It has been a good year for travellers keen to explore emerging destinations in 2007, with new flights to Cape Verde, Nairobi and lots of cheap flights to eastern Europe.

Romania, and in particular Transylvania and the surrounding valleys, have made it into the brochures of many tour operators, and the popularity of eastern European ski resorts such as Bulgaria's Borovets resort is set to continue, thanks to unbeatable prices.

However, on the down side extreme weather and terrorism continued to disrupt some of our favourite places to holiday, from the tropical storms that swept through Mexico and the Caribbean, to the violence that made parts of Sri Lanka no-go areas according to Foreign Office advice.

Looking ahead, 2008 is set to be an exciting year for holidaymakers. Heathrow's new Terminal 5 will be opening in March, a third Yotel will be opening in Schipol airport, and there will be lots of new cheap flight routes from the likes of Ryanair, Easyjet, Flybe and new US routes from low-cost, long-haul specialist Zoom.

There have also been many different hotly tipped destinations in 2008, with various organisations using their experts to reveal their favourite destinations for next year. Among the countries taking the top spots are Tunisia, Belize and, much closer to home, the Isles of Scilly.

travelbite.co.uk is also adding its view to the mix. Read on to find out what our travel writers thought the best places to go in 2007 have been, and where they think will be the place to visit in 2008 will be:

Rebecca Amir: A modern takes on the age-old Grand Tour in Capri, Madeira and Oman
For 2008 I'm aiming for trips to Madeira, Capri and Oman. With new flights to Muscat from Gatwick launched just last week by Oman Air, the country will be even more accessible.

Holding the same eastern appeal as Morocco, Oman could well shape up to be the next big thing on the boho travel scene.

Capri presents an opportunity for a taste nostalgic glamour and a break away from the masses, while Madeira with its colonial connotations and famed food produce, has an equally antiquated feel.

Next year it's all going to be about a modern take on the age-old Grand Tour tradition of faded, fusty, but still fun, destinations favoured at the turn of last century.

But then again, there's nothing better than a trip to the rural British coast and I shall be grabbing several friends, filling up a picnic hamper and heading back down the A149 along the Norfolk coast.

The best destination of 2007 has to be Marrakech. After years of listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash, drinking mint tea and reading Hideous Kinky I finally bagged a cheap ticket from Thomson to the trendiest destination of the year. Morocco was the word on everyone's lips, something expected to continue well into 2008 as King Mohammed VI continues to focus on expanding the country's tourism industry.

Francesca Elliott: History, culture and gorgeous scenery in India and South America
I think India and South America will be the hot destinations of 2008. Their history, culture, gorgeous scenery and low costs all make them attractive destinations for any type of traveller.

My favourite place of 2007 was definitely Cape Town.

Endless hot days, beaches, clubs, shops and mountains all made for an excellent four month break, and one which I was not rushing to come home from.

Like most cities, Cape Town has its problems, but nowhere near the extent that is often portrayed by the media. I found it to be a welcoming and friendly city, and rarely felt unsafe or in danger.

The food and alcohol are cheap, the bars are open late and there are thousands of young people travelling through, all looking for a good time.

The vineyards in the nearby mountains were a definite highlight, whole Sundays were spent drinking gallons of wine under the pretext of a civilized 'tasting' session.

I would recommend it to everyone, but make sure you go in their summertime (November to March) to avoid any grey days.

Chris Wilson: The best places are on our doorstep, Perthshire, highlands and islands
In 2008 I’m planning another out of season weekend in Edinburgh, a week in idyllic rural Perthshire, more exploring of Scotland's wondrous Highlands and islands. Not fashionable, I hear you cry?

Well, no, quite possibly not, but as airport delays get longer, flights become more expensive and we all try to pollute a little less, maybe there's somewhere a little closer to home you haven't properly explored yet?

For me, this year's travelling has been about further exploring exciting places on my doorstep that I risk taking for granted.

As a food lover I've been thrilled by Newcastle's growing restaurant scene, particularly the effortlessly elegant Jesmond Dene House and the stellar Grainger Rooms.

It is deeply refreshing to see a restaurant that delivers fine, regionally distinct cooking in a genuinely welcoming environment, and for this the Grainger Rooms is more than worth travelling to.

Another old haunt that I've returned to this year is Edinburgh. Contrary to popular opinion, this is a fantastic city to visit out of season. Avoid the frantic rush of the festivals and the ludicrous numbers of tourists in the summer and you'll see Scotland's capital in a completely new light.

The weather may be a bit more challenging, but during January room rates and restaurant prices fall through the floor. Thought you'd never stay in the five star Scotsman? Well, me too, until I went looking for last minute deals at the beginning of 2007. Pure luxury.

Matthew Davis: Fine beaches and the smell of lavender on Croatia's island of Hvar
My hot tip for 2008 is the swanky Croatian Island of Hvar just a few hours on the ferry from Split on the mainland.

Hvar sits in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and is billed as one of the sunniest places in Europe.

There are fine beaches, a warm Mediterranean climate, stunning architecture, and the smell of lavender in the air.

The tourist centre is Hvar Town with its large public square that opens on to the sea and its harbour packed with luxury yachts.

Hvar Town offers great restaurants, lively bars, and boat tours and water taxis to the Pakleni islands where one can find a secluded spot or a taverna serving typical Croatian fare.

Visiting the eternal city of Rome for a weekend break in January was my highlight of 2007.

The stunning architecture, history around every corner and the fantastic buzz of the place all made for a wonderful visit but what really topped it off for me was the food.

Rome is a culinary experience, its fantastically old fashioned coffee houses are perfect chance to mingle with the locals at the bar for a quick espresso or sit down to be served by traditional waiters bringing you the finest pastries and cakes.

Caffe Greco close to the Spanish Steps or Sant'Eustachio near the Piazza Navona are two fine examples.

For a truly Roman experience head off the beaten track to where the locals go and I highly recommend Ditirambo close to Campo de' Fiori for typical Italian fare.

Kathy Carter - Spa breaks for all in the US and Austria
Looking ahead to 2008, I can see that the wellness industry is really booming, and in America they are discovering that men are a fairly untapped market in this area.

Spa breaks have always seemed quite elitist, and perhaps a little self-indulgent, but with prices coming down and metrosexuality all the rage, there's now something for everyone.

I visited the five-star Reiter's Burgenland spa resort in Austria recently, and had a wonderful time chilling out – I think people want more from a holiday now, so venues such as this one that offer additional activities such as horse riding, cycling and tennis are onto a winner.

My favourite destination this year was undoubtedly Canada, where I went grizzly bear watching with Great Bear Nature Tours (www.greatbeartours.com).

The trip took place in a lush estuary within Canada's Great Bear Rainforest, one of the largest coastal temperate rain forests on earth.

Guests view the bears from the safety of a rowing boat, with a wildlife biologist on hand to provide useful info. Seeing my first grizzly gave me shivers down the spine, and it is an experience I'd thoroughly recommend.