TRAVEL WISH YOU WERE HERE..?
Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabric, to Ian Callum’s creative input at luxury car manufacturer Jaguar – along with world-class touring exhibitions.
In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was published 200 years ago. Explore streets described in her book on a walking tour with Dark Dundee and Tanzania, 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, and next year there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park.
Take a boat safari and watch elephants swim across the Shire River and fall asleep listening to hippos snuffling in the undergrowth. South African Airways
offer flights from London Heathrow to Lilongwe via Johannesburg from £694 return. Stay at the Mvuu Camp
in Liwonde National Park from £270 per person per night full board. still tap to irresistible riffs in crowded bars, but the appeal of the city – renamed ‘Nowville’ by American GQ – is so much broader.
A dynamic food scene runs from gritty Southern fare to classy gourmet creations, and the reinvigorated neighbourhoods of 12 South and East Nashville are shaping up to be hipster magnets.
British Airways will launch Europe’s first direct flight on May 4, with five weekly services from £499 return. Abercrombie & Kent
can tailor-make a three-night break including the new direct flights, accommodation and private transfers.
Culture With 12 months of cultural events planned, there’s good reason to visit year round. One of the biggest talking points is the impending arrival of the Terracotta Army from Xi’an, above.
For more than 2,000 years, these fascinating statues guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor and, from February 9 until October 28, they will form part of a major exhibition at the World Museum
Other highlights in the city’s jam-packed arts calendar include a return visit from French puppeteers Royal De Luxe as part of the city’s celebrations to mark a decade since being European Capital of Culture, The Liverpool Biennial of contemporary art (July 14-October 28).
Tate Liverpool is also celebrating its 30th birthday.
Adventure Iceland’s popularity grows every year, and travellers are venturing north for striking waterfalls, geothermal pools and lava caves – without the crowds.
In January, Super Break launch direct charters to Akureyri from Bournemouth, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Exeter, Humberside and Newcastle; from February, additional services will operate from East Midlands, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted and Norwich.
Iceland’s second city is the gateway to the Arctic North, where highlights include Europe’s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss, lava formation Dimmuborgir, the Krafla volcano, inset, and Myvatn Nature Baths – a far less touristy alternative to the Blue Lagoon. Super Break offer the 4-night Incredible Iceland trip from Liverpool from £749ppp including B&B accommodation, flights and two excursions.