If you’re fed up with the January sales, winter weather and general lack of New Year’s cheer then there’s just one thing that may well revive your flagging fortunes and that’s to set your sights on your next holiday.
That’s exactly what I intend to do and from saving up my finances to booking the time off work, the quicker I can decide where to go and what to do then I’m going to have something to look forward to no matter what 2014 has to throw at me.
Below are some of the ideas that I’ve drawn up so far and as sharing is caring I just thought I’d pass a few on to you just in case you’re gazing out of that smeared office window and wondering whatever happened to the sunshine.
European Cities Full of Culture
Steeped in history and blessed with some of the finest landmarks on the planet, it’s no surprise that the likes of the Czech Republic, Budapest and Croatia are definitely up there on my wish list of places to visit in 2014. Of course, it would be rude to discount some classic locations such as Paris, Rome and Madrid however, in the main, I’ve got eastern Europe in mind and number one is going to have to be Sophia in Bulgaria winning on Black Sea beauty and value for money.
Discover Natural America
Forget the east coast cities of Washington DC and New York or the west coast heavyweights of San Fran and LA, when it comes to holidaying in America there’s something much more amazing to make the most of and that’s the country’s incredible range of natural scenery. National parks, such as Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone, are simply dripping with amazing rock formations, pine forests and rushing rivers with untold chances to undertake some serious wildlife holidays so, what are you waiting for?
Spiritual Experiences in Asia
Thailand, Bali and Malaysia are all well-known for their sun, sea and spiritual leanings which all adds up to a whole heap of beach action with plenty of relaxation thrown in for good measure. Further afield and the likes of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia all offer some sublime south east Asian moments however, the undisputed ‘must visit’ in 2014 has to be China as from temples and monuments to mountains and lakes, this is definitely number one on my holiday hit list.
Road Trip in South Africa
As South Africa is pretty much ticking along on the same time zone as the UK there’s no fear of jet lag which is always good news and a certain plus on the countries to visit scale. Stellenbosch vineyards, V&A Waterfront and Boulders Beach are all quite rightly up there as ‘must see’ whilst in SA however, taking a road trip along the Garden Route is, for me, going to have to be experienced once in my lifetime so why not 2014?
Fine Wine in East Oz
There’s much to admire on the east coast of Australia and cities like Sydney and Melbourne are well-known as being up there with the most liveable on the planet. For my ideal break I’ve got something a little more out of the urban sprawl in mind and if you’ve never heard of the Hunter Valley region then here’s where a trip Down Under takes a little detour out to some of the most resplendent vineyards which lie just a couple of mile’s drive from Sydney. Bike, coach or car, whatever it takes, a wine tour around east coast Oz has to be on the ticket at some point or another.
Samba Soccer in Brazil
Without doubt the country that finds itself at the centre of the universe in 2014 has to be Brazil and from the VIP seats of the Maracana stadium to the beach towels on the Copacabana beach, anyone who is anyone will be heading down South America way come the start of the summer. Tickets to the World Cup matches are obviously like gold dust but I think there’s still plenty of fun to be had by spending time in Natal, Rio or Manaus (England v’s Italy anyone?) and watching the game on TV before heading out to celebrate or commiserate at the final whistle.
At the end of the day, wherever you end up in 2014, make sure you have a peaceful, relaxing and exciting experience as you never know what 2015 has in store so make the most of life while you can.