I was flicking through a recent copy of Condé Nast Traveller and stumbled across their version of the 2010 travel hotlist (which you will have seen everywhere by now, no doubt). CN usually sort the wheat from the chaff though so I though this list was worth sharing.

They have broken the must-visit destinations for 2010 down into seasons, so starting with spring...

WHERE TO VISIT IN SPRING 2010

Beirut, Lebanon: Hoping to once again become the playground of the Middle East, Beirut is hot right now. Check into the newly opened Le Gray or the Four Seasons.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Super convenient for the Euro traveller, especially since the completion of a high-speed rail track from Brussels (that connects with the Eurostar), Amsterdam's the perfect destination for art lovers in early 2010. The city's main attractions this spring are the Pioneers of Modern Art exhibition at the Hermitage Amsterdam (from 6 March - 17 September 2010) and the reopening of the Stedelijk museum of modern and contemporary art.

Utah, USA: The new Aman resort, Amangiri, will be drawing the crowds to Utah this spring. Located out in the wilderness of Canyon Point, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet, the area is home to one of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA. Added to this is the new law legalising alcohol throughout the State.

Morocco: La Mamounia hotel has been reopened in Marrakech and there are new Easyjet and Ryanair routes to Agadir, with flights to the hyped coastal town of Mirleft coming soon.

Istanbul, Turkey: Lauded as one of 2010's European Capitals of Culture, Istanbul is still a hot destination. Favourable rates of exchange only add to the attraction.

Rome, Italy: Visit Rome to check out the new MAXXI_National Museum of the XXI Century Arts, which exhibits 21st century art and architecture.

WHERE TO VISIT IN SUMMER 2010

South Africa: South Africa is going to be a serious hotspot come the World Cup kick off on June 11th. Savvy travellers should combine a trip to the World Cup with a beach break in Mozambique.

Shanghai, China: The Expo 2010 runs from May to October in Shanghai, and CN recommends staying at the legendary Peace Hotel, overlooking Shanghai's Huangpu River. For more Shanghai travel recommendations click here.

Solta, Croatia: The island of Solta has managed to stay off the beaten tourist track despite being just 30 minutes away from Split by ferry. This summer is the last before a planned revolving hotel and marina spoil Solta's tranquillity, so now is the time to go.

Papua New Guinea: Hot on the heals of the successful BBC series Land of the Volcano, Papua New Guinea can expect a rise in tourists this summer.

WHERE TO VISIT IN AUTUMN 2010

Dubai: For a bit of sunshine and a new fashion hotel openings; the first, The Armani Hotel Dubai, in the Burj Dubai Tower, followed by the Palazzo Versace in the Culture Village of Dubai Creek.

Nicaragua: Check out the surf and book into the country's first boutique hotel, the Contempo.

Uruguay: La Solana, on Portezuelo beach just west of Punta del Este, is the hippest boutique hotel opening in Uruguay this autumn. Also check out the new Estancia Vik to the north-east of José Ignacio.

Sri Lanka: Due in part to the recent stability in Sri Lanka, it is set to be a big destination later on this year. Home to a couple of stunning Aman resorts and the Reef beach villa in Wadduwa, travellers won't be hard pressed to find stylish hotel choices.

WHERE TO VISIT IN WINTER 2010

Colorado, USA: Ski heaven thanks to big changes for the 2010/11 season: the five star Nell Residences are opening in Snowmass, Aspen; a new Four Seasons is launching in Vail; and the Denver Ski Train, which takes ski bunnies to Winter Park, is set for a comeback.

Tasmania: Stay in the lap of luxury at the spa suites of the Saffire resort on Great Oyster Bay.

Antarctica: Travel in serious style on Le Boreal, "the newest and first all-balcony stateroom and suite vessel in Antarctica", chartered by Abercrombie & Kent.

Photo Credits: Amsterdam by MorBCN; Nicaragua by vtoxic; Solta by bullro; Great Oyster Bay by Gary Hayes. All images via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Advent is still ten days away, but everywhere you go Jingle Bells is already on repeat. About to tear your hair out? So am I.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas, just not in a tinsel strewn shopping mall, Starbucks festive latte kind of way. Omnipresent decorations have made me feel stressed about my Christmas shopping list, and it’s still only November!

So, if I had my way I’d escape from this fake winter wonderland to a place where Christmas isn’t a big deal, or any deal for that matter. I’d browse bulging bazaars and seek out unique treats that made me genuinely excited about someone unwrapping them. I’d swap Bing Crosby for the call to prayer and mulled wine for a medina.

Without further ado, here’s where I’d go to escape the pre-Christmas nightmare whilst indulging in some serious retail therapy at the same time.

• Istanbul, Turkey: The Blue Mosque, Byzantine bazaars and the Bosphorus. What better backdrop for a spending spree? Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is allegedly the world’s oldest shopping centre. So what are you still sitting in front of your computer for? Head there now for stunning jewellery, top-notch fabrics, fab food and nightlife that goes on till dawn. Hooray.

• Udaipur, India: Some people head to India to attain spiritual nirvana. I guarantee that in Udaipur you’ll find retail nirvana. Hailed as the most romantic spot in all of India, Udaipur is home hundreds of artists. You can pick up fantastically unique miniature paintings, handmade paper, vibrant sari silks, amazing jewellery, antique furniture and much, much more. Just watch out for the elephants: eco city transport Indian style.

• Marrakech, Morocco: Being let loose in the souks of Marrakech feels like Christmas has come early; spices and slippers, lanterns and leather, tagines and tablecloths. There is so much on offer in Marrakech that you could easily stock up for the next ten Christmases. The noise of bartering blends in with the smells and sights of the old, old medina. A magical place to shop.

• Hanoi, Vietnam: Hanoi is so hot right now. This French colonial gem is bursting with art, history and first class shopping. Visit Vietnamese artists in their studios, commission tailormade handbags and accessories and sniff out great antiques. Head for Hang Gai street and put those elves to shame.

• Tokyo, Japan: Hello heady consumerism, Santa Claus really is coming to town. Big lights, futuristic shopping centres and edgy boutiques. I think that says it all.