A batch of don't-miss destinations

WHERE to go this year? As always, countless places beckon. What follows is admittedly a biased list, gleaned mostly from travel by myself and colleagues, with a tilt toward what's new:

1. China

See Beijing before the 2008 Summer Olympics, when prices will soar. Meanwhile, you benefit as the city spruces up for the Games and the country adds new air service.

In March, United Airlines hopes to launch nonstop service to Beijing from Washington, D.C. Other airlines also are adding flights to China.

The country has hundreds of hotel projects in the works, including more than 20 expected to open over the next year in Beijing. Many major U.S. chains are expanding there.

If you're swinging down to Hong Kong, consider a side trip to bustling Macao, which rivals Las Vegas as a world gambling capital. And unlike Las Vegas, Macao is steeped in hundreds of years of multicultural history.

A downside: China continues to draw criticism from human-rights activists.

2. Hawaii

Waikiki's long overdue redo is underway, with the $535-million Waikiki Beach Walk contributing an arcade, outdoor stage, shops and restaurants.

Other reasons to revisit this vacation favorite are renovated hotels, the new Pacific Aviation Museum and upcoming ferry service between Honolulu and neighbor islands. Best of all: You don't need a passport.

The new Superferry is expected to begin running daily from Honolulu to Kahului, Maui, and Nawiliwili, Kauai, in July.

3. Seattle

OK, so it rains a lot. Duck under Alexander Calder's monumental 1971 "Eagle" at a new sculpture park along the waterfront. Or hide out in any number of hipster hotels and, come May, the expanded Seattle Art Museum.

Take a cruise to Alaska -- there are more departures from Seattle than ever -- or hop on the monorail, which reopened in November after a months-long shutdown.

4. Thailand

There's much to discover and rediscover in Thailand, where the beach resort of Phuket has bounced back from the deadly 2004 tsunami, Bangkok has opened trendy nightspots, backpacker haven Chiang Mai is going stylishly upscale and eco-tourism is taking off.

As an added bonus, King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th birthday this year is inspiring special celebrations and travel packages that focus on his cultural and conservation projects.

5. New Orleans