“Our customers love to travel internationally and on average, do so about two to three times per year,” said Thomas Kent, vice president of marketing at Vayama.com. 

 

The following list was compiled by Vayama.com: 

 

1.) India 

India is hot and will only get hotter in 2012. It is a magnet for business travelers and Indian expatriates returning to visit family and friends. Booking a spiritual journey to Rishikesh on the shores of the Ganges and the foothills of the Himalayas has never been more appealing.

Peak Season: June, July and December.

Shoulder Season: March, April, August, September, October and November.

 

2.) New Zealand 

New Zealand will continue to be hot in 2012 for many reasons. Not only is it relatively affordable for U.S. travelers, but it is also the setting of Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel, “The Hobbit.” Hordes of hobbit fans are expected to descend upon the quaint Kiwi town of Matamata to trample around the set of Hobbittown. New Zealand also offers world-class wineries, spectacular scenery and the best drinking buddies you can find in Middle Earth.

Peak Season: December, January and February. 

Shoulder Season: April, May, October and November.

 

3.) Europe 

Historically a close second to beach vacations, Europe is a place where Americans like to spend their travel dollars the most. 2012 will be no different. Travel professionals have started to note the popularity of off season and shoulder season travel to Europe. This means that savvy travelers will start to take advantage of winter and fall deals for their favorite European destinations. Iceland may become the hot European destination of 2012 due to its new affordability post-financial meltdown. Keep an eye on Italy and Greece becoming hot again, for the same reasons.

Peak Season: June, July and August.

Shoulder Season: January, February, September, October and November.

 

4.) London 

London will be so hot in 2012 that it deserves its own mention. With the 2012 Olympics, London is set to showcase why it is the most cosmopolitan city in Europe.

Peak Season: June, July, and August.

Shoulder Season: January, February, September, October and November.

 

5.) Paris 

Americans have been deeply in love with Paris since the 1920s. 2012 will be no exception. American tourists will flock to the “city of lights” in 2012 and be dazzled by its beauty, culinary arts and cultural wonders.

Peak Season: April, May, June, July and August.

Shoulder Season: January, February, September, October and November.

 

6.) St. Petersburg 

St. Petersburg was created as Russia’s showcase to the west and this year, it still remains as powerful as ever. Visit the Hermitage museum and be amazed at the treasures collected by centuries of Czars and Czarinas.  A summer visit will add the bonus of white nights and cultural events surrounding them. 

Peak Season: June, July and August.

Shoulder Season: April, May, September and October.

 

7.) South Africa 

South Africa is becoming a world-class destination affordable for U.S. travelers. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, penguins and Table Top Mountain included. The South African national park systems is set up in such a way that anyone with a rental car can drive themselves and admire lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos along with zebras, warthogs, hyenas and South Africa’s plentiful bucks. American travelers will appreciate a visit to Stellenbosch, the Western Cape’s prime wine region, with world-class wine and food. 

Peak Season: April, May, September, October and November. 

Shoulder Season: June, July and August.

 

8.) Peru 

Peru is among the top five destinations in 2012 for adventurous Americans. Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is fast becoming a popular task on one’s bucket list. Culinary delights available in Lima and Cuzco are well worth the price of the airfare. Peru is also quite cheap for U.S. travelers, making it an almost perfect adventure destination. 

Peak Season: June, July and August. 

Shoulder Season: February, October and November.

 

9.) Buenos Aires 

A surprisingly affordable, trendy and sophisticated city, Buenos Aires dazzles with its French revival buildings and great food scene. Take a detour and visit the wine region of Mendoza or the deep blue glaciers of Patagonia.

Peak Season: December, January and February.

Shoulder Season: April, May, June, July, August, October and November.

 

10.) Brazil 

This is Brazil’s decade as it will host the Soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016. Americans have already fallen in love with Brazil’s affordability and beaches from the world famous Ipanema beach, to the solitary stretches of sand and surf along the northern cities of Recife and Fortaleza. With friendly locals and world-class scenery, Brazil is perfect for those seeking a tropical vacation. 

Peak Season: February, July and December.

Shoulder Season: May, June, August and September. 

 

11.) China 

China is big on the travel map and will only get bigger in 2012. Not only is China affordable and a lot of fun; it offers something for everybody from Macau’s glitzy casinos that rival anything Las Vegas has to offer, to the 24-hour party and shop until you drop atmosphere of Hong Kong and Shanghai, to the ancient treasures of Xian and Guilin. American foodies will have a feast exploring China's culinary delights.

Peak Season: May, June, July and August. 

Shoulder Season: February, March, April, October and November.

 

12.) Indonesia 

Indonesia is very affordable and beautiful in its sheer variety. From Bali’s temples, rice paddies and surfer beaches, to its world-class diving spots along chains of uninhabited islands; American travelers have fallen in love with Indonesia. 

Peak Season: January, July, August, September and December.

Shoulder Season: April, May, September and October.