Краткое описание: There’s nothing quite like daydreaming about chocolate shops fit for royalty, linger-as-long-as-you-like cafés, and beer menus that simply go on and on and on. But to loose your head in the clouds and arrive in Belgium and Luxembourg with no preparation is inviting challenges. With a good plan, you’ll know whether it’s your French, German or Flemish that needs brushing up, whether you should you go by train or plane, and where to find discounted accommodation.

Краткое описание: Capital of the country set to dominate the 21st century, Beijing is the indestructible heart of China. Just as all roads used to lead to Rome, now the world is beating a path to Beijing to discover the city that holds the key to the planet’s most populous nation.

Краткое описание: Compact and easy to get around by public transport, Barcelona is geared to tourism and you will find plenty of information on all major tourist attractions. At the same time, it is full of mystery and invites you to spend long days of meandering and discovering. The monuments and museums, mainly concentrated in a relatively small area, could keep you busy for a week or more, but inevitably some of your time will be dedicated to simply hanging out in cafés, bars, eateries and at the beach. Consider setting aside a day or two for excursions p244.), most easily done by train.

Краткое описание: Bangladesh is designed for the traveler who revels in genuine adventure. There is little here that can be described as organized, comfortable or reliable, and the backpacker scene of next-door India is completely unheard of. The fact that there are so few tourists in Bangladesh means that you won’t have to contend with crowds at hotspots or with booked-out accommodation, but it also means that the going can be rough.

Краткое описание: Since the late 18th century, the history of Bangkok has essentially been the history of Thailand. Many of the country’s defining events have unfolded here, and today the language, culture and food of the city have come to represent those of the entire country. This role is unlikely, given the city’s origins as little more than an obscure Chinese trading port, but today boasting a population of 10 million, it is certain that Bangkok will be shaping Thailand’s history for some time to come.

Краткое описание: Bali is commonly described as a heaven for its cheery, offering-proffering residents but it is a romanticism worthy of a tourist brochure at best. Life is often hard and the average Balinese person has a hardscrabble existence that would be familiar to people worldwide. However, the Balinese do excel in one key area - they have an undeniable talent for making use of every resource on the island: bamboo, vines, flowers and shells for their imaginative offerings. Even the tourist is a resource to be painted, oiled, massaged, manipulated, tattooed or plaited.

Краткое описание: Los Cabos, the unrestrained big shot of Baja California, is three distinct personalities rolled into one. San José del Cabo is a traditional yet refined Mexican town with a central plaza, historic adobe buildings, a municipal market and narrow streets to remind you that, yes indeed, this is Mexico. While San José clings - however precariously - to its Mexican past, Cabo San Lucas is bent more upon partying and its fashionable good looks than maintaining any sort of tradition or, for that matter, sensible plans for the future.

Краткое описание: Your visit to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will benefit from a bit of preplanning. It’s not particularly difficult to get to the region or to navigate your way around, but a little forethought will save you money as accommodations, travel and eating costs can be high…

Краткое описание: Let’s say you wake one morning in Austria and make your way bleary-eyed to a newspaper stand. What you see in the press will probably be at odds with this country you imagine: nothing about those idyllic mountain lakes or spectacular snow-dusted peaks, or even a picture of sweaty mountain bikers in centrifugal frenzy on a windswept forest trail. You are more likely to be greeted by the news that Austrian farmers are dying out, that state finances have been squandered on 18 Eurofighter jets, the ruling coalition government lacks true leadership, and that Austria’s youth is guzzling itself comatose on alcopops.

Краткое описание: It’s a totally inhospitable place, you shouldn’t be here, the sun, you live about three quarters of a mile from it, I’ve seen insects walking around with kneepads, you fling yourselves into the sea when you’re not actually walking around audibly crackling in the heat and the sea is full of jellyfish and sharks and other things who hate you, but you persist in living here... So you know, it’s a jail, you live in, it’s lovely, you’ve done wonderful things with it, but you’re all still in denial.