In terms of top destinations for 2010, plenty of exciting options have been namechecked. Travel guide specialist Frommers is predicting that Mexico City will overcome last year's swine flu crisis, as visitors seek out its top museums, amazing archaeology and great food, while Abu Dhabi is positioned as the new and somewhat more restrained Dubai. The people at Lonely Planet are touting El Salvador, a country often neglected by Central American travellers but which has long recovered from its civil war, as well as Germany, where Hamburg, Dresden and perennially cool Berlin are on the travel radar.


But in terms of what specific travel trends will mark this year, Juliet Kinsman, editor-in-chief of Mr and Mrs Smith, the luxury hotel and boutique specialist website, says that voyagers, while still regrouping after the downturn, will look for a more individual style.


"If our hotel bookings are anything to go by, people are still determined to travel but are choosing how and where they spend their money much more carefully," she says. "Value will continue to be important, whether that means creative online searching for deals, exploring new destinations that offer currency advantages, or joining travel clubs for discounts." Here are the top 10 travel trends Kinsman says we can look forward to...


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1. Cheap-chic holiday houses and apartments


Think aesthetically pleasing in a traditional setting such as chic bolt hole Glengarrif Lodge in Cork (www.glengarriff-lodge.com), a former hunting lodge of the Earl of Bantry set on its own private island. Or something along the lines of the unusual accommodation offered by the Irish Landmark Trust (www.irishlandmarktrust.com). This is self-catering, but not as you know it, with options ranging from restored lighthouses to castles, farmhouses and lodges, and prices starting from €384 for a weekend's rental.


2. Boutique B&Bs


Guesthouses with gusto adopt come-hither sexiness from the boutique big boys. For the US, it's stylish motels like Hotel San Jose (www. sanjose hotel.com) in Austin, Texas, and in Ireland the charming Heron's Rest B&B, Longwalk, Spanish Arch, Galway city (www.theheronsrest.com), where a chic and gourmet experience is guaranteed.


3. Upmarket all-inclusives


Money is still a major issue for people – even at the luxury end – so we're looking for value more than ever: upscale packages are desirable as there aren't any hidden costs or room-service extras above and beyond what you've already shelled out. Tropical Sky (www.tropical sky.ie), for example, offers high-end resorts in destinations like the Caribbean, Far East and Indian Ocean and is focused on providing the best value-for-money holiday within your chosen budget.


4. Eco luxe


Travellers are more and more aware of the environmental credentials of hotels, which, thankfully, are increasingly going the extra mile to lower carbon emissions. For example Fregate (www.fregate.com), a private island in the Seychelles, is saving sea birds and makes its own spa products, while the Vigilius mountain resort in South Tyrol, Italy, harnesses natural energy (www.vigilius.it).


5. Mixing business with pleasure


'Bleisure' trips are on the rise – for people who travel a lot and want every corporate need but feel anything but businessy. They're no longer content to stay in bland generic chain hotels and are seeking more design-led options instead. Alternatively, they like to tack time-off onto business jaunts and bring their spouses along for the ride.


6. Latin adventures


This part of the world is seeing huge growth as a luxury travel destination. Check out Francis Ford Coppola's Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize (www.coppolaresorts.com), the Haciendas luxury hotel in the Yucatan (www.haciendasmexico.com), and other high-end Mexican outposts in San Jose, Uayamon, Santa Rosa and Temozon.


7. Traincations


New high-speed rail links in Spain and Italy make travelling in these countries so much more enjoyable. For original old-world glamour, and a once-in-a-lifetime journey, book yourself on to the Orient Express (www.orient-express.com). Another romantic option is the Caledonian Sleeper, also known as the Deerstalker, which runs overnight from London Euston to Scotland's Fort William, with spectacular scenery in the Highlands to greet you. Visit scotrail.co.uk.


8. Flashpacking


Backpacking with a bigger budget and laced with a lot more style – this is 'roughing it' for those whose inclinations are more in tune with five-star hotels than youth hostels. 'Flashpackers' are checking out places such as the Sal Salis safari camp in Australia (www.salsalis.com.au). Website thetuxinbackpack.com is a good resource for all the latest news on the phenomenon, as well as tips on destinations, hostels and gadgets.


9. Granny chic


We've tired of 'cooler than thou' hotels, and thankfully we're seeing a shift away from look-don't-touch minimalist to traditional-with-a-twist homey comforts, as exemplified by Dean Street Townhouse (www.deanstreet townhouse.com) in London, and Aherne's Townhouse and Restaurant (www.ahernes.com) in Youghal, Co Cork, which is small, luxurious and famed for its warm welcome.


10. Family-friendly hip hotels


We're talking grown-up getaways that don't just tolerate children, but help you enjoy an adult escape with your little ones in tow. For example, boutique hotel Bellinter House in Navan, Co Meath, offers a 'babysitter goes free' package of two nights' B&B and one evening meal for the parents (€179 each); it also gives you a second room for free for the kids.