Where to go on holiday this year
1.Cambodia
When you close your eyes and think of paradise, what do you see? An island
hideaway, with white-sand beaches kissed by gin-clear waters? A place
covered in virgin rainforest, bordered by tropical reefs? If so, what you’re
thinking of is Song Saa, a private island resort in Cambodia’s Koh Rong
Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand.
The 27 villas will open next month, with open-air showers, private verandas
and pools, sunrise or sunset views and, in some cases, a private jetty where
your speedboat transfer can dock. Fancy.
and pools, sunrise or sunset views and, in some cases, a private jetty where
your speedboat transfer can dock. Fancy.
There’s the obligatory spa and wellness centre on its own island, as well as
nature trails through the forest, kayaking, snorkelling with the resort’s
marine biologists, and visits to local fishing villages. Or you could just sink
into the vast white day beds, sip cocktails, and wonder what executive chef
Neil Wager is going to knock you up for dinner, served in the restaurant on
stilts in the ocean.
nature trails through the forest, kayaking, snorkelling with the resort’s
marine biologists, and visits to local fishing villages. Or you could just sink
into the vast white day beds, sip cocktails, and wonder what executive chef
Neil Wager is going to knock you up for dinner, served in the restaurant on
stilts in the ocean.
Cambodia has been on the up as a tourist destination for a number of years,
as more and more of us have been drawn to a country that has so much to
offer – beaches, adventure, exciting food, friendly people – but is still
coming to terms with its potent, often tortured past. But it’s never before
had anything like Song Saa: a high-end oasis of tranquillity which will, the
owners hope, put Cambodia firmly on the luxury travel map. That said, it
doesn’t come cheap. One night, fully inclusive of food, all drinks, transfers
and activities, costs £430 per person.
as more and more of us have been drawn to a country that has so much to
offer – beaches, adventure, exciting food, friendly people – but is still
coming to terms with its potent, often tortured past. But it’s never before
had anything like Song Saa: a high-end oasis of tranquillity which will, the
owners hope, put Cambodia firmly on the luxury travel map. That said, it
doesn’t come cheap. One night, fully inclusive of food, all drinks, transfers
and activities, costs £430 per person.
Need to know: Cambodians are used to shaking tourists’ hands in the
Western fashion, but you’ll win points by pressing your hands together in
prayer and bowing when you meet locals. The best time to visit Cambodia
is our winter, when it’s less humid, and while you can visit at any time of the
year, it can get pretty hot and sticky from April to June. If you want to treat
yourself to a night or two at Song Saa after exploring the rest of the country,
you can fly from Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, in an hour, three
times a week, for around £50.
Western fashion, but you’ll win points by pressing your hands together in
prayer and bowing when you meet locals. The best time to visit Cambodia
is our winter, when it’s less humid, and while you can visit at any time of the
year, it can get pretty hot and sticky from April to June. If you want to treat
yourself to a night or two at Song Saa after exploring the rest of the country,
you can fly from Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, in an hour, three
times a week, for around £50.
Book it: Song Saa is £430 per person per night
(00855-236 860 360, songsaa.com ).
(00855-236 860 360, songsaa.com ).
2. Finland
If you were Professor Brian Cox you’d be very excited right now,
because there’s something amazing happening in the Arctic. Those clever
people
at Nasa brighter this year than they have been for the last 50.
because there’s something amazing happening in the Arctic. Those clever
people
at Nasa brighter this year than they have been for the last 50.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is nature showing off: filling the
night sky
with swirls, streaks and arcs of colour, which glow and throb for anything
from a minute or two to an hour. This happens when gaseous particles in
the Earth’s atmosphere collide with charged particles released from
the sun’s atmosphere. This year, due to the sun’s magnetic field around
the equator rotating faster than at the poles, the light show is at its
most vivid.
night sky
with swirls, streaks and arcs of colour, which glow and throb for anything
from a minute or two to an hour. This happens when gaseous particles in
the Earth’s atmosphere collide with charged particles released from
the sun’s atmosphere. This year, due to the sun’s magnetic field around
the equator rotating faster than at the poles, the light show is at its
most vivid.
