Clockwise: pedal power in Corsica; aurora borealis; and lions in Malawi
always like an excuse to party, so 2013 will certainly be a year of festivities. In August, hit the Grachtenfestival, where concerts will be performed on board canalboats. GET THERE: Fly from London Gatwick to Amsterdam for £96 return with British Airways. ba.com
Londonderry WHY: Our buddies at Lonely Planet named Londonderry – or Derry, as many would prefer it be called – among the world’s top 10 cities to visit this year. Less than an hour from London, the Northern Irish spot is also 2013’s UK City of Culture, meaning all sorts of events will take place, including jazz fests, dance competitions, literary goings-on and the Turner Prize. In other words, there will be countless chances to see this historical riverside city at its most vibrant. GET THERE: Fly from London Stansted to Londonderry for £52 return with Ryanair.
Iceland WHY: Tell anyone you’re planning a visit to Iceland, and they’ll whistle in horror at the bill they imagine you’re going to rack up. But the currency crash, which devalued the krona, had the silver lining of making a holiday in Iceland much more affordable. However, this won’t last long and prices are already on the rise, so squeeze a trip in soon to hang with the hipsters in Reykjavík or gaze at glaciers in the south. GET THERE: Fly From London Heathrow to Reykjavik from £203 return with Icelandair. icelandair.co.uk
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Corsica WHY: The French island of Corsica is set to host the start of the centenary edition of the Tour de France in June, with the first leg’s route announced as a gruelling ride through mountain passes and along coastal paths. This simultaneously reminded everyone just how gorgeous the scenic island really is. Join le Tour’s diehards and ride the course ahead of defending champ Bradley Wiggins and his Team Sky cohorts or just take your own path of exploration. GET THERE: Fly London Gatwick to Corsica for £175 return with easyJet. easyjet.com
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Dal Lake: beat the tourist rush in Srinagar