Wednesday 2 December 2015

Best travel destinations

SRI LANKA: How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting - but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller. Pictured, Galle Fort Lighthouse.
SRI LANKA: How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting - but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller. Pictured, Galle

"Hong Kong are criticised for only being interested in business, but it's the only thing they've been allowed to do": Paul Theroux.

"Hong Kong are criticised for only being interested in business, but it's the only thing they've been 
allowed to do": Paul Theroux. Photo: iStock

ICELAND

With great deals to be had on trans-continental flights that stop over in Reykjavik, this cold little country is turning itself into a tourism hotspot. Most will visit to see its natural attractions, from the hot springs to its striking mountains and plains. What you don't hear enough about, however, is the arts scene, with some of world's best indie bands calling Reykjavik home.  
Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland.

ANTARCTICA

There's never a bad time to plan a trip to Antarctica. This is bucket-list stuff, the sort of journey you'll never forget. It's a cruise across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. It's that first sight of the world's coldest, most inhospitable continent; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; hearing the gunshot crack of calving glaciers; spotting whales and seabirds and seals from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now.  
Top of the market: Views over the Derwent from the Lenna Penthouses.
Taking a dip in the Antarctica is a rite of passage.

MARGARET RIVER

It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life.
Consider sharing a plate if you do not want to be overfed with giant size meals.

HONG KONG

You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good – although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
Impressive skyline: Central Hong Kong as viewed from Kowloon.

BRAZIL

A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties, with athletes and spectators from around the world descending upon its famed beaches, its samba clubs, its caipirinha-peddling kiosks and its buzzing streets in the name of sport and pleasure. You don't want to miss it.  
Basque delight: La Concha beach.

SPAIN

Any region of Spain, from Andalusia to Galicia to Catalunya, could easily entice you to visit the Iberian peninsula. However, in 2016 all the action will be in the Basque country, with the beachside town of San Sebastian being named Europe's City of Culture for the year. That means even more good food, even more festivals and events, and even more of an excuse to just wander the alleys of the city's old town soaking up one of the best destinations in the world.  
Recife is home to the country's most popular Carnival celebrations.


USA 

Yes, the Australian dollar has lost a lot of ground, which makes a holiday in the States a more expensive prospect than it once was. But this is still one of the world's great destinations, and in 2016 there's something special happening: a presidential election. This is more carnival than democratic process, a spectator sport as exciting as any football game, and one that will answer some very important questions. Will Hillary Clinton be the first female US president? Can Ben Carson really be in with a shot? Is Donald Trump being controlled by his hair? Be there to find out.
Inside Colonia's quirky El Drugstore cafe.

SARDINIA

Though perennially popular with Europe's mega-rich, this Italian island is in many places still a quiet, unpretentious, and relatively unspoiled destination for those hoping to enjoy Mediterranean paradise. From the charms of Cagliari to the history of Castelsardo, the stunning beauty of the Costa Smeralda to the rugged allure of Tempio Pausana, Sardinia is worth battling the odd Russian oligarch to see.

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