One of the best spots to see the Lights is in northern Finland. There are
a number of places to pick from, but we like Nellim, a tiny village not
far from the Russian border. Its Wilderness Lodge is a great base, with
expert local guides who are often able to predict when and where
the displays are most likely. But it’s not allstanding around looking
at the sky – there are snow-mobile safaris, ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, or you can ride a sledge driven by teams of
huskies through the snow-covered forests. But, if all that sounds
too full-on, you can simply sit back in your cosy cabin at Luosto,
another sleepy village in Finnish Lapland, and wait for the lights to
come to you – it’s a few miles away from the Sodanklyä
Geophysical Observatory, and on arrival at your spa hotel you’ll
be given a gadget that the SGO use to tell you when the Lights
emerge, so all you have to do is grab
your coat and step outside.
a number of places to pick from, but we like Nellim, a tiny village not
far from the Russian border. Its Wilderness Lodge is a great base, with
expert local guides who are often able to predict when and where
the displays are most likely. But it’s not allstanding around looking
at the sky – there are snow-mobile safaris, ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, or you can ride a sledge driven by teams of
huskies through the snow-covered forests. But, if all that sounds
too full-on, you can simply sit back in your cosy cabin at Luosto,
another sleepy village in Finnish Lapland, and wait for the lights to
come to you – it’s a few miles away from the Sodanklyä
Geophysical Observatory, and on arrival at your spa hotel you’ll
be given a gadget that the SGO use to tell you when the Lights
emerge, so all you have to do is grab
your coat and step outside.
Need to know: The Aurora season, when the Lights appear
almost every night, is from September to April. Alternatively,
you could book for the end of the year,
as the 50-year high-point predicted by Nasa continues into
next season.
almost every night, is from September to April. Alternatively,
you could book for the end of the year,
as the 50-year high-point predicted by Nasa continues into
next season.
Book it: The Aurora Zone (theaurora zone.com) has a wide
variety of breaks in Finland, including Nellim, and Luosto.
Prices start at £1,045 for four nights,
including return flights, cold-weather clothing and
Aurora activities
(visitfinland.com ).
variety of breaks in Finland, including Nellim, and Luosto.
Prices start at £1,045 for four nights,
including return flights, cold-weather clothing and
Aurora activities
(visitfinland.com ).
3. North East Thailand
You’ve probably been to Thailand, or, if you haven’t, you want to. Those
islands, those beaches… everybody knows exactly what Thailand has to
offer. Well, kind of. This year the Thai tourist board is doing its best to
introduce visitors to an aspect of the country that many overlook: its
abundant, and richly varied, wildlife and natural beauty.
islands, those beaches… everybody knows exactly what Thailand has to
offer. Well, kind of. This year the Thai tourist board is doing its best to
introduce visitors to an aspect of the country that many overlook: its
abundant, and richly varied, wildlife and natural beauty.
And well it should: the country has hundreds of trekking trails to the north
and north east, as well as great rafting and mountain biking opportunities.
And one of the finest – and least travelled – areas to do all of this is in the
Emerald Triangle. Toward the borders of Laos and Cambodia, and the
Mekong river, it is an area of rich vegetation, and ruins from the Khmer
empire.A great starting point to explore this area is Thailand’s first national
park, the Khao Yai, just three hours from Bangkok. Within its 2,000sq km,
you can search for evidence of the last remaining Asian tigers, as well as
leopards, civets, black bears, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. But
we’re not asking you to spend all your time in the jungle – stop off for a few
nights at the Kirimaya Spa, and try some of the local treatments, including
Thai massage, a red-wine treatment to treat wrinkles (a form of medication
we could really get behind) and a four-hour detox which includes massage,
herbal steam showers, herb baths, body polishes and masks.
and north east, as well as great rafting and mountain biking opportunities.
And one of the finest – and least travelled – areas to do all of this is in the
Emerald Triangle. Toward the borders of Laos and Cambodia, and the
Mekong river, it is an area of rich vegetation, and ruins from the Khmer
empire.A great starting point to explore this area is Thailand’s first national
park, the Khao Yai, just three hours from Bangkok. Within its 2,000sq km,
you can search for evidence of the last remaining Asian tigers, as well as
leopards, civets, black bears, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. But
we’re not asking you to spend all your time in the jungle – stop off for a few
nights at the Kirimaya Spa, and try some of the local treatments, including
Thai massage, a red-wine treatment to treat wrinkles (a form of medication
we could really get behind) and a four-hour detox which includes massage,
herbal steam showers, herb baths, body polishes and masks.
