Martinique

Martinique is a slice of France set down in the tropics, with islanders wearing Paris fashions and breakfasting on croissants. But the zouk music pouring out of bars and nightclubs are a reminder that Martinicans have a culture of their own, solidly based on West Indian Creole traditions, which retains traces of the many tongues spoken by African slaves. Martinique's large towns feel like modern suburbs, but thankfully nearly a third of the island is forested. Enjoying the cosmopolitan society of Fort-De-France, with its blend of French and Creole cultures, soaking in the sun on the vast stretches of beach at Les Salines, and cruising the Route de la Trace, a scenic rain forest drive across the mountainous interior are some of the interesting things to do while visiting.

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Laos

Life in laid back Laos is languid and leisurely, watching the morning sun light up the mighty Mekong River, wandering through aromatic markets and kicking back with a beer in hand. Its the wimple pleasures that makes a visit to this enigmatic country a delight and what Laos in your face attractions is made up for with lush surrounds, friendly folk and gastronomic treats. While there try floating down Nam Song in Vang Vieng till dusk, and dine at one of Luang Prabang's atmospheric eateries. Some of the trademarks of Laos is long tail boats, rice, Buddha filled pagodas and cafe culture.




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South Korea

An Asian economic tiger, South Korea is a mosaic of old and new: rural folk villages and DVD mini-cinemas, ancient stone pagodas and rock music bars, buzzing modern cities and feudal era fortresses, densely forested mountains graced by some of Asia's finest Buddhist temples. It's a compact and little explored country, where Asian traditions, Western fashions, and democratic ideas mingle to identify based equal parts on language, national pride and a fondness for nature's beauties. The best time to visit South Korea is September to November. Some of the things to experience are: Early morning jostling at Busan's fish market, hitting the beach at Daecheon for the best sand and seafood on the west coast, and hiking around spectacular Sereoksan National Park. Courtesy is highly valued and most Koreans will go out of their way to be pleasant and helpful. Be polite and smile even when bargaining over prices in the market.

Iceland

The big island with the name is becoming one of Europe's hottest properties, bursting with natural wonders, active volcanoes, valley glaciers, Europe's biggest waterfalls, lava fields, geysers, and thermal pools. Reykjavik is the world's northernmost capital and is a cultural dynamo with live music, great restaurants and museums squeezed into a subtle small town environment. On weekends, the whole of Reykjacik joins in the Icelandic pub crawl which goes on till dawn.

Hungary

As piquant as the paprika it's famous for, and romantic as the Gypsy music, Hungary offers visitors a taste of Europe's heart and soul - but at half the price of anywhere in Western Europe. Budapest is the star attraction, fabulously located on the Danube and rich in Art Nouveau and baroque architecture. Outside the capital, there are rejuvenating spas, Roman and Turkish remnants, and exquisite lake and vine country. The burial place of Attila the Hun and his lost treasure is said to be somewhere in Hungary.

Guinea

Guinea was once ruled by one of the most oppressive regimes in Africa, but these days the country exudes a marked energy and growing economic vitality. High on the country's list of attractions is the vibrancy of its cultural traditions, particularly in music and dance, and its natural beauties include lush rain forests and breathtaking highland scenery. Visitors to Guinea can trek through the jungles of the south-east, watch an amazing dance performance in Conakry or browse through one of the many bustling markets. Traditional music remains popular with most of the people in Guinea, despite the rise in popularity of more modern forms. National and international stars have blended western instruments with Africans rhythms and instruments, and the two types of music still exist side by side. They cover an enormous range of popular and traditional styles.

Ghana

Ghanaians have plenty to be proud of. Their country was home to West Africa's mightiest, gold-dripping empire; it was the first to drop colonialism and go it alone; it built the biggest artificial lake in the world; and it produces some of Africa's best high life music and most famous sculpture. Yet you won't find a more chilled out and friendly people. So if you want to sample West Africa's modern and ancient cultures, explore its historic slave forts, toast yourself on its beautiful beaches and do it all speaking English. Ghanaians like to have fun, Ghana is, after all, the place where high life music got its start.


