Wondering where all the jet set will be going this year? You can flip open the latest copy of Conde Naste’s Traveler to the annual “It List” or just continue reading to get the scope on the places to travel in 2008.

Drum roll please… and the “2008 It List” winners are…

Mozambique, Africa: Located on the Indian Ocean side of South Africa, Mozambique has seen its fair share of disasters in the last decade. Now it is focused on rebuilding and has a bright future in tourism due to excellent scuba, fishing and sailing locations, not to mention gorgeous beaches.

St. Lucia, Caribbean: St. Lucia’s motto, “The Land, The People, The Light,” just about sums up this lush Caribbean paradise. It has been influenced by many cultures and its people are known for the friendly vigor. It is a typical tropical isle full of Botanical Gardens, volcanoes, sulfur springs, rain forests and of course the glistening ocean and white sand beaches.

Montenegro: Recently independent, Montenegro is moving full steem ahead with their new found freedom. It is known for its deeply rooted culture and its mixture of European, Slavic and Adriatic influences. There are many medieval sites to see as well as beautiful bays, mountainous regions and prime location on the Mediterranean Sea.

Ecuador, South America: Ecuador is a dynamic place. It is one of only a handful of the Conservation International’s megadiverse countries. The infamous Galapagos Islands are considered a part of Ecuador and the country is noted for having an ethnically diverse human population too. There is plenty of lively South American spirit running throughout cities along with beautiful architecture and pristine beaches including the favored Salinas beach.

Sicily, Italy: Although it appears that the boot shaped of mainland Italy is kicking Sicily away, its strategic location worked out for the best. It was a prominent seaport for centuries, considered one of the most beautiful places in Ancient Greece and is still regarded for its natural beauty; particularly the orange and lemon orchards that grace the countryside. It has its own culture that makes it unique from the rest of Italy and still holds much archeological importance today. Did we mention it’s surrounded on all sides by the sparkling Mediterranean too?

Oman: Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman holds some of the most dazzling sights your eyes could ever be hold. From the wadies to deserts to mountains to the beaches, it is a completely breathtaking, yet little known gem. Tourists can also step out of their element and join in exclusive activities like camel racing.

San Francisco, California: This laid back coastal town features a mild Mediterranean climate, unlike any other area in the US. It has a plethora of daytime activities like museums, art galleries and theatres. The evenings boast that California cool culture with a diverse night scene. It is also big on skateboard culture and some of the best surf spots in the world belong to San Diego.

Hainan Island, China: This is the ultimate “green” vacation. This small island, just off of the southern coast of China’s mainland, features very little industry and very much green space and open, clear air. The island has built itself around tourism, is split into 8 sectors to make it easier for tourists and offers day trips to main destinations for a minimal cost. Or you can just soak up some sun on the largely uninhabited beaches.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico: This town is very close by another “it” place, San Diego. It was established about a century ago as a small fishing village and coffee shipping port. Once the freeway went in it was all over! The heart of Puerto Escondido beats with a fun nightlife full of bars, cafes, discos, crafts, cafes, stores, tours and scuba shops. There are also many beautiful beaches with access to tons of water activities.

Paris, France: One of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is a great European culture capital. It holds the biggest art museum in the world, one of the largest monuments in the world and a fondness for wine and good food.

Photos courtesy of Wikipedia.org