Where Everyone's Going in 2015

Easing borders, melting glaciers, strengthening exchange rates, broadening horizons: A host of changes to the political, social, and natural landscape will lead you to new sights, sounds, and places you've only dreamed about.

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Rules loosened by the Obama administration make it easier for Americans to visit the Caribbean nation now than anytime in the past 50 years.

Read it: Start with these first impressions. Then peruse our guide.

Myanmar / Burma — Photo by Jeralyn Gerba.

After decades of political turmoil, economic isolation, and Buddhist uprisings, moves toward democratic reform have given some breathing room to the beautiful and culturally diverse country.

Brush up on Burmese history: Peruse this timeline. Touch down in Yangon.

The Southeast Asian city-state is celebrating its 50th birthday this year — and aside from the official calendar of initiatives (sporting events, parades, fireworks, exhibitions, festivals, jubilees), tons of neighborhood shops, sites, hotels, and restaurants will be rolling out the red carpet and clinking their Singapore Slings.

Get ready: Eat your heart out.

The world feels smaller than ever. This — in the case of the enormous African continent — is rather unfortunate, as the tourism market has been hit hard in countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana, key safari destinations far, far away from Boko Haram and ebola and other other atrocities of our modern age. The safari business will be working hard to educate travelers and entice them (with deals and savings, no doubt) to book in 2015.

A once-in-a-lifetime adventure: We picked out a safari lodge for every kind of traveler.

The Design District is all the rage and a slew of new boutique hotels, restauarants, and five-star properties are stacking up on the beachfront and beyond.

Read it: Start with this debrief. Then fill up on this Cuban food itinerary.

Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, the South American country is barely on the radar for most Americans. Jose Ignacio is the rustic, outdoorsy, bohemian enclave that has captured the hearts and minds of travelers looking for the next slice of paradise.

Book it: The chicest hotel on the southern coast.

The other Korea is futuristic, capitalistic, democratic, and buzzing with youth, invention, and energy. See as much art as you can handle, stay up all night, and make out like a bandit at 24-hour shopping malls.

Read it: All heart and Seoul.