MALTA PRESS COVERAGE JANUARY 2018
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Malta Yellow News Evening Standard (Web) 02 January 2018 N/A 171109 4593
10 of the best travel destinations for January 10 of the best travel destinations for January : You don't have to be wet and miserable this month... The festivities are over, you're back to work and probably feeling, well, a bit gloomy. The one thing that would make it all better? A holiday, of course. January is arguably one of the best times to get away - you've already struggled through several months of dark mornings and darker evenings and you've still got several of these months to go. The absolute best decision you can make is breaking the month up with either a spell of spontaneous sunshine or a weekend break to a a proper winter paradise. Here, we count the destinations to travel to this month. Take the plunge and book a last minute escape ASAP... Patagonia, Chile (Monigocan/Pixabay) January in Patagonia is one of the best times to explore the country's staggering national parks as many of the hotels and camps are closed during the UK's summer months. January is mid-summer in Chile but not too hot to undertake the ultimate hiking trip and it's unlikely you'll find anywhere more picturesque to do it. Oman (Famhud/Pixabay) If you want to experience a different side to the Middle East than the flashy, embellished likes of Dubai, Oman is where to go. With Arabian deserts, the fjords of Musandam and Khasab, preserved ancient cities and blue-skies during the UK's winter - it's no wonder that in recent years the countries become a go-to for the international jet set. South Africa (12019/Pixabay) January is a prime time to visit South Africa - not only are temperatures warm, but you're likely to experience almost no rainfall. Kick off your holiday in Cape Town where hotel options are getting better by the year and the restaurant scene is booming (book Pot Luck Club if you can). After, head out to the mountains and spend a few days visiting the vineyards around the quaint, charming town of Stellenbosch where the streets are lined by vibrant violet Jacaranda trees. Drive half an hour over the valleys to finish the great South African wine tour in Franschhoek, which is home to the country's oldest settlement with vineyards stretching all around. Lake Bled, Slovenia (Tomazj/Pixabay) Trade sludging through the soaking streets of Tottenham Court Road and visit somewhere were winter spells exceptional beauty. Bled is a small town perched high in Slovenia's Julien alps and it's home to a ruined Medieval castle, high mountains and a lake club that's popular with sun worshippers during summer. It's central attraction though is the church set on an islet on the town's dark blue lake. When it's snowing, it's hard not to feel like you may have just walked into Narnia. Seville, Spain (Skeeze/Pixabay) When you think of visiting Spain for a city break, you often think of the scorching sun and sitting al fresco devouring a plate of fresh pasta on a summer's evening but ask anyone that's been to Seville and they'll tell you to save it for winter. Why? Well, Seville doesn't really "do" winter as you and I know it. In January, the temperature is on average around 11°c which makes it a pleasantly warm weekend getaway only a stone's throw from London. The major bonus? The city is lined with orange trees that weave in and out of the Gothic architecture and it's the months of December and January that the fruits blossom. North Island, New Zealand (Bilder Meines Lebens/Pixabay) If you don't have time to do both the North and the South Island (which you should aim for), the North Island is best in January due to it being warmer. Temperatures can get up to 25°c and the far north actually has a subtropical climate so sun worshipers won't be disappointed. Known for their warm, clear waters and vast marine life - don't miss the Bay of Islands. Valletta, Malta (Gln/Pixabay ) Valletta is another excellent short haul getaway option as not only is the weather likely to be good but prices are dramatically slashed in January meaning there are great deals to be had. As the European city with the most amount of hours of sunshine on average a year, January can see highs of 15°c. With a long, ancient history - this is the city to see the likes of ruins that date back to 3,200 BC, intricate 16th century Baroque cathedrals and wander around preserved palaces. Jamaica (Nadi17/Pixabay) If balmy temperatures, dry
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Malta Yellow News Evening Standard (Web) 02 January 2018 N/A 171109 4593
evenings and all-day sunshine are your thing - Jamaica is a fairly unbeatable option for January. In the north of the island, Montego Bay, temperatures peak at an average of 28°c and can be hotter in the south. The perfect destination for those that want the Caribbean beach-dream as well as something to do - there's of course the music, the famous island culture, those stretches of golden sands but also no shortage of adventures to be had. You can cycle and hike in the mountains, raft down the island's rivers and snorkel across some of the island's live corals. Iceland (Lockenkopf/Pixabay) There's no shortage of reasons to head to Iceland in January. Yes, you will have short days and minimal light but if you've dreamed of the ultimate winter trip - this will fulfil it. Snowcapped mountains will add a new dimension to the epic landscape, you'll have a solid chance of seeing the Northern Lights (the best time to see them is between September and mid-April) and by mid-January the country typically gains around three hours of daylight. Bali (Sushuti/Pixabay) Another no-brainer for winter sun, avoid the city of Kuta at all costs (it will be overrun by Australians making good use of the school holidays) but do visit Seminyak for the most chic-chic beach resorts, Ubud for the ancient temples and rice paddies and the Gili Islands just off the coast of Bali where you won't see any cars (only horse drawn carriages are allowed) and sunbathe on some of the whitest sands in Indonesia.
Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/10-of-the-best-travel-destinations-to-visit-in-january-a37303 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Main) 03 January 2018 52 1511357 576cm2 27233.28
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Main) 03 January 2018 52 1511357 576cm2 27233.28
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Malta Yellow News Marie Claire UK (Web) 03 January 2018 N/A 62351 1694
9 of the most luxurious spa breaks to take this year 9 of the most luxurious spa breaks to take this year : These indulgent spa breaks will leave you feeling refreshed and revived - and our exclusive spa offers are a treat for your bank balance too... 9 images This is image Aava Spa & Resort, Thailand Where better to relax and find yourself again than on an unspoilt, white sandy beach, watching pink dolphins dancing in the waves? The boutique Aava Resort and Spa, with just 28 rooms, in the fishing town of Khanom, southeast Thailand, is ideal for a week of "me time". Our Marie Claire Thailand spa break includes seven nights' accommodation in a deluxe bungalow, 60-minute massage, return flights from the UK, all breakfasts and evening meals, half-day dolphin-watching tour, and daily activieis including Tai chi, Pranayama (yogic breathing), Sun Salutation yoga, stretching class, pilates, group flow yoga class, and meditation – all for just £1,499 per person. See the details This is image Talise Spa, Dubai, UAE Dubai is a city that celebrates luxury, and its spas definitely live up to their sumptuous image. The majority of spas can be found within the lavish hotels in the emirate – perfect for those who want convenient treatments while on holiday. Talise Spa is the largest in the Middle East, with a focus on self-discovery and complete retreat. Set in calm gardens, the spa takes on an oriental theme and offers private treatment villas to hide away in. This is image St Moritz Hotel, Cornwall, UK Look to the fabulous St Moritz hotel in Cornwall for stylish rooms and a wonderful Cowshed spa, two swimming pools, gym, two gourmet restaurants and a bustling bar. The location is equally enticing: Greenaway Beach is at the bottom of the garden, and the pretty towns of Rock, Padstow and Polzeath are nearby. It's the ideal destination whether you're looking for a relaxing beach stay, indulgent spa break or romantic retreat – and our fabulous spa break offer includes three nights' accommodation, all breakfasts, and a £20 Cowshed spa voucher. This is image Thermae Spa, Bath, UK The city of Bath has been a spa retreat for centuries: it was the first destination in the UK to offer natural thermal waters to laze away in. The city's historic and beautiful Roman Baths are beautifully maintained and date back over 2,000 years, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the thermal waters in a natural and unique environment. Thermae Bath Spa offers a modern twist on Bath's spa heritage, combining the city?s natural thermal waters with modern services to create a complete spa experience. Visitors can bathe day and night, with the glass bordered rooftop spa the highlight. Kick back and relax, and enjoy Bath's picturesque skyline. Ahh… This is image The Palace Hotel, Malta With their breath-taking natural beauty, rich ancient history and warm sunny weather, the islands of Malta and Gozo are the perfect place to enjoy a spa holiday. Gozo promises a rural spa paradise with its rolling green hills, whilst spas in Malta enjoy a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. The 5 star Palace Hotel on Malta's east coast is the last word in Mediterranean-chic; the stylish spa, roof-top infinity pool and personal touches make it a perfect retreat for a romantic spa holiday. This is image Sanctuary Spa, Covent Garden, London, UK Away from the busy streets of the Big Smoke are a selection of historic spas, providing some of the world?'s most exclusive offerings in relaxation and rejuvenation. Set in the heart of Covent Garden, The Sanctuary Spa is
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Malta Yellow News Marie Claire UK (Web) 03 January 2018 N/A 62351 1694
deserving of its superlative reputation. Known as a retreat for the Royal Ballet and its prima ballerinas, the female-only spa prides itself on its history, with oodles of indulgent treatments and celebrity clients. This is image Dream Gran Castillo, Lanzarote, Canary Islands As one of the world?'s largest producers of aloe vera, it's no surprise that Lanzarote boasts a fabulous spa culture. Away from the striking black volcanic beaches you'll find lots of indulgent spa hotels and retreats, which often take their inspiration from the island's multicultural roots. The Dream Gran Castillo Hotel in Playa Blanca is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tenerife and offers its very own Wellness and Thalassotherapy centre, for relaxation of body and soul. Here guests have exclusive use of the on-site Vitanova Spa that offers both therapeutic and beauty treatments. This is image Hotel Fouquet Barriere, Paris, France Paris is a truly luxurious setting for spa breaks. Located on the Champs Elysees the U Spa at the Hotel Fouquet?s Barriere is a haven in the middle of the city. There are a number of treatment rooms, a hammam and one of the largest indoor pools in Paris. Once you've finished relaxing, spend lazy days exploring the beautiful architecture and sophisticated pavement cafes that provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. This is image CS Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal The Algarve is renowned for its laid back luxury, and with a host of pampering resorts and spa centres it's a great option for spa seekers. CS Sao Rafael Atlantic Hotel is the essence of peace and serenity along the Algarve coast: spend your days relaxing in the unique thermal circuit, languishing in the floatarium or wallowing under the waterfall. Pure bliss. Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/travel/best-spa-breaks-134865 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News My Weekly (Main) 03 January 2018 30 101833 2714cm2 32595.14
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Malta Yellow News My Weekly (Main) 03 January 2018 30 101833 2714cm2 32595.14
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Scotland) (Main) 03 January 2018 52 83586 612cm2 2282.76
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Scotland) (Main) 03 January 2018 52 83586 612cm2 2282.76
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Malta Yellow News Daily Mail (Scotland) (Main) 03 January 2018 52 83586 612cm2 2282.76
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Malta Yellow News Chat (Main) 04 January 2018 44 248288 295cm2 5973.75
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News The Sunday Times Travel Magazine (Travel) 04 January 2018 111 63372 6633cm2 90208.8
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Malta Yellow News Icelolly.com (Blog) 05 January 2018 N/A 29994 805
6 Places That Should Be On Your 2018 Travel Bucket List 6 Places That Should Be On Your 2018 Travel Bucket List : Last updated on 4th January 2018 With 2018 officially upon us, it's time to start planning your travels for the year ahead. Here at icelolly. com we love all things travel, and have compiled a list of the must-see places to add to your bucket list for the next 12 months ahead. There are a few classics in there, but also some up and coming destinations you may not be as familiar with, so no matter what your holiday style, there'll be somewhere for you. 1. Positano, Italy Positano has grown in popularity during recent times, and that upward trend appears set to continue for 2018. It's the perfect destination for a few days of sun, sand and amazing Italian food. This little town is situated perfectly if you want to discover more of the Amalfi Coast too, as it's only a 25 minute ferry ride to both Amalfi and Capri. Positano is a hillside town, so you'll need to be fairly fit to make your way up and down all the stairs, but the stunning views are certainly worth it. Compare Positano deals 2. Palermo, Sicily The city of Palermo is currently undergoing a lot of restoration to bring the Sicilian capital back to its former glory, so 2018 will be a great time to visit. Palermo has always been known for great food, but even more so now as the renovations begin to attract a whole host of street food retailers, adding to what is already a great street food scene. Compare Palermo deals 3. Valletta, Malta Another city that has recently undergone regeneration is Valleta, in preparation for what promises to be an exciting year for this area of Malta. In 2018, Valletta is the European Capital of Culture, so it's a great time to visit and see all the hard work that has been done. There will also be many events across the year to celebrate their Capital of Culture status, so you'll have plenty to do and see if you decide to take a trip. Compare Valletta deals 4. Hurghada, Egypt Hurghada is one of the first cities to recover from the decline in tourism to Egypt, and with good reason. The place is packed full of wonders and historical sites, plus this year part of the new Grand Egyptian Museum will be open and eventually showcase over 100,000 artefacts from Egypt's rich history. Compare Hurghada deals 5. Tallinn, Estonia Towards the middle of last year Tallinn picked up pace as a must-visit holiday spot, which is set to increase now it has been named the Best Value Destination for 2018. Coupled with this accolade, Estonia is also celebrating 100 years of independence, so there's sure to be a lot going on in and around the city. Compare Tallinn deals 6. Oslo, Norway This year, Norway will be celebrating 50 years of marriage between their king and queen, which means the country will be in high spirits and have plenty going on to celebrate. Not only will there be Royal celebrations, but also there's a 10th birthday for Oslo's Opera House – so expect lots of special performances. Which destinations are on your bucket list to visit in 2018? Share this Article: Facebook Twitter Google Pinterest Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.icelolly.com/blog/6-places-that-should-be-on-your-2018-travel-bucket-list [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Travel Bulletin (Web) 05 January 2018 N/A 562 15
Malta Tourism Authority unveils Gastro Trail of Malta and Gozo Malta Tourism Authority unveils Gastro Trail of Malta and Gozo : The Malta Tourism Authority has launched a new Gastro Trail of Malta and Gozo highlighting some of the best culinary hotspots for agents to discover and share with their clients. With its blend of Italian and Arabic cuisine, the destination is fast becoming one to watch for foodies and the new Gastro Trail explores the restaurants, bars, farms and producers across both Malta and Gozo. Epicureans can also enjoy the wine offering from the small archipelago, with many producers gaining international recognition for both indigenous and blended vintages, the best of which are marked on the trail. The first in a series of themed ‘trails', this map has been designed to be taken in bitesize chunks and agents can utilise the foodie guide and give it to clients to use for their stay on the islands so that they can visit each one, or simply stop off at the ones that take their fancy. Each foodie gem on the map is briefly described with details of what it has to offer - whether it be the best place to try the abundance of fresh seafood, sample traditional Maltese savoury pastries that are baked throughout the night, meet independent gourmet artisans or simply where to see local cheese being created and buy the freshest ingredients. Highlights on the map include: Sam Cremoa's Olive Estate in Wardija where visitors can learn from a genuine olive oil sommelier and indulge in tastings as well as a traditional Maltese lunch; Diar Il-Bniet, a family run Maltese farm where guests can enjoy the fruits of the vineyards, olive groves and orchards; Ta' Rikardu restaurant on Gozo which offers cheesemaking demonstrations for diners; and the rustic restaurant, Tartarun, in the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The destination has long been a favourite destination with British travellers and this year the capital city, Valletta will be the 2018 European Capital of Culture. The map picks out three restaurants here for atmospheric dining including Michael's, a blend of traditional and cutting-edge cuisine in a historic setting and Panorama which has, as the name suggests, a panoramic vista of the Grand Harbour and The Harbour Club, famed for its seasonal and local menu as much as the waterside views. For more information or to download the map visit maltauk.com/maltasgastrotrail
Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.travelbulletin.co.uk/news-mainmenu/malta-tourism-authority-unveils-gastro-trail-of-malta-a [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Evening Standard (Web) 06 January 2018 N/A 171109 4593
The world''s bluest locations The world's bluest locations : Embrace the blues this January by booking an escape to one of these azure getaways.. We're embracing blues this January but not in the way you might think. All over the world there are plenty of colourful cities and sites - from Cape Town's Bo-Kaap district, where houses are neon, to London's pastel Notting Hill - but blue is a hue that almost always makes an appearance in any vibrant location. The colour of the sky and the sea - it's often thought to symbolise loyalty, serenity and stability and has been used throughout history to do so. From Iceland to India, below we've charted the world's most beautiful blue locations whether they're urban or rural. Where would you visit? Chefchaouen, Morocco (Motamid2006 / Pixabay) Known as "the blue pearl of Morocco", Chefchaouen is a city in the north of the country filled with chalk blue buildings. There are various theories about why the city is coloured some say Jewish settlers painted it after escaping Hitler, others say it's to reflect the sea and some believe it's merely a practical effort to keep mosquitoes away. Smaller and more remote than the likes of Marrakesh and Casablanca, the city is really a place to just unwind in. You can visit some of the small museums, shop at the markets, be scrubbed to within an inch of your life at traditional hammams and eat delicious food in one of the many restaurants located down the back alleys. Iceland ( Davide Cantelli / Unsplash) It's no surprise Iceland makes the list of blue locations and we're not just focusing on the famous geothermal spa, the Blue Lagoon. If you're the adventurous type, going ice cave exploring will be nothing short of exhilarating. There's no end of tour guides that will take you through ice tunnels and caves all over the country. Blue Lagoon, Malta (Shutterstock / Littleaom) Yes, Malta is also home to a Blue Lagoon but it's not a spa. Instead, it's a stretch of dazzling-bright water off the island of Comino at the tip of Italy's boot. Neon and surely spottable from any plane above, it's some of the most turquoise stretches of water in the Mediterranean. Jodhpur, India (Shutterstock / Nila Newsom) India's Jaipur may be pink and Jaisalmer may be golden but Jodhpur is all unmistakable blue. There are no official reasons why, but as it's known as Sun City, many presumer the old town's houses were painted in this colour to reflect the merciless heat. As the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, large numbers of tourists descend on its streets every year hoping to capture the vivid cobalt architecture in all its glory. Glow-in-the-dark beaches in the Maldives (Shutterstock / PawelG Photo) Yes, really. Head out to the beach after nightfall in the Maldives and you really could experience something you'd only imagine in a Sci-fi film. This photo was taken by Doug Perrine during a visit to Vaadhoo, one of the Raa Atoll islands in the Maldives, in 2012 but it's not as much of a once-in-a-lifetime shot as you may think. The effect is caused by a chemical reaction called bioluminescence, which occurs when a micro-organism in sea water is disturbed by oxygen and it's actually not that uncommon. It's been said that "glow-in-the-dark" beaches also occur in the likes of Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Santorini (Russell_Yan / Pixabay) Santorini might not be totally blue, but you'd be hard pressed to find more iconic roofed churches. The Greek island is made up of whitewashed houses with instantly recognisable blue accents. The domes of the chapels take centre stage with vibrant blue roofs and in the rest of the town - you'll see the same colour painted on window panes, doors and gate trims.
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Malta Yellow News Evening Standard (Web) 06 January 2018 N/A 171109 4593
Great Blue Hole, Belize (Shutterstock / Wollertz) There's no denying interest in Belize as a travel destination is on the rise. Only this year National Geographic named it one of the top winter destinations to travel to in 2018. Why? Well, aside from its sunny climate, varying landscapes and location by the Caribbean sea - it's also home to one of the best diving spots in the world - the Great Blue Hole. Part of the Barrier Reef ecosystem, visitors who dive the waters can expect to see the likes of turtles, sharks, tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterfly fish as well as species that wouldn't look out place in Blue Planet. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/the-world-s-bluest-locations-a3733576.html [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News The Guardian.com (Web) 07 January 2018 N/A 1944228 52186
The hot list: what''s coming your way in 2018 The hot list: what's coming your way in 2018 : Eighteen reasons to look forward to the next 12 months (and we haven't even mentioned the royal wedding…) Eighteen reasons to look forward to the next 12 months (and we haven't even mentioned the royal wedding…) 1 Bronx rapper Cardi B (the "strip club Mariah Carey") emerged from Instagram to dislodge Taylor Swift from the top of the US charts. After two Grammy nominations, her debut album is due to drop this year. 2 Baijiu, an ancient Chinese vermouth-style spirit brewed from rice wine, is the most widely consumed spirit in the world, but it's rarely seen in the UK. This year, with a new wave of cocktail bars opening, expect that to change. 3 It's happening. This year, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has confirmed two people will go on a private mission around the moon with the Falcon Heavy rocket, taking humans further than ever before. TBH there's never been a better time. 4 This will be the year of comfort, with tracksuits appearing as a genuine alternative to the party dress. Victoria Beckham has announced a long-term collaboration with Reebok, Rihanna's Fenty X Puma collaboration showed shiny tracksuits on the catwalks, as did Gucci. Plus, it's a great outfit for watching the World Cup. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ticket to ride: Ocean's 8 5 The new "women's movies", including Ocean's 8 (featuring Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Sandra Bullock, Awkwafina and Cate Blanchett) and Ava DuVernay's Wrinkle in Time (Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling) feature female protagonists who do more than talk about boys. 6 The world's most glamorous online retailer is going on holiday. Jet-A-Porter (get it?) is their style selection for your dream vacation, from Fendi skiwear to retro sunglasses by Le Specs. 7 Locked in her bathroom for 50 years, Frida Kahlo's prosthetics, corsets, shoes and personal effects are finally going on show outside Mexico City, alongside the self-portraits in which they appear. See them from 16 June at the V&A. 8 Trump's visit to the UK is going to be… fun? With the "biggest demonstration in British history" being organised to show him he's not welcome here, along with a mass-mooning along the streets, it should be a day to remember. Bottoms up. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Streets of desire: ancient buiildings in Valetta. Photograph: Getty Images 9 Valletta is one of the European Capitals of Culture 2018 ( valletta2018.org ), so Malta's mini-capital is gearing up for a load of performances, exhibitions and street parties. It's sunny all year round, and only takes three hours on the plane, boom. 10 It's the year of pop divas: Kylie Minogue is back; Céline Dion has hinted about an English-language album coming in the autumn; Madonna is planning a 2018 tour; there are rumours of a Lady Gaga album, and the end of Britney Spears's Vegas residency suggests new material's on the way. We are truly spoilt. Facebook Twitter Pinterest 11 Greer is a shy college freshman when she meets the woman who leads her towards adventure. The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer (author of The Interestings and The Wife, which is coming out as a film this year), is a novel to get excited about. As is My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Man Booker finalist Ottessa Moshfegh, about a young woman "embarking on an extended hibernation with the help of the worst psychiatrist in the world". 12 Make-up artists went wild with glitter and shimmer for SS18, with glittery eyelids at Topshop, Undercover and Stella Jean, and stick-on jewels at Dries Van Noten, Jeremy Scott and Givenchy. Go to ecoglitterfun.com for ethical stuff. This is your year to sparkle. 13 Could anything beat Ryan Murphy's take on the OJ Simpson trial? Presenting: Ryan Murphy's take on the Versace murder: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story'. Elsewhere on telly, season two of
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Malta Yellow News The Guardian.com (Web) 07 January 2018 N/A 1944228 52186
The Handmaid's Tale begins streaming in the US in April. The first season ended at the same place as Margaret Atwood's novel, so the thrill is seeing where the story goes next. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Home cooking: Ottolenghi's bulgur with mushrooms, feta and dill. Photograph: Louise Hagger for the Guardian 14 Ottolenghi is rolling out a catering service: they'll come to your home and make dinner. You don't even have to track down the za'atar. 15 This is more than just a beanbag chair. One of Muji's most popular products, the Body Fit, is finally coming to the UK, in 12 different colours, too. Aaand relax. 16 Swatch has been the most creative watch brand for almost 35 years. Its newest series cheekily asks the customer to design their own, with Swatch x You. Prices start from ÂŁ41.50. 17 The Barbican's 2018 season The Art of Change explores how the arts respond to, reflect and potentially effect change. Book now for the UK premiere of The Town Hall Affair, based on a film documenting a raucous 1971 "Women's Lib" debate between Germaine Greer and Norman Mailer. 18 The largest single-space luxury accessories destination in the world, the Selfridges Accessories Hall in London opens, selling 70,000 products from handbags, to a hand-carved comb and an Erdem tea towel. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/jan/07/the-hot-list-whats-coming-your-way-in-2018 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News The Observer (Observer Magazine) 07 January 2018 20 178545 1479cm2 32656.32
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Malta Yellow News The Observer (Observer Magazine) 07 January 2018 20 178545 1479cm2 32656.32
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Malta Yellow News The Observer (Observer Magazine) 07 January 2018 20 178545 1479cm2 32656.32
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Malta Yellow News The Observer (Observer Magazine) 07 January 2018 20 178545 1479cm2 32656.32
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Malta Yellow News The Observer (Observer Magazine) 07 January 2018 20 178545 1479cm2 32656.32
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Malta Yellow News The Independent (Web) 08 January 2018 N/A 511042 13717
Blue Monday: Top 10 weekend breaks to escape saddest day of the year Blue Monday: Top 10 weekend breaks to escape saddest day of the year : It's the most depressing day of the year, so here are some of the best short breaks to beat the January blues It's apparently the saddest day of the year – Christmas is long gone and there's nothing to look forward to other than the long, thankless slog towards spring. So what better time to start planning the next trip away? It doesn't have to be a long trip, eating up your leave; getting away for a weekend (or long weekend) gives you just enough time for a breather from day-to-day life. Whether you're after winter sun, exquisite food or a bit of culture, here are 10 of the best weekend getaways to help get you through the next few months. Best for foodies: Slovenia Read more Extreme caving in Slovenia In a field that includes Copenhagen, London, San Sebastian and a plethora of other foodie destinations, Slovenia might not stand out as an obvious candidate. But influences from Austria, the Mediterranean and Italy lend the country a special blend. Chef's Table star Ana Ros, who was named World's Best Female Chef 2017 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, runs remote restaurant Hisa Franko in Kobarid, to the north-east of the country, while Strelec is a fine dining establishment in Ljubljana castle. Slovenian wines, meanwhile, have won numerous awards in recent years (its rosé is highly regarded), with the Maribor region popular in particular. Best for winter sun: La Gomera The Canary Islands are as varied in climate as they are in style. Those seeking warm winter weather may want to head to Tenerife, which rarely dips below 17 degrees and is fast becoming a foodie hotspot. La Gomera, meanwhile, is much quieter and easy to reach from Tenerife and La Palma. The second smallest of the main islands, it's ideal for hiking, discovering the unique Silbo Gomera "whistling language" and quaffing wines from some of Europe's oldest vines. Best for nature: Faroe Islands Mulafossur Waterfall on the island of Vagar is one of the Faroe Islands' most beautiful spots (Kate Chapman) With Iceland overcrowded and over-Instagrammed, it's harder these days to find stark Nordic wilderness. That's where the Faroe Islands come in. Between Scotland and Iceland, the islands boast remoteness, waterfalls, mountains and lush green hills. Comprised of 18 islands, they're easiest to enjoy by renting a car or hiking your way around a select few. They're also great for foodies. Koks, in the tiny town of Kirkjubøur, is the first Faroese Michelin-starred restaurant, while Barbara Fish House, sushi spot Etika and traditional Faroese Áarstova in the capital, Torshavn, are all worth a visit. Best for culture: Valletta With a population of less than 7,000, the Maltese capital of Valletta is best known for winter sun seekers and cheap holidays. But in 2018, the city is European Capital of Culture. To celebrate its new-found status the city is hosting numerous events throughout the year, including the Valletta International Baroque Festival, Valletta Green Festival and the Malta International Arts Festival. Best for sports fans: Dublin Croke Park hosts the ancient sport of hurling (Croke Park) Dublin is the ideal weekend break for sports fanatics. Both club and international rugby matches are played at the Aviva Stadium (also home to Ireland's national football team), but those looking for a new experience should check out a Gaelic football match or hurling, an ancient sport which predates recorded Irish history. Matches are played at the iconic Croke Park stadium, which also hosts regular concerts. Tickets for Gaelic Football matches at Croke Park cost £11 when pre-booked, with the next match happening on
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Malta Yellow News The Independent (Web) 08 January 2018 N/A 511042 13717
27 January. Best for off-the-beaten-track: Ohrid Ohrid, Macedonia's eighth-largest city, was once famous for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Sometimes known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans', both the city and Lake Ohrid beside it are Unesco-protected sights. Until recently, the city didn't draw huge numbers of UK tourists, but with limited Wizz Air flights operating between Luton and Ohrid once again from April, the city is within easy reach of travellers in search of adventure. Best for music: Prague With Berlin to the west and Vienna to the east, Prague is sometimes overlooked by the world's A-list musical acts (though it has hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen at the Eden Arena stadium). However, the relatively cheap cost of tickets, nightlife and accommodation make Prague an ideal getaway for music lovers looking to see top acts in an unusual setting. Former abattoir Meet Factory has played host to British grime artist Skepta, and venues such as Lucerna, Akropolis and Cross Club are also well known music venues with shows from both home-grown and international acts. A DJ spinning at Zaokret ( Nemanja Stojanovic ) Best for partying: Belgrade Still an off-the-radar destination for most UK travellers, Belgrade is known to Serbians as the city that never sleeps, and with good reason. Cetijnska Street is fast gaining a reputation similar to that of Budapest's ruin bars a decade ago for its authentic, bohemian pop-up bars; Zaokret is the pick of the bunch. The Savamala area, on the banks of the river Sava, is known for its clubbing scene, while for those in need of a less intense night out, Lorenzo & Kakalamba is a restaurant that's as fun as it is kitsch, with fantastic food and wine. Jovan Kaneo Church at Lake Ohrid, Macedonia (Getty Images/ iStockphoto ) Best for value: Tallinn Voted Lonely Planet's Best Value city for 2018, Tallinn now has direct flights from London which take less than three hours. Celebrating its centenary this year, the Estonian capital is hosting numerous events, including Tallinn Music Week and Jazzkaar, the Baltics' largest jazz festival. With its cobbled streets and medieval churches, the Old Town is a charming place to walk around, while the country is quickly gaining a reputation for its burgeoning food scene, including NOA, a beautiful restaurant on the waterfront. The Kalamaja district, meanwhile, has a number of hip, affordable bars and cafes, and an altogether more laid back vibe than the bustling centre. Best for adventurers: Albania Albania's Vjosa is the last free-flowing river in Europe, enjoying a protected status currently under threat due to the proposed building of a dam. Up to 2km wide at some points, the river is ideal for exploring by paddle, with rafting and kayaking available.
