We know that most people have just returned from their holidays, but with the daunting prospect of another year facing us, the best remedy is to plan your next escape and begin the countdown until you travel.
Aware to the fact that most people don’t need to be told that Paris is beautiful, New York is exciting and the Maldives is relaxing, we’ve decided to scoured our sources to find the upcoming destinations that you should be visiting in 2016, before they become overrun by mainstream tourists:
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Cuba (pictured above)
The fact that America is currently on a global charm offensive is a good thing for us Gulf-dwelling jetsetters. The Obama administration’s decision to re-build relationships with Cuba, could soon make flights to the island even easier, with transfers via the US.
As a destination, Havana is an absolute must-visit. Without the mass globalisation that seems to dampen the uniqueness of so many major cities, it has retained its very distinctive culture. The vintage cars driving through old-world-charm streets, cigar-rolling bars filled with salsa dancing locals and pristine beaches littered with domino-playing old men — the city still retains its famous defiant vibe. We recommend going this year, before it is too late.
New South Wales, Australia
The good news for travellers (less so for Australians) is that the Aussie dollar is on the slide, so this year is the perfect time to commit to the long trip south. Sydney has long been one of the world’s most exciting cities, with surfers, hipsters and foodies making up the steady droves of tourists. But there’s so much more to New South Wales than just its capital and the Opera House.
Just two hours’ drive west of Sydney will see you wind your way up the Blue Mountains. Surrounded by some genuinely breathtaking scenery, it is easy to understand why Australians are such an environmentally conscious people. If you’re in desperate need to get back in touch with a bit of nature, then there is nowhere like the One&Only Wolgan Valley resort. Nestled within a 7,000-acre conservation reserve, this carbon-neutral hotel is what we all secretly wish the world was like.
The Seychelles
Of the Indian Ocean’s idyllic island trinity of destinations, Seychelles is arguably the most diverse. While it might not have the grain-perfect appearance of the Maldives’ atolls, or the pseudo-African vibe of Mauritius, its collection of islands offer so many options for holidaymakers.
From the fun Caribbean-style vibe of the principle island of Mahé, and its quaint colonial capital, Victoria, to the unspoilt surrounding islands and giant tortoise sanctuary, it’s a place that most people would have very little trouble adapting to. Now factor in that it is only a four-hour direct flight from Dubai, and your list of excuses is whittled down to nothing.
Costa Rica
With Emirates launching direct flights to Panama from February, Central America (and its plethora of destinations) just got a lot closer. At the very top of our list for this year is Costa Rica. For adventurous types, Costa Rica ticks all of the boxes: lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, soaring smoking volcanoes and some of the world’s best surf breaks. A haven for nature enthusiasts.
Riga, Latvia
Everybody loves a party, and this year Latvia has plenty to celebrate. Following on from its year as European Capital of Culture and being 25 years since independence from Russian communism, Latvia is determined to hold on to its moment in the spotlight. Riga’s young, social population has led to an explosion in cutting-edge New Nordic cuisine, while its castles and vast nearby areas of pine forest ensure that it has something for both culture vultures and eco addicts.
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Details: Book any of these destinations via luxury tour operator Lightfoot Travel at lightfoottravel.com