The dust has finally settled from the party month of December; the presents are open, your jeans are a little tighter and the hangovers are (almost) a distant memory.

So what else is there to do in the notoriously dull month of January, except day dream of your next big travel adventure as you hit the gym, or comfort eat and watch Eastenders, during the cold, winter evenings?

Well, you could stop day dreaming and start doing, that’s what. The best thing about January? The sales of course!

Right now is the perfect opportunity to book that trip that you have been dreaming about for ages. Savings like the one’s we have this month, don’t come around very often – so there really is no better time to put your plans into action.

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Yes, yes, I know; the Christmas hangover hasn’t even worn off from last year yet, but it’s not too early to think about what you want to achieve in the next year – in fact I’d say there’s no better time.

The hope, enthusiasm and motivation provided by the dawn of a New Year makes it the perfect time to set those goals that will enhance and improve your life, and even if you’re already very happy with your lot – there’s always room for improvement no?

Improvements that are kind of like new years resolutions, but are a whole lot easier to keep – because they’re actually fun! Forget the usual ‘lose weight’ and ‘stop getting angry with people on public transport’ promises that are usually made, and if you’re anything like me, broken within the first 5 days, and think of things that will actually help to fulfil and benefit you; now that’s a resolution worth keeping right?

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As we wave goodbye to 2012, it’s time to get a wee bit nostalgic. It’s been a great year here on the blog, especially for High Five, my personal favourite series of posts. So, as a New Year’s treat, I thought I’d take a look back at the best of the best, and count down my five favourite High Fives of 2012.

Over the past 12 months, High Five has swooped through Asia, Africa, North America, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, up mountains, along beaches, on epic road trips, to summer cities and winter hide outs.

High Five has shown us that every place on earth, no matter how big, small, well-travelled or off the beaten track, has five experiences that just can’t be missed. We’ve been dazzled by the best the world has to offer. Here, in no particular order, are the five blog posts that stood out for me. So grab your backpack and join me in a stroll down memory lane…

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What are your travel plans for next year? If you’re still undecided, or are open to some extra inspiration, this post may just have the prefect timing.

STA Travel was built by travellers, for travellers, and we only employ the best, most knowledgeable, people to help you plan the trips that you will go on to remember and reminisce about forever. No one knows travel, and understands travellers, better than our Travel Experts.

So with that in mind, I’ve asked them for their top tips for travellers in 2013 and they’ve come up trumps. Below are 59 awesome ideas for some epic worldwide adventures, which ones inspire you?

59 Expert Travel Ideas For 2013

Andy, STA Travel Exeter

Next year is all about Colombia! An emerging tourism market means it’s still largely undiscovered. With its diverse range of landscapes, from the tropical paradise of the Caribbean coast, to the verdant rainforests, its a truly beautiful country. Combine that with a vibrant music scene and chilled lifestyle and Colombia has something for eveyone! If you fancy doing it your way but with some guidance, check out our Bamba bus pass or a small group trips if you want to make some new friends along the way.

Colombia, is South America's little secret - less travelled than the big hitters of Brazil, Argentina and Peru but equally as stunning

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Here at STA Travel, we’re all very excited about 2013. A whole new year and a whole new set of amazing travel experiences to be had.

Last week, our Store Managers reviewed the year of travel that was 2012 and this week, they’re back to share their predictions for next year. If you’re keen to step away from the crowd, get off the beaten track and do something a little different next year, take a look at what our most experienced and knowledgeable staff think will be the must places to see and the things to experience in the 12 months ahead.

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