January can be tough. Those 6am wake-up calls after weeks of Christmas lie-ins are a shock to the system. The inevitable post-festive abstinence feels a bit demoralising. And the weather? Cold, wet and miserable - almost guaranteed.
But there’s one thing that always gets me through January and puts a smile on my face; the thought of travels planned for the year ahead. The one resolution I make every year is to travel even more than I did the year before. It’s a resolution that’s actually fun and exciting to achieve!
So what travel experiences am I looking forward to in 2026?
NEPAL AND BHUTAN
I’ll be heading back to Bhutan. I’ve been before when I trekked to Jhomolhari Base Camp, but this trip will take me deeper into this remarkable country. I’ll be travelling through hidden valleys, discovering pristine landscapes, immersing myself in Bhutan’s fascinating culture and savouring the remote isolation that makes this kingdom so special. From there, I’ll continue to Nepal - from the bustling energy of Kathmandu to the rich jungles of Chitwan National Park.
On SAFARI
I’ll also be experiencing the thunderous Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most spectacular sights where the Zambezi River crashes over sheer cliffs onto the rocks below. Afterwards, I’ll head on safari to Botswana, splitting my time between Chobe National Park - famous for its massive elephant herds - and the floodplains and waterways of the Okavango Delta. I’ll be staying on Chief’s Island in the exclusive Mombo concession, a fertile, verdant land in the Moremi Game Reserve that draws an extraordinary range of wildlife.
Heading to Indonesia
One thing that is still unticked on my travel bucket list is seeing with my own eyes Borobudur. So finally, I am going to make this dream a reality with a trip to Indonesia to see the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
I will then head to the island of Sumba to indulge in a stay at one of the fabulous resorts, where I will swim with the Sumba sea horses, explore uncharted waterfalls, stand-up paddle board on rivers that wind through picturesque local villages and watch world class surfers ride the world’s most coveted waves.
Travelling vicariously…
….Through many client trips. Japan is proving popular and there is nothing I like better than sending clients on a similar path as the one I took on my own fabulous journey in this fascinating country.
I will be creating lots of happy memories in intoxicating India and showing clients the diversity of China, the laid back charms of Laos and the beauty of Sri Lanka.
Whilst one adventurous couple will be traveling through Chile from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia before sailing to Antarctica.
Another couple will get a chance to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, before uncovering the mysteries of this exotic and fascinating country. Whilst others will be enjoying vibrant Casco Viejo, the UNESCO old town of Panama City before a VIP visit to the Panama Canal and on to Costa Rica.
Where will 2026 take you?
I certainly urge you to get your travel plans for the year ahead in progress as it’s a great antidote to the January blues! If you’d like some ideas on what to do and where to go this coming year then please do get in touch and let’s get some of your travel bucket list ticked off.