This year, we have a new name for the list formerly known as 'bucket'.

Admit it, the Bucket List has run its course. It was always a little depressing, wasn't it? After all who wants to be reminded that we're running out of time to see everything - do everything - in this lifetime?

Today, we're launching the Itch File. After all we already talk about our itchy feet, and how we are itching to go somehere new. Better still, it neatly shortens to IF, which is appropriate too.

If we save enough money

If we have the time

If we can get a babysitter/take the children with us

If.....  You get the idea.

So this week we're sharing a calendar year full of places you might like to add to your ITCH FILE.

January

Starting in January, Ireland is getting a head start on this year, which promises to be both forward-looking, and full of nostalgia. Quite appropriately, the residents of Dublin are calling the first festival of the year, from January 27-31, 'Temple Bar Tradfest'.

Temple Bar was once a Viking stronghold, the area still has its original medieval street plan, so you’re literally walking through history. Dublin’s cultural quarter and creative hub it also happens to be well-endowed with traditional pubs, art galleries and multicultural restaurants like Toscana and The Whiskey Corner. You’ll find yourself wandering through narrow cobbled lanes, dipping into intimate pub sessions, special screenings or any of the other 200 free events that catch your eye.

You’ve got to love a festival that chooses venues like St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church and where writer Jonathan Swift was once Dean. At TradFest, musicians perform under the cathedral’s arched nave shaped like a cross. St Michan’s Church will send shivers down spines: it contains mummified remains, including an alleged crusader housed in underground vaults that were said to have inspired Bram Stoker.

The church has a musical past, too, as Handel is said to have composed his Messiah here. Other stellar spots include Dublin City Hall, which swings open its Georgian doors for the occasion, as does St Werburgh’s Church, founded in 1178 and seldom open to the public.

The Dubliners, Clannad, Sharon Shannon: basically some of the biggest names in traditional Irish music have performed at TradFest since its inception in 2006. The 2016 line up is no different. Platinum-selling Duke Special is performing his newest album, a deeply personal work that explores some new ground. Then there’s Kildare-born Katie Talbot. With a hauntingly lyrical style that's rooted in traditional folk, she’s described by The New York Times as having “a voice that’s both awestruck and tender”. The renowned duo Tír na nÓg are back, along with the legendary Luka Bloom, and many more performers.

Ireland’s traditional music as we know it has been around since the 18th century. Its distinct instruments such as the uilleann pipes and dances such as Riverdance are recognised around the world.

TradFest is open to literally everyone… and some of the best bits are free! Music might take centre stage at TradFest, but the face-painters, pipe bands, mobile farms, outdoor stages and craft market are all for free! And probably what makes this cultural extravaganza and two-time winner of the Best Traditional Festival award all the sweeter...  Find out more....

February

In 2016, Chinese New Year falls on February 8th. It is the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac. 

This little fellow doesn't realise it yet, but he and his relatives have a big role this year in Chinese culture. Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, has more than 4,000 years of history and is the most important annual event for Chinese people. It is the time for families to reunite and celebrate. The festival lasts for 15 days and most employees will have seven days off work, while students take one month absence from school.

March

If you fancy yourself with the camera - or even if you don't - this photographic retreat at one of Australia's most spectacularly beautiful retreats in the Kimberley region of Western Australia will give you a chance to test your eye and your photographic equipment.

Surrounded by giant gorges, deep cool waterholes and an untouched coastline – makes this resort the perfect destination for the ultimate photographic adventure.

Capture the iconic red gorges, majestic Berkeley River, secluded white beaches, relaxing rhythms of nature in the Kimberley, the Timor Sea sunrise and Berkeley River sunset, all with Australia’s most awarded landscape photographer - Tony Hewitt on a four-day exclusive one-off Ultimate Photographic Retreat – from March 31, 2016 till April 4, 2016.

