Краткое описание: There’s no question that the Philippines is a little more challenging to visit than some other Southeast Asian countries. For starters, it’s separated from the Southeast Asian mainland by several hundred kilometres of ocean. The people of the Philippines are as warm and friendly as you’ll meet anywhere, and the island and mountain vistas are truly superb - some of the best in Southeast Asia. And with over 7000 islands in the archipelago, it’s easy to get that off- the-beaten-track feeling, something that’s getting harder to do in most other parts of Southeast Asia.

Краткое описание: First things first - Western Australia is huge. Decide what you really want to see and then plan just how you’re going to manage visiting it. While it’s an easy destination to travel through, underestimating the distances between highlights can leave you feeling as if you’ve driven a stage of a car rally every day, with ridiculously long road trains (semitrailer trucks towing several trailers) and errant wildlife thrown in for good measure. Western Australia is a friendly state that ambles along at a relaxed pace - it’s best to do the same.

Краткое описание: Well informed, eloquent and oh-so-romantic, the “City of Light” is a philosopher, a poet, a crooner. As it always has been, Paris is a million different things to a million different people.

Paris has all but exhausted the superlatives that can reasonably be applied to any city. Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower - at sunrise, at sunset, at night - have been described countless times, as have the Seine and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between the Left and Right Banks. But what writers have been unable to capture is the grandness and even the magic.

Краткое описание: Travelling in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands can be challenging. With almost no tourism infrastructure and limited information available in books and on web- sites, it can feel like you’re stepping into the great unknown. But this is exactly why travellers find these places so compelling. Nothing is contrived for tourists and every experience is authentic. The striking natural beauty and myriad complex cultures offer some riveting and truly life-affirming experiences.

Краткое описание: Traveling is all about spontaneity, and plenty of people jump on the plane to Panama without making a single plan. However, although Panama is a fine country for spontaneous adventuring, you’ll get more out of your trip if you do a bit of planning before you go.

For starters, there are a few destinations in Panama where advance reservations are a good idea. This is especially true for the Comarca de Kuna Yala, where the demand for flights far exceeds the supply. Fortunately, you can book your outbound and inbound flights in advance. Advance reservations for Isla Barro Colorado, an outpost for the Smithsonian’s Tropical Research Institute (STRI), are also necessary.

Краткое описание: Tell your neighbour you’re off to the Arabian Peninsula for a holiday and they’ll probably think you have a death wish. Many people think of the Peninsula under the generic term ‘Middle East’ and immediately assume that it’s virtually a no-go area. For the most part, however, this is not the case. Even in countries that continue to give the visitor cause for concern and where it’s imperative to check with your embassy before travelling (namely, Saudi and Yemen), there is an overwhelming determination to increase tourism.

Краткое описание: Norway is a country at a crossroads, although given Norway’s natural wonders and significant wealth, it’s a situation in which most countries in the world would love to find themselves. Norway is, by any standards, one of the most beautiful countries on earth, but that beauty brings with it a responsibility that weighs heavily upon Norwegians. For here is a people with an enduring love for the natural world that is profoundly etched into the national character. In the past, this was expressed in the Norwegian tradition of isolated farmsteads that colonised the most secluded corners of the country’s wilderness.

Краткое описание: Australia is generally a very easy, hassle-free country to travel in and the Northern Territory is no exception, but it can throw up a few tricky situations by virtue of its size and remoteness. If you’re planning bushwalking or outback driving you’ll need to be better prepared than if you’re sticking to the Stuart Hwy or going on a tour. And then there are the basic questions: when should I go? What to take? How much do things cost? You don’t really want to miss Litchfield because the roads are closed, or fry under the February sun at Uluru. The Territory is big, but not too big to see the highlights in a single trip.

Краткое описание: Where to go and what to do? Nicaragua and El Salvador offer everything from homestays and hiking trails through chilly cloud forests to relaxation and a fair amount of decadence in luxury beachfront resorts. If you re headed to San Salvador or Managua, you may want to pack a snazzy outfit or two; if you’re more interested in getting into the uncharted jungle interior, malaria pills and a water purifier are perhaps in order.

But - unless you consider this part of the fun - this is one region where planning ahead isn’t absolutely necessary, as crowds are thin, except during Semana Santa (Holy Week), and there are things to see and do all year round.

Краткое описание: There’s a reason the sun shines on New Zealand before anywhere else - every new day in Aotearoa is something to cherish! Small, remote and thinly populated, yes, but New Zealand punches well above its weight with its outlandish scenery, fabulous festivals, superb food and wine, and magical outdoor experiences. Equally impressive is New Zealand’s potent, mainstream Maori culture. This is a country that recognises and celebrates its indigenous people - the world is a kinder, gentler, more respectful place down here!