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12 holiday ideas to make your 2023 a belter
We’ve crossed the halfway mark of the dreariest month of the year, hurray! It won’t be long before the days get longer and Spring is on the horizon. We all know how quickly 12 months can fly by – they won’t be around for long, but all the more reason to make them memorable. So, here are 12 holiday itinerary ideas to help you make 2023 a belter to remember.
Don’t forget, all of our holiday itineraries are just examples of what is possible. Every single holiday we design is completely tailormade to you, your interests and your bucket lists.
Are you…
Looking for fun for all the family?
If you’re short on time…
1. South African Cape Escape – 10 days
Why we love it
If you haven’t got too much time to spare, but still want a taste of the Rainbow Nation, this 10-day adventure through the Cape Region is a great way to get a real taste of South Africa. You’ll explore cosmopolitan Cape Town before heading down to the spectacular (and often underrated), Cape Peninsula. Of course, this itinerary also leaves time to indulge in the Winelands, before spending a couple of days relaxing on the beach at Paternoster.
Don’t miss…
When driving between Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, don’t miss Chapman’s Peak Drive. One of the best driving roads on earth, you’ll be pulling over around every corner to soak it all in.
2. Japan Express – 9 days
Why we love it
Japan has been off the holiday agenda for far too long, but now, it’s back! You could spend every single one of your holidays in Japan forever more and not even scratch the surface of this incredible country. However, if you are limited for time, this Japan Express holiday is the perfect introduction to the land of samurai, sushi and robots (with the help of the speedy bullet train, of course!) Following the ‘Golden Route’, you’ll spend 3 nights amidst Tokyo’s neon lights, a night at a traditional ryokan inn out in Hakone (keep your fingers crossed for a glimpse of the elusive Mount Fuji!), before finishing up ambling around ancient Kyoto.
Don’t miss…
Visit Kodaiji, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, for an early morning tea ceremony. Led by a tea master, this age-old tradition is hugely significant to Japanese culture. The experience is so popular, so be sure to let us know early if you want to take part!
3. Quick Escape to Machu Picchu – 9 days
Why we love it?
You might have to cross the Atlantic to get there, but with many direct flights every week, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a shorter trip to Peru – and tick a major player off the bucket list in the process. On this holiday you’ll take in the culinary delights of Lima, be charmed by the winding cobbled streets of Cusco, get a taste of real local life in the Sacred Valley, and take the train to the most iconic site of them all: the ancient terraces of Machu Picchu.
Don’t miss…
If you’re one for an adventure – and aren’t scared of getting soggy – factor in a white-water rafting adventure on your way to the Sacred Valley. You’ll never forget battling your way through the rapids against the backdrop of rolling Andean valleys. Magic.
When to go…
Between April and October
Chasing sandy toes?
4. Mauritian Explorer – 14 days
Why we love it?
Mauritius is such a special place. Whether you just want to while away the days with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in your hand, or get to grips with the local sites and cultures, this 14-day holiday offers a bit of everything. It’s a small island, so you won’t be spending too much time travelling about – which leaves more time for the good bits! Pristine white-sand beaches, beautiful water to snorkel in, delicious street food to sample and breathtaking mountains to explore inland, you can’t not love Mauritius.
Don’t miss…
Once you’ve had your fill of sandy toes, head to Black River Gorges National Park to explore the endless walking trails through forest peaks, waterfalls, crashing rivers and plummeting canyons. If you’re visiting between September and December, the park will be flowering, too!
When to go…
Between April and December
5. Sri Lanka and the Maldives – 14 days
Why we love it?
Who wouldn’t love a holiday that combines culture and wildlife, with delicious food and some of the most spectacular beaches on Earth? You’ll visit Sri Lanka’s great ancient cities of Sigiriya and Kandy, spot the wild elephants in Minneriya National Park, take the most beautiful train ride into the lush tea country and take a street food tour in Colombo. Relive your countless highlights whilst sipping on a fresh coconut, Robinson Crusoe style in the Maldives.
Don’t miss…
Climb Pidurangala Rock at sunrise for the most spectacular view over the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Seeming to grow from the surrounding jungle, this is a fairly easy hike with a serious reward at the top.
When to go…
This holiday can work all year round – the Christmas and Easter holidays can get particularly busy though!
If family fun is top of the bill…
6. Oman Family Holiday – 12 days
Why we love it?
Oman shouldn’t be overlooked as a family holiday destination. With some incredible beach resorts in Muscat to unwind at, desert dunes to play on, camel rides to psyche your bottoms up for and ancient mountain forts to adventure around, the whole family will love it.
Don’t miss…
If you’re travelling with energetic teenagers, canyoning in Oman will be the perfect way to keep them occupied (and tire them out!) Snake Gorge, in the heart of the Wadi Bani Khalid is a bit of an adventure haven. You can canyon, trek, swim, abseil, rock jump – this is the kind of activity that will tempt your kids into coming away with you for years to come.
When to go…
Best between October and April. Our summer months get hot, hot, hot!
7. Family Singapore and Borneo – 15 days
Why we love it?
Combining some time to adventure through one of the best cities on earth with Borneo orangutan encounters that you’ll be talking about forever more, and finishing up with some time on a tropical island beach… we think this holiday combo is a wonderful one for families.
