After a year spent grounded, it's safe to say many of us have a lot of pent up wanderlust. No one knows this better than our travel experts, who have still been working on guides to the world’s most amazing places despite lockdown.
After a year spent grounded, it's safe to say many of us have a lot of pent up wanderlust. No one knows this better than our travel experts, who have still been working on guides to the world’s most amazing places despite lockdown. With so much time to make up for, we know that it can be difficult knowing where to start making future arrangements, so we asked our team to share their own plans for 2021.
And for endless travel inspiration, check out the ultimate trip planner Where to Go When, full of amazing ideas for every month of the year!
And for endless travel inspiration, check out the ultimate trip planner Where to Go When, full of amazing ideas for every month of the year!
The Silk Road
Maybe it was bingeing BBC’s Race Across the World during lockdown. Maybe it was working on DK’s Unforgettable Journeys. All I know for sure, is that I’m itching to travel along the ancient Silk Road across Central Asia. Perhaps I’ll cycle – seems ambitious for someone who only takes to the saddle on high days and holidays or maybe I’ll get behind the wheel. But more likely, I’d travel by train, trundling across Uzbekistan’s endless plains. Better yet, I’ll splash out on the Golden Eagle Luxury Train and travel from Beijing to Moscow in style, taking in the Gobi Desert, Samarkand and Darvaza Gas Crater along the way. I can’t wait.
Rebecca Flynn, Project Editor
Rebecca Flynn, Project Editor
Unforgettable Journeys
View BookAustria
It's safe to say moving from desk to sofa to bed and back again all year has its faults – and though we've all been "relaxing" (read: stuck to that sofa) for months on end, I want to indulge in some conscious relaxation. Enter the healing waters of Austria's mountainous resorts to cleanse my soul, lungs and toxins. Bad Gastein is where I need to be, soaking in the town's mineral-rich thermal baths, getting a massage at one of the spa hotels, watching skiers glide down the mountains and finishing off with a bit of apres ski. Because there's going to be no better time for self care (and partying) than 2021.
Zoë Rutland, Editor
Zoë Rutland, Editor
DK Austria
View BookCartagena, Colombia
I’ve spent this year dreaming about my post-pandemic travels and scrolling through Airbnb with a vengeance—with Colombia at the heart of my plans. From colorful colonial architecture to glamorous beachside spots, Cartagena seems like a vibrant antidote to this all-too-dreary year. I’ll dance in the streets, stroll around the historic city center, soak in the ample street art, and sip cocktails with a seaside view. And I’ve made sure to study up on Spanish, so once 2021 hits, I’ll be ready to order a round of arepas and cervezas—on repeat.
Lauren Paley, Marketing Manager
Lauren Paley, Marketing Manager
Slovenia
Reading about Slovenia is like reading about Europe’s greatest hits. There’s a very underrated ski scene, fantastic walking and cycling paths, the famous lakes (including Bled, of course) - so far, so France / Northern Italy. But there’s also fantastic Mediterranean beaches, mysterious Slavic caves, the cool eco-friendly city of Ljubljana and a foodie scene which - despite it’s Germanic origins - actually shows a Scandi-esque appreciation of using local produce, foraging and zero-carbon menus. In fact, Slovenia is 2021’s European Region of Gastronomy and it recently saw 7 of its restaurants receive their first Michelin Stars, including 2 stars for Ana Ros’ Hisa Franko (just watch the Chef's Table episode). The whole country also only takes 2 hours to cross - so it really does fit a lot into such a small space. Oh, and there’s orange wine too!
James Atkinson, Online Brand Manager
James Atkinson, Online Brand Manager
DK Slovenia
View BookIsrael and Jordan
In 2021 I’d like to visit the Middle East for the first time ever with a trip around Israel and Jordan. These countries are packed with bucket-list worthy experiences that promise to make up for the stagnation of 2020. A soak in the mineral-rich water of the Dead Sea sounds like the perfect tonic to ease the muscle pain caused by months of working at my poky bedroom-office desk. Of course, historical sites like the ‘Rose-Red City’ of Petra are a must-see, and more than anything I want to eat my way around Tel Aviv. Blessed with 300 days of sun per year, this beach city is filled with rooftop bars and trendy cafés and is well-known for it’s vegan friendly food scene.
