Got your finger on the pulse? Don’t want to just follow the crowd? Then you need our big five emerging destinations; from Mongolia to Iceland, Colombia to New Orleans, it’s an inspirational must-visit list.

1. Panama
Costa Rica was once the darling of visitors to Central America, but overdevelopment in the country has led to inflated prices and deflated experiences for visitors. Enter Panama. Boasting year-round sunshine, a lush coastline and exotic wildlife, Panama is emerging as the must-visit destination for travellers who want to stay ahead of the crowd. As yet uncluttered by tourists – apart from in the Bocas del Toro archipelago – Panama is an affordable, accessible destination, which can feel like a secret jewel in Central America’s crown. The country also has a relatively developed infrastructure, with good roads, a rail network, 105 airports and miles of navigable waterways, plus two ‘superhighways’ and a rail line, to run parallel to the cross-country canal, are in development. This added to the plenitude of islands, rainforests, mountains and colonial towns – not to mention having Central America’s most independent indigenous group, the Kuna – makes Panama a country positively crying out to be explored.

Read more about Panama in The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget

2. Mongolia
Until the fall of communism in 1990, Mongolia was all but closed to Westerners. But these days the country is enjoying a new growth and there are increasing opportunities to explore its landscapes. In the heart of Asia, Mongolia is extremely varied, with the Gobi Desert to the south and mountainous regions to the north and west. You’ll find as yet untouched wildernesses, vast open spaces, pristine air and a nomadic people whose lives are mostly unchanged from the days of Genghis Khan. This year, Millennium Road - a 1,600 mile cross-country highway - will be completed, making the glacial mountains, impenetrable forests and crystal lakes of Mongolia far more accessible. A place of natural and cultural diversity, Mongolia’s raw beauty is attracting adventurers keen to get off the beaten track.

Read more about Mongolia in The Rough Guide to China

3. New Orleans
New Orleans is on the up. Following Hurricane Katrina, the city’s unofficial motto - let the good times roll – reverberates through the streets as it continues to regenerate after the disaster, and nearly five years later all the hard work is paying off. This has culminated in the recent win by New Orleans’ Saints in the Super Bowl, which is seen by many as the incarnation of the city’s regenerated status. More than ever, it's possible to have a wonderful time in New Orleans doing most of the things that you could do before the floods. There’s plenty on offer, from museums and parks to bustling bars and nightclubs, plus an aquarium, zoo and cathedral, not to mention all the mouth-watering restaurants. A city rich in history, culture, great food and music; New Orleans is once again ready for visitors.

Read more about New Orleans in The Rough Guide to the USA

4. Colombia
Having weathered years of civil conflict and bad write-ups in the press Colombia’s back on the must-visit list. Although you’d be sensible to avoid areas of the Amazon and the south, there’s still plenty to keep travellers entertained in areas such as Santa Fé de Bogotá, Cartagena, Villa de Leyva, San Augustin and The Lost City. From its wild beaches, rainforest and mountains to the vast coffee plantations, archaeological sites and colonial cities; the country has much to offer. So whether you want to explore the Amazon rainforest near Leticia, go clubbing in Cartagena, scuba dive in Tanganga, trek the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta or just relax on the Caribbean Coast, Colombia could be your dream destination.

Read more about Columbia in The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget

5. Iceland
In recent times, Iceland has slipped off the tourist radar, having developed a reputation as an eye-wateringly expensive country. But times are changing and due to recent economic problems prices have dropped, making it more accessible for tourists again. There’s much on offer in this beautiful country, so be sure to venture beyond cosy capital Reykjavik and regular tours of the hot springs and geothermal pools. Höfn, a fishing village on the southeast coast, is sure to become a hotspot. From this hub, travellers can venture out to the nearby glacier and go skiing, hiking and ice-climbing. The village is also on the edge of stunning Skaftafell National Park, where you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the black mountains of Hvannadalshnukur, the country’s highest peak.

Read more about Iceland in The Rough Guide to Iceland