It’s that time of year when we all start to think of booking our next holiday and if you’re wondering what’s hot for 2010, look no further as leading holiday operators, Thomson and First Choice share their predictions on what they think will be the ten hottest destinations for 2010.

1. Turkey

Turkey proved a big hit with customers this year as it offers great value for money, and with perfect weather and golden beaches, it will continue to be a popular choice in 2010. As a result, Thomson and First Choice have significantly increased their programme offering a range of new flights and destinations. Another reason Turkey has become such a top holiday destination is down to many hotels offering all-inclusive board, which in this current economic climate, is always helpful to families and couples wanting to keep to a budget on holiday.

 

First Choice has more of their popular ‘Splash’ hotels in Turkey than in any other destination. These five resorts all have water-parks on-site with side-winders, boomerangoes and masterblasters galore to keep the kids happy and are available to guests with unlimited access for the duration of their holiday.

 

2. Egypt

The North African country has soared in popularity recently and is one to watch for next year. Egypt is a big family destination with many family oriented resorts with lots to do for kids and adults alike. The culture, climate and a flight-time of less than five hours makes this a great all-round destination for families and adults after guaranteed sun.

 

Thomson and First Choice will be introducing the new resort of Marsa Matruh in 2010, which is in a perfect location for those wanting to visit the historic city of Alexandria. From May customers will be able to experience this stunning resort on the Mediterranean coast and the chance to stay at one of the three brand new, luxurious Jaz resorts. The 5 sun Jaz Crystal hotel, which is exclusive to First Choice in the UK, is a lavish family focused hotel where you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the facilities on offer.  Situated on the beachfront, not only can you enjoy the soft ivory sands and aquamarine waters, this hotel has plenty to keep the whole family busy too, from a large swimming pool to tennis courts and a kids’ club.

 

3. Mexico

Mexico is now firmly back on the agenda as Brits return in their droves and there is great value to be had. On the Yucatan Peninsula you can combine relaxation and history as the famous Mayan ruins are close by. Plus you can enjoy water activities galore, including scuba diving along the second largest coral reef in the world so perfect for adults looking for a bit more to do on their holiday.

 

This year the Mexican government has sunk a whopping $75 million re-investment into the beaches in Cancun to show they’re commitment to overseas visitors and Thomson is offering more ten and eleven night durations from Gatwick and Manchester in 2010 too which has proved very popular this year.

4. Tunisia

As mid haul destinations rise in popularity for being good value for money, Tunisia is often overshadowed by the big boys, Egypt and Turkey. Thomson and First Choice predict in 2010 it will get the recognition it deserves, however, as the country boasts quality accommodation, pristine sandy beaches, top class golf courses and is rich in history and culture so great for adults.

 

Thomson has increased the choice of regional flights to Tunisia for 2010 so customers will be able to fly from Bournemouth, Cardiff, Glasgow, Doncaster and Stansted as well as the existing airports on offer, making the country more accessible to people up and down the country.

 

5. Greece (Mykonos)

Greece is still as popular as ever with its picturesque islands and stunning beaches attracting the masses. Last year’s film ‘Mama Mia’ set on the islands of Skiathos and Skopelos, made Brits go gaga over Greece and the trend is sure to continue into 2010.

 

Thomson is set to add to the Greek islands on offer by launching its first ever weekly flights to Mykonos (from Manchester and Gatwick). The island boasts a fantastic range of accommodation that’s sure to see the island become a hit with our customers seeking that little bit more from their summer holiday.  Whilst Mykonos’ central hub and capital, Mykonos Town, plays host to a mass of bars, nightclubs and restaurants, the island also has its measure of fine sandy beaches and coves dotting the coastline. For the more adventurous holidaymaker, there is a range of water sports on offer and for those looking for a cultural experience, the World Heritage-listed island of Delos is just a couple of kilometres off-shore.

 

6. Majorca

Majorca has always been a big hit with us Brits and that’s not about to change. Just a short flight away, the island offers great weather, trendy cities and beautiful sunsets. The un-favourable exchange rate won’t be such a problem next year as more hotels start to offer all-inclusive board in Majorca which shows the island is adapting to demand.

 

In 2010, First Choice will introduce the first ‘Splash’ resort to the island, the 3 sun Hotel Saturno in Alcudia. Customers can benefit from ‘Free Kids’ places, a choice of flexible durations including 10 and 11 nights and unlimited use of the on-site water-park. First Choice also features one of its flagship family Holiday Villages in the resort of Ca’n Picafort which was awarded overall winner out of all Holiday Villages, by First Choice customers in 2009.

 

7. Cuba

Before President Obama follows through with his plans to ease the longstanding U.S. restrictions on travel, Thomson and First Choice predict a mass flocking by Brits to Cuba before it changes altogether to cater for the mass American tourist market. In 2010, we will be hot-footing it over to the largest Caribbean island to get an authentic Cuban experience before it’s too late.

 

Famed for its exciting history and extraordinary music and dance traditions, as well as its vibrant capital city, Havana, Cuba is an exciting destination full of fun and adventure. First Choice is offering a selection of tours and twin-centre trips to Cuba next year including the seven night Highlights of Cuba tour. This tour takes in the capital, Havana, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the colonial city of Trinidad which can be combined with a beach stay in the second week.

 

8. Croatia & Montenegro

Croatia & Montenegro really are the jewels of the Balkan states. With breath-taking mountainous landscapes, rich green forests and medieval cities, these two stunning countries are already fast becoming two of the trendiest holiday destinations for us Brits.

 

Summer 2010 sees Thomson introduce the first direct flights with a UK carrier to Tivat in Montenegro, making one of Thomson’s up and coming destinations more accessible than ever before.  With a flying time of less than 3 hours, Montenegro, the setting for the 2006 Bond film ‘Casino Royale’, is set to leave you shaken and stirred as it fast becomes one of the destinations of the decade.

 

9. Morocco (Marrakech)

Thomson and First Choice have long offered Morocco as a beach destination but this winter introduced holidays to the capital, Marrakech for shopping and vibrant culture.

If shopping is your thing then Marrakech will be your Mecca, as it is dripping with funky boho jewellery, belts and ethnic home wares. Art lovers can head straight to the Jardin Majorelle, owned by the late Yves Saint Laurent and incorporating the National Art Gallery in its grounds. However, it is the famous square, the Djemaa el Fna that will really get the juices flowing, at night it comes alive with food stalls piled high with Moroccan delicacies and tagines, story tellers, snake charmers and henna tattoo artists all jostling to get your attention.

The brand new Club Hotel Riu Tikida Palmeraie is an ideal spot to stay if you fancy being a bit out of the city and enjoying time in the pool and spa as well as the museums and souks.

 

10. Costa Rica

From November 2010, Thomson and First Choice will introduce Costa Rica to its long-haul holiday offering, and will be the only UK airline to offer direct flights making this destination more accessible to British holidaymakers looking to travel somewhere that little bit different.

 

The exciting destination of Costa Rica offers breathtaking natural beauty with stunning beaches, vibrantly coloured wildlife, lush natural parks and incredible cloud forests contrasted with mighty volcanoes, bubbling mud pits and cascading waterfalls. The country is also renowned for great surfing conditions which help draw in celebrities including Giselle, Mel Gibson (who owns a house here), Pink and her on/off husband Carey Hart and even Heidi and Spencer from reality show, The Hills.