Backpacking tends to be seen as a young person’s holiday with scores of students heading off each year before and after university. But this isn’t always the case, in recent years there has been a surge of ‘older’ people taking career breaks and backpacking around the world. On the other hand tours seem to be designed with older people in mind, they take in all the great sights of a country with comfort being a priority and holiday makers staying in some fantastic hotels. Though as with backpacking this isn’t always the case, many people are choosing to take their honeymoons as tours.

There are of course positives and negatives to both backpacking and touring holidays. With backpacking you get the freedom to do your own thing, you can see the sights of a country at your own packing picking out those that interest you and avoiding those that don’t. You don’t have to fit in with a tight timeframe taking as long as you want and need at each attraction, eating where you choose and sleeping in hotels that you want to stay in. However you can be limited if you don’t speak the local language and you can be seen as an easy target as a lone tourist.

With tours you get the security of knowing everything will be sorted for you, you get bussed around to the best of the local sights without having to wait in long queues to get tickets. You also benefit from local guides knowledge eating in the best restaurants and help spotting fake items at markets. However you don’t have as much freedom with tours, if it isn’t on the tour it is likely you won’t see the attraction and you can only eat in places the tour has authorised.

February is the month of love and because of this many people decide to get married around Valentine’s day, many of these choose a location abroad. This can often make planning a wedding a lot easier but you have certain unique problems such as transporting wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses.   Obviously they cannot go in checked in luggage just incase they disappear into the place lost luggage goes, the amount of horror stories out there with people having to try and buy dresses the morning of their weddings often means that any bride to be will never entertaining the idea. With many airlines only allowing you to take one bag as hand luggage it can also be tricky to take it in to the cabin with you, especially given the restrictions on the size of hand luggage allowed.

If you’re lucky enough to head to the vast and varied land of China this year, make sure you don’t miss out on these delectable treats.

Peking Duck

Beijing used to be known as Peking and there’s only one dish you need to try: the world famous Peking Duck. Crispy, succulent and downright delicious – you can’t really go wrong. Originally invented within the walls of the Forbidden City, this is defintitely a dish fit for a King (and us humble folk too)

Street Food

China is famous for its street food and there such a variety of it that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Crunch on some deep fried scorpions, break open some steamed dumplings or try some delicious broth made with Sheeps’ innards – mmm tasty! If you’re in Beijing, head to Donghuamen Night Market for some really tasty and cheap options.

Spicy Sichuan

Like your food spicy? Then head to the province of Sichuan – home of tastebud tingling cuisine. You’ll find plenty of chillis and the unique Sichuan pepper used in abundance and applied to all manner of foodstuffs. Personally I love the food markets with tasty, spicy treats served on sticks or in al-fresco dining areas – perfect for cooling down in. Wash it all down with some cheap chinese beer (you’ll find plenty of it)

Get your dose of sunshine at one of my top picks for a cheap beach break – sun, sand and sea – what more could you want?

Ibiza

Before you start thinking of mad raves and endless hen parties, let me tell you that there’s a lot more to this little island than parties. Tranquil bays, clear water and pristine beaches make this one of the most economical breaks from the UK. If you want to avoid the party scene, head north to Talamaca; quiet and relaxed but still close enough to Ibiza Town to do some exploring.

Egypt

There are plenty of resorts in Egypt so you should easily find one to suit you. Egypt is great for wandering around historical sights but it also has a fantastic array of marine life, so if you get the chance to snorkel or scuba dive then you should definitely take it!

Lanzarote

If you want sun and sand and plenty of it, hop on one of the many cheap flights to Lanzarote. You can easily get a flight from most UK airports and it’s one of the cheaper options ,but that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. Lanzarote is packed with brilliant restaurants, secluded coves and a spectacular volcanic moonscape

Close to home, but not to be sniffed at is London. The Olympics promise to make our grey capital into something shiny and new and with the chance to see the finest athletic action in the world, it’s going to be a great summer in old Blighty. Plus, there’s no worrying about expensive flights and a rubbish exchange rate.

Japan suffered a devastating earthquake and tsunami last year and as if that weren’t enough, the resulting nuclear breakdown reallybrought tough times for the country. But 2012 is the year that Japan will get back on its feet and you could help – the Japanese government are thinking about giving away 10,000 free flights to the country, to help re-build it’s economy and tourism business. The final decision will be made in March, so if you’ve always fancied visiting the great nation of Japan, then 2012 is the year to do it.

For amazing natural wonders, you can’t beat the dazzling Northern Lights and if you want to get a great view, then take NASA’s advice and head to Reykjavik, Iceland in 2012 where the lights will be at their brightest in more than 50 years. Even better – Easyjet are opening a new route, direct from London Luton, which means that not only are you guaranteed the sight of a lifetime, but you can do it on the cheap.

Here are my top 5 picks if you are heading to sunnier shores this winter.

