Be inspired in the new year
RETURNING to work after the Christmas break isn’t easy for anyone.
But with a brand new holiday allocation at your fingertips, there are a few rays of hope to cling onto.
So, here’s some inspiration if you’re planning travel adventures and weekends away in 2018.
PICOS DE EUROPA, SPAIN
Best for: Hiking Why: 100 years ago, this stretch of peaks linking Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon was designated the first national park of Europe. Aside from the landscapes, there’s also the chance to see golden eagles, wild horses and the Cantabrian brown bear. How: Pura Aventura (pura-aventura. com, 01273 676712) offer a sevennight Picos de Europa inn to inn walking holiday from £1050pp.
DUNDEE
Best for: Art and design Why: The new V&A Museum of Design Dundee (vandadundee.org) is expected to open in late summer and is part of a £1billion development of the waterfront.
It will house a permanent collection tracing the country’s design heritage along with touring exhibitions.
In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was first published 100 years ago. How: Booking.com offer rooms at the Hampton by Hilton Dundee from £80 with breakfast. MALAWI Best for: Wildlife Why: This small, friendly and politically stable country is gearing up to be a world-class wildlife destination.
Last year, the world’s biggest-ever translocation of elephants took place, successfully restocking the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve. Next year, there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park. How: South African Airways (flysaa. com), from Heathrow to Lilongwe via Johannesburg from £694 return. Stay at the Mvuu Camp (cawsmw.com) in Liwonde National Park from £270 per person per night full board.
NASHVILLE
Best for: Foodies Why: A dynamic food scene runs from gritty Southern fare to classy gourmet creations. British Airways will launch Europe’s first direct flight on May 4, with five services operating weekly from £499 return. How: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk) can tailormake a three-night break including the new direct flights, accommodation and private transfers.