Where to go in 2014
Canada
Canada is all about the great outdoors. The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, has the world’s highest tides, forming the fascinating Hopewell Rocks. Old Quebec City is a world heritage treasure and rich in both religious and military history. The Niagara Falls is a must, best seen from a Hornblower Niagara Cruise: www.niagaracruises.com
Where to stay
www.canada.travel
China
China is a vast and vibrant country. Start with the modern metropolises such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, before exploring the hidden beauty of the countryside. China’s Terracotta Army in Xi’an is a must, as well as the Great Wall of China – more than 13,000 miles long, the wall can be viewed from numerous locations, but try Simatai to avoid crowds. Zhangjiajie National Park, in Hunan province, offers timeless natural beauty.
Where to stay
Croatia
This beautiful country in the Balkans offers plenty of highlights for all ages – from lazy beach holidays in Brela to the nightlife on the island of Hvar. Dubrovnik, a world heritage site, has fabulous medieval architecture in a coastal setting. Or go diving in a national park – the waters around the island of Mljet are filled with coral, and are perfect for snorkelling, too. The Baraceve Spilje National Park boasts dramatic caves with guided walks.
Cuba
To go to Cuba is to step back in time. Havana is famous for its Art Deco and colonial buildings, 1950s American cars and its cathedral, built in the 18th century and renowned for its beauty. Guardalavaca is another must – the beaches are lined with luxurious hotels, but it remains pleasantly laid-back.
Dubai
A desert city of skyscrapers and sun, Dubai offers great shopping, beaches, adventure and plenty of luxury as well as being family-friendly. Although the emirate is home to the world’s tallest buildings and fastest cars, it is still dedicated to preserving its natural desert ecosystem. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) looks after the 225 sq km of sand dunes – tours are offered.
Where to stay
Italy
Where better for foodies, vinophiles and history aficionados? Historic Campania is peppered with magnificent ancient ruins, including Pompeii, the preserved Roman town, or you could even hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius. For a romantic break, there’s no place like Venice. Enjoy a gondola trip along the canals and visit St Mark’s Basilica. Navigating the roads of the Amalfi coast, with its cliff-hugging towns such as Sorrento, is a great way to explore coastal Italy. Sicily has ancient ruins, beaches and numerous familyfriendly resorts.
Norway
Explore the country’s most dramatic landscapes on a fjord safari with companies such as Fjord Tours – www.fjordtours.com – but make the trip when it is possible to see the Northern Lights. Or visit Runde, an island with only 150 inhabitants, but home to 500,000 birds during nesting season – a must for twitchers. Romsdalseggen and the surrounding mountains offer stunning 360-degree views and energetic hiking.
Spain
Culture, beaches, food, shopping, there is something for everyone in Spain. Take a trip to Barcelona’s famous Picasso museum – www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/es – which is celebrating its 50th anniversary (exhibition runs until 9 March). Or you could enjoy a day in the sun on a whale and dolphin cruise. Brittany Ferries – www.brittanyferries.co.uk – has teamed up with conservation charity OR CA to create a guided whale- and dolphinspotting cruise – 31 of the world’s 85 whale and dolphin species have been recorded in the Bay of Biscay, so you’re sure to catch a glimpse.
Sri Lanka
Start with the hustle and bustle of the capital, Colombo, or venture away from there to see the evocative ruins of Anuradhapura. Yala National Park is home to Sri Lanka’s largest population of leopards and herds of elephant, while Bentota offers beaches and a good selection of luxury hotels.
Canada is all about the great outdoors. The Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, has the world’s highest tides, forming the fascinating Hopewell Rocks. Old Quebec City is a world heritage treasure and rich in both religious and military history. The Niagara Falls is a must, best seen from a Hornblower Niagara Cruise: www.niagaracruises.com
Where to stay
- Long Beach Lodge Hotel: www.longbeachlodgeresort.com
- The Glacier View Inn: www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield/hotel.aspx
www.canada.travel
China
China is a vast and vibrant country. Start with the modern metropolises such as Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, before exploring the hidden beauty of the countryside. China’s Terracotta Army in Xi’an is a must, as well as the Great Wall of China – more than 13,000 miles long, the wall can be viewed from numerous locations, but try Simatai to avoid crowds. Zhangjiajie National Park, in Hunan province, offers timeless natural beauty.