Don’t miss…
You can’t come to Borneo without spending time with the orangutans making it to the top of your wishlist. Don’t miss a visit to the Sun Bear & Orangutan Conservation Centre. This amazing place works so hard to raise awareness and protect these amazing animals. You can even spend some time with Dr. (Hon) Wong Siew Te, who founded the centre, and learn all about the facility and their work – that’s better than any lesson in a class room!
When to go…
This holiday works all year round. It can get a little busier in their High Season, between May and September though.
8. Family Roadtrip – Canada – 14 days
Why we love it?
Canada is a country that just screams adventure. From the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, to the emerald lakes, the bear-filled forests and the whale-packed ocean. This family holiday takes in the very best of British Colombia (with plenty of adventures to be had along the way). Take a ride on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer, spot whales from Vancouver, canoe on the River of Golden Dreams and even take a pinch-yourself flight over the glaciers.
Don’t miss…
We defy you to introduce us to a kid who wouldn’t love to fly through the air on a zipline adventure. Whilst in Whistler, be sure to factor in some time to enjoy the original Whistler Ziplining Experience. You’ll fly along five ziplines and make your way across four treetop bridges.
When to go…
Between June and September
Wild about wildlife?
9. Undiscovered Costa Rica – 14 days
Why we love it?
This two-week Costa Rica adventure takes you away from the well-trodden tourist route, treating you to quieter trails, empty beaches and Costa Rica’s spectacular wildlife – with fewer people to share it all with. Sloths, toucans and 5% of the world’s biodiversity awaits. You’ll be visiting lesser-known areas, but you won’t be compromising on experience. Trade Monteverde for the Cloud Forest of San Ramon, head up to the north to explore Costa Rica’s most cultural region, Turrialba, before venturing down the coast to the isolated wildlife paradise of the Osa Peninsula.
Don’t miss…
Don’t miss a stay at the beautiful Pacuare Lodge – a lodge you can only get to by white water rafting: that’s the kind of entrance we like! What an adventure.
When to go…
This holiday is best between November and August (avoiding the rainy season!)
10. Classic Uganda – 10 days
Why we love it?
This 10-day trip takes in the highlights of amazing Uganda – and of course allows for multiple chances to come face to face with mountain gorilla and chimpanzee as you go. You’ll trek through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoy early morning game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and, finally, two nights in the Kibale Forest – where successful chimpanzee sightings linger around the 80-90% mark.
Don’t miss…
We love authentic, local experiences here at HA. So, don’t miss this Traditional Meal and Homestay experience: a fantastic chance to learn more about life in Uganda and sample the local food, all whilst staying with a host family. If you’re lucky you might be treated to a dance show by the local children at the end of the evening.
When to go…
All year round.
11. Wildlife of Ecuador and the Galapagos – 15 days
Why we love it?
Few combinations of destinations will give you access to this amount of nature, biodiversity, wildlife, varied landscape and experience. Spend some time in colonial Quito, venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon and last, but certainly not least, follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps with a cruise around the enchanting islands of the Galapagos. Blue-footed boobies, pink flamingos, cumbersome tortoises and playful sea lions will all be there to greet you. If you consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast, this is the holiday for you.
Don’t miss…
Taking in the nature, flora, and fauna is going to be top of the expectations when you visit the Amazon, but a visit to a local indigenous community is an experience not to be missed. Learn all about local life, the ancient crafts, traditions and customs that continue to this day. You may well be lucky enough to catch a local dance, too! Learning about these ancient communities is a really valuable way to spend an afternoon here.
When to go…
Anytime you like
12. Serengeti Great Migration – Tanzania – 9 days
Why we love it?
The Serengeti’s Great Migration is a phenomenon that needs no introduction. Every year, more than 1.5 million wildebeest make their way around a huge migration loop in search of greener pastures. This Tanzania holiday itinerary is perfectly designed to ensure you experience the very best of this natural spectacle. Nothing in nature is ever guaranteed, but by working with the very best guides in Tanzania, we’ll get you the most memorable sightings of the migration herds as possible. Heralded as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Natural World”, it’s an experience to add to the list!
Don’t miss…
Seeing the migration from the ground is pretty special. But seeing the hoards of animals dancing across the plains from above, is something else entirely. Don’t miss this sunrise hot air balloon flight over the plains for an experience you’ll never forget. Once you come back down to earth you’ll celebrate with a glass of bubbles and English breakfast under a tree. Breaky doesn’t get more special than that.
If you’ve got the time to give it, this South East Asia adventure will see you travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – and hitting all of the key spots as you go. There are simply too many highlights to list, but you’ll…
- Explore all three capitals
- Spend a day at the ancient temples of Angkor Wat
- Take it easy in the relaxed towns of Luang Prabang and Hoi An
- Trek with the hill tribes of Mai Chau
- Enjoy a bucket-list-worthy cruise on Ha Long Bay
- Float down the Mekong Delta from Vietnam into Cambodia.
So, there you have it – 12 holiday ideas to make this year an unforgettable one. Whether these float your boat or you have other ideas in mind, our team are busy designing holidays all over our incredible planet. Give us a call today on 01242 253 073 to chat about what could make your next holiday your best one ever.