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

I know what you’re thinking – children’s books. Don’t let the inclusion of witches and armoured polar bears fool you – this is a brilliant fantasy trilogy that’s comparable to the likes of Tolkien and CS Lewis in terms of range and imagination. Perfect for any holiday.

The Beach by Alex Garland

This is a backpacker classic but that doesn’t mean that it should only appeal to just them. Secret island maps, drugs, a downward spiral into insanity, not to mention man eating sharks and a crazy neighbour called Daffy all make for one fascinating read.

One Day by David Nicholls

This has just been released as a film but before you see it, you should definitely read it. Set over a period of twenty years, following the two main characters, this is a story of first loves and love that will always last. Keep the tissues handy.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

If you’re a fan of horror and sci-fi, this is the perfect book for you. A different take on a zombie-esque world, this tale is set over 100 years and follows our protagonist, Amy, as she stands between the two races and helps the human race find a way to survive.

Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee

This classic tale will transport you back to your childhood, when boys were boys and girls were effortlessly pretty and summer seemed to last forever. Let the cider chill in the fridge for when you’re finished.

One of the main attractions of France are the vast and varied wine regions, so if you like a tipple then this should be top of your list for your next holiday.

There are so many famous wine regions in France so it can be hard to pick just one, but here is a quick guide to some of the best.

France is considered to be one of the most romantic destinations in the world, so a trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous champagne region to get your fill of those lovely bubbles! There are 14,000 growers in this region alone, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is one of the world’s most famous wine regions, so you’re sure of a great selection if you head to this region. Some of the top names can charge a pretty penny, so try heading further out of town to some of the smaller growers to get yourself a great deal.

Loire Valley

This is one of the largest wine growing regions in France and it’s not just famous for its great selection of wine – the stunning scenery and beautiful French food make the perfect accompaniment to a cheeky glass or two.

These are just a few of the regions to choose from; take the time to consider what your favourite kind of wine is and then do your research to find the perfect wine region for you!

New York

New York is a classic christmas destination and not only is it perfect for getting into the Christmas spirit, with its huge Christmas trees and toy filled windows, but its also a great place to get some Christmas shopping done too. Not only that but if you pick a late November of early December break, chances are you’ll see some snow too. You can get some great long weekend deals and cheap flights towards the end of the year, so keep your eyes peeled for some offers.

Lapland

Home to Santa and his reindeer, Lapland isn’t just a great getaway for kids. Sure, they’d probably enjoy it too but Lapland also has some great cities to explore and a dog sledge ride across the beautiful snow fields is something you won’t forget in a hurry. You can get some great all inclusive deals too, both for couples and the whole family, just book early to avoid disappointment!

Australia

Ok, this one might not be your first choice, but if the thought of chilly snow and bright lights stops you feeling Christmassy, then Australia is a great option. Why? Well, while we’re in the dark depths of a freezing winter, it’s the middle of summer down under. It’s still Christmas of course, but wouldn’t you rather spend your holidays at the beach with a barbie or cooling off in the sea?

But, just what is there to do in New Zealand? For such a small country, it is massively diverse, so here are just a few of the things to do in New Zealand.

Whale watching at Kaikoura

At first sight there doesn’t seem to be much in Kaikoura, but that’s because it’s most famous residents are underwater. Kaikoura is New Zealand’s number one spot for whale watching, swimming with dolphins or seal spotting at one of the many seal colonies along the coast.

Milford Sound

It’s almost impossible to describe the ethereal beauty of Milford Sound, but its arguably New Zealand’s most unforgettable sight. Snowy topped peaks, raging waterfalls and a diverse range of wildlife make a boat or hiking trip here one of the top things to do in New Zealand

Extreme Sports at Queenstown

Fancy something a bit different? Try bungeeing over a massive canyon, jumping out of a plane or throwing yourself off of waterfalls, then head to Queenstown, NZ’s premier destination for all kinds of extreme sports. There’s a great nightlife here too, so if you’re looking for adventure and fun, this is the place to be.

Firstly, while Los Angeles and Hollywood may be the location more associated with film in the US, New York has much to offer movie lovers – such as the Film Forum. This venue offers a choice of features from the latest American indie films and documentaries to classics of art-house and foreign language cinema, making it something of an alternative to the major Hollywood releases shown in cinemas elsewhere in the city.

One of the most iconic landmarks in New York is the Empire State Building – making this a must-see sight for anyone visiting the city. While it has a reputation as a tourist hotspot, it is nonetheless an essential part of the New York experience. It is the tallest skyscraper in New York, built in an art-deco architectural style and – with the Chrysler Building being located very close to it – you will potentially be able to explore both of these landmarks at the same time.

Another major tourist landmark in the city is Times Square, which has been the backdrop to some of the most famous photographs ever taken. Furthermore if you choose to visit Time Square you will find plenty to keep you amused beyond the simple attractions of the location – as it has a wide variety of theatres and cinemas dotted around the square.

There are so many places to visit in New York, that it has something to offer any kind of tourist – whether they wish to explore music and film, fine dining, or the sights, sounds and history of this famous city.