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).

I've been racking my brain about how I can cobble together £6,285 by the 25th February 2010. You see, if I can do it I'll be climbing Morocco's Mount Toubkal with wild man Bear Grylls.

I might be biased as my girlfriends and I are slightly in love with Bear, but this mountain experience from bespoke travel agency Black Tomato really is worth shouting from the top of Toubkal about.

Starting at Tigmi, a luxury boutique hotel just outside Marrakesh at the base of the Atlas Mountains, you'll be whisked to Toubkal's base camp by helicopter, where Bear Grylls will meet you. During a four hour trek to the peak of Mount Toubkal (4,167 metres) Bear will wow you with his survival stories. You get to see the man vs. the wild first hand during the trek back to HQ as Bear demonstrates how to fend for yourself in the great outdoors. After all that excitement you head back to Tigmi to relax for the rest of the weekend.

You don't need to be a hardcore mountain climber to qualify just of reasonable fitness as, according to Black Tomato, the Toubkal summit is "an uphill trek rather than a ropes-and-pulleys vertical climb, so the only equipment you'll be using (apart from snow-proof clothing) will be crampons and your very own muscle power."

The icing on the cake is that you can travel with your other half without them having to come on the hike too; those who prefer a bit of pampering with their panoramic mountain views can tag along on a three-day spa package.

Right, I'm off to begin the hunt for spare change.

PRICE

• £6,285 per person travelling solo. £6,449 for a couple sharing, with one climber and one non-climber. £12,349 for a couple sharing, both climbing (not including flights).

WHEN TO GO

• 25th - 28th February 2010

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 3 nights half board at Tigmi, airport transfers, one day climbing mount Toubkal with Bear Grylls, celebratory dinner and drinks.

For more information about the Bear Grylls Experience, contact Black Tomato by email on readytowear@blacktomato.co.uk or call +44 (0)845 224 7416 and ask for a member of the Ready to Wear team.

Photo Credits: Mount Toubkal Panoramic by timmo; Yebel Toubkal by gonzalo saenz de santa maria poullet via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Doesn't this shot by solea20 make you want to pack your bags straight away and jump on the next plane to Morocco?

I'm dying to know what's behind those doors. When I was on a train from Tangiers to Fez in 2001 a teacher told me that all doors in Morocco - whether they lead to a riad or a ruin - look the same. This is because Islamic culture frowns on the showing off of wealth.

So, in Marrakesh the most stunning palaces are hidden behind unassuming doors. I wonder what lies behind these.