Need to know: In north eastern Thailand, you’ll be served a lot of sticky
rice. Roll the rice between the fingers of your right hand, dip it in some
sauce, and eat it without using cutlery or chopsticks. The best time to see
Thailand is November to February, as it’s relatively dry and not too hot.
rice. Roll the rice between the fingers of your right hand, dip it in some
sauce, and eat it without using cutlery or chopsticks. The best time to see
Thailand is November to February, as it’s relatively dry and not too hot.
Book it: Black Tomato has a week exploring this part of Thailand,
including flights, accommodation, activities and a guide,
for £2,275 per person (0843-636 8058,blacktomato.com ).
including flights, accommodation, activities and a guide,
for £2,275 per person (0843-636 8058,blacktomato.com ).
4. Slovenia
Slovenia is the stealth European destination of 2012. Bordering Croatia
to the east, with Austrian influences to the north, and Italian to the
south west, Slovenia isn’t huge, but it punches above its weight in terms
of attractions. For us, this year is all about Maribor; not least because
it’s the European Capital of Culture 2012. For Slovenians, who only
celebrated 20 years of independence from the former Yugoslavia in
2011, this is an excuse to throw an enormous party.There is a huge
programme planned, with hundreds of special events
(see slovenia.info for details). We especially like the sound of the
music, wine and fashion festival. Outside of the Capital of Culture
festivities, Maribor’s Lent festival in June accommodates
600,000 people and is a chaotic rush of more than 400 acts, including
music, theatre and dancing, all fuelled by Slovenia’s surprisingly
good wine. While most bars have good local wine lists, we’d recommend
a visit to Rozmarin (0038-622 343 180, rozmarin.si) while you
contemplate Maribor’s other secret identity – as a spa city. With the
high mineral content of the water Maribor gives you plenty of places
to repair the party damage.
to the east, with Austrian influences to the north, and Italian to the
south west, Slovenia isn’t huge, but it punches above its weight in terms
of attractions. For us, this year is all about Maribor; not least because
it’s the European Capital of Culture 2012. For Slovenians, who only
celebrated 20 years of independence from the former Yugoslavia in
2011, this is an excuse to throw an enormous party.There is a huge
programme planned, with hundreds of special events
(see slovenia.info for details). We especially like the sound of the
music, wine and fashion festival. Outside of the Capital of Culture
festivities, Maribor’s Lent festival in June accommodates
600,000 people and is a chaotic rush of more than 400 acts, including
music, theatre and dancing, all fuelled by Slovenia’s surprisingly
good wine. While most bars have good local wine lists, we’d recommend
a visit to Rozmarin (0038-622 343 180, rozmarin.si) while you
contemplate Maribor’s other secret identity – as a spa city. With the
high mineral content of the water Maribor gives you plenty of places
to repair the party damage.
Need to know: All visitors to Slovenia need to carry their passports
with them – you can get fined if you don’t have it. And you’ll need
to register with the police within three days of arriving. If you’re
staying at a hotel, guesthouse or even a campsite, they will do that
when you arrive.
with them – you can get fined if you don’t have it. And you’ll need
to register with the police within three days of arriving. If you’re
staying at a hotel, guesthouse or even a campsite, they will do that
when you arrive.
Book it: The Habakuk hotel is one of the best in Maribor, £188 per
night (0038-623 008100,termemb.si/en ).
night (0038-623 008100,termemb.si/en ).
5. Vienna
Rome is romantic, New York’s New York and you’ll always have Paris,
but the city break for those in the know this year is none of the above.
It’s Vienna. The Austrian capital is one of the most cultured cities in
Europe, but this year will be even more special, as 2012 is the 150th
anniversary of the birth of Viennese artist Gustav Klimt. As a pioneer
of the modernist movement and founder of the Vienna Secession,
he is a local hero best known for his sensuous painting The Kiss.
To celebrate his birthday, 10 of Vienna’s best museums will be
hosting exhibitions – highlights include the Belvedere, which has
the world’s largest Klimt collection and are planning a show
dedicated to his relationship with long-time collaborator, architect
and designer Josef Hoffmann.Vienna has way more than just
museums however. The 7th district, in the heart of the city, is
young and vibrant and is home to some of the most interesting
and fashionable boutiques. Lucie Lamster-Thury, a former stylist
from New York, set up Shopping with Lucie (shoppingwith lucie.com)
in 2008, running tours that focus on creative designer stores and
locally made accessories. Trips last three hours, and cost around £21.
but the city break for those in the know this year is none of the above.
