With Christmas over, the next big thing is working out where you'll be travelling in 2015. Will you be crossing something off your bucket list, trying something new or going back to the same place that you know you love and adore? If you need a little help deciding, here are some gems that we've noticed in the January sales that might just get your travelling juices going...
See Europe in the New Year
With so much culture and great food and wine on our doorstep it seems mad not to explore further, and the beauty of doing this by train is that you'll arrive right there, in the middle of your destination, and not miles out of town at an airport. If you need any more persuading, Eurostar, the high-speed passenger rail service linking the UK with mainland Europe, is launching an express sale from 2nd -- 14th January with three amazing offers for new year getaways:
1. 150,000 seats available at £59 return for standard travel from London, Ashford or Ebbsfleet to Paris, Brussels, Lille or Calais.
2. Enjoy a light meal onboard in more spacious surroundings with travel in Standard Premier from just £159 return. 3. Travel to any Belgian station including Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp at £69 return in Standard class or £166 return in Standard Premier. You'll need to be travelling between 19th January and 25th March 2015, which makes it perfect for a break to take your mind off the worst of the winter months. Just think; you could be perusing the Louvre in Paris, chocolate tasting in Brussels, or pottering around historical Bruges.Visit those relatives down under...(at last!)
If you've been promising to visit Great Aunt Gertie out in Oz for years but never gotten around to it, free stopovers in the Austravel Sale might just convince you that 2015 is the year to go. The Austravel sale is offering free stopovers on bookings which mean that you not only break up your journey but you'll also get two destinations for the price of one.
You'll need to book before 2nd February 2015 to get your free two night stopover and you can choose from Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland, Cairns and Adelaide. Normally, these stopovers can add a hefty extra few hundred pounds onto the price of your holiday so this really is a good deal.
Health-orientated holiday deals
If you've decided that 2015 is the year you're going to get fitter, eat better and generally be more healthy, then think about taking a wellbeing holiday that will support you in reaching your fitness goals, detoxing or even just relaxing with spa treatments with some gentle pampering.
The Healthy Holiday Company has a number of special New Year deals at resorts that will help kickstart and support your healthy intentions such as a health, fitness and detox retreat based at Le Palais Paysan, Marrakech, departing 28 January 2015. 7 nights available from £1,795pp (was £2,145pp) based on 2 sharing a Deluxe Double on an all-inclusive basis, including flights and transfers.
Hosted at Le Palais Paysan, the in:spa programme includes daily fitness sessions, including hiking and jogging along nearby routes, as well as daily yoga lessons to stretch tired muscles. In:spa experts will be on hand to offer fitness advice and give nutritional consultations, as well as personalised meal plans to ensure guests can continue their healthy lifestyle at home. There is also plenty of opportunity to relax in the Jacuzzi or take a dip in the in the infinity-edged swimming pool overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
Make your long haul dream come true
Long haul specialists Hayes and Jarvis's sale runs until 2nd February and includes destinations as diverse as Antigua and Bangkok, with the possibility of saving up to £900 per person, as well as bonuses like extra nights, upgrade and early booking discounts. One example is the chance to explore Sri Lanka with a private tour - you'll experience the beautiful scenery and fascinating culture of Sri Lanka on a seven-night Classic Ceylon tour from £995 per person making a saving of £278 each. The itinerary takes you through Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, flying from Gatwick with Emirates.
Book your summer sun
You can save up to £1919 per couple with Sovereigns Holidays on a seven night stay at the five star Jumeirah Port Soller hotel in Majorca, with prices from £1,475 per person. Included in the price is seven nights in a Superior Mountain View room, a free half board upgrade, one free night, a bottle of champagne, UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from Birmingham with Thomas Cook.
If you're travelling as a family, you can save up to £768 per family of three on a seven night holiday to the five star Blue & Green The Lake Spa Resort in the Algarve on a B&B basis, with prices starting at £2,215 per family of three. The price includes seven nights in a Deluxe Garden View room, 70 Euros hotel credit per room, one free child place, a bottle of sparkling wine for adults and free ice cream for children, UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet. Drinks will also be included with any half board or full board upgrade.
Do note, each company will have their own terms and conditions and prices indicated will vary depending on your choice of destination, time of travel, airports and number of passengers. But, shop wisely now and you can sit back, relax and look forward to a great holiday with that little extra to spend.
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Written by Paula Gardner. Paula is a travel writer and blogger at Soothed in the City. Paula's passion is mindful travel, using as many senses as possible to deepen the travel experience. She loves street markets, learning how to cook regional food, trying local wines, and chilling at pampering spas. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Top