Each new year brings a chance for new travels. Just as we gave you the scoop on the top US and international travel destinations in 2015, we’re bringing you the 15 best vacation spots for 2016.

15. The Azores

Why it’s great: The nine islands that make up this paradise offer lush terrain for hiking and biking, as well as crystal-clear North Atlantic waters for windsurfing and paddleboarding. Go paragliding over lakes and volcanic craters, or take a laid-back cruise to spot more than 20 types of whales and dolphins.

Why you should go in 2016: Even if you haven’t conquered any surf breaks yourself, you’ll want to check out the ISA World Junior Surfing Championship September 17–24. It’s the first time the competition has been held in Europe since 2008.

14. Wisconsin Dells

Why it’s great: There are more than 20 water parks to choose from, including family favorite Great Wolf Lodge and Noah’s Ark—one of the world’s largest aquatic playgrounds. Don’t worry about the cold weather; many of the Dells’ water parks are indoors.

Why you should go in 2016: Wilderness Resort’s newly opened Claim Jumper Challenge combines arcade action and watery thrills. Players zip down tube slides while seated on mini surfboards equipped with controllers, collecting points by hitting colored buttons when they pass corresponding lights.

13. Rotorua, New Zealand

Why it’s great: Rotorua’s geothermal activity makes for a lot of scenic outdoor spas. Soak in a steamy pool filled with hot-spring waters or mineral-rich mud.

Why you should go in 2016: Air New Zealand added nonstop service from Houston to Auckland in December, bringing its total number of North American gateways to five. From Auckland, a short connecting flight will take you to Rotorua.

12. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Why it’s great: The all-inclusive resorts are like mini cities. Spend all day eating at international restaurants and lounging by a beachfront pool, or, if you’re the active type, go snorkeling and golfing.

Why you should go in 2016: El Niño may bring above-average winter temps to northern US states, but you won’t get 85-degree days in Boston in February. You know where you will? On the Riviera Maya.

11. Las Vegas

Why it’s great: It’s the casino town to rule them all. Besides the 24-hour gambling, Vegas has glitzy shows, exciting nightlife, and plenty of places to blow your winnings, from five-star restaurants to designer stores.

Why you should go in 2016: Look for new residencies from performers like Jennifer Lopez (January), Billy Idol (March), and Lionel Richie (April). The new Las Vegas Arena, set to open in spring, will host concerts as well as boxing and UFC matches.

Planning a Sin City vacation on a budget? Here's how to do a Las Vegas weekend for two for $300.

10. Texas Hill Country

Why it’s great: The quiet countryside is dotted with nearly 50 wineries, many with tasting rooms. If you somehow tire of peace, quiet, and fields of bluebonnets, take a day trip to nearby San Antonio or Austin.

Why you should go in 2016: Take aromatherapy to a new level at the Blanco Lavender Festival (June 10–12). Tour local farms, then pick up lavender-infused shampoo and honey at the festival market.

9. Biloxi, Mississippi

Why it’s great: From the outskirts of Memphis to the Gulf Coast, Mississippi has more than two dozen casinos. Biloxi alone has eight. Some of the big names in town—including Beau Rivage, Harrah’s, and Hard Rock—are attached to four-star hotels.

Why you should go in 2016: Harrah’s $14 million renovation project is expected to wrap up in spring. Guest rooms will have new decor, 49-inch flat-screen TVs, and updated bathrooms.

8. Montreal, Canada

Why it’s great: French-speaking Montreal is like a slice of Europe in North America. Tour the grand Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal, then follow cobblestone streets to cafés serving poutine or upscale French fare.

Why you should go in 2016: The Festival International de Jazz Montréal has featured luminaries like Diana Krall and B.B. King in past years; 2016’s edition (June 29–July 9) brings Wynton Marsalis and Bilal.

7. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Why it’s great: The area’s full of charm, from the covered bridges along the roads to the bed and breakfasts nestled in historical homes. If you’re a fan of antiques and Amish quilts, welcome to heaven.

Why you should go in 2016: Downtown Lancaster’s art galleries and boutiques stay open late for First Fridays, and Nissley Vineyards hosts kid-free outdoor concerts in summer.

6. Washington, DC

Why it’s great: The nation’s capital is packed with iconic attractions. Visit the giant pandas at the National Zoo and be sure to see the monuments both by day and at night, when they’re lit up.

Why you should go in 2016: In the fall, the Smithsonian will open the brand-new National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall.

5. Curaçao

Why it’s great: The candy-colored buildings and white-sand beaches here are like Instagram filters come to life. Plus, Curaçao is less susceptible to hurricanes than most islands in the Caribbean.

Why you should go in 2016: New Orleans has Mardi Gras, and Curaçao has carnival, a celebration marked by elaborate costumes and tumba music. Festivities start in January and end with major parades on February 7 and 9.

4. Orlando

Why it’s great: It’s the undisputed theme-park capital of the world—the only place that can match the energy of a 5-year-old stuffed with snow cones and elephant ears. After hanging out with costumed characters all day, grownups can sample the city’s impressive culinary scene.

Why you should go in 2016: Epcot® adds a Frozen boat ride, King Kong comes to Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld gets a 200-foot shark-themed roller coaster. Disney’s Hollywood Studios™ builds anticipation for a planned Star Wars land with new movie tie-ins.

Not into theme parks? See our itinerary of things to do in Orlando that don't involve roller coasters.

3. Jeju-do, South Korea

Why it’s great: This tropical island’s gorgeous beaches and dramatic landscapes have made it a hit with Asian travelers. You can take a dip in the turquoise sea or head inland in search of waterfalls.

Why you should go in 2016: Plans for building a second airport on Jeju-do were announced late last year. Hurry up and visit while the island is still under the radar for most global tourists.

2. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai’i

Why it’s great: Two words: active volcano. An easy-to-access overlook lets you see the smoke pluming from Kīlauea Volcano; visit after dark to watch lava glow against the night sky. Hit the park’s hiking trails and scenic drives to see lava tubes, rainforests, and the ocean.

Why you should go in 2016: The park is celebrating its centennial with special programs and guided hikes. The National Park Service also turns 100 in 2016—it’s offering 16 fee-free days throughout the year to mark the occasion.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Why it’s great: Whether you’re gazing at the mountains from atop Looking Glass Rock or surveying the fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll want to snap pics wherever you go. Snuggle up in a secluded cabin or splurge on the four-star inn on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate.

Why you should go in 2016: New Belgium Brewing opened a new facility in the city’s River Arts District in 2015. The tasting room opens to the public in February, tours start in March, and there’ll be a celebration of the company’s 25th anniversary in August.