Balkans, Baltics and Tobacco Fields
Today is Blue Monday – “the most depressing day of the year”. This super-gloomy day, identified by Cliff Arnell, is when a range of factors that make us glum - including low motivation, abandoned new year resolutions, an empty bank account, terrible weather and return to work after the festive period - are at their peak. To get through this day, I spent it thinking of all the places I’ll love to visit this year. While last year I embraced spontaneity, with the next vacation being inspired by the previous one, I have decided to have a plan for this year but still, leave a little room for some spur of the moment decisions.
So here’s where I hope this year will be taking me:
Roadtripping through Western Cuba
Havana | Source: Lahabana
Iberostar Veradero | Source: Tripadvisor
I admit that I, like pretty much most Europeans and Canadians, have this fear of not being able to visit Cuba before it gets completely overrun by the Americans. We all know it is only a matter of time and that’s why my priority travel this year is to Cuba. From socialising with locals on Malecon to rolling cigars in the tobacco fields of Viñales, hiking hidden waterfalls in Las Terrazas and sunbathing on Varadero beach. Not to forget the rum, salsa and jazz. Everyone I know who has been to Cuba say to me “Just do It”, I plan to!
Exploring the Baltics and Balkans
Lovcen Mountain | Source: Ace Adventure
Beautiful town of Blagaj | Source: Wikipedia
Tallinn covered in snow | Source: Wikipedia
The Balkan Peninsula is still one of the least relatively explored corners of Europe but with a wealth of history, culture and beauty, it is the perfect alternative and seriously cheap place to holiday. Bled and Ljubljana will make a nice long weekend away, while a road trip to start in Split (Croatia) and end in Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herzegovina) via Dubrovnik (Croatia), Budva (Montenegro), Mostar and Blagaj will make a lovely birthday getaway for me. For spring/autumn, I hope to be dazzled by the colourful Baltic cities of Tallin and Riga.
Digging deeper in some good ol faves.
Stockholm was my joint favourite city of 2015, sharing the spotlight with Lisbon. I spent 5 days there a few months ago but it is nowhere near enough to explore this city of 14 islands (and approximately 24000 island in the Stockholm Archipelago). The plan is to experience the beauty of the city in all seasons. Hydra, Poros, Ermioni & Porto Heli – Places I visited last year but was too partied (blacked) out to explore. So, I am doing Greece again and really hoping to make use of this second chance to really sample what the Saronic islands have to offer.
I hope to go on a solo trip or two for solitude.
Those are my 2016 travel plans so far. How about you, where do you hope to visit over the next 12 months? Will you be travelling solo, with a partner or group of friends?
