Краткое описание: Russia’s ambitions turned eastward towards the immense Siberian hinterland and distant Pacific coastline. Russia sought to consolidate existing holdings and to extend her influence in the region. At stake was Russia’s claim over the still undeveloped and even undiscovered natural wealth of inner Eurasia. But these ambitions were checked by the Russian state’s limited reach across these far-flung eastern territories. Until this time, the distance between St.Petersburg and the Pacific was measured in an arduous overland trek or a hazardous sea voyage. The solution was found in the construction of the world’s longest railroad, the Great Siberian Railway.

Краткое описание: There is something extraordinary about New Zealand’s primeval landscape. The place is a South Pacific remnant of Gondwanaland, and the best way to see its brooding forests and cloud fringed peaks is to walk it. Whether it is bush bashing in the Waitakeres, strolling Abel Tasman’s gorgeous coastline or hunkering down from the weather on the Milford Track - spectacular is the word that defines this country.

Краткое описание: Tokyoites inhabit a singular capital inimitably yoking past and future, where Zen temples nestle in sd-fl cityscapes and centuries-old madness for cherry blossoms coexists with an insatiable desire for nonstop novelty.

Old and new are forever juxtaposed in Tokyo: its residents are at home both donning loincloths to shoulder a portable Shinto shrine through Asakusa’s religious festivals and piloting humanoid fighting machines in Akihabara’s robot sport tournaments. Tradition, happily, is not ossified, but feted along with innovation.

Краткое описание: Tibet: the Land of Snows, the roof of the world. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery.

Краткое описание: The Netherlands is an exceedingly user-friendly place to visit. Up-to-date information is plentiful, almost every Dutch person speaks decent English, transport links are swift, and there’s an abundance of sights and activities. All this means you can add a fair amount of spontaneity to your trip.

That said, a bit of foresight is helpful to pinpoint sights that match your interests, and to get the timing right - the bulb fields aren’t much to look at before the blossoms open. It’s also advisable to think about accommodation beforehand, as Amsterdam’s best (and sometimes worst) hotels book up months in advance, and other towns may have limited sleeping options.

Краткое описание: Whether it’s a lazy beach holiday you’re after or a solitary tour around remote villages, myriad mangrove swamps and endless savannah plains, you’ll be well served in Gambia and Senegal.

For a brief stay in the built-up tourist zones - such as the Atlantic resorts in The Gambia, and Saly and Cap Skiring in Senegal - you won’t need much advance preparation, next to none if you travel with an organised tour.

Краткое описание: Images of sweeping white-sand beaches, palm trees, colourful fish and dramatic karst formations rising from the sea are the essence of our idea of a tropical paradise. But this is reality in Thailand’s islands and beaches - and a bit more. That southern Thailand can cater to almost any taste adds to the allure. The footprints in the sand could be yours and yours alone. Or you can stomp the ground with thousands of others at a heaving full moon party. Enjoy Thailand’s islands and beaches whichever way you choose.

Краткое описание: Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. People come here as miners: first perhaps for the uniquely Western concept of R&R. And while they toast themselves to a bronze hue on the sandy beaches, they find in the daily rhythm of Thailand a tranquillity that isn’t confined to vacation time. Welcome to a life-altering experience disguised as a holiday.

Краткое описание: There’s an expression from the 1980s: “Wake up Australia, Tasmania is floating away!” These days, however, mainland Australia is wide awake to the loveliness of its Apple Isle and holds it close to its heart.

Top of your to-do list should be a close encounter with the state’s wild places: the curves of Wineglass Bay, the far-flung Tarkine forests, the crags of Cradle Mountain. Almost a quarter of Tassie (as it’s affectionately known) is classed as a World Heritage Area or national park - an inspirational backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and near-impenetrable rainforest, soaring sea cliffs and fragile alpine moorlands. Experience it first hand with world-class

Краткое описание: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar... The names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Africa’s most alluring destinations, all packed into one country. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these four alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania. But the list isn’t finished. Bagamoyo, Tabora, Ujiji - stops on the 19th-century caravan routes into the heart of what was then an unknown continent. Kigoma, Kalema, Kipili, Kasanga - bustling outposts along the remote Lake Tanganyika shoreline. Selous - Africa’s largest protected area. Ruaha and Katavi - insider tips for serious safarigoers. Mahale and Gombe - prime destinations for seeing chimpanzees in the wild.