Unattributed[sourcelink]https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/blue-monday-travel-holidays-winter-sun-week [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web) 08 January 2018 N/A 1030766 27668
Blue Monday: Top 10 weekend breaks to escape saddest day of the year Blue Monday: Top 10 weekend breaks to escape saddest day of the year : It's apparently the saddest day of the year – Christmas is long gone and there's nothing to look forward to other than the long, thankless slog towards spring. So what better time to start planning the next trip away? It doesn't have to be a long trip, eating up your leave; getting away for a weekend (or long weekend) gives you just enough time for a breather from day-to-day life. Whether you're after winter sun, exquisite food or a bit of culture, here are 10 of the best weekend getaways to help get you through the next few months. In a field that includes Copenhagen, London, San Sebastian and a plethora of other foodie destinations, Slovenia might not stand out as an obvious candidate. But influences from Austria, the Mediterranean and Italy lend the country a special blend. Chef's Table star Ana Ros, who was named World's Best Female Chef 2017 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants, runs remote restaurant Hisa Franko in Kobarid, to the north-east of the country, while Strelec is a fine dining establishment in Ljubljana castle. Slovenian wines, meanwhile, have won numerous awards in recent years (its rosé is highly regarded), with the Maribor region popular in particular. The Canary Islands are as varied in climate as they are in style. Those seeking warm winter weather may want to head to Tenerife, which rarely dips below 17 degrees and is fast becoming a foodie hotspot. La Gomera, meanwhile, is much quieter and easy to reach from Tenerife and La Palma. The second smallest of the main islands, it's ideal for hiking, discovering the unique Silbo Gomera "whistling language" and quaffing wines from some of Europe's oldest vines. With Iceland overcrowded and over-Instagrammed, it's harder these days to find stark Nordic wilderness. That's where the Faroe Islands come in. Between Scotland and Iceland, the islands boast remoteness, waterfalls, mountains and lush green hills. Comprised of 18 islands, they're easiest to enjoy by renting a car or hiking your way around a select few. They're also great for foodies. Koks, in the tiny town of Kirkjubøur, is the first Faroese Michelin-starred restaurant, while Barbara Fish House, sushi spot Etika and traditional Faroese Áarstova in the capital, Torshavn, are all worth a visit. With a population of less than 7,000, the Maltese capital of Valletta is best known for winter sun seekers and cheap holidays. But in 2018, the city is European Capital of Culture. To celebrate its new-found status the city is hosting numerous events throughout the year, including the Valletta International Baroque Festival, Valletta Green Festival and the Malta International Arts Festival. Dublin is the ideal weekend break for sports fanatics. Both club and international rugby matches are played at the Aviva Stadium (also home to Ireland's national football team), but those looking for a new experience should check out a Gaelic football match or hurling, an ancient sport which predates recorded Irish history. Matches are played at the iconic Croke Park stadium, which also hosts regular concerts. Tickets for Gaelic Football matches at Croke Park cost £11 when pre-booked, with the next match happening on 27 January. Ohrid, Macedonia's eighth-largest city, was once famous for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Sometimes known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans', both the city and Lake Ohrid beside it are Unesco-protected sights. Until recently, the city didn't draw huge numbers of UK tourists, but with limited Wizz Air flights operating between Luton and Ohrid once again from April, the city is within easy reach of travellers in search of adventure. With Berlin to the west and Vienna to the east, Prague is sometimes overlooked by the world's A-list musical acts (though it has hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen at the Eden Arena stadium).
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Malta Yellow News Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web) 08 January 2018 N/A 1030766 27668
However, the relatively cheap cost of tickets, nightlife and accommodation make Prague an ideal getaway for music lovers looking to see top acts in an unusual setting. Former abattoir Meet Factory has played host to British grime artist Skepta, and venues such as Lucerna, Akropolis and Cross Club are also well known music venues with shows from both home-grown and international acts. Still an off-the-radar destination for most UK travellers, Belgrade is known to Serbians as the city that never sleeps, and with good reason. Cetijnska Street is fast gaining a reputation similar to that of Budapest's ruin bars a decade ago for its authentic, bohemian pop-up bars; Zaokret is the pick of the bunch. The Savamala area, on the banks of the river Sava, is known for its clubbing scene, while for those in need of a less intense night out, Lorenzo & Kakalamba is a restaurant that's as fun as it is kitsch, with fantastic food and wine. Voted Lonely Planet's Best Value city for 2018, Tallinn now has direct flights from London which take less than three hours. Celebrating its centenary this year, the Estonian capital is hosting numerous events, including Tallinn Music Week and Jazzkaar, the Baltics' largest jazz festival. With its cobbled streets and medieval churches, the Old Town is a charming place to walk around, while the country is quickly gaining a reputation for its burgeoning food scene, including NOA, a beautiful restaurant on the waterfront. The Kalamaja district, meanwhile, has a number of hip, affordable bars and cafes, and an altogether more laid back vibe than the bustling centre. Albania's Vjosa is the last free-flowing river in Europe, enjoying a protected status currently under threat due to the proposed building of a dam. Up to 2km wide at some points, the river is ideal for exploring by paddle, with rafting and kayaking available. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://uk.style.yahoo.com/blue-monday-top-10-weekend-095848654.html [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News The Cultural Voyager (Web) 09 January 2018 N/A 1051 28
Malta''s Baroque Festival, 13 ? 27 January 2018 Malta's Baroque Festival, 13 – 27 January 2018 : The sixth edition of the Valletta International Baroque Festival will run from 13th – 27th January 2018 with two weeks of gorgeous music spread over 26 events in 14 different locations across Malta The Valletta International Baroque Festival celebrates the city's establishment at the height of the baroque period and honours its vital role in European history. Each day of the fortnight features an ensemble of top international baroque musicians at different breath-taking venues across the city. This prestigious event is produced and managed by Teatru Manoel and is now a must-see in the local arts and culture scene. Key highlights include: The opening event at Teatru Manoel on the 13th January will see Vivaldi's The Four Seasons performed by Shunske Sato on the violin who will share the limelight with Concerto Koln. Koln will stage another performance on the second day of the festival, performing Bach and Italy. Mahan Esfahani, the harpsicord legend, will return this year to delight audiences with his music together with La Folia Barockorchester, while The Ghislieri choir and consort will be performing two concerts, one in St John's Co-Cathedral, and one at The Mdina Cathedral. The 2018 Baroque Festival will venture outside the capital Valletta to other impressive locations including the Metropolitan Cathedral and The Aula Capitulare in Mdina, Verdala Palace, and The Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Riccardo Bianchi, will perform music by Grieg, Tansman, Gravina and Villa-Lobos. Appealing to all ages, on Sunday 14th January, the family focused Baroque Treasure Hunt will be held at the Studio Theatre and Baroque Jazz for Children will be held on the 21st January. International guests include Concerto Romano, Scholars and Gentlemen, Collegium Orpheus, Het Collectief and the Abchordis Ensemble. Local performers include guitarist Simon Schembri, and Sandro Zerafa and friends, where Baroque will meet Jazz at the Malta Maritime Museum. The festival will feature music from the Archives of the Cathedral Museum, performed by the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble (VIBE) on the 21st January. This year, VIBE will also perform in the Monteverdi Vespers at the Church of St.Catherine in Zejtun, under the direction of Marco Mencoboni. Messa Due Cori, composed by Maltese priest Benigno Zerafa, will be performed as appropriately fit at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mdina, where Zerafa served as Maestro di Cappella between 1744 and 1786. For more details and to book visit www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt, www.teatrumanoel.com.mt For more information about the Maltese archipelago visit Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.theculturalvoyager.com/maltas-baroque-festival-13-27-january-2018.html [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Cosmopolitan UK (Web) 10 January 2018 N/A 79192 2125
13 festivals abroad you could go to for the same price as Glastonbury 13 festivals abroad you could go to for the same price as Glastonbury : Seeing as Glastonbury isn't happening this year, why not spend the £238 (plus booking fee. Never forget the booking fee.) you would've/could've spent on sitting in a field, on one of these European festivals? Pair that with the fact the average Glasto go-er probably spends around £250 at least on booze, food and fancy glittery makeup whilst they're there, it would almost definitely be cheaper to go on holiday abroad. Which is where these foreign festivals come in - because for the price of a relatively average weekend at Glastonbury (that's before you whack out the credit card on day 4), you could go to these festivals abroad and get some sunbathing time in, too. 1 Snowbombing, Austria Date: 9 - 14 April 2018 Location: Mayrhofen, Austria Price: Festival packages for the weekend, including hotel and wristband start from £249, from snowbombing.com Vibe: Snowbombing Festival takes Apres ski taken to a whole other level. You spend your days on the slopes skiing off a Jager hangover and nights raving in pop up locations across the resort, including an igloo at 6,000 feet. Not one for vertigo sufferers. The line up this year includes Liam Gallagher, Rudimental and Craig David. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 2 Annie Mac's Lost & Found, Malta Date : 3 - 6 May 2018 Location: Malta Price: Flight and hotel packages for Lost and Found festival can be booked for under £300 for a 4-night trip, and are all available from the festival's official travel partner Choice Holidays . Vibe: Set on the Mediterranean island of Malta, the award winning festival offers pools, boats, clubs and castles plus a killer lineup of Annie Mac, Jamie XX, The Martinez Brothers and more. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 3 Sziget, Budapest Date : 8 - 15 August 2018 Location: Budapest
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Malta Yellow News Cosmopolitan UK (Web) 10 January 2018 N/A 79192 2125
Price: A 5-day ticket is with camping €250 (approx £221), while return flights to Budapest for under £150 aren't uncommon. Plus, you can upgrade to VIP camping for as little as £167 if you fancy it. Vibe: Sziget has built itself a reputation for being the European festival to go to, because it's set on the island of the Dunabe, and gives revellers the opportunity to explore the city of Budapest in the day before travelling by tram or river ferry to the site by night. So far, none of the lineup has been confirmed. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 4 Love International, Croatia Date : 27 June - 5 July 2018 Location: Croatia Price: A week (yep, a whole week!) long ticket will cost you £135.00 , and camping will cost £12 per day. Add in your flights, and it'll still cost you less than Glasto. Vibe: Set in The Garden, Tisno, Love International is a magnificent natural amphitheatre of white sand and crystal clear water. Where do we sign up? - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 5 Electric Castle, Transylvania Date : 18 - 22 July 2018 Location: Banffy Castle in Transylvania Price: Tickets at Electric Castle start at £89 with camping, and flights to Transylvania come in at around £140. Vibe: A unique experience, shaking up the way people interact with music, technology and art. This festival experience is like no other, welcoming 137,000 people within the walls of 15th century castle for five days of fun. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 6 SuncéBeat 9, Croatia Date : 18 - 25 July 2018 Location: The Garden, Tisno, Croatia Price: Festiticket are taking the stress out of booking tickets and accommodation by offering apartment and ticket packages, or you can buy a full week pass to SuncéBeat for £165 and sort out the rest of the trip yourself.
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Malta Yellow News Cosmopolitan UK (Web) 10 January 2018 N/A 79192 2125
Vibe: This week long festival is a celebration of all things positive, set in a sun drenched location and promising boat parties, beach parties and dancing all night long. Line up includes a mixture of names from house, disco, techno, soul, R&B and funk. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 7 Meadows In The Mountains, Bulgaria Date : 7 10 June 2018 Location: Bulgaria Price: It's £115 for a full 3-day camping festival pass, plus your flights to Bulgaria and transfer to the festival. Undoubtedly still cheaper than Glasto, though. Vibe: Whether it's yoga in the mountains, dancing 'til dawn or napping in the fields, anything goes at this party in the mountains. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 8 Mysteryland, Amsterdam Date : 25 - 27 August 2018 Location: Haarlemmermeer, near Amsterdam Price: Tickets don't go on sale until February 27 2018, but were £93 with camping last year - and whether you take the coach, fly or drive, Amsterdam is pretty cheap to get to. Vibe: Discover everything from dubstep to disco at this festival renowned for its creativity and production. Located just 20km outside of Amsterdam, Mysteryland is full on, but in a very, very good way. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 9 Sonar, Barcelona Date : 14 - 16 June 2018 Location: Barcelona Price: Tickets are £159 for three nights camping, but you can find Air BnBs, hostels or hotels in the surrounding area super cheap if you don't fancy camping. Plus, getting good deals on flights to Barca is common. Vibe: Few can rival Sonar for its selection of extracurricular activities, so if the likes of Bonobo, Bicep and
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Malta Yellow News Cosmopolitan UK (Web) 10 January 2018 N/A 79192 2125
Gorillaz don't take your fancy, the tech/arts/other options on offer definitely will. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 10 EXIT, Serbia Date : 12 - 15 July, 2018 Location: Serbia Price: Tickets are £98 , and an extra £33.00 for weekend camping, but a quick scout of Air BnB suggests rooms average at around £56 a night - making it cheaper than Glasto and a proper bed. Vibe: EXIT haven't announced any of this year's line up, but last year the likes of Liam Gallagher and The Killers took to the stage, so it's bound to be mega. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 11 A Summer's Tale, Germany Date : 1 - 4 August 2018 Location: Germany Price: £154 will get you a weekend camping pass to A Summer's Tale , not far from Hamburg, while just over £30 more will get you Comfort Camping (whatever that means!) Vibe: This festival only launched in 2015 and looks to celebrate all things from dance, theatre and spoken word to yoga workshops and more. It encourages all this chilled, so lying in a hammock is definitely on the menu. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below 12 Festival Internacional de Benicàssim Date : 19 - 22 July 2018 Location: Spain Price: A four day festival ticket will cost around £110 including camping, whilst VIP camping will cost an extra £70. Alternatively, average Air BnB costs around £50 a night per person. Vibe: Benicàssim has definitely made a name for itself on the European festival circuit, and have just announced The Killers as their first big headliner for the weekend. - Continue Reading Below - Continue Reading Below
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Malta Yellow News Cosmopolitan UK (Web) 10 January 2018 N/A 79192 2125
13 Roskilde, Denmark Date : 30 June - 7 July 2018 Location: Roskilde, Denmark Price: A full festival ticket to Rosklide Festival will cost you around the same as Glastonbury (approximately ÂŁ250), but it's almost guaranteed the weather won't be as bad. Vibe: Bruno Mars, Gorillaz, Stormazy and First Aid Kit have already been confirmed to play. It's an 8 day festival, has over 170 acts as well as spectacles of art and performance, and that's not forgetting the fact it's non-profit (all proceeds go to charity). - Continue Reading Below
Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/travel/g4879/festivals-abroad-same-price-glastonbury [/sourcelink]
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Jewish Telegraph Friday January 12, 2018
TRAVEL
Could Harry and Meghan have Malta honeymoon? Paul Harris makes a return visit to the islands where the Queen enjoyed her most carefree days, where traffic lights have now replaced roundabouts and new roads play havoc with Google
man rule and the walled city of Mdina reflects both influences. The islands eventually became part of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In 1530, with the Ottoman Empire at its peak, Charles V, fearing that it might conquer Rome, among other parts of Europe, ceded the islands to the Knights of St John, homeless since being driven out of Rhodes in 1522. The peaceful Knights were forced to take up arms successfully to defend Malta in 1565 from the Ottomans during the Great Siege. Napoleon seized the islands in 1798 and expelled the Knights, but two years later began 164 years of British rule until Malta was granted independence, becoming ba republic in 1974. At St Paul’s, outside the walls of Rabat, are menorah-decorated catacombs from the fourth and fifth centuries
BLUE winter skies in Malta last week
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OULD Prince Harry and Meghan Markle honeymoon in Malta? The odds are on an African safari (Harry’s likely choice) when they tie the knot next May.
But his fiancee fell in love with the former British possession on a three-day visit less than three years ago. She has also revealed that her great-great grandmother Mary was born in Malta in 1862, and Meghan was surprised to find locals with her own facial features. The future royal joins her grandmother-in-law, the Queen, as listing Malta as her favourite destination. The Queen spent her early married years on the island, where Prince Philip served as a naval officer. She has described it as the happiest time of her life when she could wander freely without being recognised. Meghan’s description of her visit could serve almost as a commercial for Maltese tourism: “The people have been so kind, the food is amazing and the culture. “I think everyone should come here. I can’t wait to come back, it’s too short a time.” Could that be for her honeymoon? But she went further, adding that it would be great to have property in Malta as it really felt
REMINDERS of British rule remain
like a home away from home. “Everything is picturesque,” she said. “It is a great destination, really special. “It has exceeded any expectation I may have had. As soon as possible I’ll come back and really explore all of her. “It’s this Maltese hospitality that is really special to the place.” Meghan loved the fresh goat’s milk cheeses. And she waxed lyrical about pastizz, a pastry filled with peas and ricotta, that she enjoyed for breakfast — “Oh my goodness they’re delicious”. She revealed that she had filled her suitcase with local delicacies to take home. My guide, Clive Cortis, who also
❝ People still leave doors unlocked
escorted the future royal round Mdina, Valletta and Gozo, recalled her as “very down to earth”. Meghan said: “Before I came, people were telling me, ‘When you go to Malta, everyone will look like you’, and I started to say, ‘Oh my gosh I do sort of blend in’, and it’s the loveliest feeling’. “People have been so kind, the food’s amazing and the culture.” It is the latter which has seen Malta’s capital, Valletta, designated European Capital of Culture 2018. Unlike other cities which have received the honour, Valletta will share the citation with all parts of Malta and Gozo. Events are launched on Sunday, with the opening ceremony on Saturday, January 20. British visitors will feel immediately at home with cars still dri-
ven on the left, power sockets the same as at home and traditional red post boxes and telephone kiosks which are still in use. Look carefully and you can still spot iconic blue lights at some police stations. Although most of the country’s 430,000 population speak English, Maltese is the native language, deriving mainly from Latin. The crime rate is low, particularly on Gozo, to the extent that older residents of the islands still leave their homes unlocked . . . with the keys in the locks. Much has changed in the 12 years since I last set foot on Malta, the island just below Sicily, and just across the Med from Tunisia. Today there are traffic lights. Previously there were only roundabouts and stop signs. Speed limits vary between 50 and 80 kph, so those who buy highperformance cars take them across to Italy’s autostrada to put them through their paces. During my three-week visit that ended last week, road-building sent Google maps and Waze haywire. At the start of my trip I despaired of the traffic congestion. Roadworks appeared to be everywhere. Within days they disappeared and new roads suddenly opened just before Xmas. But GPS failed to recognise the
PICTURESQUE and sunny . . . Malta
new layouts, resulting in a few journeys which literally sent me round in circles. Malta is a near-unique blend of most of the world’s greatest civilisations which either settled on the islands over 7,000 years or passed through, leaving their mark. As I was told: “Never judge a country by its size. Geographically, Malta is at the edge of Europe, but internationally it’s at the centre.” The first settlers arrived around 5000 BCE and some amazing architectural feats were witnessed over history, including the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Ggantija and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum. The Phoenecians arrived in 870 BCE before Malta fell under the control of Cathage, becoming part of the Roman Empire, a period of great prosperity. History records that the first Jew on Malta was Paul the apostle when he was shipwrecked in 62CE and proceeded to convert the locals to Christianity. Next came the Arabs and many of Malta’s place names remain from that period. In 1091, Malta came under NorMENORAHS on Jewish graves in the catacombs of St Paul’s, Rabat, from the fourth and fifth centuries
❝ A unique blend of civilisations
The Jewish population peaked in the Middle Ages with 500 on the mainland and 350 on Gozo. They were mostly farmers or worked as merchants. Avraham Abulafia, a famous mystic, lived on Comino from 1285 until he died in the 1290s. In 1479 Malta and Sicily came under Aragonese rule and the 1492 Edict of Expulsion forced all Jews to leave the country. Because they made up such a large portion of the island's population the Spanish Crown compelled them to pay compensation for the losses caused by their expulsion. Some Maltese Jews converted to Christianity and there are surnames today which appear to be of Jewish origin. Before the Second World War, many Jews fleeing Nazism arrived in Malta. It was the only European country not to require visas. Numerous Maltese Jews fought in the British army during the war. In 2000, a new synagogue was
VINCENZA with hand-made Gozan cheline clothing built with donations from America and Britain. The Jewish Foundation of Malta now manages it along with a Jewish centre. The Malta Experience, housed in what was once the Sacra Infermia of the Knights of St John (www.themaltaexperience.com), includes a 45-minute audio-visual presentation. Nearby, visitors can see the longest hospital ward in Europe — 155 metres, accommodating 247 beds. The Knights completed it in 1574 after 23 years work, and revolutionary treatments included the use of honey for wounds. Surgeons could remove a small kidney stone in two-and-a-half minutes. Food was served on silver plates which helped prevent the spread of bacteria, although there is some doubt as to whether the Knights were aware of that benefit. Medical instruments were also made of silver. Paying patients benefited from their own toilets in an alcove next to their beds with drainage to the sea, and windows opening on to the kitchen garden with its citrus trees and aromatic herbs.
