Holiday & Travel

When the presents have been opened, the crackers pulled and the turkey eaten – we can feel a little bit blue heading into January, so this year why not beat the post-Christmas comedown with an Italian break – where the festive celebrations last until 6th January. On 6th January, Italy commemorates the 12th day of Christmas. Epiphany celebrations include a procession in Vatican City, Milan and Florence, and living nativities are common across the country.

More than 11 and a half million Brits are planning a holiday in the UK over the Christmas and New Year period according to a VisitEngland survey. VisitEngland’s Christmas Trip Tracker Survey reveals that 11.7 million Brits (23% of the adult population) are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this Christmas and New Year, with 9.7 million people (19%) planning an overnight trip in England. 

Icelandic low-cost airline WOW air has announced plans to increase the number of flights from London to popular Canadian destinations Toronto & Montreal to a daily service this spring. From 1 May 2017, the airline will fly daily from London Gatwick to Toronto Pearson International Airport and from 13 June 2017 to Montréal–Trudeau Airport, via Reykjavik.

For the very first time, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to experience the world-famous Mardi Gras on an epic ex-UK adventure of the Caribbean and North and Central America. Setting sail from Southampton on Fred. Olsen's flagship, Balmoral, offering 18 phenomenal ports of call, plus three full days and two overnights in New Orleans, allowing plenty of time to soak up the carnival atmosphere! 

Families will be spoilt for choice this summer – as Eurocamp launches new, super-active kids' clubs at their popular La Vallée parc, in Normandy. The holiday specialist is offering children the chance to try a range of high-impact and inspiring activities during their stay - all for free. Kids will be able to sign up to a massive range of workshops and tutored sessions, trying their hand at everything from zorbing, kayaking, scootering, archery, mini jet skis and easy breath snorkelling to cooking and clowning.

Taiwan is famed for the spectacular New Year's celebrations which take place in Taipei. On the evening of the 31st December, the capital lights up as people across the city  take to the streets to welcome in the New Year with an impressive fireworks display which lights up the famous 101 building, making Taipei 101 the largest New Year's Eve countdown clock in the world.

Central America is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Home to picture perfect coastlines, luscious rainforests and vibrant cities overflowing with history and culture the seven countries of the Central American region are a perfect holiday choice for couples celebrating Valentine's Day.

NSW boasts 2,000kms of coastline, dotted with chains of tropical and native bush islands, six of which offer island getaways with a unique twist.  Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “NSW offers travellers some of the most unique island holiday experiences in the world, including the chance to stay on two UNESCO's World Heritage- Listed islands - Lord Howe Island, home to the world's most southerly coral reef, and Cockatoo Island which houses some of Australia's most important convict sites.”

Dedicated yoga and transformational holiday specialist, Soulshine Retreats, is introducing Can Shui as the new venue for their 2017 Ibiza retreats. The six-night Pure Ibiza and Dive Deep yoga and meditation retreats will run from April to November. 2017 also sees the return of Soulshine Retreats' popular Snow Yoga & Ski Adventure in the French Alps. The trip combines the restorative benefits of yoga, meditation and massage, with the cardio and excitement of skiing or snowboarding.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts launches Taste of Place, a new global initiative that features a curated collection of immersive culinary and beverage experiences, available only through Four Seasons, that invites guests and local gourmands to step “behind-the-scenes,” and take a look at diverse local culinary practices, traditions and experiences.

Cycling holidays aren't just about miles in the saddle. Freedom Treks reveals five tours on which travellers can experience something a little different: from pink flamingos and smoking volcanoes to the eerie castle of Count Dracula, plus, they can even swap their bike for a Viking boat.

Kailasha means 'Paradise of the Gods' and if you don't think the villa lives up to its name, let us convince you. Villa Kailasha is situated in Bali's fertile Tabanan region, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali's tourist traps. The villa charms effortlessly with its blend of modern and classic Balinese architecture, elegant interiors and fragrant tropical gardens. A blend of antique, modern and Dutch-colonial-inspired furnishings, colourful fabrics and prized artwork flank the villa's stylish contemporary-tropical interiors.

Qantas is set to add to its list of aviation firsts, with the national carrier confirming it will operate non-stop flights from Perth to London using the 787-9 Dreamliner. The 14,498 kilometre service will be the first regular passenger service to directly link Australia with Europe when it begins in March 2018. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the history-making route would be a watershed for travel, tourism and trade.

Whether you're longing for peace and quiet after frantic Christmas festivities, or ready to party like it's 1995 – a destination escape over New Year's is always a good idea. The TTC family of travel brands has a great selection of European holidays which depart after Christmas Day and set you up for a New Year's you'll never forget! 

The Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort has announced its program of sumptuous festive season dining and family events for December 19 to January 8. General Manager Pieter van der Hoeven describes it as a “relaxed but elegant” Christmas program. “Forget the dress code, enjoy the culinary offerings. The kids will never be bored. They'll make new friends. Parents will have plenty of private time. It's a real 'feet in the sand' Christmas experience.”