World's top destinations for 2012

(CNN) -- Globe-trotters everywhere, it's time to raise your champagne glass and toast to all the wonderful new journeys you'll take in the new year.

But where exactly should you go in 2012? As always, some places will stand out above the rest when it comes to unforgettable things to do and see.

Here are nine of the top destinations for 2012:

England

The country will celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee -- marking her 60 years on the throne -- with a river pageant on the Thames and a concert at Buckingham Palace at the beginning of June.

Then all eyes will be on London as it hosts the Summer Olympic Games in July and August, and the Paralympic Games in August and September.

Looking for more? There will be festivals, tours, performances and exhibitions to mark the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens.

World of the Maya

Some see it as an approaching apocalypse, others as the beginning of a new era. Whatever your beliefs are about December 21, 2012, interest is skyrocketing in the Maya, the ancient civilization known for the great cities it left behind in Mexico and Central America.

The date marks the end of a 5,126-year cycle on the Long Count calendar developed by the Maya, and there will be events on the occasion in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras, Banas said.

If you want to see incredible ruins, Reid recommended skipping the tourist hordes at Tulum and Chichen Itza in Mexico and instead head to places such as Tikal, Guatemala (which George Lucas used as a location in the original "Star Wars"), and Chiapas, Mexico.

Reid was once exploring a site near Comitan, Mexico, and said he was astonished to discover he was the only person there.

Myanmar (also known as Burma)

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said this month that she sees signs the country -- ruled by a military junta for almost 50 years -- may genuinely be opening up.

The changes mean tourists who didn't feel they could support the regime can finally start planning a trip to Myanmar, Rapp said.

Chicago

The Windy City will be prominent on the world stage in 2012, hosting the 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in April, and both the NATO and Group of Eight summits in May, Tornatore noted.

Golf fans will also descend on a country club just outside the city for the Ryder Cup in September. But even if you're not planning to be there for any big event, Chicago is ready for an influx of visitors from all over the world during 2012.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

What's not to like about a tropical paradise that bills itself as "one destination, 32 gorgeous Caribbean islands"?

The Netherlands

Flower lovers who flock to the country's stunning fields of tulips and who have made the colorful Keukenhof gardens one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands will get an extra treat next year at the Floriade.

The horticultural expo, staged once every 10 years, showcases the world's best flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables.

Atlantic Canada

Canada's Maritime Provinces are always a beautiful destination, but the region will be in the spotlight next year as it commemorates its connection to the Titanic and the 100th anniversary of the ship's sinking.

After the Titanic struck an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, three ships were dispatched from Halifax, Nova Scotia -- the closest major port -- to bring back the bodies of the victims. Some of the passengers were laid to rest in the city's cemeteries.

Uruguay

There are extraordinary hotels opening in this South American country, which has stayed below the radar for many tourists, Rapp said.

Orlando

Reid conceded some people might think of this choice as "ridiculous," but he called Orlando a legitimate surprise.

"By Orlando, I refer to Orlando the city," he said. "Local Orlando (residents) will tell you that the amusement park scene has no connection to the city itself."