It’s Vienna. The Austrian capital is one of the most cultured cities in
Europe, but this year will be even more special, as 2012 is the 150th
anniversary of the birth of Viennese artist Gustav Klimt. As a pioneer
of the modernist movement and founder of the Vienna Secession,
he is a local hero best known for his sensuous painting The Kiss.
To celebrate his birthday, 10 of Vienna’s best museums will be
hosting exhibitions – highlights include the Belvedere, which has
the world’s largest Klimt collection and are planning a show
dedicated to his relationship with long-time collaborator, architect
and designer Josef Hoffmann.Vienna has way more than just
museums however. The 7th district, in the heart of the city, is
young and vibrant and is home to some of the most interesting
and fashionable boutiques. Lucie Lamster-Thury, a former stylist
from New York, set up Shopping with Lucie (shoppingwith lucie.com)
in 2008, running tours that focus on creative designer stores and
locally made accessories. Trips last three hours, and cost around £21.
The food rewards exploration too. Viennese cuisine is famous for
dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and apfelstrudel, but a more
modern spirit of cooking is increasingly evident. We particularly like
the excellently named Holy-Moly! on the Badeschiff, a restaurant on
a trendy moored boat on the Danube Canal, which serves
award-winning food, such as spicy seafood soup, and sushi. There’s a
club downstairs, too (badeschiff.at).
dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and apfelstrudel, but a more
modern spirit of cooking is increasingly evident. We particularly like
the excellently named Holy-Moly! on the Badeschiff, a restaurant on
a trendy moored boat on the Danube Canal, which serves
award-winning food, such as spicy seafood soup, and sushi. There’s a
club downstairs, too (badeschiff.at).
Need to know: The Klimt/Hoffmann exhibition runs at the
Belvedere until 4 March. 150 Years Of Gustav Klimt is
from 15 June–6 January 2013 (belvedere.at).
Klimt Drawings runs at the Albertina from
March 14–June 10 (albertina.at ).
Belvedere until 4 March. 150 Years Of Gustav Klimt is
from 15 June–6 January 2013 (belvedere.at).
Klimt Drawings runs at the Albertina from
March 14–June 10 (albertina.at ).
Book it: Bed down in either the 25 Hours hotel
from £108 a night (25hours-hotels.com ), or
the Daniel hotel (hoteldaniel.com ), from £76 a night.
The 25 Hours has free Electra for guests to rent;
the Daniel rents bikes (£4) and Vespas (£12) and
is round the corner from the Belvedere Palace and museums.
from £108 a night (25hours-hotels.com ), or
the Daniel hotel (hoteldaniel.com ), from £76 a night.
The 25 Hours has free Electra for guests to rent;
the Daniel rents bikes (£4) and Vespas (£12) and
is round the corner from the Belvedere Palace and museums.
6. Oman
Oman is becoming the go-to spot for sophistication in
the sun in the Middle East. It’s less brash than Dubai and
its capital, Muscat, has a touch more charm with fewer
high rises than the UAE’s Abu Dhabi. Muscat, known for
its souq (great for cashmere scarves), forts and museums,
has some extraordinary hotels that are perfect for the
style conscious – our favourites are the Chedi
(ghmhotels. com, 00968-2452 4400), with its cool interiors,
gorgeous spa, private beach and equally private art gallery;
and the more Arabianstyled, but impressively vast
Al Bustan Palace (00968-2479 9666), which has just
the five pools, spectacular views, and was named as one
of the world’s top hotels by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
With the recent opening of Muscat’s spectacular new
opera house and numerous festivals – such as the month
-long Muscat Festival, starting at the end of January and
the Salsa & Dance Festival (1-3 March), many travellers to
Oman don’t get much further than its capital. But you
should: if you’re travelling during our summer, head to
the province of Dhofar, which is popular with Omanis
because the Khareef (monsoon rains) create humidity,
meaning the area becomes lush and green and,
importantly, cool(er), with temperatures around 300C.
the sun in the Middle East. It’s less brash than Dubai and
its capital, Muscat, has a touch more charm with fewer
high rises than the UAE’s Abu Dhabi. Muscat, known for
its souq (great for cashmere scarves), forts and museums,
has some extraordinary hotels that are perfect for the
style conscious – our favourites are the Chedi
(ghmhotels. com, 00968-2452 4400), with its cool interiors,
gorgeous spa, private beach and equally private art gallery;
and the more Arabianstyled, but impressively vast
Al Bustan Palace (00968-2479 9666), which has just
the five pools, spectacular views, and was named as one
of the world’s top hotels by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.
