Where in the world will we go in 2006? Far and wide, longtime travel experts say.

The new hot spot in the Caribbean may be Turks and Caicos. Eastern Europe will be popular — Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland. Farther afield, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, might see a surprising number of Americans, thanks to new nonstop service from New York. Argentina and Brazil and other countries in South America, where U.S. dollars go a long way, will hold appeal. Even Hawaii, a perennial favorite, might see a tourism surge.

AZIZ SHAH/AP (ENLARGE)
The Burj-al Arab Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 21, 2002, is built to resemble a dhow, the traditional boats that played an essential role before the discovery of oil when the country depended on fishing and pearling. The rapidly developing country is replacing tradition with brash Western style.
Keith Hadley/AJC (ENLARGE)
This desert safari travels through the Swakop River, a dry river bed that seldom flows, to the 'Moon Mountains' allowing time to explore this area of deep chasms and interesting geological features before continuing to 'Welwitschia Valley'.
RON MARTZ/SPECIAL (ENLARGE)
Statues based on drawings and bone structure of Neanderthals, accurate in size and depiction of Krapina Man, are set up on the hillside of Krapina Cave, Croatia.
Czech Tourism (ENLARGE)
The Bekov Nad Teplou Castle in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, is a landmark in this spa city.
Czech Tourism (ENLARGE)
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, in bloom.
PHIL MARTY/AP (ENLARGE)
The tiny houses of Golden Lane, in the Prague Castle walls, were home to castle guards in the 15th century.
REBECCA REID/Special (ENLARGE)
The Szechenyi spa in Budapest, Hungary, is the largest medicinal bath complex in Europe. The neo-baroque building was built in 1913 and the public baths were completed in 1927.
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Sit back and armchair travel with the experts to see where you might go this year.

• Martha Gaughen, a travel agent with Sterling Travel in Atlanta: "The new hot spot in the Caribbean is the Turks and Caicos with the opening of the Villas at Grace Bay Club, the reopening of the Palms, and the opening in 2006 of the first Aman resort in the Caribbean. Parrot Cay has opened their new spa, and condos are popping up everywhere on Provo.

"Thailand is back with the opening of the Four Seasons Golden Triangle outside of Chiang Rai on the border of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, offering 10 luxury tented accommodations.

"For the adventure traveler, Namibia is the up and coming African country to visit. It is a land of open spaces, endless blue skies and stark desert beauty. Each area offers a different experience from the red dunes in Sossusvlei, to the life giving waters of the Etosha saltpan. From the shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast, to the scenic area of Serra Cafema.

"Family travel continues to grow with favorite destinations being the Caribbean, ski vacations, and specialty cruises."

• Don George, Global Travel Editor of Lonely Planet Publications: "I actually polled LP's U.S.-based staffers for their take on the hot spots for 2006, and here's what we collectively decided:

No. 10, Germany: "Two words: World Cup."

No. 9, Colombia: "Now is the time to go. Colombia is still well off the gringo trail and you'll only have to share the swaying wax palms and sweaty salsa clubs with a handful of hardy travellers (and crowds of friendly Colombians). It's modern, vibrant and one of the best value places in South America."

No. 8, India: "The tsunami in the south and the earthquake in the north have forced it back in the spotlight; people are interested in not only seeing this country but participating in its travel comeback (specifically in the areas affected). ... It still seems exotic but safer and easier than it has in the past."

No. 7, Canada: "Canada offers a something-for-everyone assortment of close-to-home treasures."

No. 6, Antarctica: "It's easy — March of the Penguins."

No. 5, Mexico: "The culture, food, beaches, charm, value and proximity — a Mexico vacation can't be beat!"

No. 4, Croatia: "Even though Croatia made a quantum leap in popularity this year, it still offers travelers so much: a spectacularly beautiful coast and islands, great culture, history and cuisine, and the alluring combination of a reliable tourist infrastructure without the tourist crowds of its Mediterranean neighbors, and still at an affordable price."

No. 3, Nicaragua: "In 2004, there was a 16 percent increase in travel to Nicaragua, with the largest share of visitors coming from the United States. ... It's the one to watch in 2006 as the media attempt to find the 'next Costa Rica.' Plus there's a cool kid factor to visiting this place — it's safe, the people are very friendly, there's a lot to do, yet it still has this perception of being dangerous."

No. 2, China: "The Olympics are coming to Beijing in 2008, the Shanghai World Fair will be held in 2010, and people are finally beginning to recognize China as the world's next economic superpower. They're curious to know more. ... Shanghai is perfect: a place that's new to many, but with Western influences, flourishing businesses, exciting nightlife. In 2006, Shanghai will be the new New York of the East."

No. 1, Argentina: "This country is sizzling. It's got fabulous culture, food, wine, countryside, outdoors (Patagonia anyone?); it's welcoming to travelers, safe and still very affordable due to exchange rates. What more could anyone want?"

• George Bauer, author and host of "The Seasoned Traveler" on public television: "Two locales should become more popular in 2006 and beyond. One is here at home, the other is in Eastern Europe.

