Christmas is over, and we have officially hit mid-winter.
The perfect time, perhaps, to look to the future and start planning your next getaway.
Travel Mail has compiled a top ten list of timely breaks with thrills for all ages, so you can get ahead of the pack and book your 2017 adventure.
Wine, walks and wonders of Chile
Fly right in: New direct flights from London to Chile’s Santiago makes it easier than ever to explore stunning Patagonia
The fantastically long and narrow country of Chile is one of the most remote in South America. But a new direct British Airways flight to Santiago changes all that.
It is easier than ever to experience the moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, sip some of the world’s best wines at vineyards, hike in the Andes or explore the fjords, glaciers and penguin-filled islands of Patagonia.
When to go: Now. Chile’s seasons are the reverse of ours, so Santiago basks in temperatures of around 30c in January and February, with warm weather until April.
How: Exodus (020 3811 5278) has a 15-day Discover Chile group tour taking in the Atacama, Lake District and Torres del Paine National Park, from £3,749pp, including flights. Various departure dates.
Canada’s 150th birthday bash
Serene: If you’ve always wanted to experience Canada’s diverse landscape, entry to all national parks – including Banff’s Lake Moraine, pictured – as well as historic sites and marine conservation areas, will be free in 2017
Its rich heritage may go back much further, but Canada only became a united country in 1867. Cue huge celebrations this year as it marks its 150th birthday.
If you’ve always wanted to experience the country’s diverse landscape, entry to all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas will be free in 2017.
You will also find a year of events and some very special Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Visit canada.pch.gc.ca for more information.
When to go: It’s reliably warm in July and August across the country and you can easily coincide with Canada Day.
How: Canadian Affair (020 3424 6831) has a 13-night Western Delights fly-drive holiday, taking in Banff and Jasper, Whistler and Vancouver Island, from £1,765pp, including flights and car hire.
Alternative Spanish break
Glorious: Explore the medieval charms of the Old Quarter, with its Gothic and Romanesque buildings, in Girona, Catalonia
A medieval treat in northern Catalonia, Girona is much overshadowed by neighbouring Barcelona. But this year sees new Jet2 flights from Belfast, East Midlands and Edinburgh.
Explore the Old Quarter of Gothic and Romanesque buildings that are perched next to the Onyar and Ter rivers and crowned with a hilltop castle. If you’re looking for beaches, the Costa Brava is only an hour away.
When to go: It’s balmy from May to October. July and August are hottest, with highs of 29c.
How: Jet2 (0333 300 0404) flies to Girona from £41.30 one way. Ryanair (0871 246 0000) flies from Belfast from £27.99 one way.
Soak up Russia’s rich history
Red alert: Both Moscow (left) and St Petersburg (right) both boast cultural riches and staggering architecture
In 2017, Russia will mark 100 years since the Bolshevik Revolution, which overthrew the Tsars and ushered in a new world order.
Unrest began in March 1917 in St Petersburg, and Moscow was reinstated as the capital city just a year later.
Take in both cities to compare imperial opulence and canals of the former, with the stark Soviet buildings and the preserved leader of the latter.
When to go: June and July see long days of warm, sunny weather and plenty of cultural events. August is warm, but slightly quieter.
How: Steppes Travel (01285 601 759) has a seven-day tour of Moscow and St Petersburg led by Princess Katya Galitzine, part of one of the oldest noble families in Russia, from £2,895pp, excluding flights. Departs September 8, 2017.
See the sparkle of New Orleans
Raise a glass: New Orleans is a city of energy. The new BA flight will bring the vibrancy of Bourbon Street even closer
The home town of jazz, spicy Cajun and creole cuisine, elegant French Quarter architecture and the rowdy, lovable carnival of Mardi Gras, New Orleans is a city with a unique energy.
This March, British Airways launches the first direct flights from London.
Make it your chance to discover parties on Bourbon Street, see the amazing recovery after Hurricane Katrina, experience the music scene and explore its history.
When to go: The weather is warm, but comfortable from February to May. Mardi Gras is on February 28 this year and the world-renowned Jazz Fest starts on April 28.
How: British Airways (0344 493 0787) has fights to New Orleans from £710 return.
Explore the sleek style of Denmark
Star-studded: This year sees the Danish city of Aarhus takes its turn as a European Capital of Culture
Why have one celebration when you can have two? This year sees the Danish city of Aarhus become the European Capital of Culture and the European Region of Gastronomy.
It is also easy to explore, has a beautiful setting on the Jutland Peninsula and has won a slew of architecture awards for its modern design.
When to go: June and September are pleasant. Expect 22c in July and August.
How: Ryanair has flights from London. Villa Provence (00 45 8618 2400) has been voted best hotel in Denmark by TripAdvisor users: doubles cost from £168.
Contemporary Cape Town
A novelty: The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opens in September on Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred waterfront
South Africa’s most beautiful city is about to become the home of Africa’s largest contemporary arts museum.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opens in September on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.
Looking for a place to stay? Luxury 28-room hotel The Silo opens in March above the new museum, with waterfront and Table Mountain views as well as a rooftop infinity bar and pool.
When to go: Cape Town is pleasant all year round, but the warmest months are from December to March, with an average temperature of 26c.
How: The Silo (00 27 216 715502) has double rooms starting from £718.
Golden shores of the Caribbean
Shore thing: The Shore Club, a colonial-style building in the Turks and Caicos, is the first resort on the famous Long Bay beach
Turks and Caicos is famed for its beautiful Long Bay beach, often voted among the best in the world.
The Shore Club is the first resort on the famous stretch of sand. A beautiful colonial building with 106 suites and six villas, its setting is ideal for relaxation. Active types can try everything from snorkelling to exploring the island by bike — all included in the price.
When to go: The peak season is from December to March, with dry weather and warm temperatures of 27c.
How: The Shore Club (00 1 649 339 8000) has double rooms from £594.
Persian perfection
Ancient wonder: Take a wander around the beautifully preserved ruins of Persepolis in Iran’s Esfahan region
The Foreign Office has relaxed its travel advice to Iran thanks to thawing diplomatic relations.
Take a tour to experience Esfahan, with its feast of Islamic architecture, graceful bridges and beautiful mosques, and the beautifully preserved Achaemenid ruins of Persepolis.
Add in the medieval grandeur and Persian culture of Shiraz and you have the ingredients for a holiday like no other.
When to go: The high season is from March to May. September and October are also pleasant and often cheaper.
How: Cox & Kings (0203 8139 460) has a ten-night Treasures Of Persia small group tour from £2,495pp, including flights.
The toast of Yorkshire
Hull and back: The Mercure Hull Royal Hotel is a stately Victorian building in Hull, the UK’s City of Culture for 2017
The UK’s City of Culture for 2017 is much maligned Hull.
It kicked off a year of events last week by telling the city’s story on its streets. On February 22-25, every corner of Hull will host award-winning shows in the Back To Ours event.
The port has inspired centuries of poets and incited the English Civil War when it closed its gates to Charles 1 in 1642.
Explore the beautiful buildings of the old town, stroll by the restored marina and visit the amazing aquarium Deep.
When to go: Time your visit with one of the events this year, visit Hull 2017 for details.
How: Mercure Hull Royal Hotel (01482 325 087) is a beautiful Victorian building. Doubles from £59.