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Germany

In the heart of Europe, Germany offers small picture postcard towns, elegant big-city charm, fine wine and beer, and a wealth of art and culture, plus the perennial pleasure of huge tracts of forest and castles along the Rhine. Germany also lies at the crossroads of Continental history. From the beauty of its cathedrals to classical films, from the silent era of cinema, influential philosophers, physicists, classical composers, Germany has it all. Drink beer with 80% of Europe's breweries in Germany or sample white wines.

Gambia

Sunshine and golden beaches have long made the Gambia a winter getaway for Europeans. But beyond the European- flavoured resorts are African style wildlife reserves and the ruins of long abandoned slaving stations. The Gambia is blessed with so many species of birds in such a compact area that even those who would struggle to identify a pigeon can't fail to be impressed. Its size, people, language and food make the Gambia the perfect getaway to West Africa. Beaches, bird watching, riverboats and nightclubs are some of Gambia's trademarks. It's a taboo in Gambia to whistle after dark.

Finland

Finland is a quiet, laid back place, where a ramshackle cottage by a lake and a properly stoked sauna are all that's required for happiness. It's a vast expanse of forests and lakes punctuated by small towns. During the months of the midnight sun, coastal regions are a sailing and fishing paradise; when the nights are cold and long ( and they can be long), you can huddle inside with a vodka. Poking around the harbour side fish market in Helsinki - there's everything from Salmon and sausages to handicrafts and all manner of reindeer-related souvenirs.

Fiji

Fiji is lapped by warm waters, fringed with vibrant coral reefs and cloaked in the emerald green of the tropics. Fiji is a paradise seekers dream come true. Its sun soaked, white sand beaches and resorts are bliss, but only a slice of the country's allure. Fiji is an interesting blend of Polynesian, Indian, Chinese and European influences which means visitors can feed on curries and chop suey, visit temples, churches and mosques, and sip spiced chai or kava. Kava is a drink prepared from the aromatic roots of the Pacific pepper shrub, originally drunk in honour of the ancestors. The best time to visit Fiji is May to October, during the Fijian winter when humidity and rainfall are lower.

England

England is where world renowned institutions and symbols remain cherished and intact from Big Ben at Westminster, to Canterbury Cathedral, Eton College, to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Wembley stadium, to Lord's Cricket Ground, and Stonehedge to Tower Bridge. But the load is carried with panache as this tiny entity strides into the 21st century offering world-class fashion, cutting edge clubbing, and fine wining and dining as never before. England's presence on the global stage remains large, one of the many legacies of an empire long gone but not quite forgotten. Some of the things to experience and have a great time doing is climbing to the top of St Paul's Cathedral for an alternative view of London, mixing Roman and Georgian history in the elegant town of Bath, and eating fish and chips on a pebbly beach. If you really get hungry taste the Roast dinner ( beef with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, carrots, peas and gravy), followed by a hearty apple crumb with custard and cream.

Egypt

Egypt has captured the imagination of travellers since the ancient times, it's a multi layered history lesson with relics left by Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Christians, and Arabs. Mud brick villages rub shoulders with modern buildings of steel and glass, the call of the muezzin with the blare of city traffic. It's also a divers dream dip or a trek across the sands on a camel. And through everything the majestic River Nile flows on, Egypt's lifeblood since the dawn of history.

Dominican Republic

Is there any better definition of paradise than palm-fringed white sand beaches, turquoise waters and rum-and-meringue soaked nights? Santa Domingo offers architectural charm and historical gravitas, while the rugged mountain interior pleases adventure seekers with world class rafting, trekking and wildlife watching opportunities. Above all, however, its Dominicans who make the DR tick: fun-seekers throw themselves wholeheartedly into all manner of neighborhood parties, surfing and windsurfing contests, music festivals and not one but two annual Carnival celebrations. Dominicans are amazingly polite and tend to dress quite formally.

