“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” -author unknown

Such a true statement. Travel is educational, inspirational and full of adventure. And there is something about the New Year, something about making resolutions to do things that are good for you – lose weight, save money. Resolutions to travel more are usually part of that package, as it should be!

There are many cruise destinations we suggest you visit, however, in 2013 there are a few you should keep your eye on:

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Northern Europe. A travel destination always bustling with rich history and culture, 2013 is shaping up to be a big year for the lovely canal-side city of Amsterdam. The famed canal ring turns 400-years young. The Rijksmuseum re-opens in April 2013 after a 10-year renovation, plus it’s Vincent van Gogh’s 160th birthday. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – often considered the world’s best – celebrates its birthday (125-years), along with the Artis Royal Zoo and Felix Meritis cultural centre (175-and 225-years!).

So, there will be an abundance of celebrations and concerts to attend, exhibits and street festivals throughout 2013. The city is ready to celebrate with concerts, exhibits and festivals to stroll, and sport events, all designed to embrace the spirit and culture of Amsterdam.

Beijing, People's Republic of China

Asia is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations – with reason. Beijing is the capital of the Republic of China and serves as the hub of economic, artistic and cultural activity. With the influx of visitors from the 2008 Olympics, travelers find convenient English street signs and a number of familiar sights like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Stroll the lively markets and try the local cuisine at one of the many cafes.

Even with all of the industrial and technological advances of the city, Beijing has a complex and vibrant imperial history.

Travelers to Beijing can step back in time into the home of Chinese emperors at the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China. A complex mix of new and old, Beijing is a city that resonates with travelers for years after their visit.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Located in South America, this large coastal city is vivacious, energetic and full of life with sun-kissed beaches by day and parties by night. It is the nation’s cultural and spiritual center, with Latin and African influences and a population of more than 5-million residents.

With the Maracan stadium hosting football’s World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics heading to Rio in 2016, Brazil is in the process of getting dressed up for the increase in tourism.

This year, the dazzling Rio Carnival is predicted to be the biggest and most popular yet, if that is even possible.

New Zealand

New Zealand is always a top destination in my book. The country is a spectacular beauty, teeming with mountains, rugged coastlines, marine life, lakes, fjords, alpine glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, and seemingly endless green valleys. The Kiwis, or resident New Zealanders, are great hosts – warm and friendly, always willing to help travelers, share a glass of wine or bring them along to the next festival that could be anything from sport to art, food and wine to music.

However, due to its distance from North America flight costs usually deter most travelers. That is starting to change. Air New Zealand will begin flying from San Francisco in April, and Hawaiian Airlines began flying from Hawaii. It is a start. You can grab shoulder season airfares that let you enjoy New Zealand in early or late summer.

Sure to be a popular year for tourism, 2013 will bring fans of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy from all over the world with the latest movie release of “The Hobbit”. On the North Island of New Zealand, near the town of Matamata, discover the real Middle-earth in all its otherworldly glory.

Another reason 2013 is a great year to visit New Zealand is the decline of the New Zealand dollar, which means the American dollar goes further.

Alaska

Alaska is another destination packed with stunning landscapes, wildlife and culture. Within the past year, more cruise ships and packages are available from small expedition ships to large resort-style cruise ships. Any type of adventurers, at any age, now have access to the Last Frontier.

Scientists are also expecting an increase in aurora activity from 2013 to 2014. Aurora borealis, or the northern lights, are breathtaking with their smoky blues, greens and red hues moving across the night sky.

This year marks the end of an eleven year cycle of sunspots, making the lights brighter. Late summer brings the greatest chance to see them and Fairbanks is said to be the best seat in the house.

Ireland

The Irish government recently announced plans for “The Gathering” in 2013, being billed as the country’s biggest-ever tourist initiative.

Lasting the entire year, more than 2,000 events have been planned such as one for redheads and one for left-handers as well as reunions based on family names and clans. The main focus of The Gathering will be a series of flagship festivals throughout the year, both existing and new, along with special interest spin-off events, designed to showcase Irish arts, food, sports, genealogy, family heritage, learning, science and hospitality. The initiative will be officially launched with a number of special events on St. Patrick’s Day.

“There are a lot of people with Irish connections or a fondness for Ireland who have a vague plan to get here some time - we want to light a fire under them and get them here in 2013,” said tourism chief executive Shaun Quinn.

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!