Germany: Get film-savvy in Berlin
Berlin is an amazing city to visit at any time of year, with vibrant nightlife pulsing through its veins and a world class selection of museums, galleries and guerilla clubs. In February, the Berlinale, one of the world’s leading film festivals, hits the capital, attracting some of the biggest names in cinema. From cutting-edge art-house specials to comic relief, there is something for everyone, and with screenings and cultural events all across the city, you’ll be overwhelmed with things to do. Even if you’re not game for buying tickets to the film events, the buzz is immense as all the clubs, bars and restaurants pump up what they have on offer. The festival runs from February 6-16. Return tickets to Berlin start at £56 from Ryanair.com.
UK: New Year’s Yoga on the Isle of Wight:
Your heart was in the right place when you made your resolutions but have you actually acted on them? We think probably not which is why we recommend that you get your arse in gear (and in shape too) with this yoga retreat on the Isle of Wight. It’s not too far to go but you’ll have an other-worldly experience of calm at the award-winning Nettlecombe Farm, which overlooks the sea from the rolling hills of the island. The rural weekend away includes yoga tuition in the farm’s underfloor-heated barn, accommodation and home-cooked vegetarian food. The weekend costs £280 per person and the first retreat takes place at the start of February.
Worldwide: Put it on your tab
If you’ve been struck by the travel bug but can’t scrape together the pennies to match then this website might be right up your street. Recently launched in the UK, My Tab allows friends and family to buy a travel giftcard, which can be used towards any or all of the trips you’re planning to take. They simply say how much they want to donate towards your adventure funds and you can do with it what you please. The website has thousands of options for flights and hotels so the world is your oyster with this one. And the best part is that the more people that use it, the better and cheaper deals they can negotiate, so get gabbing and tabbing and become one of the jet set today. It’s a much better gift than those socks your aunt promised she’d send for your birthday.
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Norway: A love-fest under the Northern Lights:
Valentine’s Day is on the horizon and we’re betting you’re completely stumped for what to do. However, you can let someone else do the hard work for you by making a booking with a tour company that specialises in romantic breaks away. This year, Simply Northern Lights is offering a lovey-dovey getaway in the Arctic North. By night you’ll snuggle up in glittery ice-carved hotels and cosy cabins deep in the woods. And by day you can try your hand at any number of snow sports, from skiing to dog sledding. All the while you can gaze up at the flickering Northern Lights from the hot tub outside your hotel. Word on the grapevine is that the Arctic north is currently experiencing the best conditions for viewing the breathtaking explosion of colours in the sky for 10 years, so get there quick! Packages including accommodation and flights start at £1,030.
Alaska: Grin and bear it
Follow in the footsteps of the BBC’s Great Bear Stakeout as you arrive by water plane deep in the wilderness and go on an Alaskan grizzly bear trailing holiday. Grizzlies are not to be messed with (just watch Grizzly Man, a film in which a photographer who thinks he has befriended the grizzlies ends up getting eaten by one – on camera), which is why you’ll be staying in an eco-lodge protected by electric fences. Luckily you’ll also be in the safe hands of an expert naturalist and wildlife photographer who will ensure that you get close to the bears while remaining un-eaten. The total cost of the 10-day wilderness adventure is £5999 per person, including flights, accommodation and meals.
Spain: Five-star bargains
If you’re dying to beat those January blues, book a trip with Inntravel, which is offering last-minute deals on hotels and travel in Spain.Travelling between Seville, Granada and Cordoba on a first-class train ticket, you will be put up in luxury five-and four-star hotels at hugely reduced prices. The cities are a vibrant mix of modern and traditional Spain and there’s a whole host of activities to do en route, from a romantic Caliphal dinner (think old-style exotic high-living) to olive oil tasting. The £810 package includes six nights of accommodation, some meals, a number of activities, first-class train travel and a welcome drink in each hotel. For more information check out The Splendours of Al-Andalus tour on inntravel.co.uk. Flights to Malaga start at £58 on Ryanair.com.
Are you planning your next big trip? Head over to TNT Tour Search for some incredible deals.
