Travel
Feeling the cold? You'll warm to these
The weather has taken a turn for the worse, so now may be a good time to plot your escape
November 27, 2014 12:27
By, Anonymous
3 min read
The weather has taken a turn for the worse, so now may be a good time to plot your escape
November 27, 2014 12:27ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Authentic Maldives
Why: The law in the Maldives has recently changed to allow guesthouse-style hotels to be built on the smaller, local islands.
This is good news for those who want to experience a culturally enriched stay away from the large resorts.
How: The new The Reveries Diving Village guesthouse on the untouched Maldivian paradise island of Gan.
You will find Buddhist ruins, a lake, 8kms of white sand beach, surf spots and a number of unspoiled reefs to explore.
Superb visibility means divers and snorkellers get a superb view of the abundance of macro life and numerous turtles.
Experienced divers will be able to dive among barracuda, snapper, eagle rays, grey reef sharks, nurse sharks and manta rays.
When: Go now.
How Much: from £2,145 per person sharing, including international flights from London, seven nights' half board accommodation, and five days' diving (up to 10 dives), tanks and weights with Dive Worldwide (0845 130 6980, www.diveworldwide.com).
Marseille
Why: Eurostar is introducing year-round direct services from London to Marseilles from May 2015 making the south of France within easy reach. Enjoy a cup of tea in London and get there in time for a tipple by the Mediterranean only six and a half hours later.
How: Enjoy a five-day break by first class rail staying at the centrally-located four-star Grand Hotel Beauvau. Named as a European Capital of Culture last year, France's oldest city has had a facelift and a revamp of the Old Port, a new tram system and new museums, restaurants, shops and hotels popping up. Best of all in this port city is that it is surrounded by the Mediterranean and offers sunny days for much of the year.
When: From May 2015.
How Much: From £549 per person based on two sharing, including return first class rail from London to Marseilles and four nights' B&B in the four star Grand Hotel Beauvau with Planet Rail (01347 811810, www.planetrail.co.uk).
India
Where: Madhya Pradesh, India
Why: Thanks to the release of a new Jungle Book film by Jon Favreau, starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray, in October 2015 all eyes are on the jungle where Rudyard Kipling set his classic tale.
How: A new authentic wildlife experience, Walking with Tigers, Get to know the forest community at Sakata, enjoy forest walks with a local guide and take a thrilling jeep safari into Pench Tiger Reserve.
When: Now to March.
How Much: rom £647 per person based on two sharing including four nights' full board, internal flight Delhi to Nagpur, overnight rail journey, road transfers, two jeep safaris in the Tiger Reserve and guiding with Village Ways. International flights extra. (01223 750049, www.villageways.com).
Scotland
Why: A blockbuster adaptation of Macbeth, starring Michael Fassbender, is due for release in the UK in 2015. Filming is taking place right now across Scotland, including on the Isle of Skye where the stars have been spotted in motion picture action at the Quiraing.
How: Get behind a stills camera and see the beautiful landscapes of Skye, including the Quiraing on a photography holiday accompanied by expert Colin Prior.
Photograph a variety of coastal, mountain and moorland landscapes on Skye and the West Highlands. Skye is known for its diverse and often dramatic landscapes, especially for the Cuillin Mountains, and the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing on the Trotternish Ridge.
A great place to set down roots is in Kintail, a well-placed location for exploring both Skye and the western end of Glen Sheil where the mountain scenery is spectacular.
When: April 22 2015.
How Much: From £1,250 per person, including four nights' accommodation, all meals, all transport starting and finishing in Inverness and photography tuition with Wilderness Scotland (01479 420020, www.wildernessscotland.com).
Costa Rica
Why: There are no direct flights to Costa Rica but this will change next year when Thomson Airways launches a weekly service from Gatwick in November 2015.
How: With Costa Rica becoming easier to access, it is set to be the next hot destination. But don't go where all the other tourists go, do Costa Rica a little differently.
Collect a 4x4 and self-drive from north to south, on and off the beaten track, to experience the extraordinary biodiversity visiting the regions least affected by tourism.
When: From November 2015
How much: from £1,860pp sharing, including 15 nights' B&B accommodation, scheduled activities and excursions, transfers and 4x4 rental car with GPS with Pura Aventura (www.pura-aventura.com, 01273 676712). International flights extra.
Moselle
Why: A long distance footpath, the Moselsteig, has just opened.
How: A wine-infused self-guided walk on the Mittelmosel between Trier and Cochem which includes rail and a slow boat along the river from Traben-Trabach to Bernkastel-Kues. Return on foot via the German version of the Camino de Santiago, the Jakobsweg.
When: May to October
How Much: From £695pp sharing, including 7 nights' B&B accommodation, two dinners, 1 picnic, walking maps and notes with Inntravel. (01653 617000, www.inntravel.co.uk,)