THE choice IS YOURS
New York or new horizons? Check In’s Neil Simpson is in holiday heaven
I’M not sure which I’m looking forward to the most: Christmas or the chance to really start travelling again.
Which does, of course, make me an idea candidate for a mini-break, including some of the UK’s best Christmas markets.
Book now – it’s not too late – and you can get your Christmas shopping done accompanied by twinkling lights and holding a steaming mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Take a look at page 7 for inspiration on some lovely festive markets in Britain. Or join the likes of Viking to get looked after every step of the way on a perfect pre-Christmas river cruise in Europe – or, indeed, on any of its other amazing river journeys.
THE BIG APPLE
Or should I hop on to a plane to New York now that American borders have reopened? British Airways tells me that Christmas shopping trips are incredibly popular this year. I may not really be a Macy’s or a Saks Fifth Avenue kind of person, but plenty of the people I buy presents for are.
And I’ve long since learned that you can’t go wrong with a gift in a classic Bloomingdale’s bag.
Better still, BA and other airlines have great flight times that let you jet off on a Thursday, have three nights in Manhattan and be back at work (a little sleepy and maybe just a little bit late) sometime on Monday morning.
If you get the shopping done early, then New York never disappoints for sightseeing, either. Our 48-hours guide, aimed at first-timers and repeat visitors, is on page 6.
By the time the new year dawns, the wonderful world of travel should be gearing up for a year like no other. The same excitement is building at home and abroad.
STAYCATION IDEAS
I love some of the staycation ideas we’ve tracked down on page 12. Britain didn’t disappoint this year, and lots of us are looking forward to revisiting old favourites and discovering new treasures in 2022.
Escorted tours are one of my favourite ways to see the UK.
Why? Because I’m actually a little bit lazy. I like it when a great tour operator, such as Shearings, works out the perfect itinerary.
I love it when they find the best places to see, get me in the right place at the right time and sort out everything from my hotels to my breakfasts and most of my dinners, too.
All that and the joys of visiting everywhere from the Welsh hills, English Riviera and Scottish lochs to the Northern Irish coast. What’s not to like about a holiday that takes us all there?
NEW HORIZONS
Of course, after spending so much time at home these past few years, 2022 also feels like the time to really branch out. And if you’re looking for new horizons, then Antarctica is going to be pretty hard to beat.
So far, I’ve only seen photographs and watched documentaries about that vast, frozen continent. It’s the kind of place you maybe dream of visiting as a child – but you then decide as an adult that you’ll never actually see it.
But now, in 2022, we can see it. With firms such as Hurtigruten, we can see Antarctica in safety, in comfort and in the company of amazing teams of experts.
We’ve got a few more details on the page opposite. The one that sticks in my mind is the thought of excursions and activities taking place both on the expedition ships and ashore.
The idea of standing on that frozen continent takes my breath away. I’m in awe of the companies that have worked so hard to create voyages like this. I’m jealous of the lucky travellers who will be the first on board.
I’m jealous, in fact, of anyone who’s getting ready to book a holiday for the months ahead. The choice on offer today is extraordinary. Enjoy!
Escorted tours are one of my favourite ways to see the UK