Краткое описание: Belize proves the cliché that big things come in small packages. This tiny Central American country has the longest continuous barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere; the largest known Classic Mayan city, Caracol; and the highest concentration per square mile of the largest new-world cat, the jaguar. It also has one of the most extensive and easily accessible cave systems for amateur and experienced spelunkers alike, as well as a nearly endless supply of some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities.

Краткое описание: Although they’re small, each of these three countries contains a diversity of culture, language, and tradition that defies easy definition. Belgium is fractured along the age-old European divide between the Germanic north and the Latin south. This division is expressed in the constant regional bickering between Dutch-speaking Flanders and French-speaking Wallonia that threatens to split the country entirely.

Краткое описание: At first glimpse, Beijing isn’t a conventionally attractive city. But look a little more closely and you can’t help but be captivated by this city’s contradictions and contrasts. Modern skyscrapers spring up in neighborhoods of traditional courtyard homes. Fancy fusion restaurants open up next to street-side snack stalls. Rolls-Royces speed past bicycles and, occasionally, donkey carts. Amid the chaos, the full-throttle rush into the future, here are some of our favorite moments. Savor them, and you’ll come to love Beijing as we have.

Краткое описание: The best of Beijing is a study in contrasts - from the ritzy elegance of restaurants located in the snazziest of hotels to the humble yet lively fare available in local dining rooms. We give you a healthy dose of traditional Beijing life, which is rapidly disappearing as the city is bulldozed to make room for skyscrapers. We recommend that you take in a local punk band to get a glimpse of the capital’s vibrant youth culture, but also visit an antiquated Peking opera hall, and fraternize with seniors at the city’s numerous gardens and parks. For all its big-city development, Beijing’s lakes and parks provide solace - a place where you can go to ponder the contradictions that make up this fascinating capital.

Краткое описание: It’s hardly a shock that Barcelona has become such a hot destination. What’s surprising is how long it took the world to discover Barcelona’s diverse charms, which draw architecture and design fanatics, foodies, culture hounds, history buffs, and those merely in search of a happening, all-night party. These are some of my favorite things to do in the thriving Catalan capital.

Краткое описание: Ever inventive and dynamic, Barcelona is a city that is constantly changing and advancing deeper into the 21st century. With its agricultural wealth, excellent harbor, and industrious population, Barcelona has always managed to flourish through both good times and bad. When Madrid was still a dusty Castilian hamlet, the Ciudad Condal (as it ’s popularly known) was a powerful, diverse capital with a Mediterranean empire that extended as far as Athens. Influenced over the centuries by Romans, Visigoths, Franks, and even Castilians, it absorbed a little of each of their influences to become the fascinatingly complete city it is today.

Краткое описание: Bali is an island so rich in its diversity and spirituality that it simply can’t be described in words alone. Many have tried and wound up with little more than clichés- “Morning of the World,” “Dawn of Civilization,” “Island of the Gods.” This is a land full of mysticism, spirituality, and pleasure and the lucky Balinese live their lives confident in the knowledge that they do so in a form of paradise.

Краткое описание: Big changes may be in store for The Bahamas sometime off in the future, but don’t expect them to be implemented on any pr e-announced schedule during these tough economic times. Life in the islands simply operates on its own time. Many who earn their livelihood in the tourism industry are suffering a fall-off in business, as economic woes and the cost of energy plague would-be visitors from the United States.

Краткое описание: The forests, mountains, and lowlands of the Austrian landscape were divided early in their history into nine distinctly different regions (see the map on the inside back cover of this guide). In addition to their topographical diversities, each region has its own history, cultural identity, and - in some cases - oddities of language and dialect.

Краткое описание: Maybe we’re biased because we live here, but Australia has a lot of bests - world bests, that is. It has some of the best natural scenery, the weirdest wildlife, the most brilliant scuba diving and snorkeling, the best beaches, the oldest rainforest (110 million years and counting), the oldest human civilization (some archaeologists say 40,000 years, some say 120,000; whatever- it’s old), the best wines, the best weather (give or take the odd Wet season in the north), the most innovative East-meets-West-meets-someplace-else cuisine - all bathed in sunlight that brings everything up in Technicolor.