Where you should travel every month of 2017

January – We are already halfway through January, so spend the rest of the month relaxing, saving money and planning the year ahead. It could be a busy one.

February – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (24^th onwards)

Christmas and new year are over and it’s time to get some much needed sunlight. Join over 500,000 foreign visitors and experience the Rio Carnival for the biggest celebration of the year. This is the best time to see Brazil in all its glory and experience the vibrant culture. Plus, here’s a chance to get to know the history of South America. The music played throughout will be Samba, which originates from the African slaves who were brought to Brazil in the 17^th Century. From this dark past has emerged an incredible celebration of life, making Rio the place to be in February.

March – Graz, Austria (14^th-25^th)

For a truly action packed winter adventure, visit Austria for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. This will involve being in one of the world’s most beautiful and unspoiled city, whilst supporting a truly inspiring event. Starting in 1968, the Special Olympics World Games has helped raise the profile of those with intellectual disabilities. With less fame and media attention than the Olympics, hotels and flights will remain reasonably priced. Austria has always been the number one destination for skiing and other winter sports, but being able to watch world class athletes brings a new thrill to your holiday.

April – The Caribbean

The Caribbean contains a huge number of islands and would need a whole article in itself to guide travellers as to which one to visit. However, consider taking a trip to this area of the world in April. Many nomads will chase summer all year, meaning that they reserve the Caribbean for November to March. As the weather warms up in southern Europe and North America, these places become popular destinations. Instead of following the crowd, consider the Caribbean in April for a cheaper, quieter and ultimately more relaxing getaway.

May – Jerusalem, Israel (14^th)

69 years ago, Israel was founded as a new country on the 14^th May, 1948. Whilst this remains an incredibly controversial and divisive issue, there is no doubting the historical significance of this event. For the religious traveller, this could be a deeply spiritual journey. However, Israel is a safe and fascinating country that can appeal to a vast number of people. Travel to Tel Aviv and experience a nightlife to rival any European city.

June – Trout Lake, Canada (21^st-27^th)

In 2017, Canada turns 150. In 1867, British colonies united into the Confederation of Canada that we know today. And June is the month to join the celebrations. Trout Lake in British Columbia is holding a number of festivals and events welcoming the occasion, including National Aboriginal Day (21^st), Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (24^th) and Canadian Multiculturalism Day (27^th). This area of extraordinary natural beauty will connect you to the outdoors and reinstall your love of camping, community and campfires. Extend your stay until July 1^st for Canada Day celebrations.

July – Nairobi, Kenya

In December 2016, both giraffes and cheetahs were added to a list of endangered animals, close to extinction, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). If you want to be able to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat, perhaps this is the year to do it. Kenya is home to the world’s greatest beasts such elephants, rhinos, hippos, lions, giraffes and cheetahs. And in Nairobi, it’s possible to visit “Giraffe Manor” where you can see the magnificent creatures up close. July is the start of the dry season, so you’ll have the best chance to see animals, as they stay in concentrated groups around the limited water holes and begin their great migration.

August – Nebraska, USA (21^st)

Forget New York and Disney World this year. Instead experience the USA’s first total solar eclipse in 26 years, happening on 21^st August 2017. Nebraska represents “real America”; a vast and beautiful plane in the Midwest. If it suits you better, consider Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, North and South Carolina or Georgia. Any of these states represent the best chance of experiencing the eclipse. Leave Florida and California for another year. Visiting Grand Island, Nebraska, will give you the longest viewing time of a total eclipse, a total of 2 minutes and 34 seconds. Travelling across the Atlantic for 2 and a half minutes of action might not seem worth it, but the miles of incredible wilderness and hospitable locals will make the trip a unique adventure that will create memories lasting a lifetime.

September – Reykjavik, Iceland

Sticking to the celestial theme, September might be the perfect time to see the northern lights. At this time of year, Iceland is a little warmer so it is more accommodating to the average traveller. However, it is outside of peak tourist season so you’re likely to get great deals on flights and hotels. Arrive in Reykjavik, but head north to get the best views of the sublimely beautiful northern lights. Iceland’s popularity as a tourist destination has soured recently, due to being both accessible and yet enchanting and exotic. Visit in 2017 while it’s still relatively new as a tourist hotspot.

October – Goa, India (19^th-24^th)

2017 has been designated as a year of cultural exchange between the UK and India, so what better time is there to visit? The festival of Diwali is a huge celebration – think fireworks and great food. In Goa, this is also a time to celebrate Lord Krishna defeating the evil demon king Narkasur. This means building huge monsters and parties in the streets. Goa is a popular and stunning destination, but October the place really comes to life.

November – St Petersburg Russia (4^th onwards)

Since the Russian Revolution (November 6^th 1917), the enormous country is experiencing increased tourism due to its complex and fascinating history. On the 100^th anniversary of Lenin’s uprising, experience this brilliant and intriguing culture. On November 4^th, Russians celebrate Unity Day as a national holiday. This gives visitors a chance to join local’s in exploring and celebrating the nation’s history. 100 years ago to the month, the aristocratic tsars of St Petersburg fell from power, leaving only imperial palaces and magnificent canals.