With the recent opening of Muscat’s spectacular new
opera house and numerous festivals – such as the month
-long Muscat Festival, starting at the end of January and
the Salsa & Dance Festival (1-3 March), many travellers to
Oman don’t get much further than its capital. But you
should: if you’re travelling during our summer, head to
the province of Dhofar, which is popular with Omanis
because the Khareef (monsoon rains) create humidity,
meaning the area becomes lush and green and,
importantly, cool(er), with temperatures around 300C.
The area is famous for frankincense, as it’s one of the
few places in the world where its trees grow. In-between,
there are the Wahiba Sands, made famous by the
explorer Wilfred Thesiger in the Forties, where you can
stay in Bedouin-style tents, eating lamb on the campfire
while you get neckache from gazing at stars, before
taking in the rare Arabian Oryx antelope and camping on
the beach on the Ras Madrakah peninsula.
few places in the world where its trees grow. In-between,
there are the Wahiba Sands, made famous by the
explorer Wilfred Thesiger in the Forties, where you can
stay in Bedouin-style tents, eating lamb on the campfire
while you get neckache from gazing at stars, before
taking in the rare Arabian Oryx antelope and camping on
the beach on the Ras Madrakah peninsula.
Need to know: Oman is a Muslim country, so you will
often be greeted with “As-salaam alaikum”, which means
“Peace be with you”. The response is “Wa alaikum as-salaam”,
which means “And with you peace.” Oman is coolest
November to mid-March (19–30°C). The Khareef cools
the south from mid June to late August (29–38°C). OMAN *
including flights, B&B accommodation, some meals
and a guide **for full terms and conditions go to stylist.co.uk
often be greeted with “As-salaam alaikum”, which means
“Peace be with you”. The response is “Wa alaikum as-salaam”,
which means “And with you peace.” Oman is coolest
November to mid-March (19–30°C). The Khareef cools
the south from mid June to late August (29–38°C). OMAN *
including flights, B&B accommodation, some meals
and a guide **for full terms and conditions go to stylist.co.uk
Book it: Abercrombie & Kent has a six-night explorer trip
from £1,795 per person (0845-618 2200,
abercrombiekent.co.uk ).
from £1,795 per person (0845-618 2200,
abercrombiekent.co.uk ).
7. Panama
This year is a great time to visit Panama – the urban zones
have been recently brought up to world-class city
standards, but there are still nowhere like the tourist
numbers you’ll find in neighbouring Costa Rica. Fly into
Panama City then explore its split personality. There’s
a cosmopolitan mix of bars and excellent restaurants in
the thrusting modern district while the laid-back old
town (Casco Viejo) now has a number of cool boutique
hotels and local watering holes (it still maintains its
romantic air thanks to its slightly dishevelled colonial
buildings, which were featured in 2008’s Bond film
Quantum Of Solace). On the outskirts of the city is the
Panama Canal, one of the most amazing pieces of
structural engineering in Central America.Wait, come
back – while that might not sound like your sort of
tourist destination, its history is fascinating, and the
excellent little museum there details all its trials and
tribulations, explaining how 22,000 people died
working on it over 10 years (panamacanalmuseum. org).
It’s also surrounded by rainforest and a canal safari
– where you’ll watch suspiciously as crocodiles sidle
alongside your boat, and monkeys leap onto the roof
– is a must.
have been recently brought up to world-class city
standards, but there are still nowhere like the tourist
numbers you’ll find in neighbouring Costa Rica. Fly into
Panama City then explore its split personality. There’s
a cosmopolitan mix of bars and excellent restaurants in
the thrusting modern district while the laid-back old
town (Casco Viejo) now has a number of cool boutique
hotels and local watering holes (it still maintains its
romantic air thanks to its slightly dishevelled colonial
buildings, which were featured in 2008’s Bond film
Quantum Of Solace). On the outskirts of the city is the
Panama Canal, one of the most amazing pieces of
structural engineering in Central America.Wait, come
back – while that might not sound like your sort of
tourist destination, its history is fascinating, and the
excellent little museum there details all its trials and
tribulations, explaining how 22,000 people died
working on it over 10 years (panamacanalmuseum. org).