A hanging tapestry afforded privacy. The colour of canopies over each bed signified the ailment of the patient. A ward on a lower level for those who couldn’t pay saw three patients sharing each bed and each toilet. Both wards are now used as massive banqueting suites for corporate events or even for sitting exams, with little of the original ceilings or floors remaining. And on what was once the kitchen garden now stands a large theatre where American President George H Bush and Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev signed a treaty in 1989 to end the Cold War. I’m not ashamed to admit that a highlight of my trip to Malta was a visit to Popeye Village (popeyemalta.com), the set of the 1980 film. I was entranced. The 19 wooden structures, built specially for the film, remain at Anchor Bay, around which, weather permitting, tourists can enjoy a boat ride. You can enter the buildings, even watch the entire film, starring a very young Robin Williams
❝
PICTURESQUE and sunny . . . Malta
POPEYE Village, the original film set from 1980
See Popeye, Olive Oyl and Bluto
and spot Popeye himself, Olive Oyl and Bluto wandering around. Malta includes also the islands of Gozo and Comino where the films, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Swept Away, starring a young Madonna, were shot. Comino’s sole occupants are an elderly family of three. There’s a regular 25-minute ferry service to Gozo, with its imposing citadel, including drive-on, drive off (to book, telephone 00365 2210 9000). It enjoys a far quieter and slower pace of life and is much greener than the mainland. According to legend, the temptress nymph lured Odysseus to Gozo, imprisoning him for seven years. From her legendary home, you can see the red sands of Ramla ■ Continued on the next page
THE Upper Barrakka Gardens on the ramparts of St Peter and St Paul Bastion
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Jewish Telegraph Friday January 12, 2018
TRAVEL
Malta ‘needs more Jewish women’ The Hilton sparkles RABBI CHAIM SEGAL and his wife, Chaya, have headed Chabad in Malta since it was established five years ago. The couple, both Israeli, also run Le Chaim restaurant, in St Julian’s, which opens five days a week for lunch and dinner in summer and for dinner only in winter, plus Sunday and Thursday lunch. The community in Malta numbers only 200 and it is tourists who are the restaurant’s main customers. They can also pre-book Friday night dinner and Shabbat lunch. When the Segals first arrived, some 30,000 Israelis visited Malta annually, but a reduction in direct flights has dramatically reduced that number. Malta is still popular with Israelis, as I discovered even encountering, by chance, in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the daughter of former Manchester Bank Hapoalim manager Eli Tal. Rabbi Segal admitted that getting a minyan is difficult, even on Shabbat, and he and his wife often daven at the other Orthodox synagogue in Valletta whose services are taken by Reuben Ohayon, son of Avraham, the former community president, who died earlier this year. On Sundays, Rabbi Segal runs classes for about 30 post-barmitzvah-age students and he plans to build a mikva costing ¤200,000, only half of which has been raised so far. Chabad is looking for a sponsor for the remainder. The last barmitzvah was four years ago, the next in 2018. Malta has not seen a Jewish wedding since before Chabad was established and Rabbi Segal says, only halfjokingly, that they need more Jewish women to settle in Malta because they are so heavily outnumbered by men. The result is that intermarriage is a problem on the island. Rabbi and Mrs Segal themselves have three sons and two daughters, aged 12 months to nine. Kosher meat, poultry and cheese are available from Chabad and, as Rabbi Segal observes: “Before we came, people couldn’t eat kosher.” Erev Rosh Hashana more than 150 guests enjoy yomtov dinner at Chabad, but only 50 actually attend shul the following day and on Yom Kippur. Pesach sedarim are also popular. Doyenne of the Malta Jewish community is the irrepressible Shelley Tayer, 88. Her second husband, George Tayar, was a direct descendant of the first rabbi of Malta, Josef Tajar, who arrived from Tripoli in 1846. ■ Visit jewishmalta.com or telephone +356 21570234 or 79233213 for Chabad or L’Chaim Restaurant.
with its new look . . . and more to come
RABBI and Mrs Chaim Segal
THEMalta Hilton is superbly located, overlooking Portomaso marina, St Julian’s. It is a short walk from many of the leading restaurants and from Valetta’s night life. The 413-room five-star hotel has recently enjoyed a massive revamp, including most of its bedrooms. The remainder will also be refurbished and the indoor pool will be overhauled soon. Studio suites include kitchenettes. The Hilton also has four outdoor pools (some pictured above) and a Livingwell Health Club. There is also an artificial sandy beach, whirlpool and children’s pool and extensive grounds for relaxing. Its former dowdy lobby has been entirely transformed into one that reflects the hotel’s five-star status. Those staying on the executive floors have access to the executive lounge and its experienced, delightful staff. Breakfast is served there each morning with drinks and snacks throughout the day, with an enhanced canape buffet and alcoholic beverages each evening. Many of the staff throughout the hotel have worked there for two decades or more and the Hilton is well used to catering for guests with special diets, including kosher food which is available on request. The previous general manager, who was there for a considerable period, was Israeli Clement
Hasid, formerly of the Sheraton Tel Aviv. The present incumbent, Matthew Mullan, is no less experienced in serving the needs of Jewish guests, having previously been general manager of the Glasgow Hilton which, over the years, has been the venue for many kosher functions. An exceptionally popular feature with residents and locals alike is the Thai Blue Elephant restaurant, a franchise of the famed London eatery (pictured below). It is superbly run, with the most glorious leafy decor, set among water features. Vegetarian and fish dishes are plentiful and dining there is truly an exceptional experience. The Oceana Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an extensive buffet and a la carte menu, including freshly caught fish. But watch out for the new fine dining restaurant opening in the winter.
■ Continued from the previous page Bay from her legendary home. The neolithic temple on Gozo is said to be the oldest free-standing monument in the world. After the war, Britain offered Gozans the opportunity to emigrate to Canada, America or Australia, with an inducement of £10 per person. Thousands left, but those who eventually returned, and their descendants, display symbols like kangaroos and maple leaves outside their homes, attesting to their family history. A tradition that remains is hand-knitted garments, using cheline, a fine wool, a skill passed from mother to daughter over centuries. Many also still make beautiful lace items. Sadly, the famous Azure Window, the landmark limestone arch that once featured in Clash of the Titans and Game of Thrones, collapsed into the sea last March, following years of erosion. Even Malta’s prime minister, Joseph Muscat, described it as “heartbreaking”. On the mainland, Paceville is the clubbing centre and there are plenty of venues to suit most musical tastes throughout the islands, as well as a variety of good restaurants. It’s good for diving with an average sea temperature of 18c. In Mdina, the Domus Romana, a lavish Roman townhouse, is one of many fine residences open to the public throughout Malta.
THE FACTS ■ easyJet flies from London Gatwick, London Southend, Manchester and Newcastle to Malta, up to seven days per week, with prices starting from £24.68 per person (one-way, including taxes and based on two people on the same booking). All flights can be booked at www.easyjet.com ■ Rooms at the Hilton Malta from £80 per night. Visit tinyurl.com/maltahilton ■ For more information about the Maltese archipelago visit www.maltauk.com ■ My guide was Clive Cortis, www.maltaprivateguide.com - tel 00356 7970 6554 or 00356 21633415 or email info@maltaprivateguide.com ■ Recommended restaurants: Don Berto (Italian) — donberto.com; Kartell, Gozo (Mediterranean) — kartellrestaurant.com and Le Bistro at the Radisson Blu Hotel, St Julian’s — radissonblu.com/en/stjuliansresort-malta/restaurants ■ Vacation Care Manchester Airport Meet and Greet is thoroughly recommended. Enquiries to andy@vacationcareparking.com or 07766 537967
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Dig out your passport and get ready to tick off this year''s hippest destinations? from Cambodia to Buenos Aires Dig out your passport and get ready to tick off this year's hippest destinations… from Cambodia to Buenos Aires : We've picked out ten untapped chic destinations which offer an alternative to the usual hotspots this year AVOID the crowds on your travels this year with our ultimate guide to the hippest holiday destinations. We've compiled a list of ten untapped gems with insider tips from locals, travel advice and general tips so you can holiday this year hassle-free! 1 — Valletta, Malta "Valletta is packed with beautiful waterside buildings and remnants of its colourful Mediterranean history," says Lonely Planet travel expert Tom Hall. "And it's a 2018 European Capital of Culture, so there's a year-long calendar of events, concerts and exhibitions." The city attracts a super-cool music crowd, with summer's Isle of MTV and Radio DJ Annie Mac's Lost & Found Festival, where Diplo and Jamie xx will headline. Check out Italian architect Renzo Piano's impressive City Gate area, then hit The Harbour Club, a jazz bar and restaurant inside an old fort. 2 — Buenos Aires, Argentina "It's the city that never sleeps!" says Emily Mikus, South America expert at tour company G Adventures. Handily, budget airline Norwegian launches a direct flight to the Argentine capital in February, making it cheaper than ever to visit. Other must-dos include taking a guided tour of La Boca, where houses are brightly painted in primary colours; dining on top-quality but purse-friendly steaks; and watching sultry street tango in San Telmo. 3 — Mornington Peninsula, Australia "Rolling hills offer sweeping views to the water, and you're never far from a village with quiet, pristine, slightly wild beaches." Fifty-acre Point Leo Estate combines a restaurant, tasting room and sculpture park, while new boutique hotel Jackalope sits next door to a vineyard. Leanne's tip? "Book a spot at the Peninsula Picnic in March. The festival has pop-ups from local restaurants and wine producers, a farmers' market and live music." 4 — Detroit, USA Eminem's hometown famously went bankrupt in 2013 following decades of decline, but creatives and artists have since moved in, turning vacant lots and abandoned industrial buildings into everything from craft distilleries to urban farms. Now it's the US capital of cool: restaurants serve fusion food like Japanese tacos at a fraction of the price you'd pay in New York, colourful murals brighten up Downtown, and there's a vinyl record store on most blocks. And with Detroit known as the birthplace of techno, the Movement electro festival is the place to catch acts before they blow up. Plus, you'll find new parks, some of the country's best art museums, and a fabulous street-food destination at the city's Eastern Market, Tom adds. 5 — Cambodia, Southeast Asia In 2018, several luxury hotels will open, including a Six Senses resort on private island Krabey and a crop of Alila beach villas on the island of Koh Russey. It'll be the "new Thailand" before you know it, so get in there fast before everyone else gets the memo. Seaside
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Malta Yellow News The Irish Sun (Web) 13 January 2018 N/A 27139 728
retreats like Kep and Koh Kong are, for the time being, affordable. Gritty capital Phnom Penh is fizzing with a newly cool cafe culture and speakeasy-style bars like Miss Wong. And then there are the temples of Angkor Wat, a collection of incredible ruins in the jungle, perfect for playing at Indiana Jones. 6 — Grenada, Caribbean "The Spice Isle, as it's commonly known, has mountains, amazing beaches and lush rainforest," says Flight Centre's Lauren Cutcliffe. "It's perfect if you want to discover a destination that's slightly off the beaten track, with no high-rise buildings but plenty of soft-sand beaches. And you don't have to be a deep-sea diver to experience the Underwater Sculpture Park – it's incredible for snorkelling, too." 7 — Seville, Spain "Go for the wonderful medieval cathedral and Alcázar castle, then party the night away exploring the superb tapas scene." Along with grub and grand historical buildings like the Tower of Gold, Seville is famous for flamenco performances in its bars. The city is also a top spot for crazy architecture: in the old quarter, the new Metropol Parasol building looks like a network of giant mushrooms. You can even walk on top of them for pure Insta gold. 8 — Jordan, Middle East The country is one of the easiest and safest places to visit in the Middle East, and recently opened a new hiking route, the Jordan Trail, tracing an epic 400 miles through its many landscapes – forests, canyons, deserts, coast. Meanwhile the capital, Amman, mixes Roman ruins with cool bars and glitzy malls. 9 — Mexico City, Mexico No wonder – just Google its futuristic Museo Soumaya art museum. "Hire the city's answer to the Boris Bike and take in the trendy restaurants and bars. The street food is a must, too!" says Flight Centre's Mexico expert Chelsea Horne. "Swing by the National Palace to see the spectacular murals by Diego Rivera and, just 30 minutes outside the city, check out the impressive pyramids and ancient ruins of Teotihuacan." And don't miss Milan 44, a trendy market in an old industrial building. 10 — Dundee, Scotland "The V&A Museum of Design opens here in 2018, celebrating the city's creative side as the centrepiece of the rejuvenated?? Tayside waterfront," says Tom. Dundee is also known for lively gatherings of art students and has plenty of cool venues to cater to them, like Reading Rooms, a converted library that serves craft coffee and on-point brunches.
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Fabulous
The Travel Hotlist Dig out your passport and get ready to tick off this year year’’s hippest destinations destinations… … from Cambodia to Buenos Aires We've picked out ten untapped chic destinations which offer an alternative to the usual hotspots this year By Laura Chubb 14 Jan 2018 00:01:42
AVOID the crowds on your travels this year with our ultimate guide to the hippest holiday destinations. We’ve compiled a list of ten untapped gems with insider tips from locals, travel advice and general tips so you can holiday this year hassle-free!
1 — Valletta, Malta You might recognise Valletta from Game of Thrones[/caption]The low-down: You might recognise this honey-coloured city from Game of Thrones, where it’s doubled as King’s Landing. “Valletta is packed with beautiful waterside buildings and remnants of its colourful Mediterranean history,” says Lonely Planet travel expert Tom Hall. “And it’s a 2018 European Capital of Culture, so there’s a year-long calendar of events, concerts and exhibitions.” The city attracts a super-cool music crowd, with summer’s Isle of MTV and Radio DJ Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival, where Diplo and Jamie xx will headline. Check out Italian architect Renzo Piano’s impressive City Gate area, then hit The Harbour Club, a jazz bar and restaurant inside an old fort.When to go: April, to miss the crowds and enjoy temperatures in the 20s.Fly away: Flights start from £34 return (Ryanair.com).
2 — Buenos Aires, Argentina This party city is loved for its all-night clubs and the stylish bars[/caption]The low-down: This party city is loved for its all-night clubs and the stylish bars of hipster ’hood Palermo, where you’ll also find plenty of fashion boutiques, street art, galleries and bohemian coffee shops. “It’s the city that never sleeps!” says Emily Mikus, South America expert at tour company G Adventures. Handily, budget airline Norwegian launches a direct flight to the Argentine capital in February, making it cheaper than ever to visit. Other must-dos include taking a guided tour of La Boca, where houses are brightly painted in primary colours; dining on top-quality but purse-
friendly steaks; and watching sultry street tango in San Telmo.When to go: Late June/early July – it’s winter in Argentina but they’re football-mad and the city comes alive during the World Cup.Fly away: Flights start from £563.70 return (Norwegian.com).
3 — Mornington Peninsula, Australia You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, wine and cheese tasting, craft beer and coffee[/caption]The low-down: Where do hip Melburnians escape to at the weekend? Australia’s best-kept secret. “Drive 80 minutes from the city to Mornington Peninsula and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, wine and cheese tasting, craft beer and coffee,” says Flight Centre’s Leanne Broutta. “Rolling hills offer sweeping views to the water, and you’re never far from a village with quiet, pristine, slightly wild beaches.” Fifty-acre Point Leo Estate combines a restaurant, tasting room and sculpture park, while new boutique hotel Jackalope sits next door to a vineyard. Leanne’s tip? “Book a spot at the Peninsula Picnic in March. The festival has pop-ups from local restaurants and wine producers, a farmers’ market and live music.”When to go: March, to enjoy sunny autumn.Fly away: Flights to Melbourne start from £508 return (Skyscanner.net).
4 — Detroit, USA You’ll find new parks, some of the country’s best art museums, and fabulous street-food in Detroit[/caption]The low-down: “Detroit is America’s bounce-back city,” says Tom. Eminem’s hometown famously went bankrupt in 2013 following decades of decline, but creatives and artists have since moved in, turning vacant lots and abandoned industrial buildings into everything from craft distilleries to urban farms. Now it’s the US capital of cool: restaurants serve fusion food like Japanese tacos at a fraction of the price you’d pay in New York, colourful murals brighten up Downtown, and there’s a vinyl record store on most blocks. And with Detroit known as the birthplace of techno, the Movement electro festival is the place to catch acts before they blow up. Plus, you’ll find new parks, some of the country’s best art museums, and a fabulous street-food destination at the city’s Eastern Market, Tom adds.When to go: Late May, to join the party people at Movement.Fly away: Flights start from £424 return (Airfrance.co.uk).
5 — Cambodia, Southeast Asia Cambodia remains extremely affordable[/caption]The low-down: The Cambodian coast is blissfully undiscovered, which means gorge beaches and sparkling seas at a bargain price. “Unlike some of its neighbours, Cambodia remains extremely affordable,” says G Adventures Asia expert Lianna Kuchmak. But for how long? In 2018, several luxury hotels will open, including a Six Senses resort on private island Krabey and a crop of Alila beach villas on the island of Koh Russey. It’ll be the “new Thailand” before you know it, so get in there fast before everyone else gets the memo. Seaside retreats like Kep and Koh Kong are, for the time being, affordable. Gritty capital Phnom Penh is fizzing with a newly cool cafe culture and speakeasy-style bars like Miss Wong. And then there are the temples of Angkor Wat, a collection of incredible ruins in the jungle, perfect for playing at Indiana Jones.When to go: October, for the start of the dry season.Fly away: Flights start from £603 return (Malaysiaairlines.com).
6 — Grenada, Caribbean If you want a Caribbean island without the crowds, try Grenada, which is on the up again after last summer’s hurricanes. “The Spice Isle, as it’s commonly known, has mountains, amazing beaches and lush rainforest,” says Flight Centre’s Lauren Cutcliffe. “It’s perfect if you want to discover a destination that’s slightly off the beaten track, with no high-rise buildings but plenty of soft-sand beaches. And you don’t have to be a deep-sea diver to experience the Underwater Sculpture Park – it’s incredible for snorkelling, too.”When to go: May, for the island’s annual Chocolate Fest (oh, yes!).Fly away: Flights start from £607 return (Virginatlantic.com).
7 — Seville, Spain Seville is famous for flamenco performances in its bars[/caption]The low-down: “Lonely Planet voted sensational, sunny Seville its best city to visit in 2018,” says Tom.
“Go for the wonderful medieval cathedral and Alcázar castle, then party the night away exploring the superb tapas scene.” Along with grub and grand historical buildings like the Tower of Gold, Seville is famous for flamenco performances in its bars. The city is also a top spot for crazy architecture: in the old quarter, the new Metropol Parasol building looks like a network of giant mushrooms. You can even walk on top of them for pure Insta gold.When to go: September, when the stifling summer heat has eased off to average at a balmy 25°C.Fly away: Flights start from £26 return (Ryanair.com).
8 — Jordan, Middle East Jordan is one of the easiest and safest places to visit in the Middle East[/caption]The low-down: How many wonders does one country need? Jordan has Petra, an ancient city carved out of pink stone; the Dead Sea, where you can’t help but float in the famously salty water; and Wadi Rum, an amazing red-sand desert just begging for you to camp out under the stars. The country is one of the easiest and safest places to visit in the Middle East, and recently opened a new hiking route, the Jordan Trail, tracing an epic 400 miles through its many landscapes – forests, canyons, deserts, coast. Meanwhile the capital, Amman, mixes Roman ruins with cool bars and glitzy malls.When to go: May – it’s the tail-end of high season and enjoys daytime temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s.Fly away: Flights start from £479 return (Rj.com).
9 — Mexico City, Mexico Though it was hit hard by September’s earthquake, Mexico City is still a hub for visual arts and has been named World Design Capital 2018. No wonder – just Google its futuristic Museo Soumaya art museum. “Hire the city’s answer to the Boris Bike and take in the trendy restaurants and bars. The street food is a must, too!” says Flight Centre’s Mexico expert Chelsea Horne. “Swing by the National Palace to see the spectacular murals by Diego Rivera and, just 30 minutes outside the city, check out the impressive pyramids and ancient ruins of Teotihuacan.” And don’t miss Milan 44, a trendy market in an old industrial building.When to go: December, for a dose of winter sun, as rainy season has just ended and the city basks in early- to mid-20s temperatures.Fly away: Flights start from £528 return (Aeromexico.com).
10 — Dundee, Scotland Dundee is known for lively gatherings of art students and has plenty of cool venues to cater to them[/caption]The low-down: Sitting pretty on the Firth of Tay’s north shore, Dundee is gearing up to escape the shadows of Glasgow and Edinburgh and take its place as Scotland’s capital of art and design. “The V&A Museum of Design opens here in 2018, celebrating the city’s creative side as the centrepiece of the rejuvenated?? Tayside waterfront,” says Tom. Dundee is also known for lively gatherings of art students and has plenty of cool venues to cater to them, like Reading Rooms, a converted library that serves craft coffee and on-point brunches.When to go: August – for maximum chance of sunshine in Scotland!Fly away: Flights start from £95 return (Loganair.co.uk).See today’s best travel dealsGet email alerts of the best deals straight to your inbox
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Fabulous
The Travel Hotlist Dig out your passport and get ready to tick off this year’s hippest destinations… from Cambodia to Buenos Aires We've picked out ten untapped chic destinations which offer an alternative to the usual hotspots this year By Laura Chubb 14 Jan 2018 00:01:42
AVOID the crowds on your travels this year with our ultimate guide to the hippest holiday destinations. We’ve compiled a list of ten untapped gems with insider tips from locals, travel advice and general tips so you can holiday this year hassle-free!
1 — Valletta, Malta You might recognise Valletta from Game of Thrones[/caption]The low-down: You might recognise this honey-coloured city from Game of Thrones, where it’s doubled as King’s Landing. “Valletta is packed with beautiful waterside buildings and remnants of its colourful Mediterranean history,” says Lonely Planet travel expert Tom Hall. “And it’s a 2018 European Capital of Culture, so there’s a year-long calendar of events, concerts and exhibitions.” The city attracts a super-cool music crowd, with summer’s Isle of MTV and Radio DJ Annie Mac’s Lost & Found Festival, where Diplo and Jamie xx will headline. Check out Italian architect Renzo Piano’s impressive City Gate area, then hit The Harbour Club, a jazz bar and restaurant inside an old fort.When to go: April, to miss the crowds and enjoy temperatures in the 20s.Fly away: Flights start from £34 return (Ryanair.com).
2 — Buenos Aires, Argentina This party city is loved for its all-night clubs and the stylish bars[/caption]The low-down: This party city is loved for its all-night clubs and the stylish bars of hipster ’hood Palermo, where you’ll also find plenty of fashion boutiques, street art, galleries and bohemian coffee shops. “It’s the city that never sleeps!” says Emily Mikus, South America expert at tour company G Adventures. Handily, budget airline Norwegian launches a direct flight to the Argentine capital in February, making it cheaper than ever to visit. Other must-dos include taking a guided tour of La Boca, where houses are brightly painted in primary colours; dining on top-quality but purse-friendly steaks; and watching sultry street tango in San Telmo.When to go: Late June/early July – it’s winter in Argentina but they’re football-mad and the city comes alive during the World Cup.Fly away: Flights start from £563.70 return (Norwegian.com).
3 — Mornington Peninsula, Australia You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, wine and cheese tasting, craft beer and coffee[/caption]The low-down: Where do hip Melburnians escape to at the weekend? Australia’s best-kept secret. “Drive 80 minutes from the city to Mornington Peninsula and you’ll
be spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, wine and cheese tasting, craft beer and coffee,” says Flight Centre’s Leanne Broutta. “Rolling hills offer sweeping views to the water, and you’re never far from a village with quiet, pristine, slightly wild beaches.” Fifty-acre Point Leo Estate combines a restaurant, tasting room and sculpture park, while new boutique hotel Jackalope sits next door to a vineyard. Leanne’s tip? “Book a spot at the Peninsula Picnic in March. The festival has pop-ups from local restaurants and wine producers, a farmers’ market and live music.”When to go: March, to enjoy sunny autumn.Fly away: Flights to Melbourne start from £508 return (Skyscanner.net).
4 — Detroit, USA You’ll find new parks, some of the country’s best art museums, and fabulous street-food in Detroit[/caption]The low-down: “Detroit is America’s bounce-back city,” says Tom. Eminem’s hometown famously went bankrupt in 2013 following decades of decline, but creatives and artists have since moved in, turning vacant lots and abandoned industrial buildings into everything from craft distilleries to urban farms. Now it’s the US capital of cool: restaurants serve fusion food like Japanese tacos at a fraction of the price you’d pay in New York, colourful murals brighten up Downtown, and there’s a vinyl record store on most blocks. And with Detroit known as the birthplace of techno, the Movement electro festival is the place to catch acts before they blow up. Plus, you’ll find new parks, some of the country’s best art museums, and a fabulous street-food destination at the city’s Eastern Market, Tom adds.When to go: Late May, to join the party people at Movement.Fly away: Flights start from £424 return (Airfrance.co.uk).
5 — Cambodia, Southeast Asia Cambodia remains extremely affordable[/caption]The low-down: The Cambodian coast is blissfully undiscovered, which means gorge beaches and sparkling seas at a bargain price. “Unlike some of its neighbours, Cambodia remains extremely affordable,” says G Adventures Asia expert Lianna Kuchmak. But for how long? In 2018, several luxury hotels will open, including a Six Senses resort on private island Krabey and a crop of Alila beach villas on the island of Koh Russey. It’ll be the “new Thailand” before you know it, so get in there fast before everyone else gets the memo. Seaside retreats like Kep and Koh Kong are, for the time being, affordable. Gritty capital Phnom Penh is fizzing with a newly cool cafe culture and speakeasy-style bars like Miss Wong. And then there are the temples of Angkor Wat, a collection of incredible ruins in the jungle, perfect for playing at Indiana Jones.When to go: October, for the start of the dry season.Fly away: Flights start from £603 return (Malaysiaairlines.com).
6 — Grenada, Caribbean If you want a Caribbean island without the crowds, try Grenada, which is on the up again after last summer’s hurricanes. “The Spice Isle, as it’s commonly known, has mountains, amazing beaches and lush rainforest,” says Flight Centre’s Lauren Cutcliffe. “It’s perfect if you want to discover a destination that’s slightly off the beaten track, with no high-rise buildings but plenty of soft-sand beaches. And you don’t have to be a deep-sea diver to experience the Underwater Sculpture Park – it’s incredible for snorkelling, too.”When to go: May, for the island’s annual Chocolate Fest (oh, yes!).Fly away: Flights start from £607 return (Virginatlantic.com).
7 — Seville, Spain Seville is famous for flamenco performances in its bars[/caption]The low-down: “Lonely Planet voted sensational, sunny Seville its best city to visit in 2018,” says Tom. “Go for the wonderful medieval cathedral and Alcázar castle, then party the night away exploring the superb tapas scene.” Along with grub and grand historical buildings like the Tower of Gold, Seville is famous for flamenco performances in its bars. The city is also a top spot for crazy architecture: in the old quarter, the new Metropol Parasol building looks like a network of giant mushrooms. You can even walk on top of them for pure Insta gold.When to go: September, when the stifling summer heat has eased off to average at a balmy 25°C.Fly away: Flights start from £26 return (Ryanair.com).
8 — Jordan, Middle East Jordan is one of the easiest and safest places to visit in the Middle East[/caption]The low-down: How many wonders does one country need? Jordan has Petra, an ancient city carved out of pink stone; the Dead Sea, where you can’t help but float in the famously salty water; and Wadi Rum, an amazing red-sand desert just begging for you to camp out under the stars.
The country is one of the easiest and safest places to visit in the Middle East, and recently opened a new hiking route, the Jordan Trail, tracing an epic 400 miles through its many landscapes – forests, canyons, deserts, coast. Meanwhile the capital, Amman, mixes Roman ruins with cool bars and glitzy malls.When to go: May – it’s the tail-end of high season and enjoys daytime temperatures in the late 20s and early 30s.Fly away: Flights start from £479 return (Rj.com).
9 — Mexico City, Mexico Though it was hit hard by September’s earthquake, Mexico City is still a hub for visual arts and has been named World Design Capital 2018. No wonder – just Google its futuristic Museo Soumaya art museum. “Hire the city’s answer to the Boris Bike and take in the trendy restaurants and bars. The street food is a must, too!” says Flight Centre’s Mexico expert Chelsea Horne. “Swing by the National Palace to see the spectacular murals by Diego Rivera and, just 30 minutes outside the city, check out the impressive pyramids and ancient ruins of Teotihuacan.” And don’t miss Milan 44, a trendy market in an old industrial building.When to go: December, for a dose of winter sun, as rainy season has just ended and the city basks in early- to mid-20s temperatures.Fly away: Flights start from £528 return (Aeromexico.com).
