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South Africa

I am heading to South Africa to take a 30-hour train ride across the country to the shores of Cape Town. I'm going to see USA Soccer play in the FIFA Confederations Cup, which is held every four years, against Brazil and Italy in June. I'll also be golfing in Sun City and ending the trip with a thrilling shark cage dive.

--Chris Allen, Tarzana, Calif.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge, which recently reopened to tourists, is currently home to almost a million nesting pairs of albatrosses (Layson and black-footed), the endangered Hawaiian monk seal and Laysan ducks. It is also one of the only places in the U.S. that you can see the "golden gooney," or short-tailed albatross. The 5-mile-diameter atoll and its surrounding waters also host incredible marine life, including sea turtles, spinner dolphins, five shark species and more than 260 fish species.

--Wayne Sentman, Boston, Mass.

Vietnam and Angkor Wat, Cambodia

I have always had an interest in the region, and I am fascinated by its ancient history and culture. I love to visit new places and have not traveled much in Asia, so this year it's on the list.

--Susanne Hilgefort, Greenwich, Conn.

Pamplona, Spain

I have always wanted to run with the bulls in Pamplona.

--Rey Alton, Houston, Texas

Editor's note: The running of the bulls, also known as the festival of San Fermin, begins each year on July 6, a tradition that dates as far back as the 13th century.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena was one of the jewels of the Spanish empire in the Americas and is a quintessential "diamond in the rough." The colonial walled city and fortress are in excellent condition and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The city boasts excellent restaurants and hotels and is already frequented by European and Latin American tourists. Spirit Airlines now flies to Cartagena nonstop from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., making it more accessible and affordable. The exchange rate also is quite favorable.

--Benjamin Taylor, Washington, D.C.

Bhutan

Nepal, India and China are Himalayan countries that receive thousands, even millions of visitors a year. Who do you know who's been to Bhutan?

--Terence Lau, Shanghai, China

Editor's note: Bhutan is a small kingdom in the eastern Himalayas. According to visitor information on the country's website, independent travel is not permitted and "tourists . . . must travel on a pre-planned, prepaid, guided, package tour, or custom-designed travel program."

Newcastle upon Tyne, England

I am going to Newcastle upon Tyne. Whether you are into European history, modern science, art, sports or night life, this area of England has it all. I first visited in spring 2008 then went back in the late summer and have plans to return in spring this year. The locals are wonderful, the beach is close and you are only about 50 miles south of Scotland. I also find the "Geordie" dialect a great switch from the posh "Queen's English."

The local Newcastle United Football Club (please, never call it soccer when visiting) is outstanding for sports -- and the intensity of the fans is always palpable. Team colors are black and white for home games at St. James Park (which also offers tours daily if you can't take in a match); stay away from wearing red and white as those are major rival Sunderland colors.

--Judi Tymec, Genoa, Italy

California's deserts

I want to travel to areas near Los Angeles, day or overnight trips, to view and photograph the desert bloom during the winter.

Editor's note: Deserts near Southern California include Death Valley National Park, the Mojave Desert, Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

--Sylvia Fox, Los Angeles, Calif.

Rabbit & Villager Peak, California

I am going to Rabbit and Villager peaks on the southeast end of the Santa Rosa Range in Riverside County. This will be my first camping trip with a group, and we plan on making it a tough one. Our day-hike route will cover 20 miles with a gain of 8,000 feet, a challenge for sure. What makes it special is the change in scenery. The challenging day hikes in the Angeles National Forest are all but covered in snow right now. Getting out to the desert is something I've been waiting for all summer.

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