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Dominica

Dominica is largely rural, uncrowded and unspoiled. It has a lush mountainous interior of rain forests, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and rivers, many of which cascade over steep cliff faces en route to the coast. Apart from its natural splendors, including the highest mountains in the Eastern Caribbean, the island has an interesting fusion of British, French, and West Indian cultural traditions, and is home to the Eastern Caribbean's largest Carib Indian community. The best time to visit is December to February. Drink for Dominica is fruit punch made with fresh fruit and rum or the locally brewed beer Kubuli. Dominica's national dish is the mountain chicken, which is not a chicken at all but rather the legs of a giant frog called the crapaud, which is endemic to Dominica and Montserrat. Found at higher elevations, it's a protected species and can only be caught between autumn and February. Crapaud met is white and tastes like Chicken.

Denmark

Denmark is cute and fanciful. Denmark is a harmonious blend of the old and the new. Ancient castles and Viking ring forts exist side-by-side with lively cities and the sleekest modern design you'll ever see. Over a millennium ago Danish Vikings brought the country to the world's attention when they took to the seas and ravaged half of Europe, but these days they've filed down their horns and forged a society that stands as a benchmark of civilisation with progressive policies, widespread tolerance and a liberal social welfare system. Butter cookies, brightly coloured plastic bricks, "The Little Mermaid", Royal Copenhagen plates and Georg Jensen are some of the trademarks for Denmark.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Most visitors to the Czech Republic spend time in its near mythical capital, Prague. Granted, the Golden City does exert a siren pull, and you could spend endless hours there roaming through the maze of its Old Town, discovering its back street secrets, getting to know each stone saint on the Charles Bridge. But don't miss out on the rest of the country, with its stately old spa towns, fanciful castles, spruce forests and subterranean caves. The Czech Republic is a feast of art and history.

Cape Verde

On the islands of Cape Verde you can find lush valleys and mountains, long stretches of white sand, smoking volcanoes and dusty deserts, and pretty towns with cobbled streets. Additionally, there is Portuguese wine and local liquor, songs that are sad alongside those with a frenetic Latin beat, and exciting diving and windsurfing, hiking and fishing. Islanders mix up African, Portuguese, Mediterranean and Latin influences and come out with a flavour that's distinctly "Cabo". Eat the national dish, cachupa (a tasty stew of several kinds of beans plus corn and various kinds of meat, often sausage or bacon, or fish). Or try a tasty pastel com diablo dentro (pastry with a mix of fresh tuna, onions and tomatoes, wrapped in a pastry blended from boiled potatoes and corn flour, deep fried and served hot.)

Cameroon

At the crossroads of West and Central Africa, Cameroon is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent, rich in indigenous cultures, vibrant artistic and musical traditions, and wonderful Cameroonian hospitality. The country is made up of a network of ancient tribal kingdoms, and offers visitors the choice of rain forests and relaxing beaches in the south; rocky outcrops, terraced hillsides and hobbit like villages in the north. One of the best times to visit there is March and April, for wildlife viewing before the rains come.

Bulgaria

Since the early 1990's Bulgaria has morphed into a more modern version of itself, attracting tourists with its cheap skiing, beach holidays on the Black Sea coast, bustling capital Sofia, dramatic mountains, haven-like monasteries, Roman and Byzantine ruins, and excellent coffee. In the villages you can still find folks who ride a donkey to work, eat homegrown potatoes and make their own cheese, the difference now is that dinner is eaten in front of a satellite TV. Monasteries, feta, rose petals, hearty meat and vegetable stews and traditional fire-dancing are some of the trademarks in Bulgaria. There are over 160 monasteries, rose oil is a major export and Bulgaria is the world's fifth-largest exporter of wine.

Botswana

An African success story, Botswana achieved independence from Britian in 1966 and immediately thereafter, in a mad stroke of luck, discovered three of the world's richest diamond mines. And just like a good mystery story, it takes time to unravel the country's secrets. Beyond the narrow eastern corridor, where the majority of the population is concentrated. Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. Freedom of speech and equality are all guaranteed under the country's constitution.