10 — Dundee, Scotland Dundee is known for lively gatherings of art students and has plenty of cool venues to cater to them[/caption]The low-down: Sitting pretty on the Firth of Tay’s north shore, Dundee is gearing up to escape the shadows of Glasgow and Edinburgh and take its place as Scotland’s capital of art and design. “The V&A Museum of Design opens here in 2018, celebrating the city’s creative side as the centrepiece of the rejuvenated?? Tayside waterfront,” says Tom. Dundee is also known for lively gatherings of art students and has plenty of cool venues to cater to them, like Reading Rooms, a converted library that serves craft coffee and on-point brunches.When to go: August – for maximum chance of sunshine in Scotland!Fly away: Flights start from £95 return (Loganair.co.uk).See today’s best travel dealsGet email alerts of the best deals straight to your inbox
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Mexico City is still a hub for visual arts and has been named World Design Capital 2018
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Touring Touring : nations around the world are optimistic they will welcome a bumper crop of tourists in 2018 but, as ever, fashions change, trends emerge and new destinations come under the spotlight. Find out which corners of the world are in vogue for the coming year. South Africa : The exchange rate for British tourists to South Africa has been favourable for a good few years now, and tourist numbers have been suitably strong, with figures for the first half of 2017 showing more than 230,000 UK visitors. There are good reasons to keep returning too as few countries can combine wildlife, beaches and cultural attractions to such winning effect. 2018 will add more as the ‘Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be The Legacy' initiative gets underway. Currently at the planning stage this programme of special initiatives, projects and events will celebrate 100 years since Mandela's birth. Activities will range from education and the arts to exhibitions and sports, and will take place both in South Africa and the UK. UK highlights will include a two-week NelsonMandela Exhibition in London in July and the unveiling of a Madiba statue in Glasgow. In South Africa, visitors can follow in Mandela's footsteps with a free app that maps out the best in Mandela places of interest. Luxury Gold is featuring South Africa for the first time in its 2018 brochure, and the South African Tourism Board has embarked on a digital campaign to promote fly-drive holidays. Book it: African Pride offers a 14-day Cape Town, Wine & Wilderness fly drive itinerary priced from £2,158pp. The deal includes four nights in Cape Town, as well as time in both the Winelands and the Cederberg region, flights from Heathrow and car hire. Malta : One of Europe's smallest but most seductive countries has plenty to shout about in 2018. Air Malta has introduced new Go-Light fares for passengers carrying hand luggage only, starting from around £35 one-way, and the airline is also reintroducing weekly Manchester flights from May 2018. Elsewhere, Jet2 has announced it will be adding Malta as a new destination from Stansted in summer 2018, while easyJet began flying twice weekly from Southend to Malta in October. 2018 also sees the capital Valletta ensconced as European Capital of Culture, so look out for its packed events calendar. A World Economic Forum study earlier this year named Malta as giving more government priority to tourism than any other country worldwide. With an offering that now appeals as much to the Instagram generation as to baby boomers, there's plenty to shout about. Book it: Mercury Holidays has a nine-day escorted tour of Malta and Gozo from £659pp, with all breakfasts and dinners included. Highlights include visits to the cities of Valletta and Mdina, as well as the age-old Ggantija Temples on Gozo. Portugal: Hardly a newcomer to tourism, but its star keeps rising by the year. For a relatively small destination it packs in plenty, from city-break stalwarts Lisbon and Porto to the much-frequented beaches of the Algarve. What's more, it continues to provide great value to British tourists.
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Flagship carrier TAP has added London City to Lisbon, meaning it now flies from three different London airports. Viking Cruises will operate a new vessel on the Douro from 2019; Jet2Holidays has added Faro to its city break portfolio; Thomas Cook has announced the opening next year of an own-brand hotel in Albufeira; and Riviera Travel has a new Portugal escorted tour for 2018. Book it: Riviera Travel offers an eight-day Lisbon, Porto and Douro Valley escorted tour from £919pp, with flights, four- and five-star hotels and guided tours of Lisbon, Porto, Sintra and the Douro Valley. Oman : When Oman Air added a new route from Manchester in mid-2017, alongside its double-daily flights from Heathrow, it was another sign that Oman is on the up. It combine a slice of the exotic with adventure and all less than eight hours from the UK. G Adventures and Intrepid Travel have added to the options. Areas such as the Al Hajar Mountains and the Musandam Peninsula are on the up and luxury hotels on the beach broaden the appeal. One to watch is the extraordinary Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, which opened a year ago on a lofty mountain plateau. Book it: Intrepid Travel has an eight-day Discover Oman tour includes capital Muscat, the desert landscapes of Wahiba Sands and the canyon scenery of the Al Hajar Mountains. The lead-in price is £1,715pp, with a maximum group size of 12. Perth & Western Australia : The Qantas direct service from Heathrow to Perth - from March 2018 - will be the first-ever regular non-stop service UK to Australia. The 16 hour journey will be the longest Dreamliner flight in the world, and will throw fresh light onto Perth and WA. The city is a vibrant destination in its own right, as well as a great gateway for foodies, winery tours, road-trippers and adventure-seekers. New hotels in 2017 included Intercontinental Perth City Centre, Aloft Perth and Tribe Perth. Book it: Gold Medal Travel offers a 14-night itinerary (including two free nights) taking in Perth, Mandurah and Fremantle with hire car throughout, priced from £1649 pp, saving up to £470 pp for travel between May 1 and June 29, 2018. Costa Rica: Visitor numbers from the UK to Costa Rica rose eight per cent year-on-year from January to September 2017, and British Airways' decision to add a third weekly direct flight from Gatwick this winter is likely to spell further growth for the Central American country. Its tourist board, which last month hosted a series of UK roadshow evenings in association with Selling Travel (see pages 20/21) in London, Manchester and Glasgow, will run a fam trip for agents in 2018, as part of the same campaign. Wildlife and tropical adventure have long been the main draw for visitors, although the focus in 2018 will be to promote the country as a wellness destination too. Luxury Gold is among the operators introducing Costa Rica in 2018. Book it: Cox & Kings has a Natural Splendours of Costa Rica group tour priced from £1,845pp. The 11-day, nine-night itinerary visits some of the country's major national parks and includes direct flights with British Airways.
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The Seychelles: British Airways' twice-weekly service to Mahé, launching in March, will be the first non-stop flight between the UK and the Indian Ocean and cuts travel time to 10 hours. Timings on Wednesdays and Saturdays will make 10-night trips feasible. The service will run initially to October. On the ground Six Senses Zil Pasyon is now fully open and the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles At Desroches Island will be unveiled in early 2018. Book it: Inspiring Travel Co. features seven nights at the Constance Ephelia on Mahe priced from £2,409pp, based on two adults staying half-board, including flights with British Airways and a 30% discount for bookings made a minimum of 45 days before travel. Dubai: Dubai aims to keep momentum rolling in its favour with initiatives to appeal across luxury, adventure and family markets. A new Rosemount will open in 2018 with an indoor rainforest, and Motiongate Park has opened the first World of Hunger Games zone with rides and attractions. In 2019 a Six Flags Theme Park will be opening in Dubai Parks and Resorts and Legoland hotel will be added to the Legoland waterpark towards the end of 2018-19. Meeting the demand for active experiences, cycle tracks and trails are expanding. Book it: If Only... offers a five-night stay in a Deluxe room at Vida Downtown Dubai, including return flights with Emirates, private transfers and breakfast, priced from £845pp. Italy : In World Travel Market's 2017 Industry Report, Italy emerged as top of the wish-list for 1,000 Brits surveyed, and 84% of trade respondents said they were planning to sign contracts with Italian companies in the months ahead. Recent openings include the FICO Eataly World, a huge ‘agri-food park' with restaurants, rides and cooking courses, near Bologna. Book it: Great Rail Journeys has a 10-day Simply Lake Garda trip priced £1,395pp including travel by Eurostar, four-star hotel, full day-trips to Venice and Verona and time at Lake Garda. Thailand : Euromonitor International's latest Top 100 Cities/Destinations ranking saw Bangkok second only to Hong Kong in terms of its visitor numbers, ahead of London thanks to 10% growth over the last 12 months. Phuket and Pattaya were placed in the top 25 visitor cities worldwide, showing just how strong Thailand's tourism pull remains. The country accounts for some four per cent of all long-haul travel from the UK – almost one in every 20 trips – according to latest booking analysis. One operator capitalising on the allure of the destination is Gold Medal, which has seen Thai sales rise 14% year on year, and has added 38 new properties. Book it: Gold Medal offers eight nights at the four-star Le Vela Khao Lak, which opened in July 2017. Clients stay on a B&B basis from £1,149pp, including flights and transfers. goldmedal.co.uk . Abu Dhabi : The £1bn Louvre Abu Dhabi is now open and early signs are that the decade-long construction process has been more than worthwhile. The museum has 600 permanent artworks, as well as 300 on loan from the Paris Louvre. UK visitors to the emirate are up five per cent year on year, an increase the destination puts down to its investment in the travel trade. It is also rising in status as a cruise destination, with a large, new cruise terminal and, in the shape of Sir Bani Yas, the Gulf's only dedicated desert island cruise stopover. Book it: A three-night stay at Kempinski's five-star Emirates Palace Hotel is priced from £951pp, with Kuoni ,
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based on a May 2018 departure and including return flights from Heathrow. Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.sellingtravel.co.uk/top-destinations-for-2018 [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Yahoo! Style UK (Web) 18 January 2018 N/A 35521 953
Going it alone: 25 life-changing solo holidays for 2018 Going it alone: 25 life-changing solo holidays for 2018 : Embrace solitude on a solo trip this year - Chain45154 More From intrepid adventures to wellness retreats, our experts suggest the best ways to go it alone – in good company. For intrepid travellers It was 5.30am and I found myself standing alone on the north rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, watching amber rays of dawn light bounce haphazardly off red rock walls. Having walked 30 paces from a small tent where I spent the night, I clutched a freshly brewed cup of coffee and was still proudly wearing my Superman pyjamas. More satisfying than the view and the blissful solitude, was the fact that I arrived at the edge of this natural wonder entirely under my own steam, by bicycle. There is a lot to be said for being an intrepid traveller like me, keen to explore by boat, bike or on two feet. I always find it to be a fully immersive experience. I am catapulted back to a time when pioneers and explorers would have made their own first journeys across wild and unknown terrain. There is less to separate me from the landscape, too. I am open and exposed to the elements. I feel every mountain range in my lungs and in my legs, and do my best to breathe through the soup-like air of each hot and humid forest. I get a real sense of what it means to live in each place I travel through, because I am now a part of it too.
"I am open and exposed to the elements" Credit: Jordan Siemens/Jordan Siemens More It's this same sense of vulnerability that seems to make the locals more likely to take an interest in me. Like the man in Bolivia who brought his llama to my tent for breakfast. Or the farming family who gave me shelter from a blizzard in South Dakota, offering me a taste of life as a real cowgirl. With each of these random, authentic exchanges, my faith in mankind is restored. I am once again filled with a sense of wonder for all the planet has to offer. Solo intrepid travel needn't be all about swashbuckling and struggle and strife – it is simply a willingness to embrace freedom and travel with eyes wide open. 1. Immerse yourself in a Greek Odyssey Mainland Greece is steeped in history and architectural wonder, but if isolated beaches, dramatic coastlines and dinner with the locals is more your kind of thing, then you must head to the islands instead. Submerge yourself in a week-long swimming journey through the Greek Cyclades. Fuelled by dolmades, fried cheese and the catch of the day, you'll island-hop from one quaint village to the next, exploring the sea caves of the Mediterranean along the way. Visit the Greek Cyclades from £940 for seven days, including accommodation and some meals. Price excludes international flights. Departures between May and September 2018. Swim Trek (01273 739713; swimtrek.com )
Swimming in Santorini in the Cyclades Credit: AP More Story Continues 2. Experience the high life Any journey that starts with your plane landing at 1,300 feet (4,000 metres) above sea level is sure to get your heart racing and your lungs burning. Experience the changeable landscapes of beautiful Bolivia with a multi-day
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Malta Yellow News Yahoo! Style UK (Web) 18 January 2018 N/A 35521 953
trek from the sprawling city of La Paz to the humid lowlands of the Yungas. Follow an ancient Inca pathway, traversing misty hillsides and passing through isolated villages into lush green jungle. Journey La Paz to the Altiplano as part of a trekking tour of Peru and Bolivia, from £2,956 for 18 days, including accommodation and some meals. Excludes international flights. Departs year round. Journey Latin America (020 3553 6441; journeylatinamerica.co.uk ). 3. See the Northern Lights If you're eager to see one of the greatest spectacles of natural wonder, then it pays to let nature be your guide. Head off in search of the Northern Lights and explore the untapped wilderness of Finland from the back of a sled, pulled by your very own team of huskies. Master the subtle art of mushing and learn wilderness skills to thrive on a journey between remote cabins, through the postcard perfect arctic scenery of Pallas-Yllas National Park. Finland Husky Safari from £1,865. Eight days, including flights from the UK, accommodation and meals. Departures available between now and April 2018. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com ).
The Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland Credit: sara_winter - Fotolia/Sara Winter More 4. Pedal through alpine paradise The lakes of the Swiss and Italian Alps are a playground for those willing to use pedal power to explore. Enjoy sunshine and fresh mountain air as you cruise past snow-capped mountains, grass covered hillsides and alpine flowers in full bloom. You'll want to travel slowly here, stopping as often as possible for a dip in one of the pristine lakes or to indulge in the many varieties of local ice cream and chocolate. From £1,399 for an Italian and Swiss Lakes cycling tour from Exodus (020 3811 5301; exodus.co.uk) , including flights, accommodation and some meals. Bike hire included. Departures between May and September 2018.
Cycle through alpine paradise in the Italian Alps Credit: ©arsdigital - stock.adobe.com/Dariusz T. Oczkowicz More 5. Horseback riding in Argentina Roll up your sleeves and live like a local at Estancia La Rosita in northern Argentina by spending a week pitching in with the running of a 10,000-acre estate. Ride out across the surrounding wetlands on horseback to visit neighbouring estates and get to know the 140 horses and few hundred sheep also in residence – on hand to help you discover what life is like when you are a real gaucho. From £3,795 for a 10-day Argentina tour from Wild Frontiers (020 8741 7390; wildfrontierstravel.com ), including accommodation and meals. Excludes UK flights. Departures in October 2018.
A horse-rider in Argentina Credit: Alamy More Anna McNuff For people lovers Sitting on disused railway tracks, the warm metal under my thighs, I gazed at the great orb of the Australian Outback sun as it melted into the earth. I took a sip of a cool beer and watched silhouetted kangaroos jounce by. What a sight. But there was no one to share it with.
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Malta Yellow News Yahoo! Style UK (Web) 18 January 2018 N/A 35521 953
Travelling alone has its perks, but once you've "found yourself" it's nice to have a bit of company, isn't it? Someone to guard your bags while you go to the loo, take pictures with, and read the map while you're navigating new roads. Group travel eliminates the hassle, so there's nothing to worry about except enjoying the destination. A tricky border crossing? Groups are often allowed where solo travellers are not. Getting from A to B? A crowd can hire a private minibus, so you don't have to share your seat with a chicken on a 13-hour bus ride. Furthermore, studies have shown that sharing experiences – even with a complete stranger – make them much more intense than if they're experienced alone. Indeed, the joy can quickly fade if it can't be relived with fellow travellers who were there.
Group travel eliminates the hassle Credit: AP More And that's the key: you meet people you'd never normally mingle with, possibly forge lifelong friendships, and pick up skills you'd never usually consider. On a painting safari to Zambia earlier this year, I made friends with women whom had a 30-year head start on me. The experience opened up new conversations I might not have had otherwise. Similarly, on a yoga retreat in Bali, I made an unexpected buddy. Before we arrived, the instructor sent an introduction email to all the participants. I responded asking if anyone wanted to share a taxi from the airport in Denpasar to Ubud. "I'll join you!" came a reply from a woman living in Reykjavik. Three days later we shoehorned ourselves into the sweaty backseat of a Balinese cab. That's all it took. We stepped onto the streets of Ubud thick as thieves – a friendship further cemented by our equally questionable sun salutations. 6. See living history in Ukraine It's been more than 30 years since nuclear reactor number four exploded at Chernobyl in Ukraine – the largest radioactive disaster ever recorded. But in 2011 the area was declared safe enough to be recognised as a tourist attraction. Spend a long weekend exploring the Exclusion Zone – still haunted by the abandoned fairground, hospital, school and football stadium – and meet a "self-setter": one of the few people who chose to return home after the accident. And, as proof of its safety, wildlife in the area is thriving. The close-to-extinction Przewalski's horse can be seen, as well as moose, deer, beavers, owls, brown bear, lynx and wolves. After a long day, get to know your companions better over a Ukrainian meal and pepper vodkas. From £799 for a five-day trip, including flights, accommodation, transport, meals and guide. Departures year round. Explore (01252 883616; explore.co.uk ) 7. Meet the tribes of Papua New Guinea A ground-breaking 16-day itinerary offered by Wild Frontiers – whose compact groups are mostly made up of solo travellers – that explores the untrammelled lands of Papua New Guinea. With large swathes still unexplored, its people speak more than 850 languages and many retain their animist beliefs. You'll visit the crocodile people of the Sepik river, spend two days living with the colourful Huli people of the Hela Province, look for the extravagant bird of paradise in the Western Highlands and witness the Goroka Show – one of the world's most spectacular tribal festivals – and conclude on the coastal settlement of Tufi for snorkelling and a beach barbeque with new friends. From £6,995 for 16 days, including accommodation with all meals, guided excursions and transfers. Departures in August and September. Wild Frontiers (020 3603 7961; wildfrontierstravel.com ).
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Tribesmen in Papua New Guinea Credit: This content is subject to copyright./Christopher Arnesen More 8. History in the Balkans Jules Verne offer a single supplement-free tour of Albania aimed at solo travellers. With Greek, Latin, Turkic and Slav influences, the country's dense history is spread everywhere: from Ottoman fortresses and prehistoric dwellings, to ancient citadels, mosques, rock-hewn tombs and Roman cities. Highlights include visits to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Butrint, Gjirokastra and Berat. It may have taken a while for the country to find its feet after the collapse of communism in 1990, but today its ranked 13th on the Happy Planet Index and offers landscapes and culture unspoilt by mass tourism. From £865 for seven nights with no single supplement, including flights, accommodation, some meals and a guide. Departs November 6 and November 13. Jules Verne (020 3130 6944; vjv.com ). 9. Mingle with singles in Japan Don't want to travel solo in a mixed group? Solos have launched Solos Group tours for 2018 that comprise only singles. Brand new is their 13-night Journey through Japan tour that starts amid the bright lights of Tokyo, visits the old Samurai castle of Matsumoto, includes walking a section of the Nakasendo Way – an old trading route that featured on the ITV series Joanna Lumley's Japan – tea with a Geisha in Kyoto, and a ride on the Bullet Train. Best of all, your luggage is always sent ahead to the next destination, so no struggling with suitcases. From £4,589 including flights, private single room, most meals and a tour leader. Departs June 1. Solos (0844 815 0005; solosholidays.co.uk ).
The bright night lights of Tokyo Credit: Getty More 10. A mountain trek in Corfu Trekking experts Walks Worldwide have a brand new eight-day group tour along the Corfu Trail designed specifically for solo travellers. Spanning 125 miles (200km) in total – from mountainous Cape Ayias Ekaterinis in the north, to the rolling landscapes of Cape Asprokavos in the south – it takes walkers away from the coastal tourist hubs, through inland villages where tourists are still a rarity, and past ancient manor houses and byzantine monasteries. It can be tackled in its entirety or in bite-sized chunks with walks averaging 10-12 miles (16-19km) per day. At the end of each day, walkers can wash off the sweat with a dip in the Ionian Sea, followed by convivial dinners at quayside tavernas. From £969 with no single supplement for seven nights' half-board, including walking notes and luggage transfers. Departures in April, May, October and November. Walks Worldwide (01962 302085; walksworldwide.com ). Emma Thomson For wellness junkies After a week of cycling in the Dolomites, rising at ungodly hours to get in the saddle and make it to the next destination before the sun set, I was ready for another holiday. This appeared to be a recurring theme in my life:
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holiday followed by the need to go on another break. Surely, I was getting something wrong. So, I resolved to go on a "proper" pampering getaway – where switching off and doing nothing was the main aim. This, coupled with meditation, nature walks and time at the spa, ideally somewhere where the views – whether of looming mountains or the calming sea – were as commendable as the treatments. Oh, what bliss! Of course, there is something to be said for an active break – whether that involves hiking and riding or kitesurfing and snorkelling – but there is also a time and place, especially come New Year, for learning to sit still and making time to listen to our bodies and halt, at least momentarily, the constant whirring of our minds. Our brains, as well as our bodies, need rest too.
Holidays to make you healthier and happier More The first time I went on a solo wellness break was in Marrakech. I was both anxious and excited – and even more of the former when I realised that the HIIT workout and belly dancing classes complete with gold coin-trimmed skirt was mandatory for everyone – men and women. Still, this didn't change the retreat's overall effect by the time I left. I returned to London feeling refreshed, recharged and as if I had been on a proper break. I've been on far too many healthy holidays, more than I might care to admit: from England and Europe to Asia, Africa and South America – from simple thatched-roof retreats to hi-tech medispas. And I must say, there is something life-affirming about ditching the itinerary, slowing down and being in the present – even better if that involves someone kneading the stresses and strains of your back as you look out onto the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Many wellness specialists offer retreats that can be as laid-back or active as you like. So you can choose to lie horizontal by the pool or take part in activities from Nordic walking to island hopping if you feel so inclined. 11. De-stress on the Costa Blanca The grand dame of medispas, SHA Wellness in Alicante on Spain's Costa Blanca has a treatments list that is as long as an Asian Fusion restaurant menu. Would you like a dermatology-grade facial? How about DNA testing? A brain scan? Perhaps acupuncture? A stress-management session, sir? If you can think of it, SHA probably does it – and in an impressively expert way. From neuroscientists to aesthetic doctors who've dedicated their careers to anti-ageing research, the impressive roster of specialists is world-class. Of course, let's not forget that a stay here is set against a most pleasant backdrop: the glistening blue Altea Bay and the little resort town of Albir. And the food, designed to keep you in trim shape, is surprisingly good. From £4,877 for single occupancy for a seven-night stress-management programme at SHA Wellness from Wellbeing Escapes (020 3735 7555; wellbeingescapes.com ), which includes treatments, meals and flights.
The pool at the SHA Wellness spa in Alicante More 12. Detox retreat in Gozo Far from the madding tourist crowds of Malta, the small island of Gozo is quiet and ruggedly handsome. Tucked away in a small village called Ta Sbejha is Amchara, a health retreat focused on "change for good". Interiors are down-to-earth: apartments are made in traditional Gozo stone and travertine tiled floors, but it's the treatments that are the real highlight, from hot stone massages to organic facials.
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If you're looking to do a detox in the New Year, this is an excellent choice: you can opt for a juice, raw, vegan or healthy cooked diet, which a nutritionist will discuss with you. There are health talks by specialists, morning seaside walks and boat trips to the island of Comino to see the Blue Lagoon. Compared with other health retreats, both in the UK and the rest of Europe, it's cheaper – and, in my opinion, just as effective. A three-night stay at Amchara Gozo (01823 475438; amchara.com ) starts from £897, including full-board. Flights and treatments cost extra.
Amchara, Gozo More 13. Philippine jungle escape The Farm in the Philippines is a five-star jungle retreat surrounded by coconut trees, waterfalls and gardens where peacocks including a white peafowl roam idly. Yes, this is the place to go for a general wellness holiday (A-list visitors include Woody Harrelson and Coldplay), but it's also equipped to deal with serious health issues, such as diabetes management and recovery from chemotherapy. Whatever your reasons for coming, rest assured that the tropical setting in itself – shades of green at every turn, jade mountains in the backdrop – has positively healing effects. From £3,360 full-board for single occupancy. Price includes a wellness programme, flights and transfers. Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891; healthandfitnesstravel.com ). 14. Mindfulness in St Lucia Is one of your New Year's resolutions to be more mindful? I'm certainly guilty of living in my head rather than in the moment. If you're the same, the Bodyholiday in St Lucia has a Mindfulness Retreat to combat the constant need to strive. How could you even consider doing anything or contemplate anything other than the here and now when the Cariblue beach and rainforests are right on your doorstep? Clinical studies have demonstrated the mental health benefits of mindfulness. Couple that with spa treatments, communal dining and group activities, and you'll be a Zen master in no time. From £4,141 full-board for single occupancy, including flights, transfers and all activities. The Healthy Holiday Company (0208 968 0501; thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk) . 15. Thai fitness break Kick-start a new fitness regime at the famous beachfront retreat Chiva-Som in Thailand. Resistance and TRX suspension training may not exactly be what one looks forward to on holiday but Chiva-Som's personal trainers make the experience not just fun and motivating but also sustainable. You'll come back home with a bespoke exercise plan that you can do on your own, well after your tan has lost its golden glow. It closes on May 1 and re-opens on November 1. If you're looking to book in between these months, try Kamalaya (kamalaya.com) in Koh Samui. From £5,630 full-board single occupancy for a seven-night programme from Healing Holidays (020 3372 6945; healingholidays.co.uk ) including flights, spa treatments, PT sessions and classes. Trisha Andres For experience seekers As a solo traveller, the seeking out of "experiences" has always been the driving force behind my adventures. But I use this term in its loosest sense; I will hold my hand up and say I have never bungee-jumped or wing-walked or swum with dolphins. I have, however, motorcycled across the Sahara, had my chocolate biscuits seized at
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gunpoint in the Congo, and sung The Final Countdown with an army general in Iran. By experience, I mean finding myself in situations that are as far removed from my everyday life as possible – and the more bizarre, the better. As a kid I was always secretly pleased when plans went awry on our family holidays – when the car broke down or we got lost, I was thrilled by the possibilities of the unknown, the sense that I didn't know what was going to happen next… that anything could happen. It probably wasn't as much fun for my parents with three kids in the back of a Morris 1000 but it gave me a taste for the unpredictable pleasures and perils of a road trip, something that has never left me. An experience seeker is just another name for the eternally curious, and curiosity is the key to a rewarding adventure. As the world becomes increasingly accessible and homogenised, with Big Macs and Starbucks to be found everywhere from Oman to Omaha, the true travel thrills come from seeking out the back roads, being open to the eccentric and the unusual, and, most crucially, talking to people who you would never otherwise meet. These days the likes of Google Earth and Trip Advisor may have taken the element of surprise out of travel – you can set off to the airport knowing exactly what your hotel bathroom will look like – but the one element the internet can't foresee is who you will meet and what stories they will have to tell – and this is still where the most enticing travel experiences are to be found. 16. Dog-sledding in Finland At night you sleep in cosy wilderness huts lit by candlelight and heated by a wood-burning stove. By day you learn to drive your own dogsled team across Lapland, travelling through forests and across frozen lakes, and hopefully catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It's a five-day physical workout, and an adventure that truly takes you off the beaten track, but if you're a rugged outdoorsy dog-lover (it's your job to feed and care for your team) it's hard to imagine a better way to spend a week. From £1,680 for a Husky Sledding in Finland tour from Mountain Kingdoms (01453 844400; mountainkingdoms.com ), including accommodation and meals. Not including flights from UK. Departures in January, February and March 2018.
