Sarah Marshall suggests some sights worth seeing in 2015

With peace having returned to this South African country in recent years, it looks set to regain its status as one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Guides train rigorously for at least seven years before qualifying, longer than in any other country, and parks are, at least for now, wonderfully free of crowds.

Visit Hwange - a park almost the size of Switzerland, take in the views from Cecil Rhodes' grave at Matopos Hills, or head even further off the beaten track to Chilo Gorge Lodge whose owner, Clive Stockil, was presented an award for conservation work by Prince William.

Africa specialists The Ultimate Travel Company offer a two-week one-off departure with co-founder Nick Van Gruisen on September 1, visiting Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos Hills and Chilo Lodge from £6,579 per person, all inclusive. Visit www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk or call 020 3051 8098.

GO NOW: CUBA

It's one of the last few countries in the world where you won't find a McDonald's or a Starbucks, but all that could change now diplomatic relations between America and Cuba have thawed, with Barack Obama promising relaxed travel regulations to the Caribbean island.

If you want to savour Cuba's time warp appeal, with classic 50s cars zipping through billboard-free, crumbling colonial streets, travel now before it all changes.

For a taste of the island's highlights, try Explore's eight-day Backroads and Beaches of Cuba tour, visiting Havana, Trinidad, Vinales, Santa Clara and the Bay of Pigs for £1,299 per person, including flights, B&B accommodation, transport and guides. Visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 875 1895.

BEST FOR BEACH: SRI LANKA

A decade since this Indian Ocean island was hit by a tsunami, its fortunes are on the up.

The reopening of The Queen of Jaffna rail service, running from capital city Colombo to northern province Jaffna, will provide access to an area once troubled by unrest during the country's civil war. Now the peaceful region offers idyllic beaches and a colourful insight into Tamil life.

Experience Travel Group offer one-week tailor-made holidays in the north and east regions of Sri Lanka from £1,299 per person, including flights, B&B accommodation and guides. Visit www.experiencetravelgroup.com or call 020 3468 6268.

WONDERFUL FOR WILDLIFE: COSTA RICA

After performing admirably well in the FIFA World Cup, this small Central American country grabbed people's attention, and with the launch of Thomson Airway's new weekly service from Gatwick in November 2015, it's set to grow in popularity.

Sloths, resplendent quetzal birds and squirrel monkeys inhabit the rainforests, while turtles can be found nesting along the sandy coastline.

Get off the beaten track with Pura Adventure's 4x4 self-drive, visiting the volcanoes and bubbling mud pots of Rincon de la Vieja National Park and exploring the exceptionally biodiverse Corcovado National Park. The 15-night tour costs £1,860pp, including B&B accommodation and car rental. Visit www.pura-aventura.com or call 01273 676 712.

HIGH ON A CULTURAL AGENDA: LYON

Anyone with an interest in art, design and science should visit the new Musee de Confluences on the outskirts of Lyon.

Built to resemble a floating cloud, the museum questions the history of Earth and mankind, using objects amassed from the 16th to 21st century.

France's famous gastronomic city can easily be reached on the Eurostar in five and a half hours from London St Pancras (£108 return). Stay in the city centre at the Cour des Loges, where parts of the building date back to the 1300s and the restaurant boasts a Michelin star. Rooms from 215 euros. Visit www.courdesloges.com.

HOT FOR HISTORY BUFFS: TURKEY

Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the April 25 Gallipoli landings, when British, French and ANZAC troops made an unsuccessful attempt to gain a sea route from Europe to Russia during World War I.

Visit memorials and graves in Turkey's Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, and learn about the tragic events.

WEXAS Travel offer a seven-day Marvels of Turkey tour, which also includes visits to Istanbul, Mount Ida and Sirince. Prices start from £1,995 per person, including flights, accommodation, transport and guide, with departures from April 1-October 31. Visit www.wexas.com or call 020 7838 5892.

AN EXOTIC CITY BREAK: SINGAPORE

Once a small fishing port with just 1,000 inhabitants, Singapore has become a thriving metropolis and one of the busiest stopover cities for flight routes. But there's plenty of reason to stick around in the sovereign city state, which was once a British trading post, and next year a number of celebrations will be held to mark 50 years since independence.

The new National Gallery Singapore is set to attract art lovers, while sports fan will be interested in the Southeast Asian Games (June 5-16).

Explore offer a 12-day Explore Malaysia tour, incorporating a visit to Singapore from £2,135pp, including B&B accommodation, guide and flights. Visit www.explore.co.uk.

A SCENIC CHOICE: DORSET

With our appetite for period dramas never waning, the big screen adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd (set for release in May 2015) is bound to spark interest in Dorset, where much of the film was shot.

Tread lead star Carey Mulligan's path through rural countryside, Saxon villages and the UNESCO-protected Jurassic coastline.

On Foot Holidays offer a seven-night self-guided walking tour of the region staying in traditional inns for £740 per person. Price also includes luggage transfers between B&Bs. Visit www.onfootholidays.co.uk or call 01722 322 652.

MAD FOR MUSIC: MEMPHIS

Still regarded as the king of rock n' roll, Elvis would have celebrated his 80th birthday in January 2015. The largest exhibition of Elvis artefacts in Europe is now open at London's The O2, but fans are expected to descend on Graceland throughout the year to mark the occasion.

Western & Oriental offer a special 10-day Totally Tennessee fly-drive holiday, including visits to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nashville, Memphis, Graceland and Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park. Prices start from £1,369 per person, including return flights and car hire. Visit www.westernoriental.com or call 020 3588 6035.