December – Cologne, Germany (all month until December 23^rd)

Due to the terrorist attacks at Berlin’s Christmas markets in 2016, Germany may be needing tourism more than ever this year, as travellers avoid visiting. As the inventor of Christmas as we know it, Germany provides a truly magical and authentic Christmas suitable for all ages. Cologne transforms into a winter wonderland this time of year, covered in snow and the most beautiful Christmas lights. The markets provide visitors the chance to purchase handmade and unique gifts for their friends and family. Furthermore, at barely a 2 hour flight from any UK airport, travellers are never far from their family and this is a cheaper option at an otherwise expensive time of year.

Yorkshire Spirit: The Rise of Craft Alcohol

In August 2016, Stancill Brewery pioneered Sheffield’s first craft lager. This is just one example of how the craft alcohol industry in the UK has boomed in recent years.

In 2015 alone, the craft beer industry grew a total of 13%. Sheffield is now branded the “real ale capital of the world”. Steel City is now home to 57 independent breweries – 31 of which opened within the last five years.

But what explains this growth in the popularity of craft? What does this trend say about the changing culture of Yorkshire and the UK in general?

There is no limit to the range and diversity of craft ales, beers and lagers, that are now available from any high street supermarket.

For example, Five Wiers is a particularly fruity 4.0% from the House of Steel brewery, a reference to the industrial history of Sheffield. The label is basic, with a handmade feel. The text on the back of the bottle describes the city as containing “a plentiful supply of good brewing water and a thirsty, hard-working industrial workforce”.

The water is certainly a factor. According to Stancill’s website, the Peak District offers water that is “beautifully pure and soft”. Five Weirs, then, along with other leading craft beers from Yorkshire, combines the beauty and poetry of the English countryside, with the hard grit and manual labour that built this city.

Why Craft?

Craft beer unites all generations around values of small, local produce, that is ethical and passionate.

This can be seen as a return to the “good old days”, as well as a youthful rebellion against the commercialisation of Britain.

The IKEA Effect may also help explain the growing attraction for homemade alcohol. This is the cognitive bias that many people have towards the things that they have created themselves. For instance, a wardrobe bought from IKEA is not only a cheap and decent quality item, but it is also built by the buyer who feels a sense of achievement. This occurs even when the product has been badly constructed.

Similarly, craft beer is locally sourced and produced, helping buyers feel a genuine connection to the product. Pride of Sheffield may be a little pricier than your Carlsberg or your Foster’s, but it has a taste of home for the residents of South Yorkshire.

Wellbeing not Hedonism

For many, this represents a departure from the traditional British style of drinking.

As we enter the new year, it seems that the whole country has been having a few too many, leaving trails of vomit in the city streets. But craft beverages value quality over quantity and authentic experiences over material possessions.

There are hopes that the future of drinking culture, with government initiatives such as minimum unit pricing, will shift to something more purposeful and healthy. Along with growing trends such as minimalism, veganism and mindfulness, the rise of craft could mean the rise of increased mental and physical wellbeing.

Beyond the increase in independent breweries, home brewing beers and ales is inexpensive and rewarding. With no recorded cases of death due to contamination of beer, home brewing is a fully legal and cost effective hobby for many UK citizens.

Whilst the overall quality of the alcohol produced may be low, the hands on nature of the task leads to an increased sense of satisfaction with the finished product, much like the satisfaction of eating a home cooked meal.

What Next?

The craft beer industry has seen double figure growth for more than 7 years now, changing the make up of the industry. In a recent tweet, Goldman Sachs claimed that “Craft beer could be 20% of industry volume by 2020” in the USA. A similar trend is likely for the UK.

However, following an initial spurt, growth has remained stable for some time now. Instead, real exciting developments are happening in the world of craft spirits – think locally produced vodka, rum, gin and whisky.

Currently, Goldman Sachs reports that craft spirits account for around 2-3% of the total market. Nonetheless, the speed of growth is roughly that of the craft beer industry just 10-15 years ago, when independent breweries were beginning their revolution.

Leading the independent Yorkshire spirit uprising are the Whittakers, who control a family run business, producing small batches of carefully distilled gin from their handmade distillery in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire. Their artisan craft is self-described as “basic but functional”.

And this is the essence of craft, that is flourishing so perfectly in Yorkshire.

Alcohol had become a soulless, corporate industry, with an unreconcilable tension between racking up as many sales as possible, whilst claiming to care about the health and wellbeing of customers through the government’s drink aware campaign.

Craft beers and spirits take the most basic ingredients and equipment and produce something made with love and care. It is an exercise in artistic expression, with a blue collar heart and soul.

It is local and small scale, but conducive to wellbeing rather than wealth. And this is why the craft alcohol industry will continue to flourish in Yorkshire, the rest of the UK and globally.