Краткое описание: The Netherlands is an exceedingly user-friendly place to visit. Up-to-date information is plentiful, almost every Dutch person speaks decent English, transport links are swift, and there’s an abundance of sights and activities. All this means you can add a fair amount of spontaneity to your trip.

That said, a bit of foresight is helpful to pinpoint sights that match your interests, and to get the timing right - the bulb fields aren’t much to look at before the blossoms open. It’s also advisable to think about accommodation beforehand, as Amsterdam’s best (and sometimes worst) hotels book up months in advance, and other towns may have limited sleeping options.

Краткое описание: Whether it’s a lazy beach holiday you’re after or a solitary tour around remote villages, myriad mangrove swamps and endless savannah plains, you’ll be well served in Gambia and Senegal.

For a brief stay in the built-up tourist zones - such as the Atlantic resorts in The Gambia, and Saly and Cap Skiring in Senegal - you won’t need much advance preparation, next to none if you travel with an organised tour.

Краткое описание: Images of sweeping white-sand beaches, palm trees, colourful fish and dramatic karst formations rising from the sea are the essence of our idea of a tropical paradise. But this is reality in Thailand’s islands and beaches - and a bit more. That southern Thailand can cater to almost any taste adds to the allure. The footprints in the sand could be yours and yours alone. Or you can stomp the ground with thousands of others at a heaving full moon party. Enjoy Thailand’s islands and beaches whichever way you choose.

Краткое описание: Thailand is often referred to as a golden land, not because there is precious metal buried underground but because the country gives off a certain lustre, be it the fertile rice fields of the central plains or the warm hospitality of its citizenry. People come here as miners: first perhaps for the uniquely Western concept of R&R. And while they toast themselves to a bronze hue on the sandy beaches, they find in the daily rhythm of Thailand a tranquillity that isn’t confined to vacation time. Welcome to a life-altering experience disguised as a holiday.

Краткое описание: There’s an expression from the 1980s: “Wake up Australia, Tasmania is floating away!” These days, however, mainland Australia is wide awake to the loveliness of its Apple Isle and holds it close to its heart.

Top of your to-do list should be a close encounter with the state’s wild places: the curves of Wineglass Bay, the far-flung Tarkine forests, the crags of Cradle Mountain. Almost a quarter of Tassie (as it’s affectionately known) is classed as a World Heritage Area or national park - an inspirational backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and near-impenetrable rainforest, soaring sea cliffs and fragile alpine moorlands. Experience it first hand with world-class

Краткое описание: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar... The names roll off the tongue like a roster call of Africa’s most alluring destinations, all packed into one country. Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these four alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania. But the list isn’t finished. Bagamoyo, Tabora, Ujiji - stops on the 19th-century caravan routes into the heart of what was then an unknown continent. Kigoma, Kalema, Kipili, Kasanga - bustling outposts along the remote Lake Tanganyika shoreline. Selous - Africa’s largest protected area. Ruaha and Katavi - insider tips for serious safarigoers. Mahale and Gombe - prime destinations for seeing chimpanzees in the wild.

Краткое описание: This is what a group of Portuguese sailors, said to have been the first Westerners to lay eyes on the island, uttered upon seeing Taiwan for the first time. We imagine they must have been pretty enamoured. While not every Westerner has the same love-at-first-sight reaction to Taiwan, our Portuguese seafaring friends were just the first of many. With lush jungles, pulsating cities, great beaches, excellent hiking and biking, not to mention some of the world’s best hot springs, Taiwan cuts a figure as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.

Краткое описание: French Polynesia thrives on tourism, and the only thing difficult about travelling here is parting with the 20 bucks it’s going to cost for a burger and coke. That said, Polynesia is a destination that benefits from advance planning. Start thinking about your trip around three to six months out; this will allow you enough time to scour the Web for the best deals or book your dream honeymoon bungalow before someone else does.

Краткое описание: With the world’s most precious of ancient ruins, medieval souqs that hum incessantly with the banter of hagglers, cities that pulsate with life day and night, and Islamic mosques and Byzantine churches so sublime and sacred that worshippers of all religious persuasions make pilgrimages to them - not to mention mountain forests thick with cedar, pine and eucalypt, sparkling Mediterranean bays, blazing desert moonscapes, and luxuriant river plains - Syria and Lebanon are tailor-made to be tourism magnets.

Краткое описание: New South Wales is a dream destination for travellers seeking low- fuss, low-maintenance, low-stress fun. The excellent infrastructure resources mean you can decide you need a holiday on a Tuesday night and halfway to your destination by Wednesday morning.