Travel calendar 2011

Maldives beach

Maldives beach, iStockphoto / Thinkstock

JANUARY

Follow the action: Shetland Isles, UK

Embrace the winter solstice on the wildly beautiful Shetland Isles. They are alight with fire and festivity from the last Tuesday in January until March. Up Helly Aa is the main event with torch-bearing Viking warriors marching through Lerwick before lighting a replica longship. If that doesn’t warm you up, head to a late night party for a dram of whiskey.

Take it easy: Maldives, Indian Ocean

Relax and rejuvenate ready for the year ahead with a secluded stay at a luxury spa resort in the Maldives. There are endless coral islands to choose from in this Indian Ocean paradise, each with soft white sands, calm lagoons and diving reefs. Perfect for soaking up the 30°C (86°F) sunshine.

FEBRUARY

Follow the action: Winterlude in Ottawa, Canada

A perfect time to get a group together and go where people know how to make the most of winter conditions. Winterlude (4 – 21 February) is held across Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, and is packed with sports events, culture and music. Children will love the magical Snowflake kingdom. Try your moves on the Rideau Canal Skateway – the world’s largest ice rink.

Death Valley National Park, USA
Death Valley National Park, USA, Hemera / Thinkstock

Take it easy: Death Valley, California, USA

All is deadly quiet and comfortably warm (22°C / 72°F) within the starkly beautiful Death Valley National Park. Hire a four-wheel drive to explore rock formations like Devil’s Golf Course, and the gold rush ghost towns. There’s relaxing accommodation within the park so you can lounge on a front porch, soak up the Old West vibes and contemplate the sunburnt vistas.

MARCH

Follow the action: Salvador, Brazil

Put your inhibitions aside and soak up Salvador’s mix of African and Brazilian culture during its carnival month (3 – 8 March). Streets are packed with dancing and trucks blaring out rhythmic beats, while private parties overlook the action from buildings above. Leave time to explore the historic Pelourinho area and the lively beach districts.

Take it easy: Azores, Portugal

Take advantage of the Azores’ maritime climate and experience island life with average temperatures of 17°C (63°F). The nine volcanic islands are quieter in spring but no less enjoyable. There’s an abundance of water sports to choose from, while the blooming flowers, rock formations and juniper forests invite leisurely exploration.

APRIL

London, UK
London, UK, iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Follow the action: London, UK

Dodging the April showers will be worth it when London becomes the centre of patriotic celebrations for Prince William’s wedding. A special bank holiday weekend starts on 29 April, so experience the city while it’s awash in pageantry, parties and late-license beer.

Take it easy: Crete, Greece

April is a special time to be on a Greek Island. Wildflowers are everywhere, village life starts to buzz and temperatures of 16°C (61°F) are perfect for sightseeing, walking and cycling. The month culminates with Easter Orthodox ceremonies before Easter Sunday (24 April), followed by feasting with family and friends.

MAY

Follow the action: Brighton, UK

Brighton has nightlife to rival the nearby capital but with the advantage of a spacious setting on the South Downs coast. Go in May to take advantage of England’s largest arts festival (7 - 29 May), which draws performers from around the world. If you overdose on culture try some retail therapy in the cobbled Lanes area.

Take it easy: Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Head up high and away from the bustling bazaars of Marrakech with a walking tour in the nearby Atlas Mountains. Exotic butterflies flit along walking trails that give way to breathtaking views. Temperatures reach a comfortable 24°C (75°F) and exploring this area provides a fascinating glimpse into Berber village life.

JUNE

Hawaii beach
Hawaii beach, Hemera / Thinkstock

Take it easy: Oahu, Hawaii

June to October is a warmer, drier period for Hawaii so go at the start of the season to bag a good deal. The island of Oahu boasts stunning resorts like Turtle Bay where the North Shore provides the perfect backdrop for chilling in a beachside bungalow.

Follow the action: Valencia, Spain

The motoring crowd descend on sunny Valencia this month for the European Grand Prix. If speed’s not your thing then the Costa Blanca city has plenty more to entice. Tuck into seafood paella on the Las Arenas beachfront, breathe in rose perfume at the old palace gardens, or stay up late in the Barrio del Carman district.

