1. Tallinn, Estonia - if you're more on a budget, take a city break! Europe is full of awesome cities, but why not choose one of the less well known ones? Visit Tallinn in Estonia, a city that won the Capital of Culture award in 2011. It's a very arty city, with rooftop cinemas and many art events year round. It's a university city, so students really make this place tick. You'll find hip cafés and pubs everywhere and a night's sleep will cost you from just €17 upwards. The fact it's by the seaside also gives it a really relaxed vibe, in contrast to the very historical old town.
2. Costa Rica - this tiny central American country is known for it's amazing nature. More than half the county is covered in forest and even though it's small, it has more than 60 national parks and reserves. In stark contrast to the lush greenery, you'll also find long, sandy beaches along both its coasts, which look like a dream. A return flight is around €1000 but Costa Rica is definitely worth an investment. Also visit the capital, San José, which is thriving with galleries, cafés and novelty shops. Music, art and entertainment are ripe on every corner of this beautiful city.
3. Greece - the colours of Greece's flag, blue and white, really reflect the colours of this beautiful country. Don't write Greece off because it's taken a financial hit. Visit Santorini or Mykonos and experience the bluest skies you've ever seen, against the white clay houses, little unique churches and the most beautiful beaches. On the coast of Greece, you'll also be able to find unspoilt little islands, which will undoubtedly make you wanna stay forever. On the mainland, Greece's capital Athens is actually making the most of the economic situation. Many new restaurants have sprung up and the Acropolis is still a must see, with its museum celebrating its sixth birthday already. A great getaway this year!
4. Tatra mountains, Slovakia - take a ski trip to a lesser known place this year. The Tatra mountains in Slovakia are perfect. Jasná is one of the more popular resorts in the lower Tatras, which provides new terrain for skiers and snowboarders at any level. The infrastructure has greatly improved in the last few years. The Freeride World Tour, World Snowboard Tour usually make a stop in the Tantras and the Alpine Skiing Junior World Champs were held here in 2014, which really put Jasná on the map. The best thing about skiing in Slovakia is that it's still much cheaper than France, Switzerland or Austria and flights from most European airports are a bargain! (from London Luton €20 one way)
5. Switzerland - probably the best European country to visit year round. It doesn't matter when you go, because you will always find beauty. Be it in the winter months, when you can watch the most breathtaking sunsets over the alps and ski down the perfectly prepared slopes, or during spring, when Swiss cities are awakening from hibernation. In summer, you can find many beautiful mountain lakes and take a swim in natural waters, after hiking through Switzerland's beautiful and untouched nature. In the autumn, you'll see the sun turn leaves golden and dip a whole country in colours you have never seen before. It'll cost you just a bit but visit Zurich, Zermatt or Geneva, to get three very different cities. Or take a road trip to experience the three cultures; the mediterranean Italian, diplomatic French and traditional German.
6. California - a huge state, worthy of a lot of your time. Two great cities that need to be on the to do list are LA and San Fransisco, where you'll live the full American life and see the backdrops of many movies. However, California has so much more to offer. Visit Yosemite, America's third national park, which opened in 1890. More than 1,200 square miles of valleys, meadows and waterfalls are protected by law and it really is a sight for sore eyes. There's so much to do from hiking or rafting to fishing and rock climbing. This year parks the 124th anniversary, which will also offer some great tours through the park. If you want to relax as part of your trip, go to Palm Springs. Among modern architecture and large amounts of palm trees, you'll find spas and retreats wherever you go. Or try Coachella Festival to take you back to the days of your youth and experience great music and American spirit.
7. South Africa - if you have time, visit one of the most diverse countries in the world - the home of the Rainbow Nation. It's a dream to take a road trip along the Garden Route, to see the African wildlife in all its variety: a safari like you've only seen it in a picture book. From wild monkeys, to Zebras or Elephants, the national parks in South Africa are so beautiful. Of course, Cape Town must be on the list of things to see. Table mountains, the Cape of Good Hope, the harbour, the football stadium, we could go on. Cape Town is renowned to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Also visit Mapugnubwe National Park, Johannesburg or hop over to Lesotho for even more natural beauty! Our favourite destination for this year!
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