Even though it's halfway through 2014, there is plenty of time left to book an amazing trip this year.
We looked at major developments, cultural trends, and global festivals to find the hottest places to travel around the world in 2014.
From Croatia, the E.U.'s newest member, to Tokyo, the site of the 2020 Olympic Games, here are the best places to travel this year.
Croatia
Over the past few years, Croatia has been attracting more and more tourists, but now that it's officially a member of the European Union it's about to undergo a serious tourist boom.
Travelers love the famous beaches, gorgeous views of the Adriatic coast, historic architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Croatia is also famous for its fresh Mediterranean-style food and wine.
Game of Thrones fans will love visiting the country to relive scenes from the TV show, which was filmed in Dubrovnik, Split, and other picturesque places.
And best of all: It's still one of the cheapest destinations in Europe— especially if you avoid the peak tourist season in July and August.
Portland, Maine
America's other Portland has been gaining a reputation as a funky low-key destination that prizes quality food and cutting-edge art.
More and more talented chefs have been flocking to the coastal New England city, opening upscale restaurants like Fore Street and Petite Jacqueline. But there's also great casual fare, like tacos, burgers, and cupcakes from food trucks, and of course tons of lobster.
Meanwhile, the city's art scene is thriving. That's to be expected, since it's home to dozens of edgy galleries and artist collaboratives, the Maine College of Art, and the Portland Museum of Art, located in the heart of the Arts District. Visit in the beginning of the month to experience a First Friday Art Walk, when artists display their works on the streets and musicians and performance artists entertain the crowds.
Visitors will have no shortage of hotel options, as the city is expecting to open 500 new rooms in the next two years. Until then, stay in a quaint inn like the Pomegranate Inn, which features fireplaces in the rooms and cool art exhibits that change regularly.
Brazil
This is already a huge year for Brazil, as the country is gearing up to host the 20th FIFA World Cup this month. Matches will take place in 12 cities around the country, from Brasilia and Rio to Salvador and São Paulo. Just two years later, Rio will host the 2016 Olympics.
As a result, the country has been undergoing massive construction projects as it prepares to welcome the millions of tourists and athletes who will descend on the country over the next few years.
That means cleaning up the notoriously dangerous favelas in Rio, building new stadiums around the country, and upgrading hotels and restaurants to accommodate the crowds. While Brazilians have complained about the rapid development with mass protests last summer, many people believe that these changes will improve the country.
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