JULY

Follow the action: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Join the rum-fuelled revellers amidst the palms of the Malecón Boulevard during Santo Domingo’s Merengue Festival. Tropical feel-good grooves pump out from amateur DJ sound systems and live bands play to huge crowds. The Caribbean city also has plenty of New World history, plus bars and restaurants to enjoy in its Colonial Zone.

Take it easy: Corsica, France

The heady mid-summer months are the perfect time for romance so follow in the passionate footsteps of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who favoured the rugged Mediterranean beauty of Corsica. The island has a dramatic coastal road, tranquil mountain villages and tastefully glamorous St Florent - where the rich moor their yachts. Catch the music festivals in Calvi while you’re there.

AUGUST

Follow the action: Isle of Wight, UK

The biggest sailing regatta in the world is hosted by the Isle of Wight during the height of British summer this month. The charming town of Cowes and its nearby Channel waters are abuzz with sailing competitors from 6 – 13 August. The island has many areas of outstanding natural beauty if you tire of harbourside action.

Take it easy: Sierra de Gredos, Spain

Escape sticky cities and sweaty beaches with a trip into the alpine beauty of Sierra de Gredos in central Spain. It’s perfect horse riding country with valleys, lavender hillsides and highland pastures, interspersed by cool running rivers, waterfalls and lagoons. You won’t miss out on the Mediterranean sun either with temperatures around 25°C (77°F).

SEPTEMBER

Venice canals, Italy
Venice canals, Italy, Creative Commons / Alaskan Dude

Follow the action: Venice, Italy

Enjoy cinema in atmospheric of settings when Venice hosts its annual international film festival until 10 September. The event centres round the art deco Palazzo del Cinema and lures some additional Hollywood glamour. The city’s grand waterways are also filled with colour during the Regatta Storica (5 September) when Venetians dress up in mediaeval garb and race their gondolas.

Take it easy: New Hampshire, USA

Time to follow the Appalachian Trail into the White Mountain National Forest. There are numerous camping grounds and rustic cabins to choose from so you can stay deep in the woods. Vivid autumn foliage will be everywhere but you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for the American Moose and the Black Bear.

OCTOBER

Follow the action: New Zealand

Lucky ticket holders will be in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup final this month. The home of the All Blacks promises a fantastic tournament. Matches will be played up and down the South and North Islands, showcasing the country’s epic and varied scenery, not to mention the delicious beer and wine, hearty grub and fusion cuisine.

Take it easy: Kyoto, Japan

Connect to your spiritual side and spend time in the ancient temples and shrines of rural Kyoto, Japan. The mountainous area east of the city is at its most beautiful as the leaves of the Japanese maple tree turn to gold. After communing with nature keep it tranquil by staying in a nearby retreat.

NOVEMBER

Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne, Australia, iStockphoto / Thinkstock

Follow the action: Melbourne, Australia

There’s plenty to impress even the most jaded urbanite within Melbourne’s super eclectic neighbourhoods of Fitzroy, St Kilda and Carlton. If you’re in town on 1 November take the opportunity to see world class horse racing Aussie-style. The Melbourne Cup at Flemington racecourse has the nation gripped, especially Melbournians who get the day off to soak up the atmosphere.

Take it easy: The Gambia, Western Africa

Head to The Gambia for the start of its summer season. It’s only six hours away from the UK and won’t make a huge dent in your pre-Christmas wallet. Split your time between a hammock on Leybato beach, a boat trip up the River Gambia, and a guided tour of the Makasutu Culture Forest.

DECEMBER

Follow the action: Vienna, Austria

Get swept up in the romantic atmosphere of Vienna at Christmas. Stroll around the open-air markets selling warm punch, roasted chestnuts and candied fruits then make a detour into the enchanting Rathaus Park, which is decorated like a fairytale scene. Evening time is filled with symphonies swirling around grand venues like the baroque Orangerie Schönbrunn.

Take it easy: Cayman Islands, Caribbean

Make it a Caribbean Christmas under a summer sun that heats up to 83°F (28°C). The Cayman Islands really come alive during the festive season, with church concerts, beach parties, sorrel drinks, and locals competing to have the whitest, sandiest yard on Christmas morning.