As it’s January, it’s unlikely that you’re feeling hot, hot, hot! So, to warm your cockles and get you dreaming of exciting adventures in exotic places, we’ve asked our resident travel guru (aka Bruce) to put together a list of the hottest destinations to head to for a new challenge in 2010.

Plus, with 12% off ALL i-to-i trips if you book before January 29th, 2010’s hotlist is firmly within reach! Just visit http://www.i-to-i.com/search/ to search for your ideal trip

1. Zanzibar

Floating in the vast waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar pretty much has it all: swathes of sun-dappled beaches, pristine coral reefs and a bustling, fascinating capital. Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/teach-english-in-stone-town-zanzibar.html to learn more!

2. Nepal
Witness sublime Himalayan peaks, immerse yourself in the vivid oranges and reds of Nepalese culture and experience the charming chaos of Kathmandu. Increasing numbers of savvy travellers are realising just how incredible Nepal is, so get there before everyone else does! Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/nepal/ to see what you could get up to!

3. South Africa

With the World Cup rolling into town in July this year, South Africa is set to burst into an enormous celebration of African culture and sport. Make sure you’re there to be a part of the party! Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/south-africa/ to disover what you could be doing in South Africa.

4. Mumbai

Volunteer, Bollywood-style, in India’s glitzy home of film, fashion and finance! Experience this effervescent city and make a difference to the lives of those trying to make a living in her slums. Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/work-destitute-children-in-india.html to check out just one of i-to-i's great projects in Mumbai.

5. The Galapagos Islands

Be enchanted by the Galapagos’s seemingly magical array of animals, from giant tortoises and seals, to penguins and iguanas. Plus, with the Ecuadorian government looking to start limiting the number of visitors, now’s the time to go! Check out http://www.i-to-i.com/volunteer-projects/conservation-work-on-the-galapagos-islands.html to see how you could conserve this amazing eco-system today!

6. Rio de Janeiro

Pulsating with samba beats, flanked by lush rainforests and fringed with gorgeous beaches, Rio is certainly something incredible. You could be helping with carnival preparations, renovating favelas or even helping out a circus. Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/brazil/ to check out what you could be doing today!

7. Cambodia

Long South East Asia’s best kept secret, Cambodia, with its intriguing culture, serene temples and energetic capital city, is on the rise! Make sure you visit it in 2010 before everyone else discovers how amazing it is! Take a look at http://www.i-to-i.com/cambodia/ to see what adventures you could be having in Cambodia!

8. Costa Rica

Live the ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life) as you get to know Costa Rica’s laid-back people, lounge on gorgeous beaches and explore lush rainforests. You’ll come home refreshed, revived and rejuvenated! Want to give it a go? Visit http://www.i-to-i.com/costa-rica/ to see how!

9. Kenya

From pristine beaches to action-packed safaris, with colourful tribal culture and friendly people sandwiched in the middle, Kenya certainly packs a lot in! See what you could be getting up to here: http://www.i-to-i.com/kenya/

10. Thailand

Thailand’s hardly a secret, but look beyond the all-inclusive resorts and you’ll find plenty to discover: from rafting along rivers and riding elephants to meeting remote hill tribes people. Learn more about the kinds of adventures you could be having in Thailand by visiting http://www.i-to-i.com/thailand/

Want more options?

There’s a whole world out there, so if none of the places on our hot list make you want to grab your passport and go, check out all the other great adventures i-to-i offers: visit http://www.i-to-i.com or request a call back from one of our expert travel advisors: http://www.i-to-i.com/contact/call-me-back.html

Where do you think is hot to travel in 2010? Tell us below!

• volunteer abroad
• gap year
• career break
• volunteering with children
• asia
• africa
• latin america