As January rolls on, people everywhere are mourning the festive season in the return to work and winter weather. But what better way to beat the blues than by planning your next getaway? January or June, I’m always on the hunt for the next adventure – day trip, long weekend, a week in the sun – and a little bit of inspiration can go a long way.
The New York Times Travel section is one of my favourite corners of the web for travel tips and ideas (although without their digital subscription, I have to ration my reading). With their guidance I’ve discovered dumpling restaurants, hotel hideaways and fresh perspectives on old haunts. The writers there have just released their recommendations for the year ahead, and there are a lot of them: ‘The 45 Places to Go in 2012‘ covers all corners of the globe – and even skims Space.
For me, 2012 holds two definite destinations that don’t make the Times cut – the Isle of Skye and New York City – although a few of those that are mentioned are in the pipeline for my suitcase and I. Tokyo (6) is already pencilled in for the far end of 2012, where I hope to spend Christmas in good company in Japan. London (4) and Wales (31) are also potential places to visit, given the concentration of much-missed friends in these areas.
The Times puts prominence on those ‘dream destinations’ – African safaris, beautiful beaches, and elegant city breaks. A stop-off at any of them would suit me. I’ve wanted to see Havana (10) for years, and I explored the option of teaching English in Jordan (38) before I found myself on a flight to China. San Diego (14) was intended for inclusion on last summer’s road trip, but had to be dropped at the last minute; I have it on good authority that Dubrovnik (36) is one of Europe’s highlights.
Pick and choose from this list, or come up with one of your own – either way, now is the time to make just one more resolution for 2012. Dream, plan, and have your suitcase on standby!
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