2013's Hottest Travel Destinations Slideshow

As the host city for Super Bowl XLVII, New Orleans is a natural pick for a 2013 travel hot spot.

"We expect 2013 to be a banner year for travel in New Orleans thanks to a diverse lineup of events, new hotels like the Hotel Indigo in the Garden District, and major airlines adding nonstop service," said Jerrold Broussard , New Orleans destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.

More direct JetBlue flights from New York and Boston starting in late February is not the only reason travelers will be headed to Charleston, S.C., a city known for its restaurants and Southern hospitality. The Megadock X billfishing tournament in June is also expected to draw visitors to the area.

Though famous for its breathtaking beaches, the Dominican Republic is home to some of the best all-inclusive resorts, including of course all-you-can-eat and drink options. See our list of the All-Inclusive Resorts with the Best Food for tips on how to pick the best resort for you.

Though Hurricane Sandy ravaged parts of the Northeast in October 2012, Atlantic City is back on its feet. Plus, an influx of new hotels like Revel, which offers 14 restaurants, and the annual summer Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival mean there's more to Atlantic City than just gaming.

Interest to head to New Zealand skyrocketed due to the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and a successful debut of F.A.W.C. (Food and Wine Classic) in Hawkes Bay in November 2012 assures interest will not wane.

Perennially popular, Orlando, Fla., is expected to continue its reign as the go-to family spot. This year Disney unveils a revamped Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom, but the large inventory of hotel rooms ensures good deals can be found. Plus, Disney restaurants are known to cater to those with dietary restrictions like those who are vegetarian or gluten-free.

Home to world-famous golf and spa resorts, Phoenix offers hotel rates as low as $100, according to Orbitz. Plus, the city offers year-round food festivals like the Chinese Week's Culture and Food Festival (Feb. 8 to 10), Glendale Chocolate Affaire (Fe. 8 to 9), Ostrich Festival (March 9 to 11), Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April 9 to 14), and the Peach Festival(May).

Now that the 2012 Olympic Games are over, the city has dozens of new hotels with plenty of inventory, which means low booking rates. Travelers who missed the Olympics may not have better luck snagging tables at some of London's most popular restaurants, including Quo Vadis, Dabbous, and Cecconi's. Interest in the royal family's baby, which is due later this year, is also expected to drive tourists across the pond.