Краткое описание: This is what a group of Portuguese sailors, said to have been the first Westerners to lay eyes on the island, uttered upon seeing Taiwan for the first time. We imagine they must have been pretty enamoured. While not every Westerner has the same love-at-first-sight reaction to Taiwan, our Portuguese seafaring friends were just the first of many. With lush jungles, pulsating cities, great beaches, excellent hiking and biking, not to mention some of the world’s best hot springs, Taiwan cuts a figure as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.

Краткое описание: French Polynesia thrives on tourism, and the only thing difficult about travelling here is parting with the 20 bucks it’s going to cost for a burger and coke. That said, Polynesia is a destination that benefits from advance planning. Start thinking about your trip around three to six months out; this will allow you enough time to scour the Web for the best deals or book your dream honeymoon bungalow before someone else does.

Краткое описание: With the world’s most precious of ancient ruins, medieval souqs that hum incessantly with the banter of hagglers, cities that pulsate with life day and night, and Islamic mosques and Byzantine churches so sublime and sacred that worshippers of all religious persuasions make pilgrimages to them - not to mention mountain forests thick with cedar, pine and eucalypt, sparkling Mediterranean bays, blazing desert moonscapes, and luxuriant river plains - Syria and Lebanon are tailor-made to be tourism magnets.

Краткое описание: New South Wales is a dream destination for travellers seeking low- fuss, low-maintenance, low-stress fun. The excellent infrastructure resources mean you can decide you need a holiday on a Tuesday night and halfway to your destination by Wednesday morning.

Краткое описание: Sydney doesn’t care what you think of him; he knows he s fabulous. He s got it all - he s sporty, arty, sexy, successful, confident, good-looking and damn interesting.

His Australian siblings won’t admit to being jealous, but who wouldn’t be? You’d hate him too, if he wasn’t so completely charming. He’s got a sunny disposition, but can be rather dry. Sure, he’s got his rough edges and his problems, but he keeps them all well hidden behind his dazzling façade. He’s a bit Manly and a lot Darling.

Краткое описание: With everything from soaring Alpine peaks in Zermatt to cavernous late-night dance clubs in Zurich, Switzerland offers a kaleidoscopic palette of options in a very small space. Whether you want to explore hidden jewels of medieval art in distant villages or the cutting edge of modern architecture in the humming cities, there is plenty of choice for the art buff. What other country offers at least three types of different national cuisine? You could set yourself a gastronomical route full of pleasant surprises. For the more energetic, the range of scenery and outdoor activities is almost unlimited. From cow-fighting to curling, hiking to hang-gliding, there is barely a sport or activity that isn’t catered for here.

Краткое описание: There’s a prevailing view of Swedes as cold and reserved, or at least shy - until the snaps comes out, at any rate. Like any stereotype it has some basis in truth, but the national character is, of course, a good deal more complex than popular myth suggests.

Swedes are a friendly sort, though sometimes in a way that strikes outsiders as stiff or overly formal. The handshake is used liberally in both business and social circles when greeting friends or meeting strangers. Introductions generally include full names.

Краткое описание: It seemed like a lark. When Peter the Great built this city on a swamp, his subjects humoured the Emperor. When he declared it the new capital, they were less

But history has shown that the forward-thinking, Westward-looking tsar was inspired. Gradually, St Petersburg evolved from a swampy backwater into a modern European city, Russia’s “window to the West”.

St Petersburg has always been a city of ideas. Petersburgers incited the Russian Revolution, ushering in 70 years of communist rule. And it was St Petersburg that encouraged democracy when the tide began to change.

Краткое описание: While Sri Lanka is arguably the easiest place in which to travel in all of South Asia, a little advance knowledge and planning will go a long way towards making your trip more fulfilling, hassle-free and fun.

For the most part you’ll find that larger towns - and even smaller towns with a highly developed tourism infrastructure - cater to all travel budgets. In places more off the beaten track, especially those in the Hill Country and in the North, luxury accommodation and high-standard dining are relatively hard to find, but the offerings are usually sufficient for all but the most finicky travellers.

Краткое описание: Getting the most out of a visit to Spain is partly a matter of timing. You need to plan around the weather if you hope to enjoy the outdoors (walking, skiing, diving and so on) but avoid the crowded seasonal peaks. You may want to witness some of the country’s extraordinary festivals. Some visitors aim for a taste of luxury and gourmet indulgence: in this case it is worth planning which castles to stay in and which avant-garde restaurants to book. Whether it’s a lazy beach holiday or a strenuous cycle tour, anything is possible, and on most budgets too.