Where to stay
- The Langham: www.hongkong.langhamhotels.com
- The Hulu Hotel: www.thehuluhotel.com
Croatia
This beautiful country in the Balkans offers plenty of highlights for all ages – from lazy beach holidays in Brela to the nightlife on the island of Hvar. Dubrovnik, a world heritage site, has fabulous medieval architecture in a coastal setting. Or go diving in a national park – the waters around the island of Mljet are filled with coral, and are perfect for snorkelling, too. The Baraceve Spilje National Park boasts dramatic caves with guided walks.
Where to stay
- Villa Orsula: www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com/en/villa-orsula
- Hotel Villa Vera: www.hotel-villavera.hr/pages/index.php?lang=en
Cuba
To go to Cuba is to step back in time. Havana is famous for its Art Deco and colonial buildings, 1950s American cars and its cathedral, built in the 18th century and renowned for its beauty. Guardalavaca is another must – the beaches are lined with luxurious hotels, but it remains pleasantly laid-back.
Where to stay
- Iberostar Laguna Azul: www.iberostar.com
- Villa Tropico: www.trivago.travelrepublic.co.uk
Dubai
A desert city of skyscrapers and sun, Dubai offers great shopping, beaches, adventure and plenty of luxury as well as being family-friendly. Although the emirate is home to the world’s tallest buildings and fastest cars, it is still dedicated to preserving its natural desert ecosystem. The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) looks after the 225 sq km of sand dunes – tours are offered.
Where to stay
- Burj Al Arab: www.jumeirah.com/en/hotelsresorts/dubai/burj-al-arab
- XVA art hotel: www.xvahotel.com
Italy
Where better for foodies, vinophiles and history aficionados? Historic Campania is peppered with magnificent ancient ruins, including Pompeii, the preserved Roman town, or you could even hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius. For a romantic break, there’s no place like Venice. Enjoy a gondola trip along the canals and visit St Mark’s Basilica. Navigating the roads of the Amalfi coast, with its cliff-hugging towns such as Sorrento, is a great way to explore coastal Italy. Sicily has ancient ruins, beaches and numerous familyfriendly resorts.
Where to stay
- Hotel Villa Ducale: www.villaducale.com
- Corte Di Gabriela: www.cortedigabriela.com
Norway
Explore the country’s most dramatic landscapes on a fjord safari with companies such as Fjord Tours – www.fjordtours.com – but make the trip when it is possible to see the Northern Lights. Or visit Runde, an island with only 150 inhabitants, but home to 500,000 birds during nesting season – a must for twitchers. Romsdalseggen and the surrounding mountains offer stunning 360-degree views and energetic hiking.
Where to stay
- Britannia Hotel: www.britannia.no/?lang=en
- Comfort Hotel Park: www.comfortinn.com/hotel-trondheim-norway-NO092
Spain
Culture, beaches, food, shopping, there is something for everyone in Spain. Take a trip to Barcelona’s famous Picasso museum – www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/es – which is celebrating its 50th anniversary (exhibition runs until 9 March). Or you could enjoy a day in the sun on a whale and dolphin cruise. Brittany Ferries – www.brittanyferries.co.uk – has teamed up with conservation charity OR CA to create a guided whale- and dolphinspotting cruise – 31 of the world’s 85 whale and dolphin species have been recorded in the Bay of Biscay, so you’re sure to catch a glimpse.
Where to stay
- Mercer Hotel Barcelona: www.mercerbarcelona.com
- Ca’s Curial: www.cascurial.com
Sri Lanka
Start with the hustle and bustle of the capital, Colombo, or venture away from there to see the evocative ruins of Anuradhapura. Yala National Park is home to Sri Lanka’s largest population of leopards and herds of elephant, while Bentota offers beaches and a good selection of luxury hotels.
Where to stay
- Cinnamon BeyBeruwala: www.cinnamonhotels.com/CinnamonBeyBeruwala.htm
- The Blue Water: www.bluewatersrilanka.com