Mexico

Combines ancient cultures with great beaches on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Greatly improved range of hotels.

Chile

The Torres del Paine national park in Chilean Patagonia has caught the imagination. Good trekking and horse-riding.

The Caribbean

Laid-back lifestyle and excellent beaches, closer than the Indian Ocean and helped by some keen prices.

Sri Lanka

Reaping the peace dividend after years of civil war. History, culture, good beaches.

Mauritius and the Seychelles

Indian Ocean beaches and some well-publicised new hotels.