Dog-sledding across Lapland Credit: Credit: Jurgen Weginger / Alamy Stock Photo/Jurgen Weginger / Alamy Stock Photo More 17. Georgia foodie tour Discover the hidden secrets of this overlooked but fascinating country, poised at the cusp of Europe and Asia but still to this day, unspoilt by tourism. Defined by the rugged Caucasus mountain range and its lively bohemian capital, Tbilisi, this 10-day tour is perfect for foodies – Georgian cuisine is famous and its supras (traditional feasts) can last for days. Wine connoisseurs will also appreciate Georgia's status as the birthplace of viticulture – the science of grapes. From £3,700 for a Culture in the High Caucasus tour from Original Travel (020 7978 7333; originaltravel.co.uk ), which includes all flights, transfers, local transport, accommodation and meals. Departs May 28. 18. Chile road trip Chile's Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) is one of the world's most iconic road trips. Completed in the early Eighties, this 770-mile (1,239-km)route is an impressive work of road-building that has opened up this formerly impenetrable region of fjords, glaciers and rivers. Hiring a self-drive four-by-four is possibly the finest way to explore this stretch of South American wilderness, allowing you to wind your way as you please through Chile's stunning lake district and its ancient forests with picture-perfect volcanoes in the distance.
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With plenty of gravel back roads and remote settlements to investigate, you will emerge after two weeks dusty and delirious with the pioneer spirit. From £3,232 for a 14-day Carretera Austral self-drive tour from Journey Latin America (020 3131 7959; journeylatinamerica.co.uk ), which includes accommodation. Flights from the UK not included.
Chile's Carretera Austral region Credit: AP More 19. Skiing in Iran Founded by Shirin Shabestari, a British-Iranian mountaineer based in London, Persian Pursuits began leading adventurous hikers up Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East. They have since expanded into specialised cultural tours of Iran and their latest addition is this cross-country ski-tour, taking you deep into the stunning Alborz Mountain range. Led by one of Iran's top skiers, you are supported by a four-by-four with your own chef who will make sure you end each day dining on the finest Persian cuisine among some of the wildest mountain scenery in the world. From £2,600 for a Iran Ski Tour from Persian Pursuits (07882 929786; persianpursuits.com ), including accommodation, meals and a day of sightseeing in Tehran. Flights and insurance not included. Departures in April 2018 (exact dates to be confirmed).
Try skiing in Iran Credit: © Aurora Photos / Alamy Stock Photo/Aurora Photos / Alamy Stock Photo More 20. A walking tour of the West Bank The adventurer, author and National Geographic filmmaker Leon McCarron recently walked 1,000 miles (1,609km) through the Middle East. This two-week walking tour of The Masar, an ancient trail through the West Bank, will be the most memorable hike of your life. Home stays are the order of the day; expect to traverse rocky mountains, desert gorges and the oldest inhabited cities on earth. Walk The Masar with Leon McCarron: Edge Expeditions ( edge-expeditions.com ). From £2,900, including accommodation, meals and transfers. Flights not included. Departs October 22. Lois Pryce For self-improvers I don't actually think of myself as a geek. In fact, I think of myself as the exact opposite. I've run rapids, climbed mountains, cycled coast-to-coast across America and ridden a horse across the Andes. I've even been charged by a lion in the African bush and lived to tell the tale. But there's definitely a part of me that revels in geekism. I like to learn, I like to understand, I like detail. When I go for a walk somewhere I've never been before, I like to interpret the contour lines on an OS map so I can read the lie of the land before I get there. When I'm in Rome – both literally and metaphorically – I like to do what the Romans do. And I like to do it properly. Like many other keen solo travellers, I also enjoy acquiring new knowledge and learning new skills in the context of other cultures. Sometimes, it's true, this means taking yourself outside your comfort zone. But it doesn't last long and the upside is not only new knowledge but also the possibility (no, inevitability) of making new friends with whom, by definition, you already share an interest.
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Over the years I've made some enduring friends from learning tracking skills in the African bush, taking Spanish lessons in Colombia, and, most memorably, learning the basics of biodynamic agriculture on a WWOOFing experience in Australia. The latter organisation – it stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms – gives volunteers hands-on experience on organic farms, gardens and smallholdings around the world. In recent years, many travel operators have responded to this trend for combining a holiday with learning something new, and now offer packages led by experts in their field from photographers and filmmakers to chefs and painters, as well as wildlife and survival gurus. The range of options is huge, but here's our pick of some of the best. 21. Salsa in Cuba A dance holiday based in Santiago de Cuba, the home of traditional Cuban music and dance. The trip includes 30 hours of intensive dance tuition over two weeks, and everyone is partnered with their own professional dance tutor. There are also accompanied nights out to a wide range of music clubs and dance venues, from the world famous Casa de la Trova in the city centre to small local clubs in other neighbourhoods. Santiago, on the south-east coast of Cuba, has a unique cultural heritage and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere. From £1,475, including homestay B&B accommodation and dance tuition, but exclusive of flights. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com ).
The world's 10 best dance holidays More 22. Survival skills in the African bush EcoTraining has been teaching professional bush guides for nearly 25 years but now offers seven, 14 and 28-day courses where you will learn far more than on a traditional safari and at a fraction of the cost. Its tracking courses (held in both Botswana and South Africa) will teach you about track and sign identification, trailing and the survival techniques of different animal species. The courses are mostly led by expert Shangaan trackers and all are certified by the acclaimed Tracker Academy. From £915 (seven days) and £1,620 (14 days) with tented accommodation and all meals. Departures February, March, June, July and August 2018. EcoTraining (0027 13752 2532; ecotraining.co.za ). 23. Learn to dive in Zanzibar The cold, dark seas of the UK don't have quite the allure of white-sand beaches and a tropical sun when it comes to learning to dive. Matemwe Lodge is on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar's main island adjacent to the Mnemba Atoll (pictured below). The latter has the reputation of offering the finest diving in Zanzibar. You'll spend your days completing the Professional Association of Diving Instructors' expert training modules, while in the evening there are all the attractions of Stone Town (Freddie Mercury's birthplace) and the rest of Zanzibar to explore. From £2,200 for seven nights at Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar, full board in low season excluding flights. Includes a PADI open water course with Scubafish (scubafishzanzibar.com). Asilia Africa (00 27 21 418 0468; asiliaafrica.com ).
A school of fish in the Mnemba Atoll in Zanzibar Credit: Getty More 24. Volunteer on a farm or garden around
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the world WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), has spent more than 45 years giving volunteers hands-on experience on organic farms, gardens and smallholdings around the world – all offering food, accommodation and learning in exchange for practical help on the land. In the UK, there are more than 600 hosts all offering unique experiences. One exam Unattributed[sourcelink]https://uk.style.yahoo.com/going-alone-25-life-changing-101802345.html [/sourcelink]
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Travel Going it alone: 25 life-changing solo holidays for 2018 By Telegraph Travel 18 Jan 2018 10:18:04
From intrepid adventures to wellness retreats, our experts
suggest the best ways to go it alone – in good company.
It was 5.30am and I found myself standing alone on the north rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, watching amber rays of dawn light bounce haphazardly off red rock walls. Having walked 30 paces from a small tent where I spent the night, I clutched a freshly brewed cup of coffee and was still proudly wearing my Superman pyjamas. More satisfying than the view and the blissful solitude, was the fact that I arrived at the edge of this natural wonder entirely under my own steam, by bicycle. There is a lot to be said for being an intrepid traveller like me, keen to explore by boat, bike or on two feet. I always find it to be a fully immersive experience. I am catapulted back to a time when pioneers and explorers would have made their own first journeys across wild and unknown terrain. There is less to separate me from the landscape, too. I am open and exposed to the elements. I feel every mountain range in my lungs and in my legs, and do my best to breathe through the soup-like air of each hot and humid forest. I get a real sense of what it means to live in each place I travel through, because I am now a part of it too. It’s this same sense of vulnerability that seems to make the locals more likely to take an interest in me. Like the man in Bolivia who brought his llama to my tent for breakfast. Or the farming family who gave me shelter from a blizzard in South Dakota, offering me a taste of life as a real cowgirl. With each of these random, authentic exchanges, my faith in mankind is restored. I am once again filled with a sense of wonder for all the planet has to offer. Solo intrepid travel needn’t be all about swashbuckling and struggle and strife – it is simply a willingness to embrace freedom and travel with eyes wide open.
1. Immerse yourself in a Greek Odyssey Mainland Greece is steeped in history and architectural wonder, but if isolated beaches, dramatic coastlines and dinner with the locals is more your kind of thing, then you must head to the islands instead. Submerge yourself in a week-long swimming journey through the Greek Cyclades. Fuelled by dolmades, fried cheese and the catch of the day, you’ll islandhop from one quaint village to the next, exploring the sea caves of the Mediterranean along the way. Visit the Greek Cyclades from £940 for seven days, including accommodation and some meals. Price excludes
international flights. Departures between May and September 2018. Swim Trek (01273 739713; swimtrek.com )
2. Experience the high life Any journey that starts with your plane landing at 1,300 feet (4,000 metres) above sea level is sure to get your heart racing and your lungs burning. Experience the changeable landscapes of beautiful Bolivia with a multi-day trek from the sprawling city of La Paz to the humid lowlands of the Yungas. Follow an ancient Inca pathway, traversing misty hillsides and passing through isolated villages into lush green jungle. Journey La Paz to the Altiplano as part of a trekking tour of Peru and Bolivia, from £2,956 for 18 days, including accommodation and some meals. Excludes international flights. Departs year round. Journey Latin America (020 3553 6441; journeylatinamerica.co.uk ).
3. See the Northern Lights If you’re eager to see one of the greatest spectacles of natural wonder, then it pays to let nature be your guide. Head off in search of the Northern Lights and explore the untapped wilderness of Finland from the back of a sled, pulled by your very own team of huskies. Master the subtle art of mushing and learn wilderness skills to thrive on a journey between remote cabins, through the postcard perfect arctic scenery of Pallas-Yllas National Park. Finland Husky Safari from £1,865. Eight days, including flights from the UK, accommodation and meals. Departures available between now and April 2018. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com ).
4. Pedal through alpine paradise The lakes of the Swiss and Italian Alps are a playground for those willing to use pedal power to explore. Enjoy sunshine and fresh mountain air as you cruise past snow-capped mountains, grass covered hillsides and alpine flowers in full bloom. You’ll want to travel slowly here, stopping as often as possible for a dip in one of the pristine lakes or to indulge in the many varieties of local ice cream and chocolate. From £1,399 for an Italian and Swiss Lakes cycling tour from Exodus (020 3811 5301; exodus.co.uk), including flights, accommodation and some meals. Bike hire included. Departures between May and September 2018.
5. Horseback riding in Argentina Roll up your sleeves and live like a local at Estancia La Rosita in northern Argentina by spending a week pitching in with the running of a 10,000-acre estate. Ride out across the surrounding wetlands on horseback to visit neighbouring estates and get to know the 140 horses and few hundred sheep also in residence – on hand to help you discover what life is like when you are a real gaucho. From £3,795 for a 10-day Argentina tour from Wild Frontiers (020 8741 7390; wildfrontierstravel.com ), including accommodation and meals. Excludes UK flights. Departures in October 2018. Anna McNuff Sitting on disused railway tracks, the warm metal under my thighs, I gazed at the great orb of the Australian Outback sun as it melted into the earth. I took a sip of a cool beer and watched silhouetted kangaroos jounce by. What a sight. But there was no one to share it with. Travelling alone has its perks, but once you’ve “found yourself” it’s nice to have a bit of company, isn’t it? Someone to guard your bags while you go to the loo, take pictures with, and read the map while you’re navigating new roads. Group travel eliminates the hassle, so there’s nothing to worry about except enjoying the destination. A tricky border crossing? Groups are often allowed where solo travellers are not. Getting from A to B? A crowd can hire a private minibus,
so you don’t have to share your seat with a chicken on a 13-hour bus ride. Furthermore, studies have shown that sharing experiences – even with a complete stranger – make them much more intense than if they’re experienced alone. Indeed, the joy can quickly fade if it can’t be relived with fellow travellers who were there. And that’s the key: you meet people you’d never normally mingle with, possibly forge lifelong friendships, and pick up skills you’d never usually consider. On a painting safari to Zambia earlier this year, I made friends with women whom had a 30year head start on me. The experience opened up new conversations I might not have had otherwise. Similarly, on a yoga retreat in Bali, I made an unexpected buddy. Before we arrived, the instructor sent an introduction email to all the participants. I responded asking if anyone wanted to share a taxi from the airport in Denpasar to Ubud. “I’ll join you!” came a reply from a woman living in Reykjavik. Three days later we shoehorned ourselves into the sweaty backseat of a Balinese cab. That’s all it took. We stepped onto the streets of Ubud thick as thieves – a friendship further cemented by our equally questionable sun salutations.
6. See living history in Ukraine It’s been more than 30 years since nuclear reactor number four exploded at Chernobyl in Ukraine – the largest radioactive disaster ever recorded. But in 2011 the area was declared safe enough to be recognised as a tourist attraction. Spend a long weekend exploring the Exclusion Zone – still haunted by the abandoned fairground, hospital, school and football stadium – and meet a “self-setter”: one of the few people who chose to return home after the accident. And, as proof of its safety, wildlife in the area is thriving. The close-to-extinction Przewalski’s horse can be seen, as well as moose, deer, beavers, owls, brown bear, lynx and wolves. After a long day, get to know your companions better over a Ukrainian meal and pepper vodkas. From £799 for a five-day trip, including flights, accommodation, transport, meals and guide. Departures year round. Explore (01252 883616; explore.co.uk )
7. Meet the tribes of Papua New Guinea A ground-breaking 16-day itinerary offered by Wild Frontiers – whose compact groups are mostly made up of solo travellers – that explores the untrammelled lands of Papua New Guinea. With large swathes still unexplored, its people speak more than 850 languages and many retain their animist beliefs. You’ll visit the crocodile people of the Sepik river, spend two days living with the colourful Huli people of the Hela Province, look for the extravagant bird of paradise in the Western Highlands and witness the Goroka Show – one of the world’s most spectacular tribal festivals – and conclude on the coastal settlement of Tufi for snorkelling and a beach barbeque with new friends. From £6,995 for 16 days, including accommodation with all meals, guided excursions and transfers. Departures in August and September. Wild Frontiers (020 3603 7961; wildfrontierstravel.com ).
8. History in the Balkans Jules Verne offer a single supplement-free tour of Albania aimed at solo travellers. With Greek, Latin, Turkic and Slav influences, the country’s dense history is spread everywhere: from Ottoman fortresses and prehistoric dwellings, to ancient citadels, mosques, rock-hewn tombs and Roman cities. Highlights include visits to three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Butrint, Gjirokastra and Berat. It may have taken a while for the country to find its feet after the collapse of communism in 1990, but today its ranked 13th on the Happy Planet Index and offers landscapes and culture unspoilt by mass tourism. From £865 for seven nights with no single supplement, including flights, accommodation, some meals and a guide.
Departs November 6 and November 13. Jules Verne (020 3130 6944; vjv.com ).
9. Mingle with singles in Japan Don’t want to travel solo in a mixed group? Solos have launched Solos Group tours for 2018 that comprise only singles. Brand new is their 13-night Journey through Japan tour that starts amid the bright lights of Tokyo, visits the old Samurai castle of Matsumoto, includes walking a section of the Nakasendo Way – an old trading route that featured on the ITV series Joanna Lumley’s Japan – tea with a Geisha in Kyoto, and a ride on the Bullet Train. Best of all, your luggage is always sent ahead to the next destination, so no struggling with suitcases. From £4,589 including flights, private single room, most meals and a tour leader. Departs June 1. Solos (0844 815 0005; solosholidays.co.uk ).
10. A mountain trek in Corfu Trekking experts Walks Worldwide have a brand new eight-day group tour along the Corfu Trail designed specifically for solo travellers. Spanning 125 miles (200km) in total – from mountainous Cape Ayias Ekaterinis in the north, to the rolling landscapes of Cape Asprokavos in the south – it takes walkers away from the coastal tourist hubs, through inland villages where tourists are still a rarity, and past ancient manor houses and byzantine monasteries. It can be tackled in its entirety or in bite-sized chunks with walks averaging 10-12 miles (16-19km) per day. At the end of each day, walkers can wash off the sweat with a dip in the Ionian Sea, followed by convivial dinners at quayside tavernas. From £969 with no single supplement for seven nights’ half-board, including walking notes and luggage transfers. Departures in April, May, October and November. Walks Worldwide (01962 302085; walksworldwide.com ). Emma Thomson After a week of cycling in the Dolomites, rising at ungodly hours to get in the saddle and make it to the next destination before the sun set, I was ready for another holiday. This appeared to be a recurring theme in my life: holiday followed by the need to go on another break. Surely, I was getting something wrong. So, I resolved to go on a “proper” pampering getaway – where switching off and doing nothing was the main aim. This, coupled with meditation, nature walks and time at the spa, ideally somewhere where the views – whether of looming mountains or the calming sea – were as commendable as the treatments. Oh, what bliss! Of course, there is something to be said for an active break – whether that involves hiking and riding or kitesurfing and snorkelling – but there is also a time and place, especially come New Year, for learning to sit still and making time to listen to our bodies and halt, at least momentarily, the constant whirring of our minds. Our brains, as well as our bodies, need rest too. Holidays to make you healthier and happier
The first time I went on a solo wellness break was in Marrakech. I was both anxious and excited – and even more of the former when I realised that the HIIT workout and belly dancing classes complete with gold coin-trimmed skirt was mandatory for everyone – men and women. Still, this didn’t change the retreat’s overall effect by the time I left. I returned to London feeling refreshed, recharged and as if I had been on a proper break. I’ve been on far too many healthy holidays, more than I might care to admit: from England and Europe to Asia, Africa and South America – from simple thatched-roof retreats to hi-tech medispas. And I must say, there is something life-affirming about ditching the itinerary, slowing down and being in the present – even better if that involves someone kneading the stresses and strains of your back as you look out onto the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Many wellness specialists offer retreats that can be as laid-back or active as you like. So you can choose to lie horizontal
by the pool or take part in activities from Nordic walking to island hopping if you feel so inclined.
11. De-stress on the Costa Blanca The grand dame of medispas, SHA Wellness in Alicante on Spain’s Costa Blanca has a treatments list that is as long as an Asian Fusion restaurant menu. Would you like a dermatology-grade facial? How about DNA testing? A brain scan? Perhaps acupuncture? A stress-management session, sir? If you can think of it, SHA probably does it – and in an impressively expert way. From neuroscientists to aesthetic doctors who’ve dedicated their careers to anti-ageing research, the impressive roster of specialists is world-class. Of course, let’s not forget that a stay here is set against a most pleasant backdrop: the glistening blue Altea Bay and the little resort town of Albir. And the food, designed to keep you in trim shape, is surprisingly good. From £4,877 for single occupancy for a seven-night stress-management programme at SHA Wellness from Wellbeing Escapes (020 3735 7555; wellbeingescapes.com ), which includes treatments, meals and flights.
12. Detox retreat in Gozo Far from the madding tourist crowds of Malta, the small island of Gozo is quiet and ruggedly handsome. Tucked away in a small village called Ta Sbejha is Amchara, a health retreat focused on “change for good”. Interiors are down-to-earth: apartments are made in traditional Gozo stone and travertine tiled floors, but it’s the treatments that are the real highlight, from hot stone massages to organic facials. If you’re looking to do a detox in the New Year, this is an excellent choice: you can opt for a juice, raw, vegan or healthy cooked diet, which a nutritionist will discuss with you. There are health talks by specialists, morning seaside walks and boat trips to the island of Comino to see the Blue Lagoon. Compared with other health retreats, both in the UK and the rest of Europe, it’s cheaper – and, in my opinion, just as effective. A three-night stay at Amchara Gozo (01823 475438; amchara.com ) starts from £897, including full-board. Flights and treatments cost extra.
13. Philippine jungle escape The Farm in the Philippines is a five-star jungle retreat surrounded by coconut trees, waterfalls and gardens where peacocks including a white peafowl roam idly. Yes, this is the place to go for a general wellness holiday (A-list visitors include Woody Harrelson and Coldplay), but it’s also equipped to deal with serious health issues, such as diabetes management and recovery from chemotherapy. Whatever your reasons for coming, rest assured that the tropical setting in itself – shades of green at every turn, jade mountains in the backdrop – has positively healing effects. From £3,360 full-board for single occupancy. Price includes a wellness programme, flights and transfers. Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891; healthandfitnesstravel.com ).
14. Mindfulness in St Lucia Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to be more mindful? I’m certainly guilty of living in my head rather than in the moment. If you’re the same, the Bodyholiday in St Lucia has a Mindfulness Retreat to combat the constant need to strive. How could you even consider doing anything or contemplate anything other than the here and now when the Cariblue beach and rainforests are right on your doorstep? Clinical studies have demonstrated the mental health benefits of mindfulness. Couple that with spa treatments, communal dining and group activities, and you’ll be a Zen master in no time. From £4,141 full-board for single occupancy, including flights, transfers and all activities. The Healthy Holiday Company (0208 968 0501; thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk) . A post shared by BodyHoliday Saint Lucia (@thebodyholiday) on Nov 25, 2016 at 6:56am PST
15. Thai fitness break Kick-start a new fitness regime at the famous beachfront retreat Chiva-Som in Thailand. Resistance and TRX suspension training may not exactly be what one looks forward to on holiday but Chiva-Som’s personal trainers make the experience not just fun and motivating but also sustainable. You’ll come back home with a bespoke exercise plan that you can do on your own, well after your tan has lost its golden glow. It closes on May 1 and re-opens on November 1. If you’re looking to book in between these months, try Kamalaya (kamalaya.com) in Koh Samui. From £5,630 full-board single occupancy for a seven-night programme from Healing Holidays (020 3372 6945; healingholidays.co.uk ) including flights, spa treatments, PT sessions and classes. Trisha Andres As a solo traveller, the seeking out of “experiences” has always been the driving force behind my adventures. But I use this term in its loosest sense; I will hold my hand up and say I have never bungee-jumped or wing-walked or swum with dolphins. I have, however, motorcycled across the Sahara, had my chocolate biscuits seized at gunpoint in the Congo, and sung The Final Countdown with an army general in Iran. By experience, I mean finding myself in situations that are as far removed from my everyday life as possible – and the more bizarre, the better. As a kid I was always secretly pleased when plans went awry on our family holidays – when the car broke down or we got lost, I was thrilled by the possibilities of the unknown, the sense that I didn’t know what was going to happen next… that anything could happen. It probably wasn’t as much fun for my parents with three kids in the back of a Morris 1000 but it gave me a taste for the unpredictable pleasures and perils of a road trip, something that has never left me. An experience seeker is just another name for the eternally curious, and curiosity is the key to a rewarding adventure. As the world becomes increasingly accessible and homogenised, with Big Macs and Starbucks to be found everywhere from Oman to Omaha, the true travel thrills come from seeking out the back roads, being open to the eccentric and the unusual, and, most crucially, talking to people who you would never otherwise meet. These days the likes of Google Earth and Trip Advisor may have taken the element of surprise out of travel – you can set off to the airport knowing exactly what your hotel bathroom will look like – but the one element the internet can’t foresee is who you will meet and what stories they will have to tell – and this is still where the most enticing travel experiences are to be found.
16. Dog-sledding in Finland At night you sleep in cosy wilderness huts lit by candlelight and heated by a wood-burning stove. By day you learn to drive your own dogsled team across Lapland, travelling through forests and across frozen lakes, and hopefully catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. It’s a five-day physical workout, and an adventure that truly takes you off the beaten track, but if you’re a rugged outdoorsy dog-lover (it’s your job to feed and care for your team) it’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a week. From £1,680 for a Husky Sledding in Finland tour from Mountain Kingdoms (01453 844400; mountainkingdoms.com ), including accommodation and meals. Not including flights from UK. Departures in January, February and March 2018.
17. Georgia foodie tour Discover the hidden secrets of this overlooked but fascinating country, poised at the cusp of Europe and Asia but still to this day, unspoilt by tourism. Defined by the rugged Caucasus mountain range and its lively bohemian capital, Tbilisi, this 10-day tour is perfect for foodies – Georgian cuisine is famous and its supras (traditional feasts) can last for days. Wine connoisseurs will also appreciate Georgia’s status as the birthplace of viticulture – the science of grapes. From £3,700 for a Culture in the High Caucasus tour from Original Travel (020 7978 7333; originaltravel.co.uk ), which includes all flights, transfers, local transport, accommodation and meals. Departs May 28.
18. Chile road trip Chile’s Carretera Austral (Southern Highway) is one of the world’s most iconic road trips. Completed in the early Eighties, this 770-mile (1,239-km)route is an impressive work of road-building that has opened up this formerly impenetrable region of fjords, glaciers and rivers. Hiring a self-drive four-by-four is possibly the finest way to explore this stretch of South American wilderness, allowing you to wind your way as you please through Chile’s stunning lake district and its ancient forests with picture-perfect volcanoes in the distance. With plenty of gravel back roads and remote settlements to investigate, you will emerge after two weeks dusty and delirious with the pioneer spirit. From £3,232 for a 14-day Carretera Austral self-drive tour from Journey Latin America (020 3131 7959; journeylatinamerica.co.uk ), which includes accommodation. Flights from the UK not included.
19. Skiing in Iran Founded by Shirin Shabestari, a British-Iranian mountaineer based in London, Persian Pursuits began leading adventurous hikers up Mount Damavand, the highest peak in the Middle East. They have since expanded into specialised cultural tours of Iran and their latest addition is this cross-country ski-tour, taking you deep into the stunning Alborz Mountain range. Led by one of Iran’s top skiers, you are supported by a four-by-four with your own chef who will make sure you end each day dining on the finest Persian cuisine among some of the wildest mountain scenery in the world. From £2,600 for a Iran Ski Tour from Persian Pursuits (07882 929786; persianpursuits.com ), including accommodation, meals and a day of sightseeing in Tehran. Flights and insurance not included. Departures in April 2018 (exact dates to be confirmed).
