For those whose New Year’s resolutions involved travelling more, start the year with an adventure somewhere refreshing and exotic

Twinning in Sri Lanka & The Maldives

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that blends world-class relaxation, rich culture and breathtaking scenery, a twin-centre escape to Sri Lanka and the Maldives offers the best of both worlds. Begin your journey in Sri Lanka, a destination brimming with warmth and wonder. Explore the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle, wander tea plantations high in the Hill Country, spot elephants and leopards on safari, or simply unwind on the island’s golden beaches. With boutique hotels, characterful villas, and immersive local experiences,
Sri Lanka sets the scene for adventure, authenticity
and exciting discovery.

Then, just a short flight away, the Maldives invites you to slow down and sink into luxury.

Powder-white sands, turquoise lagoons, and exceptional resort hospitality create the perfect setting to relax after your Sri Lankan explorations. Whether you’re seeking an elegant overwater villa, award-winning dining, a serene spa, or a family-friendly island with activities for all ages, the Maldives completes the journey with effortless indulgence.

Angelfish Travel specialise in crafting tailor-made itineraries across the Indian Ocean. They take the time to understand what you love, your pace, style, interests and must-sees, all so they can design a seamless journey that feels truly yours. From choosing the right combination of regions in Sri Lanka to matching you with the perfect Maldivian resort, their first-hand knowledge ensures every detail is thoughtfully curated.To start planning your 2026 adventure, and begin your bespoke Sri Lanka & Maldives escape, contact Angelfish Travel on 01580 712 690 or visit angelfish.travel

Safari Exploration

Safaris offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see the world’s rarest creatures. It’s no wonder popularity is booming, with chances to observe some of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles like the Great Migration, where millions of zebras, wildebeest and gazelles search for water; countless flamingos flocking to Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, or big cats stealthily prowling the Maasai Mara.

Safaris have evolved massively, offering travellers many ways to experience amazing culture and diverse wildlife. Sweeping savannas of East Africa; dense forests of India; vast deserts of Namibia – today’s safaris cater to every level of curiosity, comfort and adventure and are more accessible than ever.

Luxury lodges provide comfort without compromising conservation, often supporting local communities and protecting endangered species. Meanwhile, budget-friendly camping safaris offer authentic experiences and a deeper immersion in nature.Options range from specialist expeditions, family-friendly journeys, solo trips and escorted tours, even remote off-grid adventures.

Canterbury based travel planning and personal concierge service, Bags Are Packed Travel, use local destination management specialists and top suppliers, to curate the perfect choice for your safari dream. Breathtaking animal encounters, cultural insight, or simply the serenity of untouched landscapes – diverse safari experiences promising memories that last a lifetime! Find out more at bagsarepackedtravel.co.uk

Thai Island Escape

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that feels truly special, there’s no better time to plan it than during Premier Travel’s BIG Travel Sale! With 2026 shaping up to be a year of unforgettable adventures, one destination continues to steal the spotlight – Thailand. Picture soft sandy beaches, emerald waters, lush rainforest, vibrant night markets and golden temples – a destination that offers something magical for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking pure relaxation, incredible food, cultural discovery or simply time to recharge, Thailand delivers a level of warmth, beauty and wellbeing that’s hard to match.

As they celebrate 90 years of travel expertise, their teams across the South are ready to help you turn that dream escape into reality. With first-hand knowledge of Thailand’s islands, cities, boutique retreats and family friendly resorts – plus the hidden gems you won’t find online – their travel specialists tailor every detail to your needs. Thanks to their long standing relationships with leading tour operators, they can also offer exclusive savings and added value perks you wouldn’t get booking independently. From choosing the perfect island escape to arranging temple tours, elephant friendly sanctuaries or unforgettable dining experiences, they will take care of everything so you can simply count down the days to paradise. If Thailand is calling you, now is the perfect moment to make it happen at premier-travel.co.uk

Chinese Adventure

China is a country where old seamlessly blends with new, offering far more than its impressive metropolitan skylines. From the wonder that is the Great Wall stretching over 4,000 miles across the nation, to the lush countryside surrounding the Li River and the snow-capped mountains in Yunnan, its landscapes are endlessly changing.

