Forecasting the next big destination isn't the easiest job, especially when there are more than 2 million cities around the world to choose from. Not only do you have to limit yourself to a compact list, you also have to keep your thumb on trend factors, changes in tourism infrastructure and general buzz about a hot spot, and whether the city is experiencing a genuine renaissance or if tourism boards somehow created fleeting interest. This past weekend, the New York Times revealed the Top 41 Places of 2011. While I commend them on some picks (Koh Sumai, London, Hangzhou, China, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay), I have to say they're a little late to the game with others. Instead of going through all 41 of their selections, below are a few destinations I believe their editors should have thought harder about including before going to press.

Santiago, Chile: While I love Santiago and I somewhat agree with the case the critic presents, Santiago was already a hot spot for 2009 (opening of W hotel) and 2010 (Confessions of a Travel Writer), which is one of the reasons why Perry Farrell chose to have the first international Lollapalooza there in the first place—it was already cool. My pick would have been the Atacama Desert, which recently became home to the world's largest telescope. With a total of six eclipses in 2011 (extremely rare, as astro-geeks will know), astronomy is a hot topic this year. Horny men will remember the Atacama Desert as the backdrop for 2010's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and need we even mention the Chilean miners who were trapped and rescued there?

Cali, Colombia: Sure, Cali is cool, but Santa Marta and Tayrona are the new Cartagena. While accommodations are still limited, thrillseekers looking for something less Love in the Time of Cholera and more Where the Fuck Am I? will appreciate these two Caribbean beach towns. I'm also surprised Barranquilla didn't make the list, as it's a burgeoning foodie destination and the perfect launching point for the two relatively unknown towns above.

Sopot and Gdansk, Poland: Sorry, bitches, I called this back in September.

Whistler, BC: While I love Whistler and have fond memories of the Canadian wonderland, the winter games are over. Everyone's left and so has the buzz. I would have called Toronto. Home to the Toronto International Film Festival (with new Bell Lighthouse headquarters), a growing, dynamic culinary scene, and several new, trendy hotels, including the first Thompson and a new Ritz Carlton (debuting next month), it's the logical bet.

Also, how did they forget Valencia, Spain; Cusco, Peru; Damascus, Syria; and anywhere New Zealand? These destinations will be hot topics this year, guaranteed.