Holiday Ideas January

The annual wildebeest migration across the plains of the Masai Mara is perhaps the most phenomenal wildlife spectacle on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories. You are likely to see lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas shadowing the herds.

The exact timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. In June and August the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti.

Situated between Pakistan, China and Nepal, India is rich in culture, history and religion ready to explore. Cooler temperatures during October and March, allow comfortable travel to capture the sights and sounds of this vibrant country.

Serene Deserts, colourful cities and lush national parks are just some of the most spectacular sights of this country. Agra is home to The Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous and magnificent landmarks which dates back to 1643. Boasting the reminders of elegance and splendour of the Emperors that once ruled the country this is a truly magnificent sight to capture. Jaisalmer is the Desert City, with its huge fort which was built during the 12th century, it is the second oldest fort in Rhajisthan, attracting thousands of visitors each year. There is an abundance of wildlife for wildlife enthusiasts. Crocodiles and tigers live in Ranthambhor National Park.

Temperatures throughout January are comfortable to allow the opportunity to encounter what this country has to offer. There are a range of temperatures throughout the north and south of India in January, ranging from an average of 25 degrees in Goa to 15 degrees in Jaipur.

Cartagena de Indias on the north Colombian coast is without doubt the country’s most captivating city. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the most extensive series of fortifications in South America and is liberally littered with a wealth of colonial gems. Today its popularity has never been greater and in recent years has been the venue for the Cartagena Hay Festival, attracting some of today’s great writers from across the world. The programme is packed with inspirational speakers, writers and musicians. 2008 will hold the third edition of the festival.

The original Niagara Grape and Wine Festival first began in 1952 and alongside the Ice Wine Festival; there is also the Niagara Wine Festival which commences in February and the Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival in June.

The Niagara Ice Wine Festival, Niagara has been established since 1995, when the Icewine was recognised internationally as a world-class wine. Opened with a “Fire and Ice” Gala Evening, over 100 wines are presented to be sampled, making this event Canada’s largest public Icewine tasting. The 10 day event allows visitors to taste the sweet desert wine, obtained from the grapes freezing as they grow on the vines.

January 26th see Australia come together as a country to celebrate the country and being an Australian. This celebration has only been recognised as an annual holiday throughout all of the Australian states since 1994.

On the eve of the celebrations beginning, the Prime Minister acknowledges an Australian citizen with the award of Australian of the Year. This is awarded in order to recognise somebody who has displayed a “significant contribution for the Australian community and nation” and is an “inspirational role model for the Australian community.”

This public holiday was established to mark the arrival of the first British settlement, at Sydney Cove on Port Jackson in New South Wales by Captain Arthur Phillip, who later became the first Governor of Australia. The first official celebration took place in 1818, with further celebrations dating back to 1808.

Visitors travel to the country and the local people gather to watch the events unfold throughout the day. More than half of Perth’s’ population line the riverbanks to witness the spectacular Perth Lotterywest Skyworks display. Sydney plays host to the traditional ferry and colourful tall ship races, whilst surfers ride the waves of the harbour. Cricket matches and outdoor music concerts are played to celebrate this historical event.