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We just sent this out to those on the newsletter list, but thought would post here as well. Please feel free to add in your predictions!

So comes the start of a new decade (or not, if you're really going to be picky) and with it, ten predictions from Travelfish HQ.

1) Use of travel tech will grow
We've hitched the Travelfish.org cart to this particular bandwagon with the launch of our new iPhone app, as we firmly believe that 2010 will see further growth in travellers using their smartphones to access guides.

2) Low cost airlines will expand
Expect to see ever more short-haul low-cost routes added in the region, led by AirAsia. Don't be surprised if AirAsia starts flying domestically in Vietnam. On the other hand, we don't expect the Bangkok Airways monopoly on the Bangkok-Siem Reap route to end. We reckon it will keep on being the most overpriced rip-off routes in the region.

3) Thailand will continue shifting upmarket
Thailand's days as a hub for budget backpackers are waning. Expect to see more flashpacker and "boutique" offerings. For true budget travellers, Indonesia is where all the action is at.

4) Indonesia will relax its tourist visa regulations
Is a three-month tourist visa for Indonesia too much to ask for? We think not, and believe that this could be the year the authorities wake up to the fact.

5) Cambodia's island scene will flourish
Expect the islands off Cambodia's south coast to become de rigueur among those in the know -- this area will remain one of the few spots on mainland Southeast Asia where a beachfront shack for a couple of bucks a night will remain attainable.

6) Thailand will change its visa rules at least three times
Thailand will keep on shifting the goal posts, altering their visa regulations in their ongoing efforts to confuse legitimate tourists to the extent that they they just won't bother to come.

7) Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island will explode
Not literally, but this island will really see a raised profile in 2010. Expect the mainstream press to herald it as the "last unspoilt island in Asia blah blah." It's not -- but it is a great spot.

8) Boat travel in Laos will shrink
Expect to see the Huay Xai to Luang Prabang boat to be the only remaining regular passenger boat service in the landlocked country.

9) Thailand's political uncertainties will exacerbate
We don't expect any sudden solution to Thailand's long-running political problems to emerge. In the event of a Royal passing we would expect things to get worse rather than better. 2010 could be a very difficult year for Thailand -- and so the region.

10) Tourism to Indonesia will grow
The Bali bombings are finally really fading from people's memories. Bali has seen its busiest tourism year ever and we expect the island to see more robust growth in 2010. If you are a budget traveller who relishes off the beaten track travel, Indonesia has to be on your list of where to go. Get. Here. Now!

2009 has been a busy yet satisfying year for us and we hope it has been a great year for you too. Thanks for continuing to support the site -- we appreciate every single one of you.

Have a great New Year's and we'll talk again next decade.

Best wishes for a great 2010 full of travel and new experiences.

Stuart and Sam at Travelfish