Краткое описание: Sharing the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic (DR) and Haiti could be said to be two sides of the same coin. At first glance, culture seems to divide the two countries: while the DR is Spanish-speaking and obsessed with baseball, Haitians would rather watch the soccer World Cup and comment on the game in French, or the Creole that’s derived from their slave ancestry. But shared history and a common border mean that the DR and Haiti are both dependent on and obsessed with each other.

Краткое описание: Diving &Snorkeling Thailand will introduce you to the historic shipwrecks of the Eastern Gulf, which sit beside new, habitat-building wrecks created especially for divers to enjoy. The islands of Ko Tao and Ko Samui are instructional havens where every aspect of diving is taught and practiced on submerged pinnacles, rocky reefs and hard coral fantasylands.

Краткое описание: The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) extends along the northeastern Australian coast from Lady Elliot Island in the south, almost to Papau New Guinea in the north. The world’s single largest living system, the reef is part of the superb Indo-Pacific coral reef systems, extending from the Red Sea to Easter Island.

Australia, the island continent, is most desirable tourist destination in the world. Yet many travellers are daunted by the long haul of jet travel it takes to get to this wonderfully unique and friendly country.

Краткое описание: Belize is an eco-Mecca for those wanting to see nature, Mayan history and sun-drenched beaches. This very relaxed and informal country is situated between Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south, and is but a two-hour flight from the continental United States. Tourism is a large part of the economy and the people are friendly and accommodating (and speak English).

Краткое описание: This is one region of Britain which really does suit every type of traveller, whether you’re the kind of person for whom floating beds, fruit teas and flat-screen TVs are all essential items, or you’re after just a rugged night under the stars with nothing but your backpack for company. Families, solo travellers and honeymooning couples will all find plenty to pique their interest, but even if you are a footloose nomad, it always pays to do a little bit of planning (and the odd bit of booking) before you set out on the road.

Краткое описание: The Danes are, overwhelmingly, a happy bunch. In fact, if you believe those contentment surveys that come out every couple of years, Denmark is one of the happiest nations on earth with some of the best quality of life.

You don’t need statistics to understand the Dane’s happy lot, though. Stroll around Copenhagen or pretty much any Danish town and you’ll experience some of the most harmonious civic spaces anywhere…

Краткое описание: In many ways the Czech and Slovak Republics are a traveller’s dream destination: the distances aren’t immense, and both natural and manmade beauty abounds. The streets of Prague and the trails of the High Tatras are well trod. And it doesn’t take too long to get off the beaten path and find a medieval gem in the form of an old town, or a deserted hiking path.

Though lodging prices are rising, you can still plan an itinerary to suit any budget - from student dorm with sandwiches to go, to top end with trendy dining.

Краткое описание: Travelling to and through Cyprus is pretty effortless. Most people visit the island on package tours; it’s also easy to get an independent flight, although these tend to get sold out and pricey in the peak summer months of June to September. Once there, you’ll find everything that you can find at home and, particularly for Brits, there is a strange air of familiarity: apart from the fact that the island caters for swarms of British tourists, there are a number of colonial leftovers, like driving on the left.

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Central Asia isn’t the easiest place to travel through. You’ll need to invest some serious time tracking down visas, permits and the latest travel information, preferably months before you depart. You won’t meet many travellers on the road and there are certainly no video cafes serving banana muesli. But this is part of the attraction of a land that has been largely off-limits to travellers for the last 2000 years.

Travel today is generally getting easier every year, with new accommodation options, vastly improved food and a network of shared taxis that will shuttle you around cheaply and in relative comfort. Do your research on Central Asian epic history in particular and you’ll find the region quickly addictive. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out of this Asian heartland.

Краткое описание: Cuba is a unique country with many distinct characteristics. Travel here not only requires a passport, money and a good sturdy rucksack; but it also requires flexibility, creativity, good humor, patience and a healthy sense of adventure. Speaking Spanish, though not a prerequisite, is undoubtedly a huge advantage, and will allow you to travel further and dig deeper than the average tourist.