As 2011 comes to a close, many of us are already daydreaming about what next year’s holidays will bring; however, those dreams likely involve more exotic and exciting adventures than revisiting the same resort year after year. If you’re ready to discover a new city, country or even continent, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 destinations not to be missed in 2012, with something for everyone, whether it’s a city break, a holiday in the sun , a long haul or closer to home.
Oslo, Norway
If you want seasonal snow and winter temperatures as low as -20°C, Oslo is the city for you. From the stunning fjords to the ski jump at Holmenkollen, Oslo is packed with things to see and do. Winter snow creates the perfect conditions for sledding (and then warm up with a big cup of hot chocolate), or stroll down Karl Johansgate to see the Norwegian Royal Palace and shop.
Oslo doesn’t disappoint when it comes to culture either; The scene of Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium Trilogy”, part of the most popular literature of this decade, the city is also home to a museum dedicated to the painter Edvard Munch, creator of “The Scream” and one of Norway’s most famous sons.
The Carolinas – USA
If you’re considering a transatlantic voyage, the Carolinas aren’t necessarily the first place you’d think of going, but with its inimitable southern hospitality and laid-back atmosphere, this is truly a place to relax and appreciate life.
Cruise the boardwalks along North Carolina’s beautiful Cape Fear coast, enjoy incredible seafood, and discover the charming city of Wilmington (home of the TV dramas “Dawson’s Creek” and “One Tree Hill”) or travel to South Carolina to visit Charleston, steeped in history and named a Top City in the US by Conde Nast Traveler.
In addition to countless opportunities for sightseeing, both North Carolina and South Carolina have a variety of outlets, restaurants, bars, and lodging to suit every taste.
Fiji Islands – South West Pacific
Backpackers and luxury tourists are equally well suited to this beautiful group of islands, if you’re willing to venture a little further in search of somewhere less traveled and highly exotic.
Tourists can take a boat from the main island to the party islands of the Mamanucas, or to the coral islands, which take 30 minutes to walk. The world’s third-largest barrier reef at Kadavu is a popular dive spot to see manta rays, sharks, and beautiful coral formations, and Suva is known for its history, markets, and remnants of the British colonial empire, along with crowded government buildings. of bullets from the various recent hits
When it comes to hospitality, Fijians are among the friendliest people you could meet: they will welcome you with a “Bula” and half a coconut of the national drink, known as “Cava”.
Tenerife – Canary Islands
It’s not just for clubbers! Tenerife offers many attractions for the family, as well as the lively nightlife for which it is famous.
Outdoor days include Loro Parque, an animal adventure park featuring dolphin shows, theme park rides and animal habitats, including Planet Penguin, the largest replica of the Antarctic continent ever built. Tenerife is also home to Aqualand, the only Water Park and Dolphinarium in the Canary Islands with a great selection of slides, tunnels, play areas and pools, as well as a show with bottlenose dolphins.
For partygoers, the nightclubs of Verónicas and Starcos are among the most popular nightlife in Tenerife, and there are plenty of black and golden sand beaches to sunbathe and recuperate.
Ukraine-Eastern Europe
Recommended by Lonely Planet as one to see in 2012, historically this country has enough to keep you satisfied for more than a standard week of vacation, not least due to the recent revolutions of 2004 and the devastating aftermath of Chernobyl in 1986.
2012 will be a big year for Ukraine in sporting terms, as it will co-host Euro 2012 and is in the running for the 2018 Winter Olympics. For the less sporty, the popular Black Sea coast of the Crimean peninsula combines sun baths, tropical climates and mountainous landscapes.