"When most Americans think of New York, they see the bright lights of the Big City or the tumbling falls of Niagara. But the Empire State is more than just a Big Apple and one of the most enticing regions of New York is the Finger Lakes: 11 watery jewels along the southern tier of the state. The Lakes are named for the six nations of the Iroquois tribe and each is magnificent. Picture postcard communities sit along the lakes: places like Ithaca with its 300 gorges; Aurora, an entire town on the National Register of Historic Places; Seneca Falls, birthplace of the women's movement; and Skaneateles, home of the famous antique and classic boat show each July.

"Overseas, Croatia is one of the most magnificent places anyone can visit, as beautiful as the French Riviera but at half the cost. Croatia has 1,100 miles of breathtaking coastline, and 1,185 islands in the Adriatic. In the south, Dubrovnik, the ancient walled city, is spellbinding. In the north, Opatija is a beautiful playground by the sea. It is the gateway to the famed Istrian Peninsula, site of Roman ruins, marvelous marinas, and enchanting villages (some of which speak Italian as well as Croatian). And the island of Krk is charming, with lovely villages and a burgeoning wine industry. Western Europeans have known of the glories of Croatia for decades. Now, with the Yugoslavian civil conflict just a memory, more Americans are discovering this exicting playground in Eastern Europe."

• Wendy Swartzell and Ann Lombardi, a.k.a. The Trip Chicks, travel agents at Atlanta's Passport to Adventure: Swartzell and Lombardi predict that next year more American travelers will delve into Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. "The recent death of Pope John Paul II has helped to fuel American interest in eastern European nations, where dramatic history, colorful traditions and dollar-friendly tourism options abound," says Swartzell.

"Krakow, Poland, is one of my all-time favorite cities on the continent. The city offers vibrant street life, hospitable locals and great sightseeing. Throughout much of Eastern Europe there is a remarkable variety of religious and historical attractions for Americans to discover," says Lombardi.

The Trip Chicks see also a continued growth in the soft adventure vacation market with an increase in hiking, walking, marathoning, or multi-sport getaways here and overseas. "As baby boomers, both retired or in the work force, look for creative ways to combine travel and fitness, active vacations will grow in popularity," they predict.

• Anita Dunham-Potter, editor-in-chief of AnitaVacation.com: "Dubai, United Arab Emirates — the Middle East's answer to Las Vegas sans big gambling (though there is camel racing with wagering). A man-made wonder that must be seen to be believed. Elaborate beach resorts, the world's most unique hotel Burj Al Arab, and great shopping make Dubai an exotic getaway. Downside, some cultural faux pas that should be avoided such as wearing shorts and drinking alcohol in public places. Nonstop flights on Emirates Airlines out of New York City make it even more accessible — they offer great deals on vacation packages.

"Brazil beaches near Salvador de Bahia. The Europeans discovered this great getaway decades ago. For North Americans, it's a little difficult to get to, but worth the trip. These beaches are unspoiled and are more exotic than most beaches in the Caribbean. In addition, historic towns offer great excursions for learning about the history of the area.

"Hawaii is back, particularly the more exotic islands of Kauai and the big island Hawaii. These islands now have their own nonstop service from the mainland, which has allowed them to become larger tourist destinations. Great deals on Hawaiian Airlines and new service from US Airways out of Phoenix make getting to Hawaii more affordable."

• Michael Andre Adams, travel editor/columnist whose Web site is Traveling in My World (www.travelinginmyworld.com): "Fort Lauderdale should be on your vacation radar, regardless of your age, gender, sexual orientation or financial status. Here's why:

"Less than a stone's throw from the heart of the city, its airport, frequently served by budget carrier AirTran, offers complimentary wireless internet throughout and the largest, most convenient car rental center under one roof in America.

"Its Port Everglades Cruise Port welcomes (among others) the QM2 and newcomers Carnival Liberty and Costa Magica.

"Clothes junkies, brace yourselves for the coming in March of the world's largest designer outlet mall, The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass. Elizabeth Arden's Red Door Spa in the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (think Neiman's, Saks and Macy's) will be delighted to massage your tired feet after shopping.

"Relax in the lap of luxury at the beachfront Atlantic, one of Starwood's Luxury Collection properties. The beachfront St. Regis is expected to open by mid 2006, with The W and Trump's Hotel & Tower Fort Lauderdale trailing right behind.

"Be sure to incorporate Johnny V's on Las Olas, the center of the city's nightlife, into your dining plans. And if you really want to get jiggy, Miami is less than 30 minutes away."

• Bob Jones, OneTravel.com's "Frugalist": "Emerging and developing destinations for 2006 include Eastern Europe, particularly Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Classic architecture, public markets and outstanding prices make these countries an excellent value.

"Closer to the U.S., Costa Rica is emerging as an alternate destination to Belize and Yucatan resorts. With wonderful beaches and eco tours second to none, Costa Rica is setting itself apart from the pack.

"Cambodia is opening up to tourism and Siem Reap city, the gateway to Angkor Wat and several other ancient temples, is a showcase of Cambodian culture and hospitality."