Краткое описание: Bali is commonly described as a heaven for its cheery, offering-proffering residents but it is a romanticism worthy of a tourist brochure at best. Life is often hard and the average Balinese person has a hardscrabble existence that would be familiar to people worldwide. However, the Balinese do excel in one key area - they have an undeniable talent for making use of every resource on the island: bamboo, vines, flowers and shells for their imaginative offerings. Even the tourist is a resource to be painted, oiled, massaged, manipulated, tattooed or plaited.

Краткое описание: Los Cabos, the unrestrained big shot of Baja California, is three distinct personalities rolled into one. San José del Cabo is a traditional yet refined Mexican town with a central plaza, historic adobe buildings, a municipal market and narrow streets to remind you that, yes indeed, this is Mexico. While San José clings - however precariously - to its Mexican past, Cabo San Lucas is bent more upon partying and its fashionable good looks than maintaining any sort of tradition or, for that matter, sensible plans for the future.

Краткое описание: Your visit to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos will benefit from a bit of preplanning. It’s not particularly difficult to get to the region or to navigate your way around, but a little forethought will save you money as accommodations, travel and eating costs can be high…

Краткое описание: Let’s say you wake one morning in Austria and make your way bleary-eyed to a newspaper stand. What you see in the press will probably be at odds with this country you imagine: nothing about those idyllic mountain lakes or spectacular snow-dusted peaks, or even a picture of sweaty mountain bikers in centrifugal frenzy on a windswept forest trail. You are more likely to be greeted by the news that Austrian farmers are dying out, that state finances have been squandered on 18 Eurofighter jets, the ruling coalition government lacks true leadership, and that Austria’s youth is guzzling itself comatose on alcopops.

Краткое описание: It’s a totally inhospitable place, you shouldn’t be here, the sun, you live about three quarters of a mile from it, I’ve seen insects walking around with kneepads, you fling yourselves into the sea when you’re not actually walking around audibly crackling in the heat and the sea is full of jellyfish and sharks and other things who hate you, but you persist in living here... So you know, it’s a jail, you live in, it’s lovely, you’ve done wonderful things with it, but you’re all still in denial.

Краткое описание: Andalucia is as big as Portugal so you need to think ahead about where and how you want to spend your time. Take account of the travel time between destinations: you could drive right across Andalucia along the main highways in seven or eight hours, but cross-country roads and coastal routes are slower. The Itineraries chapter gives ideas for routes geared to different interests and periods of time. Don’t try to do too much: hurrying is a waste of your time here. A good strategy is to build your trip around a few chosen destinations but to also allow time.

Краткое описание: You’re nursing a drink in a canal café when you hear Bach. A man with a wild hairdo is playing organ and trumpet on a nutshell of a boat, while his feet do the steering. Only in Amsterdam...

…and back by popular demand. After a few years’ pout, this beautiful city has found its old self - quirky, creative and open-minded. Yet beneath the self-assured exterior, mental notes are everywhere. Not long ago the Netherlands swung towards the right, with crackdowns on immigration, religious freedom and red-light districts. Even in freewheeling Amsterdam, people were asking themselves: is too much tolerance a bad thing?

Краткое описание: Algeria is the most fascinating country you never thought of visiting. Off limits for decades, Algeria is again struggling to its feet, resilient and ready to show you just why the country is becoming many travellers’ favourite North African destination. Like all countries along the southern Mediterranean rim, Algeria has two primary drawcards: outstanding Roman ruins and the exceptional landscapes of the Sahara. The difference is that Algeria has them in almost embarrassing abundance.

Краткое описание: Ever wanted to spit out the Malagasy proverb 'Do not dance on a load of wastes like an owl'? The Africa Phrasebook gives you cultural background, easy-to-use essentials and the ability to have meaningful contact with the locals.

Краткое описание: There are no hard and fast rules for travelling in Africa. Climate, behaviour and customs all vary from the top to the bottom of the continent. A T-shirt and sandals in January in Cape Town? Perfect. A T-shirt and sandals in January in Tripoli? You’re looking at verbal abuse and a nasty cold. The following section is only intended to give you general information that might be useful before you set off. No matter how prepared you are, however, nothing will quite prepare you for the overwhelming sensory and cultural experience that is a first visit to Africa. But isn’t that why you’re going?