Opened in April 2012, The Berkeley River Lodge is one of Kimberley’s newest luxury properties- offering the most remote coastal lodges - an unforgettable experience to tick off your bucket list - and it is the ultimate base to capture some of the most spectacular photos.  

Tony Hewitt is currently Australia’s most awarded landscape photographer - sponsored by Nikon - where his photographic journey has seen him explore Portrait, Landscape, Wedding and Fine Art Photography. His recent explorations has been capturing ‘Abstract and Altered Landscapes’ – seeking to illustrate the hand of man and its impact on our surroundings.

Set amidst the ancient wonders of WA’s Kimberley region – which was voted Number Two Destination to visit Worldwide by Lonely Planet in 2014  - this is a once in a lifetime adventure not to be missed. The Berkeley River Lodge is one of the last wilderness areas on earth offering unique experiences, including: helicopter flights, epic fishing expeditions, cruises along the magnificent Berkeley River exploring majestic river gorges, crystal clear pools of nearby waterfalls and wilderness picnics.

More details........

WATCH THIS VIDEO.....

April

Pinning this to April is cheating a little as this movie, filmed in Scotland, was released last October. However the April connection is that Macbeth was first performed in April 1611.

The rugged island of Skye, no stranger to Hollywood, was chosen because of its stunning landscape of jagged and majestic hills tearing through misty skies and crystal-clear waters. Film director Justin Kurzel saw it as the ideal filming location for this new and much-anticipated film starring Michael Fassbender as the titular fearless warrior, and Marion Cotillard as a compelling Lady Macbeth.

The Quiraing, situated at the north end of the Trotternish Ridge, near the village of Staffin, is a rugged and imposing landscape, as weird as it is wonderful. This landscape of unusual rock formations encircles the soft beauty of Staffin Bay, rising high above it. The most famous of the formations are The Needle, a spire of jagged rock; The Prison, a ridge which, if seen from the correct angle, resembles a castle keep with corner guard towers; and The Table, an incongruous green-clad plateau nestled in the Quiraing rocks. 

Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland. It is renowned for its spectacular scenery of big, rocky mountains, lush green valleys and seductive sandy shorelines, and offers vibrant culture and history, plenty of wildlife, geology, hill-walking and a variety of other outdoor activities.

Situated off the west coast of mainland Scotland, Skye’s landscape is distinctly Highland with its lochs, heather-clad moors and towering peaks. 

Find out more....

WATCH A VIDEO....

May

After more than two decades of researching accommodation options across the UK and Europe, it's worth listening to Sawdays when they recommend a place.

This is their suggestion for May. Half-term for hobbits at Hobbit House, North Shire, North Yorkshire

"Float into a magical story book adventure with this fairytale, grass-roofed Hobbit House. Inside are terracotta floors, wood beams, antique French lights and circular stained glass windows. Cosy cabin beds and handmade sheep wool mattresses lull you to a dreamy sleep. £850 per week (sleeps 8)". 

Find out what else is new in 2016....

June

Beginning June 2016 Natural Habitat Adventures (NatHab) introduces an exclusive new safari adventure aboard a privately chartered deluxe riverboat cruising the Chobe and Zambezi rivers.

The Great African River Safari features an intimate cruise aboard the Chobe Princess followed by an overland safari through private reserves, a combination that offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Botswana while also touching into Zambia and Namibia. Guests spend three nights aboard the Chobe Princess, plying the broad channels and backwaters of the Chobe River and its confluence with the Zambezi River, and five nights at small luxury camps exclusively for Nat Hab guests and deep within Botswana’s premier private game reserves.

Each departure is limited to just seven guests to ensure the most personalized safari experience possible in the quiet, remote areas visited. On wildlife drives, each traveler gets a window seat for optimal viewing and photography.

The Chobe Princess riverboat offers five suites with a choice of king and twin bed configurations. Bathrooms are ensuite. Decorated with contemporary flair in white, dove gray and chartreuse, the boat's interior including the dining area and lounge make the most of its river setting with large picture windows and sliding glass doors in the cabins that provide private views of an ever-changing landscape.

