A new year, a whole 12 months of possibilities. I’ve complied a list of 25 places to visit, probably not all in one year, but maybe some of them will inspire you to make this the year you tick some stuff off your bucket list! I’ve broken them down into different categories, so hopefully you’ll find something that looks good to you.
Epic safaris
A safari in Tanzania. This has to be something everyone does at least once in their life. Tanzania is a good option because the game reserves allow you to see all of the big five, and are easy to access. Plus, you can end your trip with a relaxing stay on the beaches of Zanzibar.
A safari in Zimbabwe. If you’re a bit of a safari veteran, why not skip Tanzania and head to Zimbabwe instead? The parks are wilder and the animals harder to spot, but that adds to the adventure and experience. Chilo Gorge is a fantastic lodge to base yourself at.
Summer adventures
Summer in the French countryside. I mean, you could visit any time of year. But there is something magical about clambering over hay bales, walking through fields of sunflowers and watching the sun set over golden fields here in the summer time. The Loire Valley, the Gers and Normandy are all good options with plenty of cute villages and adorable Gites to stay in.
Learn to surf in Portugal. This is a great place to learn to catch a wave. There are no deadly animals to worry about, and if you wear a wet suit and learn in the summer, the water is not too cold. The instructors are very nice and when you’re not surfing you can explore the beautiful area of Cascais, just an hour from Lisbon.
Visit a Greek island. And which one? I’ll always say Corfu. This mysterious island covered in pine trees and pebbly beaches has so much to see and do, beyond just the beach. Stay at Amalia Complex and enjoy a lovely pool set between the lemon trees.
Step back in time in Rome. Feel history come alive as you explore the Colisseum and Forum and stand in awe in the Pantheon. This beautiful city is easy to explore on foot and is the perfect place to lose yourself in the little roads and alleys on a hot summers evening.
Rent a boat on the Norfolk Broads. The ultimate tranquil summer experience. Renting a boat and spending a week slowly winding your way down the sleepy back waters of Norfolk, stopping each night at a cute village and going for long walks in the countryside is a lovely way to spend the summer.
Paradise islands
Mauritius. Possibly my favourite island ever. If you want to escape to a far flung island with mysterious jungle, crystal clear ocean and lots to do, this is the best place for it. You can swim with wild dolphins, snorkel with rainbow colored fish, and rent a car to explore the banana plantations and windy jungle roads inland.
The Maldives. This one has to be on the list, right? A marine lovers heaven, stay in an over water villa and watch fish and sharks pass beneath you. Go snorkelling over pristine reef, swim with sharks and rays, and soak up the sun while you spot dolphins on a dhoni boat.
The Bahamas. For a laidback holiday, head to tiny Bimini island. Lose your shoes for a week, and spend your time dolphin spotting, and hanging out at little bars and cafes owned by the friendly, chill locals.
City breaks with a difference
Istanbul. The east meets west thing is true, it really is a melting pot of cultures and places. It’s modern but traditional, and full of colorful houses and waterways to explore. Plus, you can take a day trip to the Princes islands, just an hour away by boat, and feel like you’ve been transported to a tiny Greek island.
Monaco. Arrive in style, with a helicopter ride from Nice. Then spend your time strolling around this tiny country, gawking at the super yachts, and having coffee at one of the many waterside cafes in the sun.
Miami. Walk down South Beach, iced drink in hand. Watch the sun rise over the board walk. Rent a bike and pass by boulevards and power yachts. And head off to one of the many malls for cheap things to take back home.
Farflung escapes
Thailand. There’s just so much to do here. Bangkok is where you’ll probably start. Take a river boat, get lost in China Town, spot monitor lizards in Lumpini Park. Head north to Chiang Mai, visit an elephant sanctuary, temple hop, watch the sun rise through the mist. Then head to an island. Phuket for ease and lots to do. Koh Samui for beautiful clear water to snorkel in. Koh Samet for a laidback, no shoes vibe and the whitest beaches.
Japan. Base yourself in Tokyo, and explore Harajuku and the infamous crossing. Then take day trips by bullet train to towns like Kamikura, with the shrines and beach views, and catch glimpses of Mount Fuji, rising above the clouds. Everything is an experience in Japan, it’s a place like no other.
Indian rail trip. For first timers, take the two hour ride from Bangalore to Mysore. Explore the palaces and gardens and enjoy a slower pace of life. For an overnight train experience, take the sleeper from Bangalore to Chennai. Check out the beach and sari shops and haggle for bangles. Then back to Bangalore for glitz and chaos and city life.
Malaysia. Something for everyone here. KL has manicured parks and AC mega malls to explore. Head to Penang and rent a car, drive around the island, exploring the jungles and beaches. Fly to Langkawi for some relaxation on beautiful beaches.
Laos. Head north to Vang Vieng. Hike up one of the steep karsts for epic views. Take a long tail boat along the river, dodging water buffalo. Look at the rice paddies and hot air balloons rising above the mountains at sunrise.
Cambodia. Base yourself in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat and all its temples. There are many to see, and each is unique, so go with a driver who can guide you to see all the best bits.
Western Australia. Perth is a chill city of beaches and riverside runs. Go whale watching, take a boat to nearby Rottenest island for pictures perfect beaches, spot kangaroos in the parks. Rent a bike and explore the whole of the riverside.
Winter wonderlands
Finland. The cheats way to get to Lapland. Helsinki is beautiful in winter, with plenty of shops and museums to warm up in. Take a taxi to Espoo, just half an hour away, to walk in a winter wonderland and visit a reindeer sanctuary.
Norway. Tromso, deep in the Arctic circle is your base for a week of winter fun. Feed reindeers, meet huskies, go whale watching and spot the Northern lights dancing in the sky each night.
Skiing in Austria. Seefeld has always been our go to, with a good mix of slopes and a cute town to stroll through. Plus nice accommodation and a friendly vibe.
Desert adventures
Qatar. If you have a stopover here, make full use of it, and head out of the city into the desert. Go with a driver who will take you dune bashing, and try your hand at dune surfing and holding a falcon.
Morocco. Explore beautiful Marrakech, and rent a car to head out into the desert and the Atlas Mountains. Visit the donkey sanctuary, the lake, and explore the surrounding epic foothills of the mountains.
RAK and Dubai. A best of both worlds trip. Stay in RAK and enjoy a beautiful beach and sea, and take a day trip to Dubai to explore the malls and epic architecture of this special Emirate.
And there you have it, twenty five epic ideas for this year and beyond. Hope there’s something there that calls to you. Have a beautiful year of adventure, whatever you choose to do x
