By all means, visit the areas where friends and relatives reside. They can be your best tour guides. I loved it when my daughter lived in another part of the country, and when my friends moved to different states. Although I dearly missed them, I was ready for new adventures.
If you are one that keeps track of trends, try and pick an "up-and-comer" location that hasn't quite worn out its visitor welcome. It was Portugal that caught my attention last fall, and the people there were very accomodating.
Watch the value of the dollar and that might give you a clue. Hint: Canada
Listen to where your traveling friends suggest and learn from their experiences.
