In 2019, we’ll be celebrating the Year of the Pig. The pig in Chinese culture is associated with wealth and affluence – and travel allows you to be truly rich in experiences.
In this blog, we recommend destinations to match perfectly with your Chinese Zodiac Sign… or, maybe it will become your bucket list for 2019! Either way, read on…
Rat
YEARS: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
This Chinese zodiac sign is closely associated with their lucky flower, the African violet, so we think that Africa should be your next adventure! Perhaps stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, or spy on gorilla through the lush tropical jungle rainforests, venture on to the wide Serengeti plains, jump alongside the Maasai as you journey through the Great Rift Valley filled to the brim with wildlife including the Big 5!
Ox
YEARS: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Straightforward and diligent, the Ox prefers their travel straight-up and simple – which is why we’re putting a no-brainer destination to allure even the most ox-y of all oxen. It’s time to discover Bali. Arguably one of Australia’s most popular island holiday destinations. This tiny jewel of an island, nestled in the Indonesian archipelago, presents white sand beaches, clear blue skies, the relaxing waves of the sea, and the warm hospitality of the locals all in one convenient and tranquil paradise.
Tiger
YEARS: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
The massive fjords and spectacular glaciers of Antarctica make for an interesting mix of discovery and adventure for the thrill-seeking Tiger. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise to Antarctica will completely captivate the senses, as its ever changing landscape beckons you to venture forth. Massive shelves of ice, towering snow-capped mountains, mischievous penguins, playful seals, and breaching whales will create memories to last a lifetime!
Rabbit
YEARS: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
The quiet-spirited Rabbit will cherish the soul-stirring, colorful lifestyles of India. Stand in awe before the captivating and intricate artistry of Agra’s Taj Mahal, Delhi’s imposing Humayun’s Tomb and the Jama Mosque near Agra… or Jaipur’s Palace of Winds. Bustling marketplaces, colorful saris, holy men and priests, the river Ganges and the locals all come together to bring India alive.
Dragon
YEARS: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
An over-abundant Dragon confidence and adventurous spirit will lead them to the beautiful and vast national parks of New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud offers sprawling and epic views of scenic mountain ranges, local Maori culture, the serenity of glacial sounds, lush green forests, volatile volcanic mud action and so much more. Whether its hiking, caravanning, car hire and luxury resorts, the dragon is adaptable and completely comfortable wherever they may roam.
Snake
YEARS: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
The enigmatic snake will find a kindred spirit in the city of Hong Kong. Here where ancient traditions of the east meet the modern ways of the cosmopolitan west, you can discover the best retail therapy on Earth. Shop to your hearts content, then wine and dine on superb world-class cuisine from mouth-watering stir-fries and dumplings from street vendors to the more sophisticated tastes of five-star restaurants with menus designed by world-class chefs. Yum – when do we go?!
Horse
YEARS: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The energetic horse will take a journey both tranquil and impressive… and beautiful Alaska and Canada is ideal! We recommend first, a serene cruise to experience Alaska’s Inside Passage, her untouched ice-scapes, majestic fjords and glaciers, and unique wildlife abundant along the shores. Combine this with a Canadian Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey, to provide a second sight into the wilderness regions of the Canadian Rockies. Two journeys in one will definitely appeal to the Horse.
Goat
YEARS: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
The calm, yet creative goat must discover the golden wonders of Myanmar. Marvel at the impressive Shwezigon Pagoda, covered in sheets of gold, intricate carvings and precious gems that make it sparkle and shimmer under the sun. Drift along the Irrawaddy River on a luxury river cruise, discover the ancient city of Bagan’s temple covered fields, the simple beauty of Mandalay, sample Yangon’s local nightlife or go on a pilgrimage to the Buddhist Kyaiktiyo Temple – a true relic of Asia’s ancient past. Either way the Goat will find this a refreshing travel experience.
Monkey
YEARS: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The magnetic personality of the monkey fits right in to the undeniable allure of Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun’s timeless mix of modern and rural life captivates a Monkey’s changeable ideals. Monkeys could use their fast learning abilities to start skiing or snowboarding on the ideal powder snow runs of Sahoro. Contrast this with a dip at a traditional onsen (thermal hot spring) with the snow monkeys for a truly rejuvenating holiday. Best of all, it’s only 10 or so hours north of Australia, which means no jetlag. Score!
Rooster
YEARS: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters thrive when they are among people, lots of people. In fact, they will definitely enjoy the crowded festive atmosphere and joie de vivre of Brazil, and the rhythmic streets of Rio de Janiero. You’ll fall in love with the color, culture, sights, sounds, and tastes of Carnavalé that spring from every home in every town. Add on their people’s passion for football, the Amazon rainforests, spectacular Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and dance a samba on the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, and you’ve got one great adventure on your hands.
DOG
YEARS: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
If you were born in the year of the friendly Dog, we know you’ll make the most out of a French river cruise. The romance of the streets (and the people) will sit right within with your thoughtful sensibilities, as will a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s fascinating French romantic allure, along with the delectable cuisine of classical bistros, wine bars, and quaint, traditional cafés, create an irresistible, romantic charm that’s hard to beat. Dogs will love the luxury, the landscapes, vineyards and cultural pursuits all found here in France.
PIG
YEARS: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
2019 celebrates the year of the Pig – so the destination of choice has to be the source of all things Chinese, with a visit to discover CHINA! A land of dazzling antiquity will greet you as age-old architecture will meet the modern hustle and bustle of life. Experience a great adventure hiking along the Great Wall, getting up close and personal with Xian’s Terracotta Warriors, pagodas, temples, shrines, lose yourself in the high-tech cities of Beijing and Shanghai, and don’t forget to take yourself into the countryside for a taste of real China! Speaking of tastes, let’s not forget the eclectic and tasty cuisine! Peking duck, steaming hotpot, homemade noodles made right in front of you, and the ultimate sticky, sweet and savoury pork buns to complete the Far East feel. We know you are going to love it!
Have you found your Chinese Zodiac sign? Where will you be heading on your next travel adventure?
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