Travelers lodge at remote tented camps booked exclusively for Nat Hab guests. These include Selinda Explorers Camp and Little Tubu, an isolated enclave on Hunda Island. Rather than frequenting the more heavily visited national parks in Botswana, guests explore private concessions where visitor numbers are strictly limited but wildlife is prolific.

The 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve is vast big-game country home to huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope that are spotted on a regular basis. Hunda Island within the private Jao Concession borders Botswana’s famed Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta.

Large numbers of various hoofed game abound here, with accompanying predators, especially lion and leopard. Guests fly on charter flights between locations, to reduce rough road travel and maximize time on safari.

More information...

July

OK, of course Canada's premier rail tour, the Rocky Mountaineer operates in other months too, but you have to agree that mid-summer is a lovely time to visit.

The Rocky Mountaineer showcases the Pacific Northwest through to the Canadian Rockies – some of the most stunning scenery in the world. But it's not all about the scenery. The view on the plate is excellent too.

Internationally accomplished chefs and their team create menus for guests that reflect that beauty and celebrate the unique character of Western Canada. An intimate dining room with crisp white linens, gleaming silverware and fresh cut flowers on the main level. Travellers enjoy outstanding three-course, à la carte meals made with fresh, local ingredients indigenous to two of Canada’s most bountiful regions, British Columbia and Alberta.

Rocky Mountaineer's newest route connects the cosmopolitan city of Seattle, WA, USA with Vancouver, BC and the Canadian Rockies. This route serves up the crème de la crème of Western Canada with a little bit of Americana on top. Guests experience an all daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer travelling along the Pacific Ocean's sparkling coastline.

And then there's the wildlife! 

Guests in GoldLeaf Service travel through the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by comfort and elegance. The bi-level, glass domed coach offers panoramic views from the upper level.

Find out more.....

WATCH A VIDEO....

August

The end of summer features State Fairs throughout the US. This is the time for home cooks to show off their skills in bottling and pie-making and more. Farmers parade their stock, and children can take the rides, eat a range of fast foods - and everyone has a great time. 

To represent all of them, let's look at the the Minnesota State Fair, the country's second-largest, which has been running since 1859 in Minneapolis, and is on again this year from August 25-September 5.

An important change in the State Fair over the years has been in the attractions offered to fair visitors. The character of early fairs was dominated by agricultural exhibits and competitions, reflecting its original purpose of encouraging farming in the state. While agriculture is still the primary focus, the scope of activities has broadened to include large-scale entertainment features, technological and industrial exhibits, and scores of education and government institutions.

If you are ever travelling in the States and have the chance to visit a State Fair, do it. You will see the local people at their best - and happiest.

More details....

September

India is a country which loves its festivals. Each region has its own, and they are noisy, colourful, riotous affairs that involve everyone - locals and visitors alike. There may be elephants, decorated lavishly; there can be floats and flowers; there may be dancing and feasting.

In this populous country, you can be certain that there will be crowds of people. Most festivals have some connection to religion and some may be deeply spiritual. 

Ganesh is the beloved elephant-headed god, a favourite throughout India. Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival that honours him. It runs for 11 days in late August or September, depending on the cycle of the moon. This year it begins on September 5.

Ganesh is the god of luck, auspicious beginnings and safe travels, and the remover of obstacles, which befits a mention on a travel site.

While Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in about five states, Mumbai is probably the best place to experience it. Thousands of statues are displayed around the city, and devotees gather at Siddhivinayak Temple. The procession to the sea for immersion — called Visarjan — is truly a spectacle to behold.

To learn more about the festival.....

October

What better way to celebrate a break in Italy than to enhance your pasta-making skills?