It’s also surrounded by rainforest and a canal safari
– where you’ll watch suspiciously as crocodiles sidle
alongside your boat, and monkeys leap onto the roof
– is a must.
But then, east or west? Caribbean or Pacific? The
beaches of Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean side of
Panama, are stunning – eat fresh fish cooked in spicy
sauces, and snorkel among the starfish. The people are
welcoming, and the living is easy. But you can’t stay too
long – to the east is the San Blas archipelago, part of the
Kuna Yala, an autonomous territory populated by the
Kuna Indians. They do an impressive line in beaches too.
beaches of Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean side of
Panama, are stunning – eat fresh fish cooked in spicy
sauces, and snorkel among the starfish. The people are
welcoming, and the living is easy. But you can’t stay too
long – to the east is the San Blas archipelago, part of the
Kuna Yala, an autonomous territory populated by the
Kuna Indians. They do an impressive line in beaches too.
If you’re into wildlife, step right up. With more
bird species than the US and Canada combined, 16,000
types of butterfly and an array of four-legged beasties,
Panama has been on the must-visit list of National
Geographic types for some time. Adrenaline junkies
love it for its rainforest zip wires, jungle trekking,
volcano climbs, and whale diving. The problem with
Panama is trying to fit it all in.
bird species than the US and Canada combined, 16,000
types of butterfly and an array of four-legged beasties,
Panama has been on the must-visit list of National
Geographic types for some time. Adrenaline junkies
love it for its rainforest zip wires, jungle trekking,
volcano climbs, and whale diving. The problem with
Panama is trying to fit it all in.
Need to know: Due to the revenue the Canal generates,
Panama hasn’t had to rely on tourism and the lack of
charter flights means tourists are less common – so
you get a warm welcome when you make the effort to
visit. The dry season runs from December to April and
is the best time to travel.
Panama hasn’t had to rely on tourism and the lack of
charter flights means tourists are less common – so
you get a warm welcome when you make the effort to
visit. The dry season runs from December to April and
is the best time to travel.
Book it: Last Frontiers has a 12-night trip from
£3,739 per person (01296 -653 000,
lastfrontiers.com ).
£3,739 per person (01296 -653 000,
lastfrontiers.com ).
8. Ukraine
You may be aware by now that this summer, Poland
and Ukraine host the European Championship. And
you’ll either be excited by this impending feast of
football, or rolling your eyes with indifference. But
modern football tournaments are far removed from
the men-only image of European football in the
Eighties. Huge fan zones spring up in city centres,
with streets decked out in a rainbow of national
colours. Not only that, but the last two tournaments
I attended were notable for the amount of women
tucking in, too. And, perhaps because of that, you’ll
find strangers from all over the world actually talking
to each other, and not just about the games. It’s most
peculiar.The England team are based in Krakow, in
Poland, but all three of their group games are in
Ukraine: two in Donetsk and one in Kiev. And as Kiev
is hosting the final on 1 July, the buzz will
continue here all summer. The Ukrainian capital comes
alive when the sun glints on the golden domes of its
churches. They have a rich history: the cathedral of
St Sophia has mosaics and frescoes dating back to
the 11th century, while the ancient mummified monks
in the crypts of the Kiev Caves Monastery are just as
memorable.
and Ukraine host the European Championship. And
you’ll either be excited by this impending feast of
football, or rolling your eyes with indifference. But
modern football tournaments are far removed from
the men-only image of European football in the
Eighties. Huge fan zones spring up in city centres,
with streets decked out in a rainbow of national
colours. Not only that, but the last two tournaments
I attended were notable for the amount of women
tucking in, too. And, perhaps because of that, you’ll
find strangers from all over the world actually talking
to each other, and not just about the games. It’s most
peculiar.The England team are based in Krakow, in
Poland, but all three of their group games are in
Ukraine: two in Donetsk and one in Kiev. And as Kiev
is hosting the final on 1 July, the buzz will
continue here all summer. The Ukrainian capital comes
alive when the sun glints on the golden domes of its
churches. They have a rich history: the cathedral of
St Sophia has mosaics and frescoes dating back to
the 11th century, while the ancient mummified monks
in the crypts of the Kiev Caves Monastery are just as
memorable.