Bella Talbot, Online Content Co-ordinator
Bella Talbot, Online Content Co-ordinator
DK Jerusalem, Israel and the Palestinian Territories
View BookWales
Funnily, the events of 2020 have made me scale down my travel plans for 2021. Not because of pandemic fears, but because the lockdown has made me appreciate how much amazing scenery and wildlife there is to discover a bit closer to home. I've also fallen back in love with cycling – now I'm doing it for fun, instead of commuting – which, together with working on Ride, has inspired me to cycle the length of Wales on the Lon Las Cymru. My legs turn to jelly just thinking about all of the hills and mountains, but the idea of spending days out on my bike, surrounded by beautiful countryside, is absolute bliss.
Elspeth Beidas, Project Editor
Elspeth Beidas, Project Editor
Ride
View BookCanada
For me, 2021 is no time to think small. Though our lovely little isle has its fair share of charm, I don’t fancy another summer of seagulls stealing my chips and picnics ruined by rain. I’m craving something different, and I’m craving something wild. Fingers crossed, I’ll be jetting off to the west side of Canada where I’ll spend my days hiking through national parks and hitting up the cool-kid city of Vancouver. Dreamy. If I’m feeling like I need a little luxury (and who would deny themselves a treat right now?), I’ll hop on the Rocky Mountaineer train and cruise through the epic alpine landscape, passing wide canyons, soaring peaks and hopefully a couple of bears. Pass me the prosecco and you’ve made my dreams come true.
Lucy Sara-Kelly, Editorial Assistant
Lucy Sara-Kelly, Editorial Assistant
DK Canada
View BookIreland
If anything is needed after 2020 it’s a good dose of craic washed down with a pint (or three) of Guinness. I’ve found myself fantasising about Ireland while I’ve been sitting at the desk in my flat for weeks on end, shuffling to and fro the kettle. I long to see endless green wilds and to feel the salty spray of the Atlantic. I’m desperate to lace up my walking boots again and gulp in fresh air and walk for hours and hours across the Emerald Isle. This is before heading for Dublin for a proper knees up with – I hope – live music (remember live music?). Fortunately, we’ve been working on an exciting series of city titles here at DK Eyewitness, coming to a bookshop near you in summer 2021. And oh ho ho, the Dublin book is chock-full of the coolest hangouts, cosiest pubs and best spots for a Sunday roast. Bring it on.
Lucy Richards, Senior Editor
Lucy Richards, Senior Editor
DK Ireland
View BookA European Tour of the Unexpected
Having spent time leafing wistfully through travel journals of old, replaying the backpacking trips I took in my 20s, there’s really only one thing I’m craving: spontaneity. There is something so appealing in piling stuff into my backpack and taking the train from St Pancras into Europe, with no pre-bookings in sight. One day I could be enjoying a beer in Brussels, the next lounging in the baths in Budapest. Sure, we’ve been living with the unknown for months, but this time it’ll be on my own terms – and with certain adventure around every corner.
Hollie Teague, Managing Editor
Hollie Teague, Managing Editor
DK Europe
View BookEverywhere!
Social or otherwise, isolation has been a big theme this year. But I also think the various lockdowns that have been enforced around the world have emphasized just how connected we all are. We’ve had virtual cocktail parties, movie nights, birthday bashes and zoom quizzes (no more, please!) with friends and family in all four corners of the globe. And that’s amazing. But there is a limit. Right now my dream trip would be a round the world ticket stopping off in all the places that my international pals call home. In Berlin I’d toast the arrival of a new family member; in Sweden I’d attend a crazy crayfish party and drink schnapps under the midnight sun; in Chile I’d visit an old friend and make up for lost time by creating new memories on wild and wonderful adventures. And I’d hug bloody everybody!
Danielle Watt, Project Editor
Danielle Watt, Project Editor
Where To Go When
View BookWhere will 2021 take you?
We love to hear what our readers are dreaming about. Share your 2021 travel plans with us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
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