20. A walking tour of the West Bank The adventurer, author and National Geographic filmmaker Leon McCarron recently walked 1,000 miles (1,609km) through the Middle East. This two-week walking tour of The Masar, an ancient trail through the West Bank, will be the most memorable hike of your life. Home stays are the order of the day; expect to traverse rocky mountains, desert gorges and the oldest inhabited cities on earth. Walk The Masar with Leon McCarron: Edge Expeditions ( edge-expeditions.com ). From £2,900, including accommodation, meals and transfers. Flights not included. Departs October 22. Lois Pryce I don’t actually think of myself as a geek. In fact, I think of myself as the exact opposite. I’ve run rapids, climbed mountains, cycled coast-to-coast across America and ridden a horse across the Andes. I’ve even been charged by a lion in the African bush and lived to tell the tale. But there’s definitely a part of me that revels in geekism. I like to learn, I like to understand, I like detail. When I go for a walk somewhere I’ve never been before, I like to interpret the contour lines on an OS map so I can read the lie of the land before I get there. When I’m in Rome – both literally and metaphorically – I like to do what the Romans do. And I like to do it properly. Like many other keen solo travellers, I also enjoy acquiring new knowledge and learning new skills in the context of other cultures. Sometimes, it’s true, this means taking yourself outside your comfort zone. But it doesn’t last long and the upside is not only new knowledge but also the possibility (no, inevitability) of making new friends with whom, by definition, you already share an interest. A post shared by WWOOF™ (@wwoof) on Sep 11, 2017 at 3:29am PDT
Over the years I’ve made some enduring friends from learning tracking skills in the African bush, taking Spanish lessons in Colombia, and, most memorably, learning the basics of biodynamic agriculture on a WWOOFing experience in Australia. The latter organisation – it stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms – gives volunteers hands-on experience on organic farms, gardens and smallholdings around the world. In recent years, many travel operators have responded to this trend for combining a holiday with learning something new, and now offer packages led by experts in their field from photographers and filmmakers to chefs and painters, as well as wildlife and survival gurus. The range of options is huge, but here’s our pick of some of the best.
21. Salsa in Cuba A dance holiday based in Santiago de Cuba, the home of traditional Cuban music and dance. The trip includes 30 hours of intensive dance tuition over two weeks, and everyone is partnered with their own professional dance tutor. There are also accompanied nights out to a wide range of music clubs and dance venues, from the world famous Casa de la Trova in the city centre to small local clubs in other neighbourhoods. Santiago, on the south-east coast of Cuba, has a unique cultural heritage and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere. From £1,475, including homestay B&B accommodation and dance tuition, but exclusive of flights. Responsible Travel (01273 823700; responsibletravel.com ). The world's 10 best dance holidays
22. Survival skills in the African bush EcoTraining has been teaching professional bush guides for nearly 25 years but now offers seven, 14 and 28-day courses where you will learn far more than on a traditional safari and at a fraction of the cost. Its tracking courses (held in both Botswana and South Africa) will teach you about track and sign identification, trailing and the survival techniques of different animal species. The courses are mostly led by expert Shangaan trackers and all are certified by the acclaimed Tracker Academy. From £915 (seven days) and £1,620 (14 days) with tented accommodation and all meals. Departures February, March, June, July and August 2018. EcoTraining (0027 13752 2532; ecotraining.co.za ).
23. Learn to dive in Zanzibar The cold, dark seas of the UK don’t have quite the allure of white-sand beaches and a tropical sun when it comes to learning to dive. Matemwe Lodge is on the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar’s main island adjacent to the Mnemba Atoll (pictured below). The latter has the reputation of offering the finest diving in Zanzibar. You’ll spend your days completing the Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ expert training modules, while in the evening there are all the attractions of Stone Town (Freddie Mercury’s birthplace) and the rest of Zanzibar to explore. From £2,200 for seven nights at Matemwe Lodge, Zanzibar, full board in low season excluding flights. Includes a PADI open water course with Scubafish (scubafishzanzibar.com). Asilia Africa (00 27 21 418 0468; asiliaafrica.com ).
24. Volunteer on a farm or garden around the world WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms), has spent more than 45 years giving volunteers hands-on experience on organic farms, gardens and smallholdings around the world – all offering food, accommodation and learning in exchange for practical help on the land. In the UK, there are more than 600 hosts all offering unique experiences. One example is Postlip Hall, a community of eight families living in a large Jacobean manor house in Gloucestershire, who welcome WWOOFers for a weekend once a month.
Free accommodation (Fri/Sat) and all meals at Postlip Hall ( postliphall.org.uk ). WWOOFers are welcome on the second weekend of every month. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms ( wwoof.org.uk ).
25. Wilfred Owen commemoration As the centenary of the 1918 Armistice approaches, so does the anniversary of the death of the poet Wilfred Owen – just a week before the end of the war. This is a unique opportunity to learn about Owen’s poems and those of many other First World War poets. Led by Andrew Spooner, the historian who devised the tour, you will be accompanied by an actor who reads the poems, sometimes at the sites where they were composed and sometimes at the scene of the poet’s grave, death or disappearance. From £1,430 including three-star accommodation, all meals and coach travel from London. Departs September 7-10. Martin Randall Travel (020 8742 3355; martinrandall.com ). Richard Madden For intrepid travellers RELATED IMAGES
Embrace solitude on a solo trip this year Getty/Chain45154
"I am open and exposed to the elements" Jordan Siemens
Swimming in Santorini in the Cyclades AP/Šsamott - stock.adobe.com
The Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland sara_winter - Fotolia
A horse-rider in Argentina Š Javier Etcheverry / VWPics / Alamy Stock Photo
Group travel eliminates the hassle AP/Štverdohlib - stock.adobe.com
The bright night lights of Tokyo Getty/This content is subject to copyright.
Tribesmen in Papua New Guinea This content is subject to copyright.
Cycle through alpine paradise in the Italian Alps Šarsdigital - stock.adobe.com
The pool at the SHA Wellness spa in Alicante
Amchara, Gozo
Dog-sledding across Lapland Credit: Jurgen Weginger / Alamy Stock Photo
Try skiing in Iran © Aurora Photos / Alamy Stock Photo
Chile's Carretera Austral region AP/Šsunsinger - stock.adobe.com
A school of fish in the Mnemba Atoll in Zanzibar Getty/© 2011 Kristen Elsby
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Malta Yellow News Mail Online UK (Web) 19 January 2018 N/A 2009108 53928
Crowning glory: Dash to Malta, where Valletta is the latest urban gem to be crowned European Capital of Culture Crowning glory: Dash to Malta, where Valletta is the latest urban gem to be crowned European Capital of Culture : European Capital of Culture status never fails to work its magic.A big tidy-up is always the order of the day and a small army of construction workers is deployed to make some overdue improvements. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is no exception... IT'S A HUGE SPRAWL, ISN'T IT? Not at all. Valletta is a small, ancient walled city completely at odds with its immediate urban surroundings. Not many people actually live in the city - although thousands visit each day to savour this architectural masterpiece. Try to get there before or after the cruise ship hordes block the narrow streets and obstruct the views of the Grand Harbour. DIDN'T IT BELONG TO BRITAIN? Malta was a British colony from 1800 to 1964. The Queen and Prince Philip famously spent their honeymoon on the island. During World War II it sustained terrible bombings, but somehow survived, and it was from here that the Allies disrupted Axis supplies to Hitler's armies in North Africa, a crucial prerequisite to victory at El Alamein. SOUNDS HEROIC... Absolutely, and was recognised as such when King George VI awarded the George Cross to the entire island of Malta. WHO BUILT VALLETTA? It is the Roman Catholic Knights of St John to whom we owe thanks for this glorious fortress. The Knights ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798, building what you see today following the Great Siege of 1565 when the Ottoman Empire would have taken the island had it not been for another feat of resistance led by Jean Parisot de Valette (hence the name Valletta). Mind you, there are red telephone boxes all over the place, plus a pleasing statue of Queen Victoria. ANY HIGHLIGHTS? Just wander around and keep your eyes peeled. The Baroque architecture, tempered by the honey-coloured limestone, is an absolute joy. Enclosed wood balconies are one particular feature and at every turn you come face to face with buildings that make your heart sing. The star turn is St John's Cathedral, dripping in gold and home to the only signed work and largest painting by Caravaggio. It depicts the beheading of St John the Baptist. MAKE A PLAN Walk through the main entrance to the city — which has been newly designed by Renzo Piano (of London Shard fame) — take the shallow steps on your right and make for Upper Barrakka Gardens, once the private garden of the Knights. The views of the Grand Harbour from here the third become the Malta — the first Vittoriosa second have changed little since the mid-1660s and are utterly sensational. Then dive back in among the narrow streets built on a grid system, so you're unlikely to get badly lost. WHERE TO STAY The newly revamped Hotel Phoenicia is perfectly positioned just outside the city walls. Rooms are gorgeously bright and cheerful and there's seven acres of gardens, at the end of which is an ethereal swimming pool practically jutting up against Valletta's ramparts. It has two restaurants. One spills onto a huge terrace, where even in winter you can sit out for breakfast. A spa will open shortly, making it the full package. Rooms from £205 B&B, campbellgrayhotels.com/the-phoenicia-malta. MALTESE CUISINE Rabbit is something of a national dish and fresh fish is always on the menu. Book a table at Rubino
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Malta Yellow News Mail Online UK (Web) 19 January 2018 N/A 2009108 53928
(rubinomalta.com) near Republic Square and sit at the front rather than at the back. There's nothing modern here. The ramshackle 1906 frontage sets the tone and there are no menus as such. You choose from a daily selection written up on a board and, with a good bottle of local wine, you'll be hard-pressed to spend much more than £60 for two people. A PRIVATE PALACE Casa Rocca Piccola ( casaroccapiccola.com ) is a 16thcentury palace that is still in private hands and often described as a 'living museum.'Join a tour given by the present Marquis de Piro, who will offer a unique insight into Malta's past and present. SAIL IN A GONDOLA On the waterfront beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, take a dghajsa ride (small gondolashaped boats) across the harbour to The Three Cities. It will cost you a maximum €3 (£2.65) per person. Better still, the boatman will offer to give you his own 40-minute tour of the harbour for an extra €5 (£4.44). Accept this willingly. If a cruise ship is in the harbour at the same time, you'll feel very small indeed. GOOD TO KNOW Valletta is not an expensive city, nor is it grand. During its Capital of Culture year there will be all kinds of events, visit valletta2018.org. More information, visitmalta.com GETTING THERE BA flies to Valletta from £82 return, britishairways.com.
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Travel The 20 greatest cultural holidays for 2018 By Nick Trend 19 Jan 2018 17:10:17
Culture means very different things to different people. You might seek out peace and reflection in a museum or art gallery; the glamour and excitement of a night at the ballet or the opera; the romance of ruins; or the energy of Mardi Gras party time. You might thrill to the idea of steeping yourself in living history during the Palio di Siena or Seville’s Holy Week, or you may prefer crushing into a rock festival mosh pit or sending your spirit soaring to Mozart in Salzburg. Whatever turns you on, by arranging your travel around events like these you guarantee a thoroughly good time and also get a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the places you are visiting. With that combination in mind, we have compiled a calendar to guide you through cultural highlights around the world in 2018, with details of what to see, how to book, and in many cases, of an escorted tour linked to the event or the theme so that you can travel in good company and with a top guide. The perfect time for a city break. Prices are at their cheapest and urban cultural life in full swing – as are the great Lent carnivals that begin in February.
1. Berlin beats Most European cities are at their best in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and sunny. Not Berlin – it’s a city of extremes. During its hot continental summer the lakes and forests that extend right into the centre become an outdoor playground; but in the equally scenic, snowy winter it is Berlin’s extraordinarily rich cultural scene that comes to the fore. For art and music lovers, this is the time to visit – especially this year. The great Staatsoper house in Unter den Linden, closed for restoration for more than seven years, has just re-opened with a major programme including Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute ( staatsoper-berlin.de/en ). Meanwhile, Sir Simon Rattle’s final year as artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic includes three concerts with the great pianist Daniel Barenboim in February ( berliner-philharmoniker.de/en ) and the Berlin Film Festival runs from Feb 15-25 ( berlinale.de/en ). Winter is also ideal to enjoy its world-beating panoply of museums and galleries – from the Egyptian and Pergamon museums to the brilliant collections in the two national galleries and the old master paintings in the Gemäldegalerie. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-berlinguide and /tt-berlinhotels .
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Travel for the Arts (020 8799 8350; travelforthearts.com ) offers an “Opera à la Carte” programme for opera-lovers looking for tailor-made travel worldwide. An overnight stay in the city with a top-category ticket to a performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Staatsoper Under den Linden starts at £565 per person for departures this month. Accommodation is at the five-star Steigenberger Hotel, with pool, sauna and spa, a five-minute walk from Kurfürstendamm. Prices include breakfast and flights, but exclude airport transfers. Why I love Berlin
2. Chinese New Year in Hong Kong No one does fireworks like the Chinese, and nowhere celebrates Chinese New Year like Hong Kong. This year the festivities marking the end of the Year of the Cockerel and the beginning of the Year of the Dog are on the night of Feb 16. Never will you see such an intense and energised city partying quite so extravagantly. It’s also a good time climatically – February is one of the drier months of the year, and temperatures aren’t too hot and sticky. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-hongkong and /tt-hongkonghotels . Trafalgar (0800 533 5617; trafalgar.com ) has a four-day Hong Kong and Macau Experience itinerary, departing on either Feb 14 or 15, which coincides with the celebrations on Feb 16. Starting at £1,192 per person, this includes a three-night hotel stay at Hong Kong’s four-star Regal Kowloon Hotel with breakfast, two lunches, a sampan ride, guided sightseeing and a high-speed ferry ride to Macau. Excludes flights and transfers. View our selection of cultural escorted tours
3. Capital of culture festivities in Malta What Malta’s tiny capital lacks in size, it more than makes up for in aesthetic appeal. Impressive stone façades and crowded terraces cluster beneath the great dome of the cathedral, shored up by the massive walls of the harbour. This year the place really comes to life: as one of Europe’s capitals of culture for 2018 it is hosting a year-long festival of arts and music. There will be more than 140 projects and 400 events in the city and on its islands. Go now for one of the best winter climates in Europe, and the opening events, from an international baroque music festival (ends Jan 27), carnival celebrations on Feb 9-13 and a production of Don Giovanni at the Teatru Manoel in March. Full details at valletta2018.org . Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-malta and /tt-maltahotels If you prefer to travel later in the year, Martin Randall Travel (020 8742 3355; martinrandall.com ) offers a six-night exploration of Malta’s several world heritage sites, with two days exploring Valletta. The tour is led by Telegraph Travel’s own Malta expert, Juliet Rix, and includes a trip to sister island Gozo. Departing Oct 1 2018, and based in the five-star Hotel Phoenicia, Valletta, the price starts at £2,870 including flights, transfers, breakfasts, five meals with wine. Secret Britain | More surprising attractions on your doorstep
4. Swinging London For world-beating music, museums and theatre you don’t need to leave the country, of course. Winter is prime time for the London cultural scene. Two major exhibitions focusing on the Royal Art Collections are in full swing with Charles I’s extraordinary collection recreated at the Royal Academy ( royalacademy.org.uk ) and Charles II’s own collecting tastes revealed at the Queen’s Picture Gallery ( royalcollection.org.uk ). The National Gallery has a fascinating exploration of black and white painting – Monochrome – and Degas pastels from the Burrell Collection ( nationalgallery.org.uk ), while Tate Modern has a Modigliani show and Tate Britain, The Impressionists in London ( tate.org.uk ). You’ll be lucky to get tickets for the hit musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace ( ticketmaster.co.uk/hamilton ), but Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus has returned to the National ( nationaltheatre.org.uk ) and
Tosca, Carmen and Giselle are February highlights at the Royal Opera House ( roh.org ). Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-london and /tt-londonhotels . For what’s on in London: visitlondon.com . Carnival time | Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday? There’s no competition
5. Art in Amsterdam Amsterdam’s extraordinary cityscape of concentric canals and gabled canal houses dates in large part to an extraordinary moment in the 17th century when it was one of the most powerful capitals of world trade. Merchants from the Netherlands made fortunes in spices, exotica and luxury goods, and they spent their money – or a large part of it – on filling their new houses with art. This was the Dutch Golden Age – the time of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals – and many of the masterpieces, from Rembrandt’s The Night Watch to Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, are always on view in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. But until May, many more paintings – which usually hang in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg – have returned for a special exhibition in the museum’s Amsterdam offshoot. Also opening in March is a fascinating exploration of the influence of Japanese art on Vincent van Gogh (March 23 to June 24 at the Van Gogh Museum), and the Rijksmuseum will present High Society (March 8 to June 3) a major exhibition of more than 35 life-size portraits of the rich and powerful stretching over 500 years. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-amsterdamguide and /tt-amsterdamhotels .
6. Seville celebrations No festival in Europe has quite the degree of sustained intensity and spectacle as Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Seville (this year March 25-April 1). The city doesn’t sleep for a week as each of some 60 or so religious confraternities carries its paso – the highly ornate “float” bearing images of Christ or Mary – from their parish church through the streets of Seville on the long, slow procession to the cathedral and back. The streets are jammed with the crowds and clogged with mile after mile of shuffling followers – some in black, some white, some lilac, bright blue or yellow – though nearly all wear the long, pointed, slightly sinister, hood of the penitent. The most exciting time to visit this city. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-seville . If you book now, prices are still quite reasonable. For example, a two-night stay from March 26 to 28 (coinciding with Semana Santa 2018) at four-star Casa del Poeta in Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, costs from £236 per person, with breakfast. Boutique hotel, Legado Alcazar, also in the Old Town, costs from £289 per person for the same period, with breakfast. Full reviews and contacts for the hotels are at telegraph.co.uk/tt-sevillehotels . Why I love Seville
7. Dublin Renaissance Dublin has some fabulous cultural treasures – from its castle to its national museums, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. But there’s a special reason to visit this year: one of its greatest glories, the National Gallery of Ireland, has just emerged from extensive restoration work. Much of the museum had been closed for years – the original 19th-century Dargan wing since 2011 and the Milltown wing since 2014. Now they have been re-opened to display more than 650 works of art to spectacular effect, including major paintings by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Gainsborough, Goya, and Picasso, as well as the national collection of Irish art. Visit between Feb 14 and June 10 and you can also enjoy a major exhibition of the paintings of the great colourist and German expressionist Emile Nolde. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-dublin and /tt-dublinhotels .
The glory of the Belle Époque | 100 years on
8. Pooram party in Kerala The Hindu feast of Pooram is celebrated in the most spectacular way in Kerala. The most colourful festivities centre on the temple at Thekkinkadu Maidanam in the middle of the city of Thrissur where the processions pay obeisance to the Shiva, the presiding deity. They include lines of elaborately decorated elephants, firework displays and melams – jazz-like performances on traditional musical instruments. By evening, things get riotous and it’s a great opportunity to see Indian life at its most vibrant. This year the main festivities are bring held on April 25. Hayes & Jarvis (01293 762456, hayesandjarvis.co.uk ) offers a 12-night trip to Kerala and Goa from £2,399 per person including an eight-day guided tour around Kerala, followed by five nights’ B&B at the five-star Leela Goa hotel with spa, golf course and four restaurants. The price includes internal flights and international flights from London Heathrow with Jet Airways, departing on April 22 2018, which will coincide with the Thrissur Pooram festival dates. Now the weather is picking up, you’ll want to spend more time outside; and ideally by the sea. No problem – there are plenty of cultural highlights to choose from.
9. Tropical jazz in St Lucia May is a lovely month in the Caribbean – the winter and Easter crowds have gone, prices have dropped and the summer rains and humidity have yet to take a grip. It’s the perfect atmosphere for the jazz festival which takes place around Rodney Bay from May 6-13, with highlights including the Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, and the singers Carolyn Malachi and Zara McFarlane, who is one of the UK’s foremost jazz vocalists. Our expert guide to St Lucia and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-stlucia and /tt-stluciahotels . Caribtours (020 3627 1777; caribtours.co.uk ) offers seven-nights at The Landings for £1,875 per person (which includes a 50 per cent discount for bookings made by Feb 28). This priced is based on accommodation in a one-bedroom villa suite including breakfast, return international flights and private transfers in St Lucia. At a glance | Europe’s best summer music festivals
10. Venice Biennale The Venice Architecture Biennale has a somewhat lower profile than the one devoted to art, but the concept is the same, and it adds a fascinating dimension to a city which is obviously an architectural treasure house in its own right. The other big plus about visiting during the Biennale is that, as well as the main pavilions in the Giardini and the Arsenale, exhibitions are also held in buildings not normally open to the public. The opening of the architecture exhibition (May 26Nov 25) is followed by the dance, theatre and music festivals. Details at labiennale.org . Our expert guide to Venice and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-venice and /tt-venicehotels .
11. Cannes Film Festival For most visitors, the culture of Cannes in May is perhaps more one of celebrity spotting than actually watching the films themselves. But, from an artistic point of view, it is also generally regarded as the most serious of all film festivals. The trouble is, unless you are a critic, or one of those celebrities, you won’t be able to get into the main films. The solution? The Telegraph’s film critics recommend the “superb” Directors’ Fortnight programme of screenings which is open to all. Programme and event details: festival-cannes.com. Directors’ Fortnight: quinzaine-realisateurs.com/en Our expert guide to Cannes and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-cannes and /tt-canneshotels . Rooms in the resort during the festival are very expensive, so you might prefer to stay in Nice ( telegraph.co.uk/tt-nicehotels ).
12. St Petersburg white nights
Russia’s second city has a short summer, but it knows how to make the most of it. During the White Nights festival in June, the sun barely sets and the locals revel in the long, light evenings. At the heart of the festivities is the Mariinsky “Stars of the White Nights” season of ballet and opera ( mariinsky.ru/en ) – details are usually published by March. This is also carnival season, and there is a firework finale over the River Neva. Again, the exact dates have yet to be publicised, but it is usually between mid June and July 2. Our expert guide to St Petersburg and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-stpetersburg and /ttstpetersburghotels . Cox and Kings (020 3797 8987; coxandkings.co.uk ) has a five-night “St Petersburg’s Highlights” tour departing weekly in May and also on June 5 2018. Prices start at £950 b&b pp, including staying at the Radisson Sonya, a Dostoyevskythemed hotel. Flights plus guided sightseeing, entrance to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage museum. Why I love St Petersburg
A cauldron of excitement, or peace and tranquillity? High summer is the time for the heat and dust of the Siena Palio – or a mountain music festival.
13. Siena Palio The Siena Palio – a bareback horse race around the main square of the hilltop town – is the most famous and spectacular survivor from the competitive pageantry of Italy’s medieval past. It is no tourist re-enactment. Some 40,000 of the 60,000 spectators who throng into the Piazza del Campo are Sienese, passionately supporting the horse representing their local contrada, or neighbourhood. The actual race lasts only 90 seconds, but the build-up is wonderfully entertaining. The first race takes place on July 2, but if you miss that, there is another on Aug 16. Our guide to how to see the Palio is at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-palio . Our expert guide to Tuscany generally and our recommended hotels are at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-tuscany and /tttuscanyhotels . A three-night “Palio Package” is offered by the five-star Castel Monastero in Castelnuovo Berardenga (0039 0577 5700 001; castelmonastero.com ). Prices start at €1,290 (£1,145) per room, per night with breakfast. The package includes dinner, return transfers to Siena and window seats overlooking Piazza del Campo to watch the Palio, with refreshments and buffet dinner. At a glance | Tuscany versus Umbria
14. Salzburg Festival Salzburg’s Festival (July 20-Aug 30) has defined the city’s summer for nearly 100 years and is the highlight of the world’s classical music calendar – rivalled only by the London Proms. Since it was founded by Richard Strauss and Max Reinhardt to promote peace and reconciliation after the First World War, it has mushroomed into an annual programme of some 200 performances. Julie Andrews may have headed into the hills, but for six weeks this summer it will be the city itself that comes alive to the sound of music. Our expert guide to Salzburg and our recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-salzburg and /tt-salzburghotels . Why I love Salzburg
A two-night “Salzburg Summer Festival” package valid July 20-Aug 31 is available at salzburg.info . It starts at €389 B&B in a three-star hotel including a three-course VIP dinner in the panoramic restaurant at the Fortress Hohensalzburg (with return tickets on the funicular) and a ticket for an opera or concert. Alternatively, the two-night “Salzburg Festival 2018” package is €465 including dinner, a festival concert performance, four-star accommodation and a 24-hour Salzburg Card. Tickets can be booked directly at salzburgerfestspiele.at .
15. Lucerne Festival The Lucerne Summer Festival (Aug 17-Sept 16) can’t quite compete with Salzburg’s – but it still holds around 100 events and concerts and it can certainly compete in terms of quality. Some of the most venerable names in classical music are performing this summer, including Sir Simon Rattle, Bernard Haitink, Daniel Baremboin and Heinz Holliger, as well as younger stars such as the pianist Lang Lang and cellist Sol Gabetta. And, arguably, the Swiss city has an even more stunning setting than its Austrian rival. The old centre protected by ancient city walls and connected by an extraordinary medieval covered bridge – the Kapellbrücke – which looks out across the lake and the Alpine panorama beyond. The centrepiece of the view is the Rigi mountain, which fascinated Turner so much that he painted it several times. Our expert recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-lucernehotels . The Switzerland Travel Centre (0207 420 4900; switzerlandtravelcentre.co.uk ) offers a three-night “Our Experience Lucerne” based in three-star Hotel des Alpes. Starting at £550 per person, the price includes breakfast, a guided walking tour, flights, a Lucerne transport ticket, rail transfers and flights. Festival tickets: lucernefestival.ch/en . At a glance | The best tour operators for cultural breaks
16. Opera in Verona The last of our triumvirate of summer music festivals could hardly be more different. Verona is all about opera, and opera on the grandest of scales. The Arena, one of the most intact large-scale Roman structures, was used to entertain up to 30,000 – today there is a limit of 15,000. This summer’s programme includes a new production of Carmen, plus performances of Turandot, Aida, Nabucco and The Barber of Seville. Our expert recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-veronahotels . Citalia (01293 831970; citalia.com ) offers a three-night break to Verona departing on July 7 2018, including tickets for a Nabucco performance at the Arena, staying at the four-star Hotel Giberti. From £576 per person, with breakfast, flights with easyJet from Gatwick and private transfers. Tickets on sale directly from arena.it . The leaves turn and fall in captivating Kyoto, urban culture comes back to life in Paris and Bilbao and the camels arrive for the fair in Pushkar.