Spend time with the playful pandas in Chengdu where you will get a glimpse into their daily life and come face to face with the terracotta warriors in ancient Xian, experiences that show China really has something for everyone.

For those in search of more undiscovered corners, venture to the towering sandstone peaks in Zhangjiajie national park or immerse yourself in futuristic Chongqing, a city unlike anywhere else. Wherever you choose to explore, China will offer an unforgettable trip full of culture, incredible food, and breathtaking scenery.

Wendy Wu Tours offers a brand new 17-day adventure through China with their fully inclusive ‘New Horizons of China’ escorted tour. Venture through Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie and enjoy a cruise on the Yangtze River, see China at its most iconic. This tour includes international flights, accommodation, all meals, internal transfers, daily guiding, and excursions. For more information and to make a booking, contact your local Ashdown Travel branch or visit ashdowntravel.co.uk

Cuba, Revisited

Cuba is often imagined in snapshots – classic cars, colourful streets, music drifting into the warm evening air – but the real experience is quieter and more textured. In Havana, mornings begin with soft light on old balconies and neighbours talking across the street. Exploring at an easy pace reveals the city’s true character: small, family-run restaurants behind unmarked doors, working art studios, and restored townhouses that feel a world away from large commercial hotels.

Cuba rewards travellers who step beyond the big all-inclusive resorts. Beyond the capital, the landscape opens into the broad fields and limestone hills of Viñales. Life here moves slowly. Farmers share their craft without ceremony, and gentle walks or horseback rides take you through peaceful, unhurried countryside. A simple home-cooked meal on a shaded porch often becomes the moment you remember most.

Trinidad brings another shift in pace. Its cobbled streets and pastel houses aren’t curated; they’re lived in. Cuban rhythms come from family homes, children play in the squares, and the best way to experience the town is simply to wander, pause, and talk to people along the way.

There’s also a sense of timing: parts of Cuba are changing, and visiting now offers a chance to experience its traditions and everyday warmth before modern development inevitably reshapes some corners of the island. TRIPLA curates the “real Cuba” in a comfortable and elevated way – thoughtful stays, knowledgeable guides, and experiences grounded in genuine local life.

This is Cuba, curated the TRIPLA way – slow, soulful, and unforgettable. For more information or your bespoke itinerary contact
carsten.lund@hellotripla.com, call 020 3026 9936 or visit hellotripla.com

Arabian Winter Sun

See a different side of the Arabian Gulf this season. Nowhere does contrasts quite like the Arabian Gulf, with shining cities, breathtaking landscapes, and a cultural richness that turns sunshine escapes into something extraordinary. Blending the pace of modern cities with stunning desert dunes, the region is full of gems waiting to be discovered, like Abu Dhabi, a city where culture and calm coexist, and spectacular architecture and serene shores compete for your attention.

In Dubai, futuristic skylines rise above the beaches and bustling souks. There’s plenty for fans of luxury – but if you step outside the city, an entirely different world awaits. Celestyal Travel invites you to explore the Arabian Gulf with cruise-and-stay holidays that blend discovery with time for relaxation ashore.

And with average temperatures ranging from 22-25°C in January to 25-29°C in March, it’s the perfect way to bring some winter sun into your life. Starting in the region’s cities, explore new horizons, sailing to destinations like Sir Bani Yas Island, home to the Arabian Wildlife Park – a natural sanctuary where wildlife roams free. It’s packed with opportunities to adventure and discover, or relax on its miles of pristine shores, offering a glimpse of the region that few ever see.

With Celestyal Travel holidays, flights, transfers, hotel stays and cruises are all included, and Arabian Gulf packages start from £1,199pp. To see more of this incredible region, call the Celestyal Travel team on 0808 531 0811 or visit celestyaltravel.com


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