Get your camera ready and take photos with some of the 73 celebrities’ "stars" on the ground or the 3-metre bronze statue of Bruce Lee.

3. Goa, India

For the purposes of this article, I’m going to recommend a location that I personally would love to visit: Goa. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and places of worship, it is not a typical commercialised tourist spot. Still, you’ll enjoy learning about bits and pieces of India’s history and architecture there.

Don’t worry about accommodations either — there are so many comfortable hotels and big family resorts where you and your kids can stay. A simple search will help you come up with a list of places (Taj Goa, Park Hyatt Goa, Goa Marriott Resort, Vivanta by Taj, to name a few) where your family can have a pleasurable experience, complete with relaxing spas, traditional dance performances and boat rides where you can dolphin habitats. Your only worry will be how to fit everything in those few precious days you’re there!

4. Seoul, South Korea

With the recent craze over Korean drama and K-POP stars, Singaporeans have picked up on Korea’s trend-setting ways. We’ve adopted their pop culture and looks, and some have even taken up Korean as a newfound favourite language. It only makes sense then that we’d include Korea in our list of places to visit.

If you were to go there in Spring, (between April to May) you must visit the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Flowers will be blooming, naturally brightening up the scenery with their colours. You’ll also enjoy meeting people at the Korean Folk Village. While you’re there, test your family’s trekking skills up the mountains at Namhansanseong Park .

If you opt for a winter vacation, (between December to mid-March), make it a fun skiing trip for the whole family. There are so many ski resorts to choose from based on the skiers’ skill level. You can also opt for a large bustling resort with many facilities or a quiet, more personal space.

5. The Vatican and Rome, Italy

The Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Square, Basilica — these are just SOME of the must-see attractions in Vatican City. Going there will definitely be more exciting for those of you who have belief systems associated with the place, as you can explore your spiritual roots too.

However, even if you don’t fit in the abovementioned category, I’m sure you’ll still enjoy going there. I have been fascinated with Rome since every picture, movie and book that features it (can anyone say Dan Brown?) has left me mesmerised by its amazing culture. After all, isn’t that one of the reasons why we choose to travel — to enrich ourselves by immersing in the culture of others?

6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ah, the City of Gold. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, housing and attracting many influential and well-off individuals. While there, bask in the luxury that is in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula by treating yourself to choices served on a gold platter. Take in the sights and sounds — from elegant shopping malls such as Wafi / Dubai Mall to breathtaking architecture like the Burj Khalifa and hotels that look like they popped out of Aladdin’s lamp.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the unbelievable experience of an authentic Desert Safari and Dubai’s majestic land reclamation project — Palm Jumeirah — man-made to look like a giant palm tree from an aerial view.

If your kids are bent on just having fun, they’ll surely enjoy Dubai’s wide range of amusement and theme parks. And if your vacation won’t be complete without heading to the beach, don’t worry, sand does not only exist in the deserts of Dubai — it also has perfect white beaches!

7. Mexico

Magnifico Mexico! It should definitely be on your "must-visit" list. Why? There are just so many reasons: From taking in the breathtaking sight of The Copper Canyon and Juanacatlan Lagoon; to wildlife experiences such as watching sea turtles hatch and feeding milk to a cub at the zoo (Vallarta area); to visiting ancient monumental sites like the Mayan pyramids (a must-do for fans of Alien vs Predator!)

The kids will enjoy and learn a whole lot, too. Personally, I would take advantage of the opportunities to increase ecological awareness. This can be done by visiting Riviera Maya, spending the day with butterflies at The Monarch Biosphere Reserve and camping at Baja Peninsula.

So you see, there’s something for everyone! Don’t forget, too, that Mexico is famous for its fiestas. So bring along your sombreros and you might find yourself partying with the locals every day and night of your trip!

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town was the host of the World Cup in 2010, making it one of the top places to go to at that time, especially for football fanatics. Of course, that’s not the only reason why it’s a top tourist destination. Even now, four years later, people still give it a lot of attention. You’ll find out why once you get there.

While in Cape Town, you’ll marvel at everything around you so soak it in! Take a bus, take a drive, have a picnic, go on the many, MANY natural trails available (mountains, hills, beaches, biodiversity gardens, to name a few) in this downright gorgeous city. Try their delicious food, let your kids take as many pictures as they want and look out for unique souvenirs.

It would also be good to set aside a day to visit their museums and watch an African dance performance. Set another day to check out the wildlife exhibitions such as the Two Oceans Aquarium and the Shark Zone.

9. Maldive Islands, Republic of the Maldives

Seriously? Do I really need to explain why you simply have to visit the Maldives? Well, for one thing, it’s not been called "paradise on earth" for no reason.

The Maldives would be your top choice if you want your family to have a totally relaxing experience (and you definitely deserve that). Granted it would be better if this trip is one only you and your hubby would take (think second honeymoon!), it’s still a spectacular spot for the whole family to go to.

If you’re fussy about your meals, your eating experience at the Maldives will be a breeze. From casual dining to gourmet meals, you can choose from a whole range of international cuisine. Of course, since you’re on vacation, you should try the local cuisine as well. Don’t be afraid to try traditional eateries which serve a lot of seafood that are usually spicy and laced with coconut.

10. Athens, Greece

There is something about ancient Greece and its mythology that encapsulates mystery. Visiting Athens will bring you back to the time of Olympian Gods and Goddesses — an exciting experience for you, I’m sure. Ancient Agora, Erechtheus, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon — these are just a few of the ancient sites you should include in your itinerary. Don’t forget modern establishments such as the New Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum, which houses ancient sculptures and art exhibitions, respectively. You’ll also want to join other tourists and soak in Greek culture by visiting the Plaka District, a serene village serving authentic local cuisine. If your kids are into Greek mythology (think Perseus, Wrath of the Titans, Clash of the Titans) then this trip will surely be a treat for them too. So there you have it — 10 places to get you started on the road to travel! Don’t forget — when it comes to traveling, sometimes the most important thing is to just decide to do it and, well, do it!