Holiday & Travel

Banish the winter blues, embrace the fresh air and explore 17 new walking routes on the nation's tranquil waterways this winter. The Canal & River Trust, working with the Royal Geographical Society and iFootpath, has created a host of easy to access walks that reveal the hidden history, architecture, wildlife and colourful narrowboats of our canals and rivers amidst relaxing views of the water.

With the Arctic Circle a far cry from most peoples' reach of places to visit, it may come as a surprise that another great place to catch nature's very own theatrical performance is along the northern reaches of Scotland. Bunk Campers, Scotland's largest campervan rental company, offer a practical and budget alternative for enthusiasts wanting to experience the Northern Lights.

The Rock of Gibraltar is a true gem for holidaymakers this year. Set in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is just 2.5 hours from home while its sterling currency guarantees that there will be no costly conversion rate in your holiday planning.  The Rock's VAT free status means plenty of tempting shopping in the Main Street shopping district. Familiar high street retailers are interspersed with small shops offering a broad selection of goods, including a wide range of popular cosmetic and perfumery brands at agreeable prices.

Marrakech is set to become an even more fashionable destination in 2017 with a new museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent's personal collection slated to open later this year in the Jardin Majorelle, one of Africa's most visited gardens. Just three hours' flight from the UK, Marrakech is the perfect romantic city break destination for a full-on sensory experience.

Brightening the grey winter season, the inaugural WOW Northern Lights Run will see the streets of Reykjavik lit up in a spectrum of colour as hundreds put on their running shoes on 4 February 2017. Sponsored bv WOW air, Iceland's only low-cost airline, this spectacular new sporting event, marked by the natural phenomenon of the polar lights, is part of the Reykjavík Winter Light Festival and the WOW Reykjavík International Games.

A privately-owned Cornish coastal retreat tucked away in a tranquil corner of South East Cornwall, the Talland Bay Hotel, is set to steal the limelight in 2017 having scooped a bumper bundle of awards. Recent accolades include taking Silver in the 'Small Hotel of the Year' category at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2016/17 and Gold in the Taste of the West Awards. This is in addition to being awarded four Stars and two Rosettes from The AA, with head chef Nick Hawke having his sights firmly set on achieving a third.

Mawimbi Villa, an authentic oceanfront retreat on the east coast of Tanzania, launches this month. The exclusive villa overlooks Ushongo, an unspoilt curve of palm-fringed beach rated among the top secret beaches of the world. Offering sweeping vistas across the Indian Ocean, a secluded private pool and the azure ocean mere steps away, Mawimbi is the perfect place to unwind in an unspoilt setting.

The medieval castle in Trujillo has become one of the latest filming locations for the award-winning fantasy drama series Game of Thrones. The castle, which was built between the 9th and 12th centuries, was used recently as a backdrop for the forthcoming seventh season which is due to be released next summer. Trujillo Villas Espana, which have three restored villas next to the castle and one property in the town's main square, are including entrance to the castle in all rental bookings for 2017.

Vogue Magazine has named Trinidad and Tobago one of the 10 Hottest Travel Destinations of 2017. The US-based international fashion and lifestyle magazine published the article written by Jen Murphy on its website on December 30th 2016. The article lauded the destination’s “mix of wild nature and distinct culture,” calling it a “refreshing alternative to the typical Caribbean beach vacation.”

On the back of a year which saw Cologne Bonn Airport record more than double the European average in passenger growth traffic, the German airport has kick-started 2017 with the announcement of its first new airline partner of the year. Launching its inaugural route from Cologne Bonn, Stobart Air, operated by Flybe will be commencing a six times weekly service to London Southend from 1 May.

New Year, New YouThe best way to get a New Year Resolution off to a strong start could be with a health break in Pembrokeshire. With fabulous deals on cottages, luxury treatments and a wealth of coast to explore, a refreshing break is waiting for you. Their Coastal Concierge service allows guests to enjoy a range of treatments including private yoga sessions, relaxing massages and even a consultation with a trained nutritionist to develop a plan to make the most of their diet, all in the comfort of their holiday cottage in the stunning surroundings of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Since launching 3G inflight connectivity one year ago, AeroMobile has revealed a 160 percent increase in inflight data usage year on year. Now with over half of its airline partners connected to the 3G network, AeroMobile has revealed a significant uptake of mobile data usage by holidaymakers and business travellers throughout 2016. Whether tweeting, texting, emailing, calling or messaging, passengers are staying connected to the world on the ground while on their travels.

Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica officially opened its doors to the first guests of the wellness resort. Located on a private and serene beach in the upscale Ironshore neighborhood, Zoëtry Montego Bay brings the Endless Privileges® experience, where everything is included, to the island of Jamaica. The 49-suite boutique haven is just steps away from the Caribbean Sea and a 5-minute drive from Sangster International Airport.

Sunscape Bávaro Beach Punta Cana officially opened its doors to the first guests of the family-friendly resort. Stacey and Matt Lavigne, along with their daughter Debbie were greeted by resort staff and participated in the resort's official ribbon cutting ceremony. Ideally located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic on El Cortecito beach, Sunscape Bávaro Beach is just 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and only 45 minutes from La Romana.

There's a lot to look forward to in Maine in 2017. Adding to the list of the tried and true that makes Maine such a special place are a plethora of new places to dine, stay, play and explore. Maine's first organic distillery opened in 2016 and that fall, Split Rock Distillery opened a tasting room in Newcastle. Split Rock handcrafts their spirits using organic grains, fruits and sugars and draws waters from the purest and cleanest estuary in the Northeast—the Damariscotta River.