The allure of travel is novelty — in culture and history, or in cuisine and even shopping.

Antarctica

These 10 countries are destined for an epic year, whether they’re hosting festivals, cutting the ribbon on new attractions or simply raising their game for travellers. Feast your eyes on 2014's most unmissable destinations.

1. Brazil - All eyes on the pitch for 2014’s World Cup

2. Antarctica - The adventure of a lifetime

3. Scotland - An eventful year

4. Sweden - Food, culture and scary stories

5. Malawi - The Big Five and beach life without the crowds

6. Mexico - The sleeping giant is waking

7. Seychelles - Paradise within reach

8. Belgium - High emotions in Europe's underrated gem

9. Macedonia - Back to the future, Balkan-style

10. Malaysia - A revitalised Malaysia goes back to business

via Lonely Planet (all details)

Bazaruto, Mozambique

Sipping cocktails by the seashore, diving on a perfect reef or basking in midnight sun above the Arctic Circle - whatever your dream, somewhere out there is the right island for you. Jill Crawshaw reveals the world's most fabulous castaway experiences

1. Mnemba Island, Zanzibar

2. Lofoten Islands, Norway

3. Roatan, Honduras

4. Wilson Island, Australia

5. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro:

6. Angra Dos Reis Bay Islands, Brazil

7. Petit St Vincent, Caribbean

8. Madagascar

9. Korcula, Croatia

10. Bazaruto, Mozambique

11. San Blas Islands, Panama

12. Formentera, Balearic Islands

13. Taprobane, Sri Lanka

14. Los Roques, Venezuela

15. North Island, Seychelles

16. Funzi Keys, Kenya

17. Dhoni Mighili, Maldives

18. Aitutaki, South Pacific

19. Panarea, Italy

20. Samothraki, Greece

via Guardian