But don’t limit yourself to Kiev – Lviv is a beautiful
place known as “the Florence of the East”. Its varied
architecture, with renaissance, baroque, rococo and
neoclassical styles all rubbing up next to each other,
makes it a fascinating destination, and sitting with a
coffee or beer in a town-square cafe, tucking into a
bowl of borscht or nibbling on a pastry, while
watching the world roll by, is a treat. In either city,
you won’t need help finding somewhere to eat,
drink or play.
place known as “the Florence of the East”. Its varied
architecture, with renaissance, baroque, rococo and
neoclassical styles all rubbing up next to each other,
makes it a fascinating destination, and sitting with a
coffee or beer in a town-square cafe, tucking into a
bowl of borscht or nibbling on a pastry, while
watching the world roll by, is a treat. In either city,
you won’t need help finding somewhere to eat,
drink or play.
Need to know: Euro 2012 runs from 8 June-1 July.
The Ukrainians are a superstitious bunch – they
consider yellow flowers to be bad luck, so never
accept or give any when you’re in Kiev. And to
really fit in, sit on your bags before you leave for
the airport – it’s good luck, apparently.
The Ukrainians are a superstitious bunch – they
consider yellow flowers to be bad luck, so never
accept or give any when you’re in Kiev. And to
really fit in, sit on your bags before you leave for
the airport – it’s good luck, apparently.
Book it: To go to a game visit Thomson Sport
from £694 (0845-121 2018, thomsonsport.com ).
Or if you prefer to visit Kiev independently of the
football celebrations, stay at the centrally
positioned Boutique Hotel Vozdvyzhensky from
£108 per person per night
(0038-04453 19955,vozdvyzhensky.com ).
from £694 (0845-121 2018, thomsonsport.com ).
Or if you prefer to visit Kiev independently of the
football celebrations, stay at the centrally
positioned Boutique Hotel Vozdvyzhensky from
£108 per person per night
(0038-04453 19955,vozdvyzhensky.com ).
9. Aisén, Chile
Patagonia is one of the most magnificent parts
of the world. Its stark wilderness and bleak
beauty is as breathtaking as any desert island,
which is why southern Argentina is such a draw
for tourists. But a quarter of Patagonia is in Chile,
yet hardly anyone, comparatively, goes there.
And of the people who do venture to Chilean
Patagonia, hardly anyone goes to Aisén.
of the world. Its stark wilderness and bleak
beauty is as breathtaking as any desert island,
which is why southern Argentina is such a draw
for tourists. But a quarter of Patagonia is in Chile,
yet hardly anyone, comparatively, goes there.
And of the people who do venture to Chilean
Patagonia, hardly anyone goes to Aisén.
Aisén is the country’s least populated region,
which means its glacial landscapes are largely
untroubled by human settlements. Driving
along the Carretera Austral, or Southern
Highway, is the ultimate wilderness road trip
– just you, the valleys and a few soaring
condors to keep you company. Don’t worry,
you’re not on your own for long: each night
you’ll stay in small, cosy lodges, where you
can relax in a hot tub with a glass of excellent
Chilean wine.Sadly, though, Aisén has a
shadow hanging over it. The Chilean government
has approved a plan to dam two rivers there, and
while the project would provide vital electricity to
Santiago and the north of the country, the effect
on the region will be devastating. Long before the
rivers flood, and lines of electricity pylons snake
across the previously untouched tundra, a vast
workforce will be needed, which means thousands
of labourers will descend on the little villages of
Aisén, and schools, houses, hospitals, and roads
will all need to be established. So if you want to
witness this magnificent part of the world before it
changes, 2012 may be your last chance.
which means its glacial landscapes are largely
untroubled by human settlements. Driving
along the Carretera Austral, or Southern
Highway, is the ultimate wilderness road trip
– just you, the valleys and a few soaring
condors to keep you company. Don’t worry,
you’re not on your own for long: each night
you’ll stay in small, cosy lodges, where you
can relax in a hot tub with a glass of excellent
Chilean wine.Sadly, though, Aisén has a
shadow hanging over it. The Chilean government
has approved a plan to dam two rivers there, and
while the project would provide vital electricity to
Santiago and the north of the country, the effect
on the region will be devastating. Long before the
rivers flood, and lines of electricity pylons snake
across the previously untouched tundra, a vast
workforce will be needed, which means thousands
of labourers will descend on the little villages of
Aisén, and schools, houses, hospitals, and roads
will all need to be established. So if you want to
witness this magnificent part of the world before it
changes, 2012 may be your last chance.
