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Jet Off in January: New Year's Travel Resolutions

By Jessica Whyte

Last updated: 12th January 2012

January is jumping around the world and what better way to escape the wet and windy British winter than to jet off in January and jazz up the start of your 2012?  Get going on a great gap year and grab a bargain break abroad.  Seek out some of the most exciting events across the globe and put your New Year’s travel resolutions to the test with some top trips overseas.

Don’t be all doom and gloom in the dismal British weather, make the season sparkle with some serious snow-based fun in sensational hotspots.  One of the planet’s most popular winter events is the weird and wonderful Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in the big chill of China.  The festival boasts some of the largest and most spectacular ice sculptures you’ll have ever seen!  With palaces, statues and even a replica Great Wall of China made of ice, you’ll marvel at the ice magic on offer in Harbin.  The snowy scene is all lit up with sensational light and colour, and it really is a sight for sore eyes; you can even slide on the sculptures for a sledging experience you’ll never forget!

There’s some serious competition to be the top icy international destination and Canada is hot on the heels of China in the snow stakes.  Not to be outdone by Harbin’s spectacular sculptures, Canada holds its own annual Ice Magic festival in Banff on the last two weekends of January.  With some incredible ice sculptures and full-on frozen fun, this magical ice fest is Rocky Mountain-tastic!

For sports fans, January brings some tense competition Down Under as the yearly Australian Open tennis tournament kicks off in Melbourne, Australia.  See if it’s game, set and match for Andy Murray, as he tries to prove he’s got what it takes to take on Federer, Nadal and Djokovic in this annual sporting epic.  Or follow the route of the famous Dakar Rally across stunning South America and end up in the perfect Peruvian paradise for a spot of poncho and panpipe action.  This off-road racing extravaganza is a test of endurance with thrilling excitement and energy thrown in.

Why stay at home and catch the sniffles when you can kick off your New Year in style at a top international event?  From frozen festivals to sport sensations make January a month to remember.  Seize a last minute bargain in the January sales with some serious travel discounts and jet off abroad today!

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