Top 8 travel predictions and destinations for 2012

We forecast some travel plans for 2012. Have you done any of these before? Do share with us!

Glamping
That's right; it's glamour and camping all in one. If you mind the messy ordeal that comes with camping (such as pitching your own tent), you might be in for some luck as some travel groups have stepped up to offer glamping, where travelers can sleep in air-conditioned tents and even restored caravans!

Better travel insurance
Natural disasters made headlines in 2011 with quakes, tsunamis and flood, which may dampen travelers' holiday plans. Some insurance companies have begun offering better cover plans at lower cost and this covers you in case there is unforeseen circumstances.

Social media
Travel blogging has taken a new hit, where you can blog and upload photos while you're on the go, keeping family and friends updated while you're away. Instantaneous updates can also help foster traveling community better, as you'll be exchanging tips on places to go and see while you're on the move. And if you're down on cash, you might also want to try couch-surfing, where like-minded travelers like yourself offer their homes to passing travelers.

War-torn places
Post-war places offer rich cultural experiences and amazing scenery. Just take a look at Angkor Wat in Cambodia; Sri Lanka, and Kosovo. The people are warm, friendly and inviting, and there are a lot of affordable stays too.

Tech travel
Tech gadgets are getting easier to carry around and it helps with planning your travels. In many places, you should be able to find free WIFI access, like your friendly Starbucks café. Singapore is also WIFI-enabled and some airports are also equipped. We know, it's hard to travel without the help of Internet, sometimes.

Ski destinations
Escaping warm tropical countries to cooler cities seem to be the trend these days. Korea, Japan and parts of UK are great places to source for ski holidays. It's best to keep a lookout during May, when package prices are lower than peak season.

Green holidays
It's good to be eco-friendly and it's not a surprise that cycling tours are becoming a hit not just in Malaysia, but worldwide. Cycling is no longer seen as a professional sport, but extended to fans who want to be healthy, yet be able to sight-see along the way. It's nice to take a long weekend and cycle into a hill or forest reserve: Forest Research Institute in Kepong has got some nice trails as well as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve.

Sporting travels
As London will be hosting Olympics 2012 and the Ukraine for 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, tourism for these countries will see a boom. The number of travelers who have visited sporting events have steadily increased, thanks to special sporting packages that are getting popular.