Bermuda

Whatever your point of origin, you can't fail to appreciate that subtropical Bermuda is far enough from urban pollution to offer clear skies and clean turquoise waters. Bermuda is sometimes erroneously associated with the Caribbean, which lies nearly 1000 miles to its south. Bermuda held witch trials in the 17th century: Bermuda has the world's northernmost coral reefs. Read Bermuda's story by Terry Tucker, the island's most highly regarded historian, listen to reggae, calypso and Bermuda's most rocking bands.

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Belgium

Belgium has more histroy, art, and architecture packed inside its tiny borders than many of its bigger, louder neighbours. For a start, it claims some of Europe's finest medieval cities: Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Leuven. Festivals and celebrations keep the locals occupied year round, and eating well or lingering over a beer in good company are national pastimes. The best time to visit are May to September ( summer ), Christmas and Carnival (January - February).

Bangladesh

Bangladesh may have had its share of floods, famines, and cyclones but this visually stunning destination has much to offer. The world's most crowded country has friendly people, luxuriously fertile land, rich history, a broad mix of cultures and a tropical atmosphere that's unique to Bangladesh. Away from the noise and bustle of the capital, Dhaka, there are magnificently lush rural hill regions just waiting to be explored, plus archaeological sites, the longest beach on the planet and cruises along the country's countless rivers. October to February is the best time to visit Bangladesh. The drink for Bangladesh is called yoghurt sharbat, a chilled spicy yoghurt drink flavoured with chili, mint, coriander and cumin.

Bahamas

The Bahamas has successfully promoted itself as a destination for US jet setters and a lot of it is Americanized. Yet there are still places among its 700 islands and 2500 cays to disappear into a mangrove forest, explore a coral reef and escape the high-rise hotels and package tours. Staying at Pink Sands on Harbour Island and enjoying the charming historic village of Dunmore Town with a pink-sand beach and great night spots is an experience that you shouldn't miss. Some of their trademarks are Casinos, luxury yachts, golf courses, rum, sun and sand.

Australia

From endless sun baked horizons to dense tropical rain forest and wild southern beaches, Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a passionate love of sport and the outdoors. Visitors expecting to see an opera in Sydney one night and meet Crocodile Dundee the next day will have to re-think their grasp of geography in this huge country. It is its sheer vastness that gives Australia and its diverse population much of its character. Some of Australia's trademarks are endless beaches, friendly locals, outback pubs, and sizzling barbecues.

Argentina

From its tropical north to its glacial south, Argentina boasts more diversity and beauty than its fair share and it takes time to grasp the multitude of environments and experiences on offer. Despite the country's tumultuous political heritage, the people of Argentina remain friendly, open and willing to share a laugh with a new amigo. The best time to go to Argentina is March to May. The essential experience of Argentina is being enchanted by street tango at the Sunday antique market in San Telmo, indulging your chocolate cravings in Bariloche and staying at a gaucho ranch in Las Pampas.

Antigua

Antigua's tourist office boasts that the island has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. It has great reefs and wrecks for diving and snorkeling. On neighboring Barbuda you can track the island's fabled frigate birds and visit the Caribbean largest rookery. Barbuda is a quiet, single-village island that gets very few visitors, mainly bird watchers. Antigua is a touch more happening and the pace is slow. Some of the things to check out is exploring colonial era sights, take the scenic route along Fig Tree Drive, and snorkel the coral encrusted wreck of Antigua's first Church, St Paul Anglican Church-one of the island's oldest buildings dating back to 1676.

Antarctica

Antarctica is spectacular, a wilderness of landscapes reduced to a pure haiku of ice, rock, water, and filled with wildlife. A land of extremes, it is described by a bevy of superlatives and is the driest, coldest continent on Earth. Antarctica is unique and a journey here is like no other. Taking a cruise on an inflatable rubber dinghy among the icebergs, scuba diving in McMurdo Sound, visiting the historic explorers huts in the Ross Sea region for a taste of the Heroic Era is some of the things that you should experience. Eat an Antarctica barbecue, set up on deck or even on the ice; early explorers had to make do with Penguin and seal. Drink an Antarctic Old Fashion, a blend of bourbon, lifesavers sweets and snow; travelers may prefer to stick to adding a little glacier ice to their whiskey.

