Top 10 Travel Hotspots for 2012: Where the Action Is This Year

Are you a chic nomad? This is our special name for sophisticated travelers who scour the world for the coolest places to go. To make it easier than ever to join the ranks of the chic in 2012, we've put together a list of handpicked travel hotspots that are going to be huge this year. From beer festivals and design shows, the Olympics to a medieval fair in France, they're all here. Happy travels to all of us in 2012!

Starting off with one of the most anticipated events of 2012: the Summer Olympics Games in London, UK. The city of London has put a lot of money into getting their city all ready for the influx of people coming to watch the games. A new Olympic Stadium has been constructed by a well-known sports architecture firm, Populous.

Secret chic tip: You'd be very lucky to find an unbooked and affordable hotel room in London during the games, so check out modern vacation rentals for alternative ideas.

The Ukraine is on many lists for travel in 2012. A lot of this is due to the Ukraine being selected as host country for Euro 2012 (officially called EUFA European Football Championship). Lviv, the pretty and historic city in the western part of the country, is sometimes called "little Paris". The city center has been honored by UNESCO as a heritage site. Along with the the Euro 2012 matches, Lviv will be hosting an international beer fest.

Secret chic tip: For what it's worth, the Ukraine is known for being the country with the most beautiful women in the world.

San Francisco is celebrating 75 years of the Golden Gate Bridge with a two-day festival that is to be held in the city. There will be bike rides, art galleries, photo shows, film screenings, and live music concerts and performances. The festival will be held along the gorgeous SF waterfront, starting at Pier 39 and stretching to Fort Point.

Secret chic tip: To cut out parking hassles and worries forever, stay in a small hotel or rental in the East Bay.

Belfast, the Northern Irish city, is going to be ground zero for Titanic buffs come April. That's the The Titanic Experience, an interactive museum dedicated to the ill-fated ocean liner, will be opening. The museum brings together all aspects of the Titanic's history and also has an Ocean Exploration Center to see the Titanic as it is now (underwater).

Secret Chic Tip: If you have extra time in Belfast, take a trip out to Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder caused by a volcanic eruption. It plays a large role in Irish mythology.

Floriade, the international festival dedicated to horticulture, is a special event that happens once every 10 years in the Netherlands. In 2012? Yes! It's happening! The fest runs for 6 months and will include a whole ton of cool events such as film screenings, live performances, flower displays, and (of course) tons of beautiful flowers. The "Harvest Show" is the centerpiece of Floriade and will feature dancers and acrobats from Latin America and parts of Africa.

Secret chic tip: Go in the summertime to enjoy the Floriade Beach Club and check out the pavilion of international food vendors.

Renaissance Faire forsooth! Head to Orleans, France to participate in the annual Joan of Arc festival. The city recreates the time period of Joan's life, putting on a medieval market place, tons of fun events like jousting matches, clown and juggling shows, and battle re-enactments. The fest has been happening for over 500 years, so it's safe to assume Orleans knows how to party.

Secret chic tip: Visit nearby Sully-sur-Loire, a 14th century chateau near Orleans that once was even visited by Joan of Arc herself.

Helsinki has been named WDC (World Design Capital) for 2012. To celebrate, the capital city of Finland is hosting a year-round series of seminars, exhibitions, and lectures dedicated to the integration of modern design and urban spaces.

Secret chic tip: Not into modern design? No problem! Head over to Porvoo, a medieval Finnish village that's only 50 kilometers from Helsinki.

Austin is the "Live Music Capital of the World" and this is totally true when it's time for South by Southwest, the annual music and film festival. Tons of people head to the capital city of Texas to take in live music, lectures, and chow down on authentic Tex-Mex and BBQ.

Secret Chic Tip: Don't even try to park in downtown during the fest. Instead, check out the Night Owl Bus route and find a hotel that's located by one of the stops.

Cuba is now more open than ever before to Americans thanks to the current administration lifting heavy travel restrictions. Now it's finally possible to enjoy the incredible city of Havana, although there are still some caveats. Americans are not allowed to visit Cuba only for vacation purposes, their trip must have a cultural or educational focus, so plan your trip for May when the 11th Havana Biennal is scheduled. Apply for your credential here.

Secret Chic Tip: The best way to get around Cuba? Hitch-hiking. Yes. Hitch-hiking. It's pretty much legal to hitch a ride from any official hitching point, but always be careful and never do it alone.

Cinco de Mayo is the day that marks the Battle of Puebla, the battle where the Mexicans fought off French forces despite being vastly outnumbered. Join the Poblanos in celebrating the 150th anniversary of the 5th of May, 2012. The day will be marked with a massive parade (headed up by Mexican President Felipe Calderon).

Secret Nomad Tip: Get to Puebla early for the International Mole Festival, a celebration of Puebla's iconic dish Mole Poblano, attended by chefs from all over the world

Thanks for checking out our list. Now check out amazing small hotels and vacation rentals in all these cities and beyond.