Need to know: Summer runs from late October to
March. Combine Patagonia with a trip to Easter Island,
which sits in the Pacific, west of Chile.
March. Combine Patagonia with a trip to Easter Island,
which sits in the Pacific, west of Chile.
Book it: Journey Latin America has a 13-day self-drive
Aisén trip from £4,057 per person, including all flights
and transfers, a 4x4 car and accommodation
(020-8747 8315,journeylatinamerica.co.uk ).
Aisén trip from £4,057 per person, including all flights
and transfers, a 4x4 car and accommodation
(020-8747 8315,journeylatinamerica.co.uk ).
10. Burma
It’s not often you can say that you’ve been, or are going,
somewhere that your friends have not, but the chances
are you can say that about Burma, or Myanmar as it’s
sometimes called. And if you like Thailand, but wish you
could have seen it 20 years ago, before the villages put up
neon signs to attract backpackers, Burma might be what
you’re looking for.Tourism to Burma was discouraged
when the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was placed
under house arrest by the brutal military dictatorship
that runs the country (her story is told in the filmThe
Lady, starring Michelle Yeoh, in cinemas now). Since her
release, however, her party, the National League for
Democracy, has stated that small-scale tourism would
be beneficial. It’s impossible to travel here without
somehow giving money to the government – entry fees
to various sites, airport departure tax and visa fees all
go to the state – and it’s not always easy for travellers to
know which guest houses are in the control of the militia.
But a number of tour operators endeavour not to use
military-owned hotels or facilities, and ensure that the
local community benefits directly from their clients
being there.
somewhere that your friends have not, but the chances
are you can say that about Burma, or Myanmar as it’s
sometimes called. And if you like Thailand, but wish you
could have seen it 20 years ago, before the villages put up
neon signs to attract backpackers, Burma might be what
you’re looking for.Tourism to Burma was discouraged
when the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was placed
under house arrest by the brutal military dictatorship
that runs the country (her story is told in the filmThe
Lady, starring Michelle Yeoh, in cinemas now). Since her
release, however, her party, the National League for
Democracy, has stated that small-scale tourism would
be beneficial. It’s impossible to travel here without
somehow giving money to the government – entry fees
to various sites, airport departure tax and visa fees all
go to the state – and it’s not always easy for travellers to
know which guest houses are in the control of the militia.
But a number of tour operators endeavour not to use
military-owned hotels or facilities, and ensure that the
local community benefits directly from their clients
being there.
There are many areas to visit: the former colonial city
of Yangon is fascinating, with its Victorian and
Edwardian buildings and the 2,500-year-old
Shwedagon Pagoda; the jewel city of Mandalay
with its gold-leaf-covered Buddha, and the nearby
ancient cities of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura.
It’s also well worth exploring the floating markets on
Inle Lake, or just relaxing on the pristine beaches in
the south west.
of Yangon is fascinating, with its Victorian and
Edwardian buildings and the 2,500-year-old
Shwedagon Pagoda; the jewel city of Mandalay
with its gold-leaf-covered Buddha, and the nearby
ancient cities of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura.
It’s also well worth exploring the floating markets on
Inle Lake, or just relaxing on the pristine beaches in
the south west.
Need to know: Burma can be a challenge, and the
conditions for tourists are often unrefined. The best
time to explore the whole country is November
to March, when it is dry and cool; although the north
can still be visited from July to September.
conditions for tourists are often unrefined. The best
time to explore the whole country is November
to March, when it is dry and cool; although the north
can still be visited from July to September.
Book it: Transindus has a 13-day tour of Yangon,
Bagan, Mandalay and Inle from £2,495
(0844-879 3960, transindus.co.uk )
.
Bagan, Mandalay and Inle from £2,495
(0844-879 3960, transindus.co.uk )
.
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