Top travel trends of 2010

Peter Chambers / Alamy

Although long popular with writers like James Joyce, this northern Italian port city has remained off the global traveler’s map, until now. At the intimate Hotel Le Corderie (doubles from $210), the 15 modern and airy rooms overlook a quiet street on the outskirts of the historic center.

Check out the hotel’s vast collection of Trieste-themed novels, including works by native writer Paolo Rumiz. The recently redone Starhotels Savoia Excelsior Palace (doubles from $200) has 142 rooms that mix original Belle Époque accents (plasterwork friezes; Murano glass chandeliers) with contemporary wenge-wood wardrobes.