If being back at work and struggling through January made you want to run for the hills, or the beaches, you are not alone. Post-holiday blues are widely documented and affect many people who spend their days thinking about their next holiday, rather than getting tucked back into the reality of work.
Here are seven dream holiday desitnations to keep you going.
Imagine exploring the ancient cave temples, tea plantations and idyllic beaches on an 8-day laid-back adventure through Sri Lanka, or hitting the open road between New York and New Orleans on a 7-day overland odyssey. All is possible, although for most of us, facing up to our financial situation after the festive season is more of a priority than booking our next vacation.
No more excuses, turn your daydreams into a reality by creating a holiday savings plan – making it a priority and ensuring that you will one day see the history-steeped landscapes of Jordan and Egypt or spend a glorious week in Cuba (my dream) immersing yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of this colourful Caribbean island. These and other inspiring holiday packages including local trips to Simonstown and the Drakensberg, are all available and very affordable.
1. The United States Big Easy – New Orleans
Visit Washington DC, Nashville and Memphis before travelling to New Orleans. Cut through the heart of the gigantic United States and hit the open road between two of its most iconic cities – New York and New Orleans. Snaking through the jaw-dropping Appalachian Mountains, via the nation’s capital, this route encompasses everything from pioneer and political history to the musical legacies of Nashville and Memphis. This overland odyssey has something for everyone, so jump aboard and get ready to explore one of the most fascinating nations on earth.
2. Beautiful Cuba
Travel to Cuba and experience the enthralling history of this seductive Caribbean island. Enjoy a relaxing week-long adventure while immersing yourself in the history, culture and natural beauty of this colourful Caribbean island. Cuba’s imminent political and cultural change makes it something to experience before it evolves. Wander through Havana’s glittering colonial architecture, soak up the clear mountain air among Soroa’s vibrant mountain orchards, relax on Playa Ancon’s vast white beaches and admire Trinidad’s unrivalled ambience. From old cars to fragrant cigars and with plenty of salsa in between, this trip has it all and is the perfect introduction to all things Cuban.
3. New York City
With a reputation as the greatest in the world, New York is more than a vibrant, aesthetically exciting and character-rich city that thrives on the energy of all who live, work, and play there. It’s a feeling, a sense of being that only exists while walking the New York streets, lounging on the lawns of Central Park and taking in a show on Broadway.
Home to some of the finest art museums in the world, you could spend days working your way through New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. But allow enough time for a visit to MoMA, which specializes in modern and contemporary art and is home to some of the world’s most renowned masterpieces by Warhol, Picasso and Van Gogh. Central Park is a heavenly urban Eden and no matter how many people congregate there, you will always find a spot to picnic, take in the greenery or simply wander on an endless loop of discovery. In contrast, Times Square is the most frenzied and crowded part of the city and somewhat of an obligatory sensory overload with the chaotic mix of massive advertising billboards, flashing displays, street musicians, and selfie-takers. But to walk along the Highline is a beautiful blend of both: it spans almost two miles of the city upon what was once a railway and is now a lush greenway.
To truly understand the scope of the city, head to the top of one of the city’s skyscrapers. Popular options are the 70th floor of Rockefeller Center, from which you’ll have a gorgeous perspective of midtown. The views from the art décor Empire State Building’s 86th-floor deck are spectacular, but 16 stories up on the 102nd-floor observatory is even better, yet oddly few visitors go all the way up. Walk the attractive Brooklyn Bridge, one of the city’s most recognisable structures. The crossing over the East River takes about 40 minutes and delivers a good look back at Lower Manhattan. Alternatively, walk across the Williamsburg Bridge that connects two of New York’s coolest neighbourhoods, namely Williamsburg and the Lower East Side, instead. In winter New York City is perfect.
4. Simply Sri Lanka
Encounter ancient cave temples, tea plantations and idyllic beaches on this laid-back adventure through Sri Lanka. Set adrift in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is jam-packed with ancient sites, fascinating culture, beautiful wilderness and idyllic beaches. Go as fast or as slow as you like on this adventure through south and central Sri Lanka. Pick for treasures through the frenzied markets of Colombo, wander through the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, climb Lion Rock at Sigiriya, and explore the monkey-filled mangrove forests of Unawatuna, or simply bliss-out on the beaches in Galle with ginger iced tea in hand.
5. Jordan and Egypt Express
Embark on a fascinating journey through Jordan and Egypt. There’s something truly epic about this nine-day adventure through the spectacular, history-steeped landscapes of Jordan and Egypt. Wander the ancient city of Petra, relax on the Red Sea, and finish up among the souqs and pyramids in Cairo. As you tour this land of tenacious adventurers, mighty pharaohs and biblical prophets, the legendary hospitality of the area’s beautiful Bedouin people will ensure you a warm welcome to desert camps and the tranquil beaches of the Red Sea. NOTE: Before booking this trip I recommend that you read the ‘Safety’ section in the trip notes regarding special considerations for Egypt trips.
6. Cape Town, Simonstown
Keeping it closer to home, book a three-night stay at Simon’s Town aha Quayside Hotel on a package that includes 3 nights of accommodation in a mountain-facing room with breakfast daily. Return economy flight tickets departing from OR Tambo or Lanseria to Cape Town are included. This is on a self-drive basis. A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure the booking.
7. Northern Drakensberg – Alpine Heath Resort (Self Drive)
Midweek Snow Break at the Alpine Heath Resort in Central Drakensberg. Your Alpine Heath stay promises an unforgettable time away. If you’re looking to host an event, you’ll be pleased to know the fully equipped conference venues and various room packages ensure absolute confidence and comfort too.
Whichever it is, don’t hold back on the dream. Relish the satisfaction of slowly but certainly brining it within reach.
