2016 has been a tumultuous year and a great many destinations are becoming more difficult to travel to for a whole variety of reasons. But, never fear, there are still wonderful places to experience. Here is my list of just a few places to go in 2017 at a time of the year you might not have considered previously.
Sea Urchin, Caribbean Sea
January Enjoy sunny weather in the Caribbean when it is most grim back home with the bonus of avoiding the stormy summer season. Celebrity Cruise offers guests the opportunity to join chef, Antiguan Nicole Arthurton, in discovering how to make West Indian recipes step-by step. Nicole will use the bountiful garden harvest that is indicative of this island for her special recipes. Departing 7 January, 2017, the ‘At home with Chef Nicole’ experience in Antigua costs $235 (£178) per person; part of a seven-night cruise departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. www.celebritycruises.co.uk
February Get those ski books and poles packed as this is an ideal time of year for skiing (though do avoid half-term crush). Val d’esere in the French Alps is a spectacular choice for those looking for a bit of luxury when hitting the slopes. And we all know the French are famous for their après ski. Oh la la! www.crystalski.co.uk
A Holi shop in India
March Holi, the Festival of Colours in India, takes place the week after the full moon every March. Participants wear white clothing and colourful powders are thrown up in the air and onto everyone and everything. In 2017, Holi take’s place on March 13, with Holika Dahan (the bonfire night for scaring away evil spirits) on March 12. Hayes & Jarvis (www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk) is offering a nine-night private Golden Triangle with Rajasthan tour to India that departs 9 March, 2017.
Tulips in Amsterdam
April Tulips are in bloom this month so take advantage of this spectacle by booking a river cruise along the ubiquitous canals and waterways of Amsterdam. I recently sailed on the elegant AmaCerto ship and can say this cruise line puts passengers requests and desires at the forefront of what they do. Seven-night Tulip Time itinerary travels through the Netherlands and Belgium. www.amawaterways.co.uk/europe-river-cruises-2017
Emery County, Utah, USA
May Late Spring is a beautiful time of year to visit any of the National Parks in the U.S. but a trip to Utah can be beyond expectations. The Mighty Five (parks) boast insanely dramatic desert landscapes with rock formations formed over millions of years. Visitors can also escape to the mountains resorts of northern Utah for hiking and boating. Delta.com has direct flights to Salt Lake City from London Heathrow from £685. www.visitutah.com/uk
June The famous Wildebeest Migration of Tanzania and Kenya is well under way by June as great herds head north following the seasonal change and rain. When visiting this part of East Africa there is the option of combining it with a beach holiday. White sand beaches and warm water make places like Diani a tropical paradise. Intrepid Holidays feature an itinerary which has a game drive on the Serengeti and at the Nsorongoro Crater with a visit to Mto WaMbu, Managu and Irente-Lushoto as well. The ‘Road to Zanzibar’ group trip with Intrepid begins on 30th April and offers basic accommodation or camping. www.intrepidtravel.com
Norway in Summer
July Experiencing the mid-night sun in the arctic is, without a doubt, one of the great joys of travel. Norway’s coastline is riven with deep, mystical fjords and, at the very top of the Arctic circle, Sami still herd reindeer as they have done for millennia. Go even further north to Svalbard and you are in the territory of polar bears. For those wanting to travel to Iceland, Greenland and other northernly populated areas; cruise-line, Hurtigruten, famous for delivering post to outlying seashore villages in Norway, would be an ideal choice. www.hurtigruten.co.uk
August Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and is perfect for nature lovers. It is also tipped as one of the bargains for 2017. Start at the beach and then ascend to the Monteverde Cloud Forest and pass through six different eco-zones on the way. For bird watchers, there isn’t a better destination. www.costaricaexperts.com
September Late in September, if far enough north, the trees’ colours could already be starting to change. This startling phenomena is predominent where there are vast expanses of deciduous forests such as North America’s eastern seaboard. The islands and coastline of Canada is a truly inspiring place to be when the forest’s explode with colour. Not only is it a visual feast but visitors can also literally feast on tantalizing seafood such as in Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy and through out the region. www.keepexploring.ca
Kayaking near Key West
October Though incredibly warm in the summer, the Florida Keys are just starting to cool off slightly in early autumn. For those who enjoy sports such as deep sea fishing, kayaking or diving, this is one of the best places in the world to come and experience these unique islets. Sunset is celebrated every evening of the year at the farthest southerly point in the U.S., Mallory Square, Key West www.fla-keys.com
November Myanmar is in the middle of the dry season during November with warm temperatures and warm, welcoming people. Now that Aung Sang Suu Kyi’s democratic party is in power, this country has opened up to tourism in a big way. The valley of 10,000 temples, Bagan, is one place you won’t want to miss. The incredible golden stupa and complex, Schwedagon Paya, in Yangon is an important highlight as is Kandawgyi Park. Stay at Belmond’s Governor’s Residences for a taste of old colonial Britain. www.belmond.com/governorsresidence
Atlantic Ridge, Iceland
December Iceland has only just started promoting itself during the winter months and it is a magical time to see this ‘young’ island, geologically speaking. The scenery is beyond spectacular: the Atlantic Rift, the Geysers, waterfalls and the thermal pools are just a few of the spectacular sights. Get out of Rekyavik late at night to see the Northern Lights. Unforgettable. www.visiticeland.com
All photographs © Lynn Houghton – the roaming scribe
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