Cuba is a hot destination. See it before modern development changes it. Source: AFP
THE start of the year is a great time to begin planning your next holiday. The Christmas break is over and people are back into the productive routines of work and school, making it an ideal opportunity to set some long- term getaway goals to look forward to in 2015.
While there are plenty of old favourites — South Australia’s beaches and the River Murray spring to mind — here are some overseas suggestions that are looming as “hot” destinations.
CUBA
Relations with the United States are thawing so no doubt change will be on the way — see it before it changes too much.
Even many seasoned travellers have yet to see the sights of Havana, making it an intriguing destination.
Travel guru Phil Hoffmann nominates this as one of his picks for 2015.
MYANMAR
Another nation long cut off from much of the world that is opening up.
Hot air balloon over Bagan, Myanmar Source: Supplied
A surge of interest has been matched by a rush from savvy operators to build river boats so guests can cruise the Irrawaddy in style. They include A & K’s Sanctuary Ananda and the Cruiseco Explorer.
From Mandalay and Bagan to Yangon and Inle Lake, this is a fascination nation. As well, you get plenty of bang for your buck and the people — from many cultures — are friendly to visitors.
Outdoor cafes line a street in Vienna, Austria. Source: News Corp Australia
VIENNA
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the city’s magnificent boulevard, the Ring-strasse. The former defensive wall was torn down and replaced with numerous grand buildings and parks worthy of an imperial superpower.
A year of events will reflect the city’s musical heritage, culture, food, modern, cool image, and more.
If visiting Austria don’t forget glorious Innsbruck, and perhaps cruise the Danube down the World Heritage listed Wachau Valley.
CHINA
Tour operators such as Geoff Spark, of King William Travel, say China is on the rise as a tourist destination as well as an economic power.
Terracotta Warriors in China. Source: Supplied
Immerse yourself in ancient architecture, regional cuisine and amazing landmarks, from the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to the Terracotta Warriors and Three Gorges.
Great shopping, it’s relatively cheap and is a lot easier to tour than some years ago.
PERU
Companies such as Bunnik Tours have responded to the growing demand for South American tours as Australians flock to see the continent’s wonders, including the awe-inspiring Andes Mountains and the beautiful Amazon River.
Machu Picchu. Source: Supplied
From the wonders of Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail to Cusco, the Sacred Valley, condors and volcanoes, Peru is a wonder.
Indigenous people wearing colourful traditional costumes in the mesmerising markets add to the experience, but be polite if you’re taking photos.
ECUADOR
Don’t forget Peru’s neighbour if you’re heading to that part of the world.
Indigenous women at a market high in the Andes, Ecuador. Source: News Limited
Stand astride the equator, travel down the Avenue of the Volcanoes through the Andes, bathe in hot springs heated by a volcano next to a waterfall in the party town of Banos, eat cuy (guinea pig), learn to salsa, follow the Cinnamon Trail, and see wildlife and jungle on an Amazonian rainforest river cruise.
BALTIC STATES,
SCANDINAVIA
While Alaska and New Zealand have been “hot’’ cruise destinations in recent years, sailing around the coastline — and visiting the cities — of the Baltic States, as well as Scandinavia, is becoming increasingly popular.
Set sail for Sweden. Source: News Corp Australia
Cruising is an easy way to see places in this region as well as near neighbours.
For example, combine Emirates flights with a cruise in June and call in at Stockholm (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland), St Petersburg (Russia), Muuga (Estonia), Warnemunde (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).
DOURO VALLEY
Soaring in popularity as a river cruise destination, the Douro River flows from north-central Spain and across Portugal.
In the Portuguese section, the Douro Valley is a winegrowing area of spectacular scenery and is World Heritage listed. A popular option for people who like river cruising and have already travelled on some of the world’s great rivers.
SINGAPORE
The stopover city is celebrating its golden jubilee with a year-long program of events, festivals and more.
Enjoy the food, the bargain shopping, and places such as Clarke Quay with its colourful bumboats. And here’s a tip: the three-star Ibis Bencoolen in the heart of the action gives guests a smartphone that lets you make free calls all over the world, has tourist information and acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot — that can be a huge saving.
COOBER PEDY
Closer to home and a little more unusual, the Far North town is an unforgettable experience and now is an ideal time to go.
Exploring opal mines at Coober Pedy. Source: News Limited
See the changing colours of The Breakaways, the countless mineshafts in the hunt for opal, the underground accommodation, and the sheer isolation of a frontier town which this year marks its centenary with a calendar of festivals and events.
It made US TV network CNN’s Top 10 places in the world to visit in 2015.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét