Top 5: New airline routes 2011

Discover Petra, Jordan

iStockphoto / Thinkstock

New route 2011: Amman, Jordan

Discover the Umayyad Palace citadel in Amman
Creative Commons / amanderson2

Jordan is set to become more affordable thanks to easyJet plans for a new London Gatwick-Amman route from 28 March, with return prices starting from £106pp. Just five hours away, the country's modern capital offers stunning historical gems, cosmopolitan malls and quaint stalls for keen shoppers, plus great restaurants. Intrepid travellers can also explore the rock-carved city of Petra, known as the eighth wonder of the world, and the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.

New route 2011: Basel, Switzerland

Basel is perfect for culture vultures
123rf.com

Bmi and Swiss have announced new routes from London Heathrow and Manchester to Basel, Switzerland, starting from 27 March. Explore Basel's fascinating cityscape, from the Old Town's picturesque facades, fountain-splashed squares and magnificent cathedral, to the more modern districts and their impressive galleries, theatres and more than 30 museums. The surrounding region is equally appealing, with the excavated remains of the old Roman town Augusta Raurica nearby, and the natural wonders of the Jura, the Vosges and the Black Forest.

New route 2011: Stockholm, Sweden

Explore Sweden's attractive capital city
iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Spread over seven islands, Sweden's ridiculously attractive capital becomes more alluring, thanks to the launch of BA CityFlyer services from London City Airport this month. Endowed with chic boutiques, stylish pavement cafés and superb dining with a charming old town to satisfy culture vultures, Stockholm offers an über-cool weekend retreat that happens to look just as beautiful in winter as it does in summer.

New route 2011: San Diego, USA

Experience California's chilled-out vibe with a trip to San Diego
iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Those looking for a Californian getaway will soon be able to fly non-stop to the beach-clad city of San Diego with British Airways, which will launch its 11-hour route from London Heathrow on 1 June. A haven for sun-worshippers, surfers and sightseers, San Diego has a chilled-out vibe and a captivating cultural mix. Explore the abundant stretches of golden sand, visit legendary attractions, or simply sit back and relax as the locals do.

New route 2011: Pisa, Italy

See the famous leaning tower of Pisa for yourself
Hemera / Thinkstock

Fly from Leeds to Pisa from 29 March with Ryanair and discover the Italian city's fascinating leaning tower. The tower of Pisa is not only famous for its striking beauty but also because of its awkward geometry, with one side 5m (16ft) closer to the ground than the other. The tower served as the bell tower of the equally impressive cathedral and baptistry, and, as a result of the poor swampy soil beneath, has leaned almost since construction first started in the 12th century.