Finland
The solar cycle that affects the magnitude of the aurora borealis is peaking, which means the northern lights will be visible 200 nights in 2013. And Lapland, with everything from glass-igloo hotels to wooden chalets, is the best place in the world to see them. There’s even a Laplication (get it?) on iTunes so you can experience the waves of green from afar, but there’s nothing like the real show. Helsinki, the Finnish capital, provides a nice dose of city after time spent in the quiet realm of Lapland.

Read more on traveling to Lapland and Helsinki.
Check out the best hotels in Helsinki.

Could you use $2,500 toward your next vacation? Enter our Operation Vacation Sweepstakes for a chance to win! And while you’re there, check out more of our recommendations for the best trips in 2013. Whether you have two, four, or seven days to spare, we have the trip for you.