17. Paris art shows Autumn is when – from a cultural point of view – Paris comes to life. September surges into life with Fashion Week and Design Week, and the city’s museums open their biggest exhibitions of the year either now or October. This autumn sees an extraordinarily rich line-up, led by two major Picasso shows: the Blue and Pink periods at the Musée d’Orsay (Sept 18 2018-Jan 6 2019, musee-orsay.fr ) and Cubism at the Pompidou centre (Oct 17 2018- March 4 2019, centrepompidou.fr/en ). Also in October, the Grand Palais is holding a major Joan Miró show: The Colour of my Dreams (Oct 2018-Jan 2019) and the following month an exhibition devoted to Michael Jackson (Nov 2018-Feb 2019, grandpalais.fr/en ). And don’t forget Nuit Blanche on the first weekend of October, when many Paris attractions are open free of charge all night ( quefaire.paris.fr/nuitblanche ). Our expert guide to Paris and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-parisguide and /tt-parishotels . For Eurostar tickets: eurostar.com Why I love Paris
18. Bilbao Renaissance Over the past 20 years, the renaissance of this once down-at-heel Spanish port has been remarkable. And it certainly
wouldn’t have happened without Frank Gehry’s remarkable Guggenheim, which rejuvenated the trend for eye-catching museum architecture. Bilbao has been transformed as a result and it is now a fabulous choice for a cultural break, laced with gastronomic indulgence. The Guggenheim continues to break important ground with its exhibition programmes. A post shared by Museo Guggenheim Bilbao (@museoguggenheim) on Oct 19, 2017 at 7:08am PDT A major Chagall retrospective, The Breakthrough Years, 1911-1919, closes at the beginning of September (June 1-Sept 2) and three weeks later it opens a new exhibition presenting impressionist and post-impressionist paintings from the Thannhauser Collection in the New York Guggenheim (Sept 21-March 24 2019). Then, from October, there is a comprehensive Giacometti retrospective. Our recommended hotels in Bilbao: telegraph.co.uk/tt-bilbaohotels . Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries ( brittany-ferries.co.uk ). Kirker (020 7593 2283, kirkerholidays.com ) offers a three-night break at the five-star Meliá Bilbao hotel, a few minutes’ walk from the Guggenheim, Maritime and Fine Arts museums. From £579 per person, with breakfast, including BA flights from Heathrow, private transfers and entrance to the Guggenheim. At a glance | The renaissance of the museum
19. Kyoto colours Japan has seen a remarkable surge of interest from British travellers in the past two or three years, and is high on the list of Telegraph readers’ favourite destinations. This is hardly surprising – from a cultural point of view, there are few more fascinating destinations. But, if you are planning a trip, when is the best time to go? Everyone knows about the cherry blossom season in early spring, but Japanese parks and gardens are also dazzlingly beautiful during the autumn, when the brilliantly coloured maple leaves also come into their own. And nowhere are they more dazzling than in Kyoto. Our recommended hotels in Kyoto are at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-kyotohotels . Wendy Wu Tours (0800 1445 292; wendywutours.co.uk ) offers several escorted tours that feature at least two nights in Kyoto and have autumn departure dates. The 13-day “Trails of Japan” itinerary, for example, includes guided visits to Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion, and Ryoan-ji garden on a half-day cycling tour around the city. Departures on Sept 10 and Oct 8 2018, start at £5,490 per person including flights, transfers, some meals and entrance fees.
20. Pushkar camel fair in India November is an ideal time to visit Rajasthan. The summer heat has faded, yet it is still warm and the skies still bright. This is also the time to see Pushkar – one of the highlights of a Rajasthan tour – at its most vibrant. When the Camel Fair hits the town (Nov 15-23) it is transformed overnight. During the week some 300,000 people and – more to the point – 20,000 camels pass through the city. There are camel races, markets for livestock, jewellery, clothes and textiles. Our recommended itinerary for exploring Rajasthan is at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-ultimaterajasthan and recommended hotels at /tt-rajasthanhotels . Steppes Travel (01285 601050; steppestravel.com ) has a 10-day “Classic Rajasthan” trip that includes Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and a visit to the Pushkar Camel Fair. From £2,995 per person, including international flights and a driver/guide throughout the tour. While in Pushkar you stay at the Orchard, a luxury desert camp within easy reach of the daily events, including polo played on camels. January-February RELATED IMAGES
Explore a host of dramatic performance art shows in Austria this summer 2017 Getty Images
Fireworks in Hong Kong
The Night Watch www.bridgemanimages.com
See Pooram in Kerala getty/Athul Krishnan
An installation at the Venice Biennale last year 2017 Getty Images
The Verona Opera festival
Kyoto, Japan Peera - Fotolia
The Siena Palio horse race ŠVictor Spinelli
Rihanna at Cannes Getty/2017 Anadolu Agency
Simon Rattle, the artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic
Lucerne, with a view of the Rigi mountain GETTY/notjustnutŠ2014
The Camel Fair in Pushkar
St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta
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The 20 greatest cultural holidays for 2018 The 20 greatest cultural holidays for 2018 : Explore a host of dramatic performance art shows in Austria this summer - 2017 More Culture means very different things to different people. You might seek out peace and reflection in a museum or art gallery; the glamour and excitement of a night at the ballet or the opera; the romance of ruins; or the energy of Mardi Gras party time. You might thrill to the idea of steeping yourself in living history during the Palio di Siena or Seville's Holy Week, or you may prefer crushing into a rock festival mosh pit or sending your spirit soaring to Mozart in Salzburg. Whatever turns you on, by arranging your travel around events like these you guarantee a thoroughly good time and also get a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the places you are visiting. With that combination in mind, we have compiled a 10-page calendar to guide you through cultural highlights around the world in 2018, with details of what to see, how to book, and in many cases, of an escorted tour linked to the event or the theme so that you can travel in good company and with a top guide. To widen the horizon, on p26 we have compiled a guide to Britain's best cultural tour operators. January-February The perfect time for a city break. Prices are at their cheapest and urban cultural life in full swing – as are the great Lent carnivals that begin in February. 1. Berlin beats Most European cities are at their best in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and sunny. Not Berlin – it's a city of extremes. During its hot continental summer the lakes and forests that extend right into the centre become an outdoor playground; but in the equally scenic, snowy winter it is Berlin's extraordinarily rich cultural scene that comes to the fore. For art and music lovers, this is the time to visit – especially this year. The great Staatsoper house in Unter den Linden, closed for restoration for more than seven years, has just re-opened with a major programme including Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute ( staatsoper-berlin.de/en ). Meanwhile, Sir Simon Rattle's final year as artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic includes three concerts with the great pianist Daniel Barenboim in February ( berliner-philharmoniker.de/en ) and the Berlin Film Festival runs from Feb 15-25 ( berlinale.de/en ). Winter is also ideal to enjoy its world-beating panoply of museums and galleries – from the Egyptian and Pergamon museums to the brilliant collections in the two national galleries and the old master paintings in the Gemäldegalerie.
Simon Rattle, the artistic director of the Berlin Philharmonic Credit: HENRY LIN More Our expert guide and hotel recommendations : telegraph.co.uk/tt-berlinguide and /tt-berlinhotels . Travel for the Arts (020 8799 8350; travelforthearts.com ) offers an "Opera à la Carte" programme for opera-lovers looking for tailor-made travel worldwide. An overnight stay in the city with a top-category ticket to a performance of Mozart's Don Giovanni at the Staatsoper Under den Linden starts at £565 per person for departures this month. Accommodation is at the five-star Steigenberger Hotel, with pool, sauna and spa, a five-minute walk from Kurfürstendamm. Prices include breakfast and flights, but exclude airport transfers.
Why I love Berlin More Story Continues 2. Chinese New Year in Hong Kong No one does fireworks like the Chinese, and nowhere celebrates Chinese New Year like Hong Kong. This year
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the festivities marking the end of the Year of the Cockerel and the beginning of the Year of the Dog are on the night of Feb 16. Never will you see such an intense and energised city partying quite so extravagantly. It's also a good time climatically – February is one of the drier months of the year, and temperatures aren't too hot and sticky. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations : telegraph.co.uk/tt-hongkong and /tt-hongkonghotels . Trafalgar (0800 533 5617; trafalgar.com ) has a four-day Hong Kong and Macau Experience itinerary, departing on either Feb 14 or 15, which coincides with the celebrations on Feb 16. Starting at £1,192 per person, this includes a three-night hotel stay at Hong Kong's four-star Regal Kowloon Hotel with breakfast, two lunches, a sampan ride, guided sightseeing and a high-speed ferry ride to Macau. Excludes flights and transfers.
Fireworks in Hong Kong More 3. Capital of culture festivities in Malta What Malta's tiny capital lacks in size, it more than makes up for in aesthetic appeal. Impressive stone façades and crowded terraces cluster beneath the great dome of the cathedral, shored up by the massive walls of the harbour. This year the place really comes to life: as one of Europe's capitals of culture for 2018 it is hosting a year-long festival of arts and music. There will be more than 140 projects and 400 events in the city and on its islands. Go now for one of the best winter climates in Europe, and the opening events, from an international baroque music festival (ends Jan 27), carnival celebrations on Feb 9-13 and a production of Don Giovanni at the Teatru Manoel in March. Full details at valletta2018.org .
St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta More Our expert guide and hotel recommendations : telegraph.co.uk/tt-malta and /tt-maltahotels If you prefer to travel later in the year, Martin Randall Travel (020 8742 3355; martinrandall.com ) offers a six-night exploration of Malta's several world heritage sites, with two days exploring Valletta. The tour is led by Telegraph Travel's own Malta expert, Juliet Rix, and includes a trip to sister island Gozo. Departing Oct 1 2018, and based in the five-star Hotel Phoenicia, Valletta, the price starts at £2,870 including flights, transfers, breakfasts, five meals with wine.
Secret Britain | More surprising attractions on your doorstep More 4. Swinging London For world-beating music, museums and theatre you don't need to leave the country, of course. Winter is prime time for the London cultural scene. Two major exhibitions focusing on the Royal Art Collections are in full swing with Charles I's extraordinary collection recreated at the Royal Academy ( royalacademy.org.uk ) and Charles II's own collecting tastes revealed at the Queen's Picture Gallery ( royalcollection.org.uk ). The National Gallery has a fascinating exploration of black and white painting – Monochrome – and Degas pastels from the Burrell Collection ( nationalgallery.org.uk ), while Tate Modern has a Modigliani show and Tate Britain, The Impressionists in London ( tate.org.uk ). You'll be lucky to get tickets for the hit musical Hamilton at the Victoria Palace ( ticketmaster.co.uk/hamilton ), but Peter Shaffer's Amadeus has returned to the National (
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nationaltheatre.org.uk ) and Tosca, Carmen and Giselle are February highlights at the Royal Opera House ( roh.org ). Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-london and /tt-londonhotels . For what's on in London: visitlondon.com .
Carnival time | Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday? There's no competition More March-April 5. Art in Amsterdam Amsterdam's extraordinary cityscape of concentric canals and gabled canal houses dates in large part to an extraordinary moment in the 17th century when it was one of the most powerful capitals of world trade. Merchants from the Netherlands made fortunes in spices, exotica and luxury goods, and they spent their money – or a large part of it – on filling their new houses with art. This was the Dutch Golden Age – the time of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals – and many of the masterpieces, from Rembrandt's The Night Watch to Vermeer's The Milkmaid, are always on view in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum. But until May, many more paintings – which usually hang in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg – have returned for a special exhibition in the museum's Amsterdam offshoot. Also opening in March is a fascinating exploration of the influence of Japanese art on Vincent van Gogh (March 23 to June 24 at the Van Gogh Museum), and the Rijksmuseum will present High Society (March 8 to June 3) a major exhibition of more than 35 life-size portraits of the rich and powerful stretching over 500 years. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations : telegraph.co.uk/tt-amsterdamguide and /tt-amsterdamhotels .
The Night Watch More 6. Seville celebrations No festival in Europe has quite the degree of sustained intensity and spectacle as Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Seville (this year March 25-April 1). The city doesn't sleep for a week as each of some 60 or so religious confraternities carries its paso – the highly ornate "float" bearing images of Christ or Mary – from their parish church through the streets of Seville on the long, slow procession to the cathedral and back. The streets are jammed with the crowds and clogged with mile after mile of shuffling followers – some in black, some white, some lilac, bright blue or yellow – though nearly all wear the long, pointed, slightly sinister, hood of the penitent. The most exciting time to visit this city. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations : telegraph.co.uk/tt-seville . If you book now, prices are still quite reasonable. For example, a two-night stay from March 26 to 28 (coinciding with Semana Santa 2018) at four-star Casa del Poeta in Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, costs from £236 per person, with breakfast. Boutique hotel, Legado Alcazar, also in the Old Town, costs from £289 per person for the same period, with breakfast. Full reviews and contacts for the hotels are at telegraph.co.uk/tt-sevillehotels .
Why I love Seville More 7. Dublin Renaissance Dublin has some fabulous cultural treasures – from its castle to its national museums, Trinity College and the Book of Kells. But there's a special reason to visit this year: one of its greatest glories, the National Gallery of Ireland, has just emerged from extensive restoration work. Much of the museum had been closed for years – the original 19th-century Dargan wing since 2011 and the Milltown wing since 2014.
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Now they have been re-opened to display more than 650 works of art to spectacular effect, including major paintings by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Gainsborough, Goya, and Picasso, as well as the national collection of Irish art. Visit between Feb 14 and June 10 and you can also enjoy a major exhibition of the paintings of the great colourist and German expressionist Emile Nolde. Our expert guide and hotel recommendations: telegraph.co.uk/tt-dublin and /tt-dublinhotels .
The glory of the Belle Époque | 100 years on More 8. Pooram party in Kerala The Hindu feast of Pooram is celebrated in the most spectacular way in Kerala. The most colourful festivities centre on the temple at Thekkinkadu Maidanam in the middle of the city of Thrissur where the processions pay obeisance to the Shiva, the presiding deity. They include lines of elaborately decorated elephants, firework displays and melams – jazz-like performances on traditional musical instruments. By evening, things get riotous and it's a great opportunity to see Indian life at its most vibrant. This year the main festivities are bring held on April 25. Hayes & Jarvis (01293 762456, hayesandjarvis.co.uk ) offers a 12-night trip to Kerala and Goa from £2,399 per person including an eight-day guided tour around Kerala, followed by five nights' B&B at the five-star Leela Goa hotel with spa, golf course and four restaurants. The price includes internal flights and international flights from London Heathrow with Jet Airways, departing on April 22 2018, which will coincide with the Thrissur Pooram festival dates.
See Pooram in Kerala Credit: getty More May-June Now the weather is picking up, you'll want to spend more time outside; and ideally by the sea. No problem – there are plenty of cultural highlights to choose from. 9. Tropical jazz in St Lucia May is a lovely month in the Caribbean – the winter and Easter crowds have gone, prices have dropped and the summer rains and humidity have yet to take a grip. It's the perfect atmosphere for the jazz festival which takes place around Rodney Bay from May 6-13, with highlights including the Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, and the singers Carolyn Malachi and Zara McFarlane, who is one of the UK's foremost jazz vocalists. Our expert guide to St Lucia and recommended hotels : telegraph.co.uk/tt-stlucia and /tt-stluciahotels . Caribtours (020 3627 1777; caribtours.co.uk ) offers seven-nights at The Landings for £1,875 per person (which includes a 50 per cent discount for bookings made by Feb 28). This priced is based on accommodation in a one-bedroom villa suite including breakfast, return international flights and private transfers in St Lucia.
At a glance | Europe's best summer music festivals More 10. Venice Biennale The Venice Architecture Biennale has a somewhat lower profile than the one devoted to art, but the concept is the same, and it adds a fascinating dimension to a city which is obviously an architectural treasure house in its own right.
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The other big plus about visiting during the Biennale is that, as well as the main pavilions in the Giardini and the Arsenale, exhibitions are also held in buildings not normally open to the public. The opening of the architecture exhibition (May 26-Nov 25) is followed by the dance, theatre and music festivals. Details at labiennale.org .
An installation at the Venice Biennale last year Credit: 2017 /Awakening More Our expert guide to Venice and recommended hotels : telegraph.co.uk/tt-venice and /tt-venicehotels . 11. Cannes Film Festival For most visitors, the culture of Cannes in May is perhaps more one of celebrity spotting than actually watching the films themselves. But, from an artistic point of view, it is also generally regarded as the most serious of all film festivals. The trouble is, unless you are a critic, or one of those celebrities, you won't be able to get into the main films. The solution? The Telegraph's film critics recommend the "superb" Directors' Fortnight programme of screenings which is open to all. Programme and event details: festival-cannes.com. Directors' Fortnight: quinzaine-realisateurs.com/en Our expert guide to Cannes and recommended hotels : telegraph.co.uk/tt-cannes and /tt-canneshotels . Rooms in the resort during the festival are very expensive, so you might prefer to stay in Nice ( telegraph.co.uk/tt-nicehotels ).
Rihanna at Cannes Credit: Getty More 12. St Petersburg white nights Russia's second city has a short summer, but it knows how to make the most of it. During the White Nights festival in June, the sun barely sets and the locals revel in the long, light evenings. At the heart of the festivities is the Mariinsky "Stars of the White Nights" season of ballet and opera ( mariinsky.ru/en ) – details are usually published by March. This is also carnival season, and there is a firework finale over the River Neva. Again, the exact dates have yet to be publicised, but it is usually between mid June and July 2. Our expert guide to St Petersburg and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-stpetersburg and /tt-stpetersburghotels . Cox and Kings (020 3797 8987; coxandkings.co.uk ) has a five-night "St Petersburg's Highlights" tour departing weekly in May and also on June 5 2018. Prices start at £950 b&b pp, including staying at the Radisson Sonya, a Dostoyevsky-themed hotel. Flights plus guided sightseeing, entrance to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage museum.
Why I love St Petersburg More July-August A cauldron of excitement, or peace and tranquillity? High summer is the time for the heat and dust of the Siena Palio – or a mountain music festival. 13. Siena Palio The Siena Palio – a bareback horse race around the main square of the hilltop town – is the most famous and spectacular survivor from the competitive pageantry of Italy's medieval past. It is no tourist re-enactment. Some 40,000 of the 60,000 spectators who throng into the Piazza del Campo are Sienese, passionately supporting the horse representing their local contrada, or neighbourhood. The actual race lasts only 90 seconds, but the build-up is wonderfully entertaining. The first race takes place on July 2, but if you miss that, there is another on Aug 16.
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Our guide to how to see the Palio is at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-palio .
The Siena Palio horse race Credit: VICTOR SPINELLI More Our expert guide to Tuscany generally and our recommended hotels are at : telegraph.co.uk/tt-tuscany and /tt-tuscanyhotels . A three-night "Palio Package" is offered by the five-star Castel Monastero in Castelnuovo Berardenga (0039 0577 5700 001; castelmonastero.com ). Prices start at €1,290 (£1,145) per room, per night with breakfast. The package includes dinner, return transfers to Siena and window seats overlooking Piazza del Campo to watch the Palio, with refreshments and buffet dinner.
At a glance | Tuscany versus Umbria More 14. Salzburg Festival Salzburg's Festival (July 20-Aug 30) has defined the city's summer for nearly 100 years and is the highlight of the world's classical music calendar – rivalled only by the London Proms. Since it was founded by Richard Strauss and Max Reinhardt to promote peace and reconciliation after the First World War, it has mushroomed into an annual programme of some 200 performances. Julie Andrews may have headed into the hills, but for six weeks this summer it will be the city itself that comes alive to the sound of music. Our expert guide to Salzburg and our recommended hotels : telegraph.co.uk/tt-salzburg and /tt-salzburghotels .
Why I love Salzburg More A two-night "Salzburg Summer Festival" package valid July 20-Aug 31 is available at salzburg.info . It starts at €389 B&B in a three-star hotel including a three-course VIP dinner in the panoramic restaurant at the Fortress Hohensalzburg (with return tickets on the funicular) and a ticket for an opera or concert. Alternatively, the two-night "Salzburg Festival 2018" package is €465 including dinner, a festival concert performance, four-star accommodation and a 24-hour Salzburg Card. Tickets can be booked directly at salzburgerfestspiele.at . 15. Lucerne Festival The Lucerne Summer Festival (Aug 17-Sept 16) can't quite compete with Salzburg's – but it still holds around 100 events and concerts and it can certainly compete in terms of quality. Some of the most venerable names in classical music are performing this summer, including Sir Simon Rattle, Bernard Haitink, Daniel Baremboin and Heinz Holliger, as well as younger stars such as the pianist Lang Lang and cellist Sol Gabetta.
Lucerne, with a view of the Rigi mountain Credit: GETTY More And, arguably, the Swiss city has an even more stunning setting than its Austrian rival. The old centre protected by ancient city walls and connected by an extraordinary medieval covered bridge – the Kapellbrücke – which looks out across the lake and the Alpine panorama beyond. The centrepiece of the view is the Rigi mountain, which fascinated Turner so much that he painted it several times. Our expert recommended hotels : telegraph.co.uk/tt-lucernehotels .
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The Switzerland Travel Centre (0207 420 4900; switzerlandtravelcentre.co.uk ) offers a three-night "Our Experience Lucerne" based in three-star Hotel des Alpes. Starting at £550 per person, the price includes breakfast, a guided walking tour, flights, a Lucerne transport ticket, rail transfers and flights. Festival tickets: lucernefestival.ch/en .
At a glance | The best tour operators for cultural breaks More 16. Opera in Verona The last of our triumvirate of summer music festivals could hardly be more different. Verona is all about opera, and opera on the grandest of scales. The Arena, one of the most intact large-scale Roman structures, was used to entertain up to 30,000 – today there is a limit of 15,000. This summer's programme includes a new production of Carmen, plus performances of Turandot, Aida, Nabucco and The Barber of Seville. Our expert recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-veronahotels .
The Verona Opera festival More Citalia (01293 831970; citalia.com ) offers a three-night break to Verona departing on July 7 2018, including tickets for a Nabucco performance at the Arena, staying at the four-star Hotel Giberti. From £576 per person, with breakfast, flights with easyJet from Gatwick and private transfers. Tickets on sale directly from arena.it . September-December The leaves turn and fall in captivating Kyoto, urban culture comes back to life in Paris and Bilbao and the camels arrive for the fair in Pushkar. 17. Paris art shows Autumn is when – from a cultural point of view – Paris comes to life. September surges into life with Fashion Week and Design Week, and the city's museums open their biggest exhibitions of the year either now or October. This autumn sees an extraordinarily rich line-up, led by two major Picasso shows: the Blue and Pink periods at the Musée d'Orsay (Sept 18 2018-Jan 6 2019, musee-orsay.fr ) and Cubism at the Pompidou centre (Oct 17 2018- March 4 2019, centrepompidou.fr/en ). Also in October, the Grand Palais is holding a major Joan Miró show: The Colour of my Dreams (Oct 2018-Jan 2019) and the following month an exhibition devoted to Michael Jackson (Nov 2018-Feb 2019, grandpalais.fr/en ). And don't forget Nuit Blanche on the first weekend of October, when many Paris attractions are open free of charge all night ( quefaire.paris.fr/nuitblanche ). Our expert guide to Paris and recommended hotels: telegraph.co.uk/tt-parisguide and /tt-parishotels . For Eurostar tickets: eurostar.com
Why I love Paris More 18. Bilbao Renaissance Over the past 20 years, the renaissance of this once down-at-heel Spanish port has been remarkable. And it certainly wouldn't have happened without Frank Gehry's remarkable Guggenheim, which rejuvenated the trend for eye-catching museum architecture. Bilbao has been transformed as a result and it is now a fabulous choice for a cultural break, laced with gastronomic indulgence. The Guggenheim continues to break important ground with its exhibition programmes.
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A major Chagall retrospective, The Breakthrough Years, 1911-1919, closes at the beginning of September (June 1-Sept 2) and three weeks later it opens a new exhibition presenting impressionist and post-impressionist paintings from the Thannhauser Collection in the New York Guggenheim (Sept 21-March 24 2019). Then, from October, there is a comprehensive Giacometti retrospective. Our recommended hotels in Bilbao : telegraph.co.uk/tt-bilbaohotels . Ferries from Portsmouth to Bilbao with Brittany Ferries ( brittany-ferries.co.uk ). Kirker (020 7593 2283, kirkerholidays.com ) offers a three-night break at the five-star Meliá Bilbao hotel, a few minutes' walk from the Guggenheim, Maritime and Fine Arts museums. From £579 per person, with breakfast, including BA flights from Heathrow, private transfers and entrance to the Guggenheim.
At a glance | The renaissance of the museum More 19. Kyoto colours Japan has seen a remarkable surge of interest from British travellers in the past two or three years, and is high on the list of Telegraph readers' favourite destinations. This is hardly surprising – from a cultural point of view, there are few more fascinating destinations. But, if you are planning a trip, when is the best time to go? Everyone knows about the cherry blossom season in early spring, but Japanese parks and gardens are also dazzlingly beautiful during the autumn, when the brilliantly coloured maple leaves also come into their own. And nowhere are they more dazzling than in Kyoto. Our recommended hotels in Kyoto are at : telegraph.co.uk/tt-kyotohotels .
Kyoto, Japan Credit: Peera - Fotolia More Wendy Wu Tours (0800 1445 292; wendywutours.co.uk ) offers several escorted tours that feature at least two nights in Kyoto and have autumn departure dates. The 13-day "Trails of Japan" itinerary, for example, includes guided visits to Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion, and Ryoan-ji garden on a half-day cycling tour around the city. Departures on Sept 10 and Oct 8 2018, start at £5,490 per person including flights, transfers, some meals and entrance fees. 20. Pushkar camel fair in India November is an ideal time to visit Rajasthan. The summer heat has faded, yet it is still warm and the skies still bright. This is also the time to see Pushkar – one of the highlights of a Rajasthan tour – at its most vibrant. When the Camel Fair hits the town (Nov 15-23) it is transformed overnight. During the week some 300,000 people and – more to the point – 20,000 camels pass through the city. There are camel races, markets for livestock, jewellery, clothes and textiles.
