Where to go in 2015 – in pictures

Iran. Since the shift in government in summer 2013, Iran is slowly but surely removing a long-­associated negative stigma and moving towards a more ­traveller-friendly environment. That said, westerners are largely still required to travel with a tour group if they intend to visit. Luckily, tour companies like Intrepid Travel offer in-depth itineraries, allowing travellers to gain a real insight into this beautiful country. The 15-day Iran Adventure Overview trip runs from Tehran, and includes visits to Shiraz, Eghlid, Dasht-e Lut, Yazd, Esfahan, Abyaneh and Kashan, finishing back in Tehran. The package, starting from $2,960 (Dh10,873) per person, includes meals, transportation throughout the trip and accommodation (www.intrepidtravel.com). Flights are not included, but can be booked with ­FlyDubai, from Dubai to Tehran, from Dh731 return per person, plus taxes. iStockphoto.com

Somaliland. There are still several places on this planet that even the most seasoned travellers think twice about visiting. Somalia is one of these, but those wanting to tick it off the list can now visit Somaliland, an autonomous region of Somalia that also borders Djibouti and Ethiopia, with FlyDubai, which is launching a route to Hargeisa in March. Despite warnings about threats of terrorism and kidnapping and the spread of ebola in West Africa, visitors to this self-­declared state can experience colourful prehistoric rock art, lively camel and sheep markets and rich culture. Undiscovered Destinations is running an eight-day trip to Somaliland, with two departure dates in 2015. Starting from £1,599 (Dh9,109) per person, the itinerary starts in Hargeisa, and visits Arabsiyo, Dhagah Khoure, Gabiley, Jufo and Borama. The package includes arrival and departure transfers, accommodation, an English-speaking guide/tour leader, meals and entrance fees for sites on the itinerary. International flights, airport taxes, travel insurance and drinks are not included. Travellers from most countries will need a visa, which can be obtained through Undiscovered Destinations (www.undiscovered-­destinations.com) for £100 (Dh569) . FlyDubai flights start from Dh2,250 return, including taxes; the flight takes three hours (www.flydubai.com). Tony Karumba / AFP photo

Cuba. For all its outdated 1950s Fords and ­cigar-chewing icons, Cuba is years ahead of many countries when it comes to areas such as health and education. For those yearning to get a glimpse of what this Caribbean island has to offer (before Starbucks and ­McDonald’s invade), and even more so for Americans who are soon to have a 54-year travel ban lifted, Abercrombie & Kent is offering a 13-day tour. The Across the Island: People to People package starts in Miami, visiting Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Cayo Santa Maria, Caibarién, Remedios and Cienfuegos, completing the journey in Havana. Taking in many of the island’s key sights, the package starts from $7,995 (Dh29,365), and includes return flights from Miami, accommodation for two, transportation throughout the trip, food and a tour guide. International flights are not included (www.abercrombiekent.com). Qatar Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Miami, via Qatar, from Dh4,975 return per person, including ­taxes (www.­qatarairways.com). Bloomberg

Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has become one of the easier “’stans” to visit, thanks to the introduction of a 15-day, visa-free entry scheme, implemented in 2014 for travellers from a number of countries. From the slopes of Shymbulak Ski Resort to the bustling streets of Almaty, there’s plenty to choose from when visiting the largest landlocked country in the world. For something slightly off the beaten track, Kazakhstan Tours offers a seven-day package that explores “the cradle of the Kazakh nation”. Starting in Karaganda, you will travel through Terekty, Zhezkazgan, Ulytau, Baitleu and more. The package includes all transfers, a driver, an English speaking local guide, accommodation in tents and homestays, three meals per day, entrance fees, a sleeping bag and mat and assistance booking international flights (www.kazaktours.com). Accommodation in Karaganda is not included. Flights with ­FlyDubai from Dubai to Almaty start from Dh1,751. Etihad also flies direct from Abu Dhabi to Almaty. Christopher Pike / The National

Shanghai, China. If you’ve already been to Singapore and Hong Kong, Shanghai should be on your radar for an Asian metropolis to hit in 2015. Not only does it make for a great city break, this year also marks the opening of the Shanghai Tower, the tallest tower in China and second tallest in the world, after the Burj Khalifa. If you prefer to find your feet slowly, the Guangxi-based China Highlights offers a three-day tour of the city, visiting The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai History Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum and more. This package includes accommodation, some meals and transportation to and from the airport. Prices start from US$324 (Dh1,190) per person, for groups of two to five people. Return flights on Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai start from Dh3,205 per person, including taxes (www.etihad.com). Emirates also flies direct from Dubai (www.­emirates.com). istockphoto.com

