Top 10 for 2010

Rio de Janeiro
Rio will be on more travellers' radars over the next few years after bagging two major sporting events: the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. It's a great time to visit as the build-up to these events creates a buzz. The city is beautifully located along the coast, with stunning beaches and granite outcrops creating a lush green skyline.

Rio is famous for its night-life; check out street parties in the district of Lapa or dance all night at one of the Samba schools in the favelas. Soccer matches at the Maracanã stadium are amazing to experience, not just for the football but for the carnival atmosphere also. For more details, visit: www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br/en/.

Island Hopping off Ireland's West Coast
If you would island hop in Thailand or Greece then why not in Ireland? Ireland has a wealth of islands with rugged shores and spectacular beaches waiting to be explored. A good itinerary to consider would be to start off from southwest Kerry with a boat trip to the Skelligs for amazing wildlife and archaeology. Hop between the Aran Islands for a session of Irish traditional music and unique flora and fauna. Stop by Achill for some surfing before making your way up to Tory for some scuba diving.

For a five-day escorted island hopping tour, visit: www.walkingconnemara.com. This tour sets off from Killary Habour, Ireland's fjord, before visiting the islands of Inishbofin, Inishturk and Clare Island. The tours are led by an archaeologist and a local Connemara man who are great at imparting their knowledge and scan the sea for dolphins, seals, gannets and basking sharks. For more details on Ireland's islands, visit: www.discoverireland.com.

Camino de Santiago de Compostela
This year is a holy year which means even more pilgrims will walk Spain's Camino de Santiago. Over 300,000 people are expected to take on the challenge this year. Pilgrims who complete the route will be granted remission of sins.

The route is not just popular with pilgrims but with backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts also. There are many routes to choose from, all finishing in Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain. The main route is Camino Francés which traditionally starts in St Jean Pied de Port and finishes 780km later. You can start anywhere along the route and tailor it to suit your fitness and time restrictions. Both www.followthecamino.com and www.maptravel.ie organise excursions.

Istanbul
Istanbul is the 2010 European City of Culture and this year's must-do city break. Built around a harbour, its geographical location couldn't be better. For the history buffs the area of Sultanahmet is home to the big sights of Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque.

Istanbul offers a mix of old Arabic traditions with new, western 'Istanbul cool'. One moment you are wandering around the grand bazaar or smoking the hookah pipe in a poky café and the next sipping a cocktail on a rooftop terrace of the Taksim district. These two very different traditions juxtaposed in the city make it an interesting and exciting place to be. For information on events in Istanbul in 2010, visit: www.en.istanbul2010.org. Turkish Airlines flies direct from Dublin: www.turkishairlines.com.

Brighton
Brighton is a good alternative to London for a city-break. The train journey from Gatwick airport is just a half-an-hour meaning that it's easily accessible for a weekend city break. It's the ideal place for those who love the trendiness of London but feel intimidated by its massive size. Brighton has all the benefits of a metropolis such as good shopping, culture and nightlife. But it has the added bonus of being by the sea and small enough to navigate easily.

If cafe culture and shopping are your things then head for Brighton's lanes. Dig in to a bag of salty chips or candy floss on the pier and don't miss a visit to the Royal Pavilion. The UK offers good value for the Irish tourist with the exchange rate in our favour. For more information on Brighton, visit: www.visitbrighton.com.

Iceland
I am not one to usually take advantage of the misfortunes of others - but there has never been a cheaper time to visit Iceland. The country's collapsed economy has dragged prices to an all-time low and by visiting you can do your bit to help in its recovery.

Iceland is a place of outstanding natural beauty, with its snow-capped mountains, hot springs, glaciers and waterfalls. See the Northern Lights or go on a city-break to the country's cosmopolitan capital Reykjavik. Zara's Planet offer tailor-made horse riding trips and four-day cultural tours where you can see the Northern Lights depending on the time of year. See www.zarasplanet.ie for more details.

Surfing off Clare and Donegal
Take up surfing in 2010 and become a part of Ireland's fastest growing sport. An estimated 50,000 people surf in Ireland. Visit any surf beach to see surfers enjoy good quality breaks and the sociable subculture surrounding the sport. Clare and Donegal are perfect for all levels of ability. There are gentle breaks to suit beginners and world class swells for the big wave riders.

Bundoran hosts a three-day surf music festival starting on 25 June. Tickets are €69.95 including camping. This year's line-up is yet to be announced, but last year the Super Furry Animals headlined. For more details, visit: www.seasessions.com and for more information on surfing in Ireland, visit: www.isasurf.ie.

Paris
The IRFU estimates that about 8,000 Irish sports fans will travel to Paris this February to see the France-Ireland rugby match. Should we win it will be an extra-sweet victory, considering the notorious Thierry Henry handball incident last November.

What makes this weekend in Paris a 'match made in heaven' is that it's on Valentine's weekend. Kill two birds with one stone: check out the Ireland match while romancing your loved one. Paris remains one of the most visited cities in the world and visitors come for its world class architecture, art collections and cuisine. For more information on Paris, visit: http://en.parisinfo.com.

Mexico
The world blaming swine-flu on Mexico combined with the economic downturn has given the Mexican tourist industry a rough time in the last year. However, 2010 offers good value for the all-inclusive package, most of which are in the Cancún area.
Even if this man-made, Americanised city is not your cup of tea there are great attractions close by. Swim with the biggest fish in the sea, the whale shark. Explore the rivers and pools of the underground caves or immerse yourself in the Mayan world of Chichen Itza. The more adventurous can visit Mexico City, which offers excellent cuisine, fascinating museums and stunning archaeology. For information on Mexico and Cancún, visit: www.visitmexico.com and www.cancun.travel. www.tropicalplaces.ie does all inclusive packages.

NYC
Irish travellers have a love affair with New York. The favourable exchange rate means that its popularity is set to continue this year. New York is the ultimate city; with its good street vibe, shopping, noise, cultural diversity and sensory overload.

Visit the iconic buildings such as the Empire State and Statue of Liberty or just spend hours walking through Manhattan and enjoy the variety of neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. People-watching, the world's most underrated tourist activity, is at its best in New York. Visit: www.nycgo.com for more information.

Deirdre Mullins

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