New year, new you? Let 2012 be the year you finally fulfil that lifelong ambition to actually see the world and experience that activity you’ve always dreamed of doing. Here are Travelbite.co.uk’s top 10 holiday ideas to make your new year’s resolutions come true and realise your travel dream:
Get into shape…
Has the festive season left you feeling more stuffed than the Christmas turkey? If so, then why not decide to get into shape in 2012? The good news is that exercise doesn’t always have to be slogging away at the gym; you can combine it with a memorable break away. One of the best ways to combine exploring a destination whilst burning some calories is cycling. Utracks has plenty of tours to choose from, from cycling along the canals in the Netherlands to exploring the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia by bike.
Making sure you have health insurance when you are going away is also a must, visit www.applyfore111.com for some more information on this.
Cut the costs…
With the recession still very much alive and kicking, there are still a number of steps travellers can take to save their pennies. Hostels are a great alternative to hotels at a fraction of the cost you may be surprised to know that many boast all the benefits of central locations, private en suite rooms and much more. Guests can stay in top European cities with extra spending money to enjoy the sights and nightlife with Hostelworld.com.
One such example is Backpax Mitte, in Berlin, which features artistically designed bedrooms and interior spaces styled and transformed into unique pieces of art. Guests can choose from the ‘Beetle room’ or ‘Skyline room’ among others to put the stresses of home to the back of the mind. Prices from £9.97pp/pn.
Learn a new skill…
Fancy trying your hand at poetry, painting or even photography? Learning something new is always rewarding, so why not learn a new skill whilst on holiday? There’s an increasing demand for themed holidays, so from pasta-making in Italy to joining a yoga cruise, there’s plenty of opportunity to make your New Year’s resolution a reality.
If you’re keen to master photography, opt for Star Clipper’s Athens to Venice photography cruise in July 2012, with award-winning photojournalist Philip Dunn, who will lead photography classes and shore excursions. For something completely different, why not learn the profound art of Chinese calligraphy? One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Wuzhen Clubhouse – set in an ancient water town along the Jinghang Grand Canal – is holding classes including how to handle an Oriental brush, practice writing easy Chinese characters, paint simple ink and wash paintings.
Transform your mind and body…
Maximise your potential with a nurturing and revitalising treatment course in a beautiful environment this year. From yoga, pranamaya and Pilates to spa treatments, turn your holiday into a life transforming experience in 2012.
See our top 5 detox and fitness holidays for 2012
Set yourself a charity challenge…
If you’ve set yourself the challenge in 2012 to get fit why not have fun while raising money for your favourite charity at the same time? From organised charity walks and bike rides in the English countryside to ultra marathons in exotic locations, a charity challenge will be the experience of a lifetime.
Across the Divide has a wide variety of ideas for your New Year’s resolutions. There are physical challenges such as walking and biking in the UK, the London to Paris Charity Bike Ride, trekking the Great Wall of China, Everest Base Camp or Kilimanjaro.
Set yourself a stretch target with ultra marathons in Iceland, Namibia or the Grand Canyon. Or visit the Anixab community at Sorris-Sorris in Namibia to assist with general renovations to improve the learning environment in the region’s schools which are in a state of disrepair.