Chennai, India. For most travellers, Chennai is a mere stepping stone to more-frequented cities like Mumbai and Kolkata. However, the state capital of Tamil Nadu has been working to remove this stigma, already boasting the title as the largest industrial and commercial centre in south India. The city is also a major cultural site, offering many things to do and sights to see. From its stunning Hindu-, Islamic- and Gothic-inspired ­architecture to buzzing cafes and beaches, there’s plenty to keep a curious traveller occupied. This year also marks the opening of the Chennai Metro Rail, making it even easier to get around. For day tours, Chennai Magic offers a number of ­options, including the three-hour Heritage Walk through Triplicane, the two-hour Georgetown Bazaar Walk and the two-hour Mylapore walk (www.chennaimagic.com; prices from 1,750 rupees [Dh101] per person). Return flights with Etihad from Abu Dhabi to Chennai start from Dh2,135 per person, including taxes. Emirates currently flies direct from Dubai, while FlyDubai will commence direct flights in March. Frederic Soltan / Corbis

Slovakia. Budapest and Prague are often quickly checked off Eastern European must-see travel lists. However, the often-overlooked, easily accessible and affordable neighbouring Slovakia, and more specifically its capital, Bratislava, offers travellers an extended view of a post-communist lifestyle. With the recent launch of FlyDubai’s direct route from Dubai to Bratislava, starting from Dh2,075 per person return, UAE residents can now take a long weekend to visit this underrated and inexpensive city. It boasts a number of historic sites, including Bratislava Castle, Primatial Palace, Grassalkovich Palace and Devín Castle. Catch a performance at The Slovak National Theatre or relax and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes on St Michael’s Street. Travellers who prefer a bit more structure should check out Bratislava Sightseeing Tours & Excursions. Offering a number of walking tours, from the two-hour Bratislava and Devín Castle tour to the Imperial Palace Hof tour, there’s plenty to keep visitors occupied during their stay (www.bratislavasightseeing.com). iStockphoto.com

Italy. It’s shaping up to be a big year for Italy and Milan in particular. The fashion capital is hosting Expo 2015 from May to October – the first since Dubai won the rights to host the event in 2020. The UAE is pulling out all the stops with its pavilion and Etihad is getting on board, offering a 20 per cent discount on flights to Milan before the start of Expo Milano 2015. If nature is high on your priority list, the Dolomites, with its green countryside and craggy peaks, are an affordable option. For travellers with a fitness focus, there are plenty of biking and hiking opportunities. The Cycling House offers a seven-day tour of the Dolomites, starting from $2,995 (Dh11,000) per person. It’s suitable for cyclists with good fitness levels who are comfortable with cycling 100-plus kilometres per day. The trip runs from June 24 to 30. The itinerary kicks off in Bolzano, and moves through the Stelvio Pass, Mortirolo climb, Gavia Pass, Passo Tre Croci and more, ending back in Bolzano. The package includes accommodation, food, a bicycle (if you prefer to rent), an on-hand bike technician, SAG (support and gear) vehicle and Wi-Fi. International flights are not included (www.thecyclinghouse.com/trip/dolomites). Return flights with ­Alitalia from Abu Dhabi to Bolzano (via Rome) start from Dh3,917 per person, including taxes (www.alitalia.com).iStockphoto.com)

United States.The United States has it all as a travel destination, and with an unprecedented number of flights now operating between the UAE and the US, now is the time to take it on. If you want history, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington are perfect. If lying on a beach is your thing, head to California on the West Coast or North Carolina’s Outer Banks on the East Coast. There’s shopping in New York, hiking and skiing in Colorado and a killer music scene in Seattle, Washington state. Emirates and Etihad fly direct to a number of destinations including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the death of America’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, and America’s capital will be paying homage throughout the next 12 months. Ford’s Theatre, which was famously the location of Lincoln’s assassination, will display a number of notable objects from the historical event in a showcase titled ­Silent ­Witnesses: Artifacts of the Lincoln Assassination. Running from March 23 to May 25, the exhibition includes John Wilkes Booth’s pistol and the clothing Lincoln wore the night Booth assassinated him (www.fords.org). The showcase also falls during the best time to visit Washington, as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom from late March to April. Flights with Etihad start from Dh4,295 return per person, including taxes (www.etihad.com). iStockphoto.com

As is typically the case, the past 12 months have disappeared with such great speed that it’s left many of us scrambling to locate the pause button. Whether we like it or not, 2015 is officially here. For those who are looking back with regret at the lack of new countries and cities that they visited in 2014, this is the year to make amends, with your passport in hand. And for those who were regular globetrotters, we promise there are still plenty of places to explore in the coming months. With a myriad of new flight routes opening up, particularly with Emirates, Etihad and FlyDubai, which have added a number of new destinations to their flight repertoires, UAE residents will find it easier than ever to travel. This year also marks several anniversaries and openings – yet another reason to get on a plane and just go. The following destination list has been compiled to help shape 2015 into your most adventurous year yet.