Краткое описание: Few visitors can travel around Iceland without their hearts leaping into their mouths at the sheer beauty of it all; or leave the country without a pang and a fervent vow to return. It’s that sort of place.

Although it sits bashfully on the edge of the Arctic, this wonderful little island contains some of the most impressive natural wonders in Europe (it just doesn’t like to boast!). Here the continent’s biggest waterfalls thunder down with such force that the ground trembles under your feet, the bleak and barren highlands form Europe’s largest and loneliest desert, and the awesome icecap Vatnajökull is the biggest outside the poles.

Краткое описание: A trip to Hungary actually requires very little advance planning. Free tourist literature abounds, maps are excellent and readily available, and staff at tourist offices, travel agencies, hotels, train stations and so on are generally helpful and knowledgeable. In fact, almost anything can be arranged after you’ve arrived. And as most experienced travellers know, the problems that occurred to you at home usually turn out to be

Краткое описание: Rumours of Hong Kong’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. More than 10 years after its handover from Britain to China, this entrepreneurial, irrepressible and singular trading city is booming again.

After plagues real, financial and political, normal service has resumed. This tiny territory punching well above its size and weight once more, only these days with a self-confidence never had under its former masters. Hong Kong has never been busier. Nor has it ever felt as comfortable with its status, as a part once again of its original motherland but. separate, too, largely governing its own affairs and much better off for it.

Краткое описание: Honduras is filled with natural treasures - biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife refuges - but most travelers come here for the mother lode: scuba diving on the Bay Islands. The three Islas de Ia BahIa - Roatán, Utila and Guanaja - lie along the southern end of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-longest coral reef in the world. Beneath the clear turquoise waters is a trove of unbelievable riches: vibrant coral, massive sponges, multicolored fish and large pelagic species, like manta rays, sea turtles and whale sharks. Yet prices remain remarkably low, making the Bay Islands a great place to learn, and in turn love, scuba diving.

Краткое описание: With Fidel Castro edging ever closer to death, Habana and its controversial socio-political system has once again been thrown into the full glare of the international spotlight. But what direction the city will take if (or when) the much hated 46-year us trade embargo is finally lifted is still anyone’s guess.

Краткое описание: Traveling in Guatemala requires little detailed planning. Bus transportation is plentiful - for many trips all you need do is show up and hop on the next bus. Accommodations are equally easy: unless you have your heart set on one hotel, booking ahead isn’t usually necessary. The major exception is Semana Santa (Easter week), when the whole country takes a holiday and you need to book rooms, and often transportation, in advance.

Краткое описание: Nothing quite prepares you for your first trip north and that tingle of expectation as you plot a route, pore over those glossy photos and scare yourself silly with tales of frozen flesh and cavernous ice fissures. Going ‘up north’ requires a little more planning than most trips, though you’ll probably be surprised by the modernity of the facilities available. The time of year you go will impact immensely on the size of your rucksack, of periods of perpetual day or night will determine your activities and the uncertainty of the weather may hamper even the best-laid plans.

Краткое описание: Let’s face it, Greece is a hugely popular destination. While this may be sustainable in the quieter time of the year, from June to September Greece receives an enormous influx of travellers and tourists. While this may be a bonanza for the country, this annual influx puts great strains on the infrastructure, the environment, the often fragile flora and fauna and even the Greek people themselves.

Mega-destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Corfu often struggle to house and feed visitors and manage their detritus. The building of new developments often clashes with eco-minded organizations. In a similar vein, champions of fauna often fight losing battles with this relentless push for expansion.

Краткое описание: Britain is perfect for exploring, for acting on a whim, for having an adventure, for doing exactly what you want to do. Find a delightful village as you’re touring the coast? Check into that friendly inn overlooking the harbour. See a dramatic castle on the skyline? Turn off the road and stroll round dramatic battlements. Love the hip hotel in the city? Stay another night. Or two. Sure, you’ll make some plans in advance - especially if time is tight - but you can leave things to chance as well, enjoying the excitement that only freedom can provide.

Краткое описание: The range of travellers who visit Goa, from first timers to package tourists to hard-core adventurers, is a testament to its widespread appeal and the relative ease of travelling here. Goa’s size means that you don’t have to stress about planning a route or slicing your days into units to see and do everything; if you don’t like where you are, you can relocate to the other end of the state in a couple of hours.