BEAUTIFUL WORLD - 11 places to go in 2014

11 places to go in 2014

By Tamara Hinson, for CNN

December 14, 2013 -- Updated 0554 GMT (1354 HKT)

Panama: Canal's 100th birthday

The Panama Canal's 100-year anniversary arguably is not, in and of itself, a top five reason for visiting the 

country in 2014.  But the events surrounding the big day and Panama's other attractions certainly are.

Brazil: The World Cup

If you're a football fan, or a beach fan, or a party fan, or a wildlife fan, and especially if you're all of the above, 

Brazil will be hard to beat as a destination in 2014. Hosting the World Cup during June and July, 

it also offers great areas like the Amazon basin and the amazing Iguazu Falls.

Myanmar: Tourism 'Master Plan'

Myanmar has been touted as "the next big tourism destination" for a few years already, but getting around the 

country has proved tricky. That's started to change already and next year it's going to accelerate under 

a new tourism "master plan."

Iceland: Best Northern Lights for years

"With NASA scientists predicting that an 11-year cycle of solar activity will peak this winter, for the first few months of 2014 the Northern Lights are expected to put on their most spectacular display for the next decade," says David Phillips, operations manager for Explorers Astronomy Tours.

Ecuador: Becoming a 'tourism powerhouse'

In the last few months Ecuador's new Minister of Tourism, Vinicio Alvarado, announced a $600 million investment 

in tourism over the next four years as part of a plan to become a "tourism powerhouse." 
It's probably the best vacation spot you haven't yet considered, unless your name's Julian Assange.

New Zealand: 2,500-kilometer cycle trail

If doing more exercise is one of your 2014 resolutions (and this time you mean it), an extended trip to New Zealand could provide the means. The 2,500-kilometer Nga Haerenga cycle trail in New Zealand will be completed in 2014, showcasing the best of the country's landscape, culture and heritage.

Costa Rica: Officially approved beaches

If you're the type that likes awards and official stamps of approval before buying your vacation, the beaches in 

Nosara in Costa Rica just winked at you. 
They're likely to become popular in 2014, thanks to the recent award of a Blue Flag -- an international 

certification awarded to beaches that offer top quality and environmentally friendly experiences.

Japan: Brand new festivals

The 50th anniversary of the bullet train, several new festivals (in a country already in possession of some bizarre ones), a new luxurious cruise train called Seven Stars offering visitors a spectacular new way to explore the 

prefecture of Kyushu -- there are plenty of reasons to visit Japan in 2014.

East Africa: One visa, three countries

Spotting gorillas in Uganda and rhino in Kenya will become a less complicated affair in 2014 after changes to visa regulations come into effect. 
"Visiting the mountain gorillas in Rwanda is a trip of a lifetime, but the magical experience itself lasts just one hour once you get up close to them," says Brad John-Davis, general manager for PEAK Africa.

San Sebastián: Culture and food capital

This Spanish city says it has moreMichelin stars (a total of 16) per square meter than any other place in the world. 

It's also gearing up for its 2016 stint as European Capital of Culture. Get there before everyone else does urges Daniel Fesenmaier from Temple University's School of Tourism and Hospitality. Management.

Tallinn, Estonia: Tunnels and Titanic meals

Tallinn's beautiful old town is reason any year to head to this under-visited city, but in 2014 its most popular tourist attraction will become significantly more accessible, thanks to plans to complete excavation of the tunnels 

beneath the famous bastion walls. A Titanic Artifact exhibition has also recently opened, hosting several 

gala dinners inspired by the last night on the doomed ship.