Краткое описание: “The next Provence” is the buzz on the street, much to the glee of the region’s battalion of English-speaking estate agents, armed with a drop-dead- gorgeous portfolio of old stone mas (farmhouse) cradled between vines, terraced maisons de village - shutters bleached by the fierce Mediterranean sun - and bijou beach apartments, all on the market for a snip of the St-Tropez, Chianti or Brighton price tag.

Though precisely where this low-key neighbour to fat-cat Provence is, snug against the flamingo- and cowboy-specked delta of the River Rhone to the east and Pyrenean peaks soaring west into Andorra and Spain, not so many know.

Краткое описание: Kyoto is a city of secrets. Thousands of secrets. Hidden behind ancient walls, down tiny alleyways, under layers of gesture and artifice. Myriad pockets of incredible beauty that reveal themselves to those willing to see and discover.

The joy of travelling in Kyoto is the quest, the pleasure of uncovering that perfect Zen garden, or happening upon a quiet temple at dawn and catching the monks chanting. Of mustering the courage to slide open the door to an unfamiliar restaurant and being rewarded with the perfect bowl of noodles.

Краткое описание: Malaysia is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia for international travellers - English is widely spoken, good accommodation is easy to find, restaurants serve up some of the finest food in Asia and locals are used to dealing with people from all over the world. Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang have hotels, restaurants, attractions and transport options to suit all budgets. Kuala Lumpur is the main international hub for Malaysia, though a few international flights go directly to Penang. Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka or Penang is a breeze with plentiful and inexpensive buses, trains and flights.

Краткое описание: Asian Tiger, a seriously wired country or the world’s most heavily fortified border? All are accurate descriptions of South Korea though none fully captures the essence of this fascinating, complex nation. Social relations may be grounded in ancient Confucianism but South Korea is most decidedly a forward thinking country thanks to its hurry-hurry approach everything, an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and an indomitable can- do attitude. No one knows where the country is headed, but it’s fast-forward all the way. That’s what makes South Korea so exiting and at times unnerving; it’s a country of endless possibilities with limits imposed only by you.

Краткое описание: Planning a trip to Kenya is a pleasure in itself: the country is so versatile it’s virtually a blank canvas, catering equally for thrill seekers and sun seekers, budget backpackers and high-end high rollers, those who like it tough and those who just want to get going. Whatever you want to do here, you’ll discover that it’s pretty straightforward to sort yourself out on the ground - in fact, in many cases you’ll find that advance planning is often trickier and less reliable than dealing with everything in person once you arrive.

Краткое описание: Jordan is an easy and highly enjoyable country to visit. The country is compact, travel times are short and transport is generally comfortable. Budget travel in Jordan is definitely doable but you’ll probably get the most from the country if you can spend a bit more, every now and again splashing out for a dive or guided hike, perhaps hiring a car for a few days or dining in a upscale restaurant. The great thing about Jordan is that you can really see a lot in a short period of time, or combine the country with the other great sights of the Middle East, from Jerusalem to Damascus, both just a few hours away by road.

Краткое описание: Apart from language difficulties, Japan is a very easy country in which to travel. It’s safe and clean and the public transport system is excellent. Best of all, everything you need (with the possible exception of large-sized clothes) is widely available. The only consideration is the cost: Japan can be expensive, although not nearly as expensive as you might fear. While prices have been soaring in other parts of the world, prices in Japan have barely changed in the last 10 years, and the yen is at its weakest level in 21 years according to some calculations.

Краткое описание: Of course, Jamaican vacations are as varied as the island itself, and there are numerous ways to visit. You can leave little to chance by booking a week in an all-inclusive resort, or you can leave everything to chance, traveling from town to town by route taxi, and choosing your lodgings and the next destination as you go along.

You can lead a carefree lifestyle at a secluded retreat, enjoy the stylish luxury of a boutique hotel or stay in a brightly painted, candlelit shack with no electricity and a refreshing outdoor cool-water shower.

Краткое описание: The land that gave us Roman efficiency and Renaissance aesthetics is one of the single greatest repositories of sensorial pleasures on the face of the earth. From art to food, from stunning and varied countryside to flamboyant fashion, Italy has it all.

The bel paese (beautiful country) also has its fair share of dark spots. Centuries of the stubborn individualism that long made such city-states as Florence, Milan and Venice great, went hand in hand with incessant internecine squabbling, division and chronic mutual distrust that ultimately left Italy in a mess.

Краткое описание: Istanbul is hot. And we’re not talking about the weather. These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that’s a lot).

The international fashion and design press have been talking up Istanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that Istanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not since the days of Suleyman the Magnificent.