Краткое описание: Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be the smallest Andean nation but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery. With its astounding biodiversity, impressive historical legacy, stunning colonial architecture, bustling highland markets and diverse mix of people – blacks, whites, indigenous and mestizo – it’s easy to see why this friendly and exotic destination is regarded as a microcosm of South America.

Краткое описание: Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the most visited tourist destination in the Caribbean. And the country’s image as a sun-blessed playground is merited – you can happily spend your days on sandy beaches framed by crystal-clear waters and lofty palm trees, and fill your nights with merengue and dark rum.

Краткое описание: Pointing away from England into the Atlantic, the dangling limb of land holding Britain’s westernmost counties of Devon and Cornwall has long wielded a powerful attraction for holiday-makers – not to mention second-homers, retirees, artists, writers and anyone keen on rugged landscape and ever-changing coastal scenery. The two counties have a markedly different look and feel: Devon’s rolling swards of pasture, narrow lanes and picturesque thatched cottages are a striking contrast to the craggy charms of Cornwall, imbued with a strong sense of Celtic culture.

Краткое описание: There can be no greater testament to the beguiling magnetism of Cuba than the triumph of its culture over its politics. Few countries are as closely associated with their political system as this communist stronghold, and few provoke such intense political feelings and allegiances, yet the world is as taken with the Buena Vista Social Club as it is with Fidel Castro. And it’s not just the music. The clichéd images of guitar-strumming troubadours, and of 1950s Chevrolets rolling past crumbling colonial buildings, identify the country in an instant, yet while they may attract many visitors, Cuba also captures the imagination for a host of less familiar reasons too.

Краткое описание: Despite being one of Europe’s hit holiday destinations, Croatia doesn’t feel like a place that has been thoroughly worked over by the tourist industry. Though development continues apace along the more commercialized stretches of the coast, Croatian tourism has spun off in a number of positive directions. The infrastructure for hikers and cyclists is blossoming and rural tourism is on the rise. As well, a renewed respect for natural ingredients has become the watchword of Croatian cuisine, with locally sourced foodstuffs, wines and olive oils standing up increasingly well to globalization.

Краткое описание: Crete is a great deal more than just another Greek island. Much of the time, especially in the cities or along the developed north coast, it doesn’t feel like an island at all, but a substantial land in its own right. Which of course it is – a mountainous, wealthy and at times surprisingly cosmopolitan one with a tremendous and unique history. There are two big cities, Iráklion and Haniá, a host of sizeable, historic towns, and an island culture which is uniquely Cretan: the Turks were in occupation little over a hundred years ago, and the Greek flag was raised for the first time only in 1913.

Краткое описание: Sitting squarely in the middle of America, surrounded by hundreds of miles of pancake-flat prairies, Chicago is, in many ways, the last great American city. Having come of age during the industrial age – the grain, lumber, meatpacking, steel and railroad trades all took turns dominating the economic landscape – Chicago’s blue-collar roots still shine through, with all the can-do attitude of a small town, the ambition and diversity of a dynamic metropolis, and a distinct lack of pretension throughout.

Краткое описание: Few regions of the world have been as idealized and mythologized as California – and yet it seldom fails to live up to the hype. The glamour, surf beaches and near-endless sun of LA and the Southern California coast are rightly celebrated, but from here you’re only a few hours’ drive from majestic snowy mountains, Wild West ghost towns, barren deserts pocked with Joshua trees and even ski resorts. Up the coast, boutique wine regions mix with primeval forests, wild seascapes and the sophistication of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Краткое описание: Boston is as close to the Old World as the New World gets, an American city that proudly trades on its colonial past, having served a crucial role in the country’s development from a few wayward pilgrims right through to the Revolutionary War. It occasionally takes this a bit too far – what’s a faded relic anywhere else becomes a plaque-honoured tourist site here – but none of it detracts from the city’s overriding historic charm, nor from its present-day energy.

Краткое описание: This Central American eco-pioneer may be petite, but it offers a huge range of extraordinary experiences: snorkel the longest Barrier Reef in the Americas; dive the inky depths of the Blue Hole; and embark on thigh-aching treks up soaring Maya pyramids. And, while geographically Belize is Central American, at heart it’s Caribbean – offering a unique blend of both cultures.