As this rollercoaster of a year is drawing to its end, I’ve been reflecting and reminiscing on some of my favourite trips over the past couple of years and dreaming up travel plans for the year to come. At the moment, it might not seem possible, but countries around the world are beginning to open their borders and welcome the return of tourists. Better still, you can guarantee that they, along with hotels, airlines and other transport systems, are doing it with a whole load of health and safety measures in place to help us feel comfortable in the fact that we can travel safely and return to something we enjoy so much. As soon as possible, I want to get straight back out into the world and there are a couple of places that immediately spring to my mind where I would love to return to this coming year. No far flung exotic destinations for me, for the time being I am happy to explore a little closer to home. This is my dream holiday list 2021.
This post is in collaboration with Hotels.com but all views are my own.
UK Staycations
Here in the UK, there is a wealth of possibilities! From the white sandy beaches of Cornwall to the rugged landscape of the Peak District, to picturesque Yorkshire fishing villages to the gently rolling hills and gardens of Kent. There are so many parts of this country I want to explore more of but I’d love to start the year off with a little city break in Oxford. For some reason I always seem to gravitate here in early March when the magnolia is in bloom! I usually just take a day trip though so I would love to book a night in the city and have time to explore more of the colleges and the historic parts of the city. Not to mention, all the locations they used as Harry Potter filming locations. Oxford has loads! Lord Humfrey’s Library, The Divinity School, New College Cloisters, Christ Church Dining Hall and many any more.
Brittany
I took my first visit to Brittany last year and fell head over heels in love with the region. To the point where I have been actively looking at houses in the region because I want to move there. Situated in the north west corner of France, Brittany is filled with stunning natural landscape and coastline, picture perfect ‘small cities of character’, world class cuisine and culture in abundance. Oh, and the best bit, it’s only a short ferry crossing away from Portsmouth or Poole so a super quick and easy place to escape to. I’m planning my trip for April already! If you want more inspiration on places to visit in the region, my post on the prettiest places in Brittany should have you covered.
Puglia
It is no secret how popular Italy is as a travel destination, and for very good reason! It has a wealth of charm and character, the food is INCREDIBLE, the people warm and friendly, the weather glorious. If I could only holiday in one country for the rest of my life it would be Italy. I adore Rome, we return here regularly and can’t get enough of the city. The Amalfi Coast is worthy of its great reputation across the globe, it’s unbelievably beautiful but personally I find it a little busy so would only recommend visiting out of main season. For me though, the jewel in Italy’s crown is Puglia. The heel of Italy’s boot. This once overlooked region is quickly becoming the go to destination so I would highly recommend you visit this region before it gets too popular on the tourist season. The rustic charm of this region will pull at the heart strings and I’m certain that you’ll leave wanting to return again. If this is a region that you are unfamiliar with then I’ve written a guide to all the best places to visit in Puglia to get you started.
Bohuslan Archipelago – Sweden
Last year I finally visited Sweden, a destination I had longed to go to for years and it made me fall for the way of life there. So slow, so intentional, I loved how connected they were to the world around them and to the quality of life they enjoy. It made me reevaluate my own life and look for ways to incorporate some of their simpler ways of living into my own daily routines. They really have sussed out the right balance! For me, travelling is all about immersing yourself in culture and I was honestly a little surprised when I left to travel back home, by how much I longed to explore more of this beautiful country. From the city life in Malmo to island hopping the Bohuslan Archipelago, I highly recommend a visit to Sweden to everyone and no holiday list for 2021 is complete without it.
Where have you got on your 2021 holiday list?
Okay, I definitely want to see more of Brittany on your blog. This is the best part of France in my opinion with such beautiful landscapes, town, food and lovely people. Normandy is quite similar and full of history.
Thank you! I definitely want to see more of it on here too!! We were supposed to have gone over for a couple of weeks in April but of course we had to postpone that so are now looking to go next spring instead. It is such a gorgeous part of the country and I agree, the best part in my opinion too 🙂 Yes, we got to visit a bit of Normandy as well and there were some wonderful places. I’ve got my google maps full of places I want to explore on my next trip, can’t wait!