The Camel Fair in Pushkar Credit: HIMANSHU SHARMA More Our recommended itinerary for exploring Rajasthan is at: telegraph.co.uk/tt-ultimaterajasthan and recommended hotels at /tt-rajasthanhotels . Steppes Travel (01285 601050; steppestravel.com ) has a 10-day "Classic Rajasthan" trip that includes Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and a visit to the Pushkar Camel Fair. From £2,995 per person, including international
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flights and a driver/guide throughout the tour. While in Pushkar you stay at the Orchard, a luxury desert camp within easy reach of the daily events, including polo played on camels. Unattributed[sourcelink]https://uk.style.yahoo.com/20-greatest-cultural-holidays-2018-123535337.html [/sourcelink]
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10 of the best travel destinations for March 10 of the best travel destinations for March : Want to catch some early rays or hit the slopes? reveals where to have the ultimate holiday this March March is the month spring finally arrives but this can often feel like a bit of a misnomer. Often the weather is still a little bleugh and the sun and daffodils don't actually arrive until at least mid-April. After stoically surviving winter, by this point in the year, one thing is for certain though - people really, really want a holiday. So, whether you want to flee the UK to get catch some early rays or hit the slopes and enjoy some of the last snow of the season, we've listed the best places to travel to in March.. Malta (Shutterstock / funkyfrogstock) Malta's capital Valletta is one of the European capitals of culture for 2018 and there's never been a better time to go. With daily highs of 18 degrees, spend a few days exploring everything this ancient city has to offer - from the Grand Master's Palace to the Lascaris War Rooms - and then tour the rest of the country. With a blue lagoon and some of the best diving in the Mediterranean - beach lovers won't be disappointed. Zermatt, Switzerland (EPA) If you're after late season snow, Zermatt in Switzerland is a pretty good bet. One of the most famous resorts in Europe, powder tends to be consistently good as late as April. With 38 summits all about 4000 metres, world class chalets and hotels as well as some of the most picturesque alpine scenery in the world - this should be the priority destination for any winter sports enthusiasts during March. Paphos, Cyprus (dimitrisvetsikas1969 / Pixabay) Often overlooked for neighbouring Greece, Cyprus is a place that offers sun worshipers as well as culture seekers a fix without the increasingly high price tag. Paphos, a city that was voted the Culture Capital of Europe last year, admittedly has areas that do feel a little 'Brits Abroad!' but find yourself in the right ones and you'll be in the midst of a UNESCO-protected ancient city that boasts mosaics, cave tombs, crumbling theatres and all the quaint restaurants you want from a Mediterranean Island. The added bonus? Spring in Cyprus equals 20 degree days. Jordan (Radhika Aligh) Jordan is actually an all-year-round destination but perhaps most pleasant from March to May. At this time it's hot but not scorching, wild flowers are blooming and March is just the beginning of ‘high season' so you won't be batting off the crowds. A small country and one of the safest in the Middle East, there's no shortage of things to see and experience. Ticking off Petra, the ancient archaeological city, floating in the dead sea and experiencing the sprawling deserts should be up there on your bucket list. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's temperatures remain fairly constant all year round but it is effected by two different monsoons meaning it's always rainy season on one side of the island. However, don't let this put you off exploring the entirety of the country in one trip (it is a long flight after all) - December to March is when the country as a whole is at its driest. Unofficially known as the Sri Lankan Riviera, you can expect to see eye-wateringly spectacular stretches of white sands all around the country's south and west coasts. For those who want a bit more adventure - travelling the country by train, stopping to walk the famed tea trails and visit the ancient temples and world heritage sites is fairly unbeatable. Los Angeles (Owen Cavlys / Unsplash ) March is a great time to tick one of America's most famous cities off your bucket list. Temperatures peak around 19 degrees which means you can pound the pavements exploring the hundreds of things the city has to offer in just a t-shirt without breaking a sweat. Hike up the Hollywood Hills, go to Venice Beach, live out your 6-year-old dreams at Disneyland and experience some of the best food in America. Cuba (Alamy) You've probably heard the cries - "go to Cuba before it changes" - but don't worry, there's still time. With highs of 28 degrees in March, no end of blue skies and virtually no rain, this is when to see the country at its best. Have a few days to experience the vibrant, crumbling beauty of
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Havana and then either head west to ViĂąales, a national park where you'll find it hard to experience a more traditional Cuba - you can only live if you were born within its parameters - or down to the tropical South, to experience some of the nation's totally unexplored beaches. Dublin (The PC Agency ) Named as one of National Geographic's top places to visit in 2018, Dublin puts up a good fight as one of Europe's most interesting cities. It's a place that's perfect for visiting any time of the year - let's face it, it'll rain occasionally whether it's summer or not - but to really have an all-Irish experience head for March's St Paddy's Day celebrations. Parades will line the Georgian streets, the pubs will be pulling Guinness by the second and there will be no end of parties to dance the night away at. Rajasthan (Shutterstock / LukaKikina) March is arguably the best time to visit India's Rajasthan. The end of "winter", it's dry and beginning to heat up but won't reach the temperatures of the sweltering summer months that start from April. All across the region, you'll be stunned by the incredible forts, palaces and ancient monuments. You can visit the "Blue City" of Jodhpur or the "Pink City" of Jaipur. You'll be able to buy incredible fabrics and rugs as well as spices and trinkets at the bustling markets and you can explore the state's National Parks and lakes too. The Maldives (Shutterstock) If you like really hot weather, then head to the Maldives. Nearing the end of the high season - the islands are likely to be less crowded but you'll still get days with highs of 29 degrees. Snorkel, relax, unwind and live out the ultimate paradise island fantasy.
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15. Egypt 15. Egypt : Egypt is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the immense Pyramids of Giza, and much more besides. But, according to loveEXPLORING readers, this sun-baked north African country still isn't getting the attention it deserves. Travel News Visitors starry-eyed over the States may forget its quieter and more laid-back neighbour. But the Canada 150 celebrations put it in the limelight last year – and the world woke up to the country's charms, from its stunning provincial parks to dynamic cities.Travel NewsTurkey is no one-trick pony, though: it's got history and culture aplenty. Head to Istanbul to wander the Grand Bazaar, marvel at the Blue Mosque and take in the glorious Hagia Sophia – or make the trip to Ephesus to explore the ruins of this ancient city.Travel NewsThe country is also home to some of Britain's most beautiful towns. Portmeirion could be plucked straight from Italy, a knot of colourful buildings clustered around lush gardens and a central piazza. Then there's St Davids: the smallest city in Britain, dominated by a hulking 12th-century cathedral. Wales is well worthy of a spot in the top three.Travel NewsRomania is perhaps best known as the supposed home of Bram Stoker's Dracula – and it takes the fifth spot in this underrated destinations list. The region of Transylvania, with its turreted fortresses and forest-clad mountains, is at the centre of Stoker's story, and it's easy to see why. Transylvania's Bran Castle certainly has an air of the supernatural about it.Travel NewsMost tourists plump for the celebrated sites of Brazil and Peru, leaving Bolivia's underrated offerings gloriously pristine. But our readers touted its "blood-red lake and smouldering volcanoes" as just a couple of reasons to take a trip.Travel NewsFrom the rush of Delhi to the calm backwaters of Kerala, and from the brilliant temples of Madurai (pictured) to the pink palaces of Jaipur, India can be an assault on the senses – but, once you're settled in, it's nothing short of intoxicating. It's a country you'll want to return to time and time again.Travel NewsBut England is worth braving the rain for. The Lake District, which gained UNESCO status in 2017, is a hiker's paradise, while (in the right light) the sandy beaches of the southwest coast could be mistaken for the Mediterranean. And, if things really are rained off, the manyhistorical landmarks and museums mean finding an indoor pursuit will be no problem at all. Check out our guide toOur readers praised Canada's "lovely long beaches", "stunning lakeside towns" and its year-round beauty. Indeed, nowhere else on Earth embraces the seasons quite like Canada: it explodes in red and amber in autumn and sports a blanket of glistening snow in peak winter. The friendly people will ensure you have a great trip, too.Travel NewsIt's fair to say that Portugal has been enjoying a moment recently, and it takes fourth place on this list. The country is often overshadowed by sun-baked Spain, but Portugal has beaches, cities and wine regions to rival its more popular neighbour. Voters picked out Sintra, a hilltop town with unusual architecture in the country's west, and the windswept beaches of the Algarve, as must-visit spots.Travel NewsMalta's compact capital is worth talking about, too. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta is the 2018 Capital of Culture, and its ancient piazzas and palazzos have been spruced up for the occasion. A trickling of boutiquey bars means it's no slouch when it comes to nightlife, either. It should be firmly on your travel wish list.Travel NewsloveEXPLORING readers named Scotland the world's most underrated destination. "Absolutely majestic" said one voter, "otherworldly" said another. Our readers acknowledged the "dreary weather", but were quick to praise the culture-rich cities, postcard-worthy landscapes and friendly locals. Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is a great place to get acquainted with the country. Its imposing castle, incredible literary history and lively festival season (in August) are all ingredients for an exciting city break.Travel NewsFor such a little country, England packs in a lot. There's the bustle of big cities, the charm of seaside towns and the rolling green countryside. But this tiny nation is often overlooked in favour of places with a little more sunshine – and those who do visit England might not venture beyond the capital.Travel NewsLjubljana, the country's quaint capital, has come into its own following a stint as European Green Capital in 2016. It has all the usual trappings: a quaint old town, a glittering river, and a slew of new foodie spots, including a colourful street-food market established in 2013. It's easy on the pocket, too.Travel News"Mountains, lakes,
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forests and some of the world's most beautiful beaches." It's Wales' natural beauty that got our readers' vote. From sprawling Snowdonia to the Brecon Beacons, Wales' national parks are geared up for adventures, with world-class hiking, biking and boating. The latter is one of the planet's greatest stargazing spots, too.Travel News"Outstanding museums", "expansive beaches" and "Beautiful castles and churches in abundance." Our readers were keen to tout Poland's charms, from its intriguing cities to its pretty Baltic coastline. But it's no secret that Poland has had a tumultuous past, and a trip to Auschwitz concentration camp, close to Oswiecim town, will give you some poignant perspective.Travel NewsFairy-tale Lake Bled is Slovenia's best-known sight, but the country has much more to offer beyond – and, according to our readers, it's time to give this European country a chance. Voters praised Slovenia's "stunning scenery", "unspoilt villages" and the burgeoning wine regions too.Travel NewsThen there's the food. From fresh seafood, caught by fishermen using traditional stilt methods, to simmering curries, sweet and spicy, Sri Lanka's cuisine alone is worth travelling for. The only thing missing is the tourist droves – perhaps it's time to take that trip.Travel NewsThe cities are worth a visit, too. Lisbon, Portugal's pretty capital, is a dream to explore on foot: get lost in the narrow streets the city's oldest district, or enjoy the sunshine in the tranquil Jardim da Estrela. A colourful tangle of buildings on the Duoro river, Porto, Portugal's second city, deserves a share of the limelight as well.Travel NewsThe world is full of beautiful and fascinating places – but some get more love than others. We asked you, our readers, to tell us the most underrated places in the world. Thousands of you answered our call, so here's what you said:Travel News"Beauty beyond anything I have ever seen," said one loveEXPLORING reader of Sri Lanka. And we're tempted to agree. The postcard-worthy beaches are refreshingly pristine, lapped by the Indian Ocean, and its misty jungles brim with colourful wildlife.Travel NewsBeyond this, Poland's cities are in flux, modernising fast, but with one eye always on the past. Kraków is perhaps the most beautiful: it survived bombings in WWII and its medieval architecture remains gloriously intact. Warsaw bears more war scars than its southern sister, and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews here is a fascinating look at Jewish history.Travel NewsOur readers are fond of Ireland's "fantastic food" and "amazing coastline" – and were won over by the "charming people", too. Whether you're shucking oysters at Galway Bay or guzzling Guinness in one of Dublin's fabled pubs, you're sure to get a warm Irish welcome.Travel NewsThe luck of the Irish earned the country 11th place on this list. St Patrick's Day is celebrated with gusto in various corners of the world – but our readers still think the Emerald Isle deserves a little more love. Unfazed by the notoriously drizzly weather, voters applauded Ireland's stunning scenery, from the Cliffs of Moher to the stark beauty of Killarney National Park.Travel NewsA tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean, Malta is home to less than half a million people. But what the country lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. Its islands are peppered with intriguing historic sites, and its craggy coastline and crystal-clear waters are a dream for divers.Travel NewsThe Taj Mahal might be one of the most photographed landmarks on Earth, but vast swathes of India are still off the tourist radar. Voters named the "breathtaking colours, cultures and food" as reasons to travel beyond the obvious and give this south Asian country a chance.Travel NewsRomania has a lot more to offer besides myth and legend, though. Bucharest, the compact capital, is well worth exploring. The hulking Palace of Parliament and the large National Art Museum are two of the highlights. There's plenty for adventure seekers, too: Piatra Craiului National Park, tucked in the Carpathian Mountains, has some of eastern Europe's most scenic hiking trails.Travel NewsFrom the glittering salt pan of Salar de Uyuni to an unspoiled swathe of the Amazon jungle, Bolivia truly packs a punch when it comes to natural wonders. But it remains one South America's least-visited countries.Travel NewsBut Scotland's real drawcard is its natural wonders. The North Coast 500, a driving route charting Scotland's Northern Highlands, makes for an epic road trip, while the Isle of Skye is home to some of the country's most impressive scenery, from the rocky Man of Storr to the glittering Fairy Pools. From neolithic villages to towering citadels, Scotland has man-made wonders aplenty, too. It's time to book that trip, whether it's a Scottish cruise or a tour of the country's hidden highlights.Once a favourite with Brits for a fly-and-flop escape, Turkey has seen its visitors numbers plummet in recent years, mainly due to
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security concerns. But there's a reason this country was once Britain's beach destination of choice. From the lounger-lined sands of Antalya to the blue waters of Bodrum, Turkey is a beach-bum's dream.Travel NewsSecurity concerns have led to a dip in tourism over the past couple of years. But those who make the trip are rewarded with otherworldly desertscapes, the intricate mosques of Cairo, and the ancient towns, tombs and temples along the Nile Valley. The curious city of Alexandria, with its awesome library, is worth a visit too.Travel News
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One-off weekends: 10 of the best One-off weekends: 10 of the best : Pictures: Shutterstock; Fototeca / Vito Arcomano; VisitBritain / Andrew Pickett; VisitScotland;Tourism Ireland and Nicola Easterby; Newmarket Holidays' Tyler Olson; Jet2.com Laura French discovers the best events and festivals. Like this and want more details? Click here to download and save as a PDF. Tomato fights, midnight marathons, military parades and beer-drinking extravaganzas; when it comes to festivities, Europe has some corkers. We've selected 10 of the best to help sell short breaks to everyone from hip young party lovers to classical music connoisseurs. oneoff2 1 La Tomatina Where? Near Valencia, Spain When? August 29 Why? More than 100 tons of tomatoes are thrown each year at what is the world's biggest food fight. The streets of Bunol are coloured bright red on the last Wednesday in August as soon as one brave soul climbs the pole in the town centre to reach a ham, thus kicking off the festivities. Owing its origins to a food fight that kicked off in the town in 1945, it attracted up to 50,000 visitors until a few years ago, but is now a ticketed event with numbers capped at 20,000. Most visitors choose to kip in nearby Valencia, about 25 miles away, where pre and post-festival parties draw in youngsters after a Spanish getaway with a difference. Book it: G Adventures offers its18-to-Thirtysomethings four-day trip from £299 including hostel accommodation in Valencia, an orientation walk in the city, entry to the festival and transport, departing August 27. gadventures.co.uk oneoff3 2 Venice Carnival Where? Venice, Italy When? February 23 to March 5, 2019 Why? Venice wouldn't be Venice without its legendary masquerades, and nowhere are these glitzy affairs more prominent than during the 11-day carnival leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Said to date back to the 12th century, this historic festival – banned in the 18th century and not reintroduced officially until 1970 – combines the iconic Feast of the Venetians with music, dancing, processions, street shows, costume competitions and colourful boat parades on the Grand Canal, alongside the iconic Flight of the Angel, when a costumed figure zips along a rope from San Marco bell tower down into the square. Book it: Kirker Holidays offers three nights' B&B at the four-star boutique Liassidi Palace Hotel from £1,048 per person based on two sharing, including BA flights from Gatwick, water taxi transfers and concierge services, departing February 25, 2019. kirkerholidays.com oneoff4 3 Midnight Sun Marathon Where? Tromso, Norway When? June 16 Why? There are sports events, and then there's this – the northernmost marathon in the world, taking place during the polar night nearly 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian city of Tromso. Thousands of runners from far and wide come to experience the never-setting sun against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear waters, with half, 10K and mini-marathons organised for those less keen on the full whammy. Families can also get involved thanks to a special children's run, and when the fitness fun's over there's plenty more to do in the region, from kayaking, cycling and fishing to wildlife safaris and fjord cruises. Book it: Osprey Holidays offers a three-night break during the Midnight Sun Marathon staying B&B at the four-star
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Clarion Hotel The Edge, with Norwegian flights from London via Oslo, departing June 15. Prices start from £789. ospreyholidays.com oneoff5 4 Tour De France finale Where? Paris, France When? July 29 Why? For cycling enthusiasts, nothing quite beats the Tour de France, and there's something quite enthralling about witnessing the 200-or-so participants finish at the Champs Elysees after their three-week, 2,200-mile race. Visitors can expect plenty of buzz as the 105th race comes to its end this year with the usual caravan of floats and celebrations – book early as hotel availability gets tight. Shearings Holidays and Leger Holidays will both be offering tours timed to coincide with the finale, worth suggesting to those wanting to combine sports time with Parisian explorations. Book it: Shearings offers a Paris and the Tour de France Finale trip from £274, departing from various pick-up points around the UK on July 27. The price includes three nights at the three-star Ibis Styles Paris Bercy Hotel, a guided city tour and a full day at the event. shearingsagent.com oneoff6 5 Oktoberfest Where? Munich, Germany When? September 22 to October 7 Why? The world's biggest beer festival sees more than six million litres of the stuff served every year alongside mounds of bratwurst, pretzels, pork schnitzel and other Bavarian delicacies in the Theresienwiese area in Munich. Traditional costumes, parades, live music and a giant funfair fill the streets, marking a festival that first began as a wedding celebration in 1810. Contiki, Topdeck Travel and Busabout all offer tours – with the last throwing in an optional day trip to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle – making a good option for solo travellers wanting to join a group with walking tours and tips from guides in the know. Book it: Topdeck Travel's four-day Oktoberfest Braumeister trip costs from £315 including a walking tour of Munich, three breakfasts, three nights in a hostel, return coach transport to Oktoberfest grounds, trip leader and driver (flights extra). topdeck.travel oneoff7 6 Edinburgh Tattoo Where? Edinburgh, Scotland When? August 3-25 Why? Drummers, singers, dancers, pipe players and other military performers from across the globe come together in their droves in this annual, family-friendly extravaganza, set against the rather magical Edinburgh Castle and luring an audience of more than 200,000. This year the RAF, which will be ringing in its centenary, is leading the celebrations with 24 performances themed around everything from the history of manned flight to human potential under the title ‘The Sky's the Limit', ending with the annual, moving tune of the Lone Piper on the castle ramparts. "It's an amazing spectacle and enjoying it live is incomparable, with the pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments resonating from the castle's elevated setting," says Julian Appleyard, commercial director at Great Rail Journeys. Suggest the operator's five-day tour for clients wanting to combine it with a journey on the West Highland Line, a cruise on Loch Linnhe and a visit to Glasgow. Alternatively, for those wanting to base themselves in the city on a shorter trip, look to Super Break, which offers a three-day package focused on the event. Book it: Two nights' B&B at the three-star Old Waverley Hotel with Super Break costs from £340 based on a departure on August 10 and including a ticket to the event on Saturday, August 11.
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Malta Yellow News Travel Weekly (Web) 31 January 2018 N/A 47189 1267
superbreak.com/agents oneoff8 7 Malta International Music Festival Where? Valletta, Malta When? April 15 to May 1 Why? The opulent, walled city of Valletta is a music lover's dream year-round with a host of events taking place among its baroque palaces and ancient ramparts, and with its European Capital of Culture status this year, there's never been a better time to visit. Suggest fans of the classical type head there in April for the annual Malta International Music Festival. Hosted in collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, it features a series of concerts from globally acclaimed musicians and opera singers held in a historic, 16th-century building overlooking the Grand Harbour. A string of art exhibitions, festivals and other events will be taking place throughout the rest of the year, so use the 2018 status as a hook to sell the city described by Unesco as "one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world." Book it: Jet2holidays offers four nights' B&B at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta from £499 based on two sharing, including flights departing from Stansted on April 21 with transfers. trade.jet2holidays.com oneoff9 8 The Terracotta Warriors Exhibition Where? Liverpool, UK When? February 9 to October 28 Why? Buried underground for more than 2,000 years to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, the rows upon rows of terracotta warriors, built to depict his armies, are one of the most mysterious and impressive sights in the world. Now visitors can get a glimpse of them without having to fly to Xi'an thanks to a special exhibition being held at the World Museum in Liverpool. Displaying nearly 200 excavated artefacts never before shown in the UK, it promises to shed light on the China of more than two millennia ago while exploring the emperor's life and beliefs with several of the life-sized figures on display. Shearings and Newmarket Holidays are among the operators offering tours to explore the exhibition. The latter also throws in visits to historic Chester and quaint Bakewell for an extra helping of culture. Book it: Newmarket Holidays' three-day China's First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors tour costs from £199, including admission, a guided coach tour of Liverpool, B&B accommodation, a tour manager and coach travel throughout, with departures from March to October. newmarketholidays.co.uk oneoff10 9 St Patrick's Day Where? Dublin, Ireland When? March 17 Why? Ireland's biggest party sees the streets of Dublin coloured a sea of green for four days of festivities – and continuously flowing Guinness. At the heart of it all is the Friday parade – the day before St Patrick's Day itself – which is a vibrant spectacle of flamboyant costumes, marching bands, colourful floats and exuberant dancers. Then there's Temple Bar, where punters donning leprechaun hats flock en masse on the big day, March 17. Visitors will find Irish songs, Gaelic sports and traditional jigs bringing life to streets across the city, while Sunday afternoon sees families fill Merrion Square for performances, workshops, magic shows and more. For younger clients looking to live it up and combine it with some cultural musings, suggest Contiki, which offers a four-day tour with sightseeing around the city alongside entry to the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and an optional evening of live music at The Merry Ploughboy Pub. Book it: Contiki's St Patrick's Day trip costs from £665 including hotel accommodation, coach transport from London, services of a trip manager and daily Irish breakfast, departing March 16. contiki.com oneoff11
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Malta Yellow News Travel Weekly (Web) 31 January 2018 N/A 47189 1267
10 Amsterdam Light Festival Where? Amsterdam, the Netherlands When? November 29, 2018, to January 20, 2019 Why? December in Amsterdam doesn't just mean lashings of mulled wine and quaint Christmas markets – it's also when the iconic light festival descends on the city, illuminating its already romantic canals with a series of artsy installations on the water and beyond. Previous years have seen chandeliers hanging over a canal, an illuminated figure of a man doing the long jump along a bridge and various other sculptures lit up to magical, twinkling effect. This year promises a similarly enchanting spectacle with boat trips enabling visitors to see it all from the water. Leger Holidays offers a tour with an optional canal cruise, and adds in a trip to the traditional fishing village of Volendam for a stroll through streets that feel distinctly yesteryear, making for an idyllic short break away in the lead-up to Christmas. Book it: Leger's four-day Amsterdam Festive Season & Light Festival costs from £319 including three nights' B&B and return Silver Service coach from a regional joining point in the UK. leger.co.uk Unattributed[sourcelink]http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/296834/one-off-weekends-10-of-the-best [/sourcelink]
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Malta Yellow News Lonely Planet (Main) 01 February 2018 60 41599 6138cm2 72612.54
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FOOD MILEAGE
EXPLORE
Catch up on the latest openings, eats and reads around the world with travel editor Rhiannon Batten
3 GREAT FEBRUARY FOOD HAPPENINGS
Set in Wapping’s Tobacco Dock, Gin Festival London is one to ink in the calendar now if you’re a juniper fan (16-18 February). Expect tastings of more than 100 gins, music, street food and a cocktail bar. ginfestival.com
PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY
Eat your way around Exmoor all month – lots of local restaurants will offer special menus as part of Exmoor Food Fest (1-28 February). This year’s highlights include a supper club at La Petite Bouchée, a small French bistro. exmoorfoodfest.com With its PDO status, Yorkshire forced rhubarb deserves its own annual celebration – and it gets one at Wakefield’s Food, Drink & Rhubarb Festival (23-25 February). As well as food and drink stalls, there will be live cookery demos. experiencewakefield.co.uk
EXPLORE Malta is gearing up for its turn in the spotlight this year. Its main city, Valletta, is 2018 European Capital of Culture and home to new hotel, The Phoenicia, as well as Malta’s first Design Hotel, the Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour (a third hotel, by the Iniala group, is about to open). The island has also just launched a Gastro Trail to highlight some of its best restaurants, bars, farms and vineyards. The trail includes an olive estate that offers tastings, and a rustic restaurant in a fishing village where the seafood is fresh from the boats. maltauk.com
SLEEP Staying overnight in Tokyo is set to get a little more exciting from 9 February, when Hotel Koé opens in the city’s buzzy Shibuya neighbourhood. Accommodation will only be one part of the deal, with bedrooms on the third floor, above a second-floor fashion store and a first-floor all-day bakery-restaurant overseen by chef Satoshi Kakegawa. A reworking of traditional Japanese tea ceremony rooms, the hotel’s uncluttered bedrooms have been designed to reflect classic Japanese design motifs such as shoji screens, sliding doors and low seating, albeit in an ultra-modern interpretation. The guest lounge will be similarly minimal and Zen-like. In collaboration with The Tea Company, hotel guests will be able to kick back in the lounge and order a range of Japanese green teas, powdered green teas and cocktails with a green tea base. hotelkoe.com
ESCAPE
Most of us would be happy with a box of Rococo chocolates on Valentine’s Day but some lucky tyke will no doubt be waking up to tickets for a trip to the Seychelles. Not only is British Airways launching a new non-stop service from Heathrow to Mahé (it begins on 24 March; ba.com), but the Four Seasons hotel group is opening the doors to its latest property, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, the same month. The latter will be one of the group’s most exclusive hotels, with just 71 villas and suites (each with its own pool and beach access). As well as diving, bike rides and time spent wallowing in the spa, guests will be able to enjoy a deli, bar and two restaurants. fourseasons.com February 2018 Omagazine.com
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Malta Yellow News Runner's World (Main) 01 March 2018 98 78496 943cm2 7232.81
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