5 Places You Might Not Have Considered For Your 2015 Holiday

Split, Croatia

The best kept secret of the Croatian coastline, Split has the perfect balance of the traditional and the modern without the suffocating crowds that can often ruin even the best Mediterranean ports. This is the place to experience the Dalmatian coast as it really is – imbued with history and completely unique. A township which spirals outwardly from the World Heritage Site of the Diocletian’s palace, Split is like an ancient roman city transported into the midst of Croatia’s most gorgeous scenery.

It also has an absolutely ideal climate, with over 2,500 hours of sunlight brightening the city every single year. As if that wasn’t enough, recent renovation projects by the local government have made Split even more of an essential holiday spot – the old Riva Waterfront has replaced its concrete with marble, and the city is expanding like nowhere else on the Dalmatian coast.

Malawi

Affectionately termed ‘Beginner’s Africa Holiday’ by many veteran travellers, Malawi is massively diverse, but filled with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet on the continent. Malawi has the greatest range of highlands to be found anywhere in Africa – Mulanke Massif and Zomba Plateau being the most famous and revered.

However, in Malawi the rift valley is the absolute must-see, an epic river valley which extends well into Lake Malawi and beyond. If you want an exotic escape without treading firmly on the beaten track, then look no further.

Tulum, Mexico

Although Cancun gets all the attention (not to mention all the McDonalds restaurants you can possibly want), the Riviera Maya is where you want to visit if you want to experience the authentic side of Mexico while on holiday.

Awash with sea breezes, Tulum is a place for people bored of the rampant commercial interests ruining the finest destinations in Mexico. Ancient Mayan ruins, some impeccable resorts, and the greatest diversity of wildlife in the whole of the country make for an irresistible mix, and one you should take advantage at every opportunity. The temples of the Mayan people really are as astounding as holiday photographs make them out to be, and a cadre of dedicated tour guides on site provide indispensable knowledge and friendly advice to help you get the best out of the region.

Kotor, Montenegro

A population of just 25,000 resides in Kotor, but make no mistake – this is an extraordinary European port for a 2015 holiday. Situated in the most secluded section of the Boka Kotorska bay, the deepest natural fjord in the Mediterranean, Kotor isn’t just surrounded by scenery, but is part of it. Steep mountains tower over the main waterfront, creating a spectacular backdrop to a beautifully intimate township.

Not only is Kotor itself a grand port to explore, but short trips to the wider valley can reveal tiny villages, breath-taking mountain roads and well-hidden nature reserves. Europe receives millions of tourists a year, but you can guarantee many won’t be flocking to Kotor, and instead following the crowd to the central European titans. Kotor represents the best of both worlds – the historical wonders which makes Europe so beloved, without the stress.

Boston, Massachusetts

Why should New York get all the adoration? The Big Apple’s older, wiser, and infinitely more relaxing cousin has a lion’s share of history and a cutting-edge modern aesthetic to boot. A cosmopolitan mix of bars, restaurants and sightseeing, Boston is beginning to gather momentum as a real contender to the bright lights further down the coast. It’s undoubtedly one of the most influential cities in America – and the brilliant sightseeing reflects this. From the Museum of Fine Arts to the Boston Islands State Park, there’s enough discover here to keep even the most experienced of tourists in raptures.