Краткое описание:

Central Asia isn’t the easiest place to travel through. You’ll need to invest some serious time tracking down visas, permits and the latest travel information, preferably months before you depart. You won’t meet many travellers on the road and there are certainly no video cafes serving banana muesli. But this is part of the attraction of a land that has been largely off-limits to travellers for the last 2000 years.

Travel today is generally getting easier every year, with new accommodation options, vastly improved food and a network of shared taxis that will shuttle you around cheaply and in relative comfort. Do your research on Central Asian epic history in particular and you’ll find the region quickly addictive. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of this Asian heartland.

Краткое описание: Cuba is a unique country with many distinct characteristics. Travel here not only requires a passport, money and a good sturdy rucksack; but it also requires flexibility, creativity, good humor, patience and a healthy sense of adventure. Speaking Spanish, though not a prerequisite, is undoubtedly a huge advantage, and will allow you to travel further and dig deeper than the average tourist.

Краткое описание: It may not surprise you to learn that Croatia is at its most popular in the summer months. Its luxurious hotels, modest family-owned pensions (guest houses) or beachfront camping grounds all get busy with guests, local and international, especially in the peak season (July through August). It’s a good idea to book a place to stay in advance during these two months, especially if you’ll be staying on one of the islands. Spring and autumn are less busy and more attractive — think entire beaches to yourself, a plentiful choice of places to stay, and museums and churches serenely empty.

Краткое описание: Crete is a vast and fascinating island whose diversity and stature are unrivalled by any other Greek isle. The birthplace of Zeus evokes a wealth of myths, legends and history. Its sun-blessed and dramatic landscape is dominated by soaring mountains and stunning beaches. Its proud and hospitable people uphold their unique culture and traditions and, despite the onslaught of mass tourism, rural life remains a dynamic and enduring part of the island s soul.

Краткое описание: Cozumel Island is located near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Due to its proximity to the mainland, the center of Mayan culture, the island was under Mayan influence for many centuries. Even today, many residents of Cozumel show a striking resemblance to carved and painted images of Pre-Columbian Mayans, and many locals still speak a Mayan dialect as well as Spanish…

Краткое описание: Costa Rica is the most user-friendly country in Central America. Most of the tourist hotspots are well connected by cheap buses, accommodations is plentiful and decent eateries are thick on the ground in nearly every corner of the country. Unlike some other parts of the region, dining without fear for your stomach, meeting and engaging locals, and accessing the internet are all things that can be taken for granted.

Краткое описание: Corsica is dubbed L’Ile de beauté (the island of beauty), and it’s no wonder why. With everything from mountain ranges to idyllic beaches and secluded villages, Corsica offers a kaleidoscopic palette of options in a relatively small area. There’s never a dull moment!

For outdoor enthusiasts, the range of scenery and activities is almost countless. From sea kayaking to trekking, canyoning to diving, there is barely a sport or activity, whether on land or on the sea, that isn’t catered for here.

Краткое описание: A siesta from China’s instinct to put in the overtime, a holiday from the national overdrive and an unspoiled getaway from China’s ever more waterless north, China’s Southwest is a lush and invigorating region of the Middle Kingdom. This is remote China at its most diverse and exotic.

China’s Southwest is an essential counterbalance to the nation’s impatient and shrill powerhouses. If you want your China the Gucci way - go to Shanghai, Hong Kong or Beijing; and stay put.

Краткое описание: From low-cost independent exploration to luxury tours and every shade in between, China offers a sometimes bewildering choice of travel options. With China being so vast and travel experiences so varied, visitors need to take a long and hard look at the map, to determine exactly what it is that they want their China experience to be. The Itineraries chapter aims to provide you with options for your visit. The only part of China you will need to carefully plan is travel to Tibet, as bureaucratic obstacles, travel restrictions and health issues will require your consideration and attention.

Краткое описание: One of the rewarding things about travelling through Central Europe is the rich variety of cuisine, customs, architecture and history. The flipside of course is that you’ll encounter a number of very different languages. Most languages spoken in Central Europe belong to what’s known as the Indo-European language family, believed to have originally developed from one language spoken thousands of years ago.