Thursday 2 January 2014

2014 Travel Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! 

Two days into 2014 and the London sun is shining - that's got to be a good omen - and hopefully the year is starting how it means to go on as in a matter of days I'll be jetting down to New Zealand for the first time in 21 months. 


Aside from the jaunt to Aotearoa my year is a blank slate when it comes to travel - all I know is I have 4 weeks to spare and an extremely itchy pair of feet.


While I have no set plans a girl can still dream - so here is my travel wishlist for 2014...





Turkey Sailing

Stunning coastlines and cheap prices, Turkey is the new Croatia when it comes to European sailing holidays.

As Dalmatia grows in popularity and prices inevitably rise, the gulet sailing trip is looking like a winner.


Sun, sea and lazy days - bliss!

Photo by flickr.com/hbarrison
Photo by flickr.com/margoryjune


Group Travel

Russia, Morocco, Jordan - these three destinations are high up on my must-visit list, but there's a catch - I'd like to visit with an organised tour.

After the incredible experiences I had on tours in Egypt in 2011 and more recently in Bosnia, I believe certain locations are best experienced with local guide.


People have a lot of preconceptions about organised tours - most will be wrong - but nothing beats having a guide who can speak the local language, understands the customs and can give you a direct inroad into the country and  the culture.

Photo by flickr.com/fischerfotos
Morocco. Photo by flickr.com/bachmont
Russia. Photo by flickr.com/archer10
Petra, Jordan. Photo by flickr.com/archer10

Ireland

A little closer to home, I also dream of an Irish road trip in 2014.

It shames me to say in the last three year's of living in the UK I've only managed to make it to Belfast, so this year will be the one where I explore my adopted backyard.

Watch out Emerald Isles - I'm coming for you.

Photo by flickr.com/mrpattersonsir
Photo by flickr.com/michalo
Photo by flickr.com/atomicpuppy

15 comments:

  1. you are making me consider the group tour!! I'd love to go to Russia but find the thought of going without someone who knows what they are doing, a bit scary. Sort of like India, we took a tour because we weren't sure if we could enjoy ourselves and organise everything at the same time.

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  2. Yes! I have two friends who recently went to Russia - one alone, one with Travel Talk. The one who travelled alone had difficulty getting around and finding things to do, the one with the tour group had a blast!
    In Egypt and Bosnia it made a real difference. Our guides really helped us have a more authentic experience - you meet more people and see more of the country you are visiting then you would without an 'in' to the local culture.

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  3. I totally agree with all of your choices Kara! Turkey, Russia, Jordan and Morocco. You've made me think twice about tours - I think if you find the right type of tour that is more authentic with a local guide then it can certainly be an enriching experience.

    Have a fabulous time in New Zealand!!

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    1. Thanks :-D Getting nervous now - no idea why - Gah, I'm so going to cry at the airport!

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  4. I agree with you agree with you there are some destinations that are better explored on a tour and Jordan falls into this category. I'm super excited for you that you are heading home to NZ for a holiday, have a fabulous trip home xx

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    1. Thanks my dear - it's been far too long. It's going to be a food fest - Wendy's, pies and Burger Fuel

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  5. I would love to visit Russia one day, but I think I would do it with an organised group. Ireland is amazing!! I was just there for a week over Christmas and I miss it already. All the best for your 2014 travels!

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    1. Cheers Sammy :-) May your 2014 result in many a new passport stamp

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  6. I think tour groups are definitely the way to go in some countries. Have an amazing time in NZ, as if it's impossible not to!

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    1. :-D I can't wait for some sunshine & family time x

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  7. I also enjoy group tours when it comes to certain locations, particularly ones where I'm not entirely familiar with the language or cultural expectations. And I've been on two group tours and had an immensely wonderful time meeting other people who are as addicted to travel as I am. Your blog makes me wish I was living in Europe - it's so easy to travel from place to place! Being from Canada, when I want to travel I have to save, save, save and then take lots of time off in order to fly halfway across the world for my adventures. Maybe it's time to relocate for a little while! :) Happy 2014!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words! It certainly is easier to pop here and there for a break when you're in Europe - plus you get so much leave here! Another great thing with tours is you get to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time - great if you're on a tight schedule - with relative ease!

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  8. I think I need to talk to you about the tour thing - I'd love to know what the groups are like as I've been a bit scared they'd be big booze fests (I imagine all like a Contiki). And I'm old now too, being over 35 so I'm wary of being the weirdo of the group.

    I'd love to do a sailing holiday - Turkey does sound nice!!

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  9. an organized trip to Russia is a good option when you don't speak the language and esp. can't read the letters
    Moscow is also on my dream list

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  10. Russia, oh Russia it sounds wonderful. The trans-Siberian express would be amazing too.
    One day!

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