Andorra

All but lost between France and Spain, Andorra comprises just a handful of mountainous landscapes and meandering rivers. Though it is tiny, it contains some of the most dramatic scenery - and the best skiing in the Pyrenees. There are plenty of good hiking opportunities in the high, remote parts of the country, away from the over development and heavy traffic that plague Andorra's town. The ski season is from December to March. You can hike in the hamlets of Llorts, set amid fields of tobacco and backed by near pristine mountains.

Las Vegas

Experience the legendary Las Vegas Strip. Take in a show, try your luck at the casinos, or simply explore the dazzling spectacles at every turn. There is no telling what awaits. Perhaps see a favorite celebrity live in person or discover why Las Vegas buffets are world famous...the choices are as unlimited as Las Vegas itself. The casino hotels are like nowhere else in the world. They are an attraction unto themselves. As you enter, perhaps you will find a re-creation of another place and time or a performance happening around you. See a stunning visual spectacular in magnificent Las Vegas style.

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Grand Canyon

How about taking a nice trip cross country by driving to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam. First stop in Omaha NE and see the Durham Museum, a museum housed in a beautiful deco building renovated from a historic train station. After arriving in Nevada, you should see one of the country's great engineering marvels, the legendary Hoover Dam, which holds back the waters of the Colorado River to create scenic Lake Mead. Tour spectacular Valley of Fire State Park where you will be surrounded by stunning fire-red sandstone formations, formed over 150 millions years ago. The Valley of Fire was once an ancient ocean, has awe-inspiring valleys, and gorges in all directions. Once reaching Kingman Arizona visit the Mojave Museum of History and Arts, which outlines the area's history, from the Santa Fe Railroad to the Hualapi Indians, and see spectacular Grand Canyon National Park. Other places to see on your drive back home are Petrified Forest National Park, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo TX, Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Tulsa OK, and Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.

Philly

Philadelphia Pa - "The city of Brotherly Love" and birthplace of American Democracy. See historical sites like the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park, Independence Hall, and the lovely waterfront area of Penn's Landing and much more..

Asheville NC

The city of Asheville provides plenty of excitement. Enjoy a tour of Asheville, free time at the Grove Arcade and a visit to the famous Folk Art Center. Downtown Asheville features more Art Deco architecture than any other southern city outside of Miami Beach. Your tour will include a visit to the St. Lawrence Basilica. Gaming at Harrah's Casino completes a spectacular trip.

Biltmore

Prepare yourself for an experience you will never forget - the Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately owned home. Your visit will include experiencing the Biltmore House and Gardens. This is a must see destination in America. This home has an amazing 250 rooms and 65 fireplaces. This Estate can be found in Asheville North Carolina.

Texas

Call up the spirits of the Wild West, old Mexico, Spanish colonies and Presidents of the past in Beautiful San Antonio. Stand where history was made at the Alamo, discover the "Queen of the Missions" at Mission San Jose, visit the Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park, where you will go on a guided tour of the LBJ Ranch and see the "Texas White House" and more. Take a tour of San Antonio which includes visits to San Fernando Cathedral, the king William Historical District and El Mercado, an area patterned after an authentic Mexican Market.

Lancaster

Take a guided tour of Lancaster Pa., and see how the Amish live and sample their wares. Enjoy "The Amish Experience" where you will visit an Amish Country Homestead and see a movie. Shop at the unique Kitchen Kettle Village - a charming marketplace of shops and restaurants. For entertainment, visit the Millennium Theatre and enjoy an inspirational Sight & Sound production on one of the world's largest performance stages. Experience a cast of professional actors and dozens of live animals gracing the aisles. Visit a Pennsylvania Dutch Living History Village while there.