The Il Bottaccio cooking classes run from October 5th until December 20th. The ‘hands-on’ Masterclass offers an exclusive opportunity to work with two chefs from the Il Bottaccio team in producing a beautiful seasonal menu. Spend a few hours in the purpose built Cooking School kitchen dealing with the region’s best produce.


Il Bottaccio is an 18th century mill converted into an elegant country house, nestling at the foot of the lush green slopes of Forte dei Marmi, in Tuscany. The luxury maison, member of Relais & Châteaux since 1988, is the result of a careful and expert restoration of the ancient water mill of the seventeenth century, transformed into the most exclusive 5-star luxury hotels with SPA of Forte dei Marmi and Versilia.

Water and marble. The spirit of Il Bottaccio is nourished by these two elements. The water of the Versilian Sea, the streams of the Apuan mountains, the watercourse that turned the great wheel of the olive press that used to stand here. The marble of the caves of white gold, above Carrara, where Michelangelo chose the stone for his David and Pietà. Today, water has replaced the oil that once filled the great pool, now the centerpiece of the restaurant. The marble, though, has flourished, in the shape of works of art collected by the hosts. 

The class includes a three-hour cooking session, sit-down lunch of dishes produced, wine and a folder of recipes.
 Space is limited as classes are individual and personalized.

Then at dinnner, you might sit down to an exquisite dish such as this.

More....

November

As the year draws to a close, in Australia summer is almost here. Festivals such as Taste of Melbourne in partnership with Electrolux feature local and international guest chefs. At last year's Taste, several had predictions for where food would go in 2016.

Fresh, locally sourced produce – Michelin starred chef, Sat Bains identified one of the biggest trends as being locally sourced produce. He believes a shift is taking place amongst consumers as they seek fresh, quality ingredients over the mass produced approach of supermarkets. Melbourne is right onto that with a large number of community and farmers' markets around the city and throughout Victoria.

Fast, fresh and casual food concepts was another suggestion by Victor Liong of Lee Ho Fook, who is already making his mark in Melbourne. For Ben Pigott of Supernormal it’s all about raw food: “it’s fresh, vibrant and seasonal.”

Victoria's wines feature strongly in exhibits and workshops at the festival, and craft beers and ciders are always very popular.

More....

December

Many cities around the world pride themselves on a spectacular NYE fireworks exhibition. Times Square in New York is where many revellers want to see out an old year, and welcome a new one, and so is Sydney Harbour. But some other cities are worth considering when you make your December holiday bookings.

London prides itself on putting on a good show, and after all, it has the perfect setting with the river and bridges and grand old buildings. Find out more about what to do in London this Christmas with this guide to 101 Things to do in London This Christmas.

London is a good city to be in a couple of weeks earlier too. The Christmas markets are great places to find beautiful and unique gifts, too, from jewellery and crafts, to fashion and toys. At some Christmas markets you can also hear carol singing, go on fairground rides and sample traditional Christmas treats such as mince pies.

London's Christmas markets range from large German Christmas markets such as Winter Wonderland and the South Bank, to smaller Christmas fairs. 

You could be forgiven for thinking that in winter, London turns into a giant skating rink. Ice skating is one of London's favourite winter pastimes, especially in the run up to Christmas. There are several permanent indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks in London, but in winter you'll find even more popping up across the capital. 

Eyeskate at the London Eye...

...or get your ice skates on at iconic locations such as the historic Hampton Court Palace, the stunning surrounds of Somerset House and top shopping destinations such as Westfield London.

The outdoor ice rink at Hampton Court offers spectacular views of the magnificent Palace that Henry VIII once lived in. Book an evening session to see the palace lit up after dark while you skate under the evening stars!

And what better way to counteract all those rich and delicious cold-weather dishes that come with Christmas and New Year!

WATCH A VIDEO....

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Now do yourself a favour and pull out a file folder and start popping notes and ideas and cuttings into it. Label it boldly:

MY ITCH FILE

Note: All editorial on this site is included only because of its interest and value to readers. None of the places or products mentioned above has paid to be included.