With only a few more days left until we ring in the New Year, we thought it would be a good time to check out some of the places that could be coach holidays hotspots in 2012. So if you’ve decided that one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to pack up your bags and see more of the world next year, this list could be a helpful resource for you. Obviously the world is a pretty big place so we’ve only picked a few but if there’s somewhere you’ve visited that you feel we’ve missed in our countdown, do get in touch and let us know…
UK
2012 is going to be a huge year for the UK with a multitude of events taking place
that’s certainly going to attract attention from across the world. The biggest event by far is London hosting of a major sporting event which many industry insiders hope will see an influx of international visitors to our shores. The country is also looking forward to the celebrations surrounding the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Events already planned include a special Flotilla along the Thames, Gala concerts, a Pageant, a variety of exhibitions and so much more. 2012 will also be the year that we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens in addition to the 100th anniversary of RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage. It’s not just these events that make the UK such a wonderful place to visit during 2012, we’ve also got fine architecture, stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, friendly people and an exciting history to be proud of. There are so many beautiful places to be discovered in England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland that you’ll be happy you found the time to explore more in 2012.
Jordan
Many holiday advisors are predicting that Jordan will be one of the destinations of choice in 2012 especially seeing as
next year it celebrates the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of Petra. The beautiful city of Petra is 2000 years old and is by far one of the most unforgettable sights in the Middle East with its rock-cut tombs and stunning temple facades. There’s lots more to discover here so take time out to walk the Siq, a long dramatic chasm that links the ancient city with the outside world. If you have the energy, hike to the High Place of Sacrifice and you’re guaranteed superb views and hidden tombs on the way back down. Explore the towering Royal Tombs, stare in awe at the Treasury, climb the many steps to the Monastery and don’t forget to visit Petra by night where you can soak up the lost atmosphere of Petra of the past!
Montenegro
This hidden gem of the Adriatic is growing in popularity mainly due to it being a lot cheaper to holiday here than
Croatia. Montenegro is a beach-lover’s paradise with its stunning coastline, mild climate and pretty seaside towns such as Stari Bar, Budva, Kotor and Herceg Novi to explore. For some winter skiing head to Durmitor National Park or for hiking, check out the beautiful mountains in Tara’s deep canyon.
Istanbul
Fans of the classic spy thriller ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’ will want to take Turkey tours in 2012 as the majority of the film’s action takes place through the backstreets and bazaars of Istanbul. The first thing you must check out when in Istanbul is its famous landmark, the Blue Mosque then take a glimpse at the sumptuous lives of sultans at the Topkapi Palace. Follow your nose to the delectable sights and smells of the Spice Bazaar or be seen at the ever-increasing array of bars, clubs and restaurants to spring up in the city.
Finland
According to NASA, the best Northern Lights for 50 years can be seen in 2012 in the remote town of Nellim in Finland
where there is little pollution and the Aurora can be seen in its purest form. Why not take advantage of holidays to Finland and hunt for this natural wonder using snowmobiles, husky-sleds, reindeer or even good old-fashioned snow-shoes to get up close to this phenomenon! Why not combine this natural wonder by exploring Finland’s other delights to include trendsetting Helsinki, the forest wilderness of Lemmenjoki or Oulanka National Parks, the lakelands of Mikkeli & Lappeenranta and not forgetting a visit to the home of Mr Santa Claus in Lapland.
Cambodia
Looking for a fabulous beach destination that offers something a little different from the other seaside resorts out there? You can’t go wrong with a trip to Cambodia as it’s rumoured to be the next big beach destination for 2012. Here’s your chance to discover the beautiful sights of the Far East with visits to Phnom-Penh, Angkor Watt and Siem Reap. Trek the nearby Bokor National Park, take an elephant ride through the jungles of Mondulkiri Province or spot the beautiful Mekong dolphins at Kratie.
Spain
With a new international airport opening in Murcia, the south of Spain will be even
more accessible to tourists in 2012. Spain has always been a favourite among holidaymakers but here’s an opportunity to discover parts of the country that you would normally ignore in favour of the popular tourist haunts in Costa Blanca and Valencia. You’ll soon discover that Murcia is the gem in Spain’s crown with its 250 km of beautiful coastline, known as La Costa Calida (Hot One), and over 3000 hours of sunshine, you’re guaranteed the perfect tan here! Make sure you take time in your holiday to visit the Cabo de Palos Lighthouse, Santa Maria Cathedral, experience one of the Semana Santa Processions and visit one of many Roman and Carthaginian sites.
Here’s just a few destinations that we think will be making it big in 2012. But is there somewhere you think we should include?