Famous for its stunning beaches, excellent surfing, and world-class dive sites, Bali is the best known of the 17,000 islands that make up the exquisite Indonesian archipelago. Commonly referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali’s diverse landscape is characterised by lush rolling hills dotted with satisfying rice terraces, towering volcanic mountains, rugged coastlines and gorgeous stretches of both black and white sand beaches. Culture enthusiasts typically head to the bustling cultural hub of Ubud to explore its various museums, arts and crafts shops and its thriving live music venues, while those seeking a boisterous party usually head for Kuta Beach for the booming social scene. With its world-renowned luxury spas and tranquil yoga retreats, impressive temples, extraordinary local cuisine and its wonderfully laidback locals, it is easy to see why Bali has long been ranked as one of the world’s most popular island destinations.
Dubbed 'The Rose of the North', Thailand’s northern capital is far smaller and more serene than Bangkok. Despite this, the city has seen extensive development in the last decade that has transformed it from a low-key, old-world city into a modern hub, complete with top-notch restaurants and five-star hotels. A walk around the inner-city moat will take you past the array of glittering temples, aromatic food markets and eclectic shops of Chiang Mai’s downtown, while just five minutes away is the popular Night Bazaar – a shopping Mecca for tourists. Other highlight attractions include a visit to the trendy Nimmanhemin district, with its upmarket bars and shopping outlets, and a trip up Suthep Mountain, to see the hilltop temple and take in panoramic views of the city below.
Georgia’s Kakheti region is comprised of the eponymous historical province of Kakheti and the province of Tusheti. The region was formed in the 1990s and is famous for its scenic landscapes of undulating mountainous terrain. This popular wine region offers an array of wonderful activities. Explore Telavi, the lively capital; sample the local variety of wines; hike through the scenic landscapes; and enjoy the variety of mouthwatering Georgian cuisine. Must-see attractions include the romantic town of Sighnaghi, a character-filled fortified town; Gremi, a picturesque brick citadel; and Tsinandali, the manorial estate of the Georgian noble house of Chavchavadze.
Resting on the western side of the Black Sea, Bulgaria is one of the most affordable, attractive and underrated countries in Europe. With its sublime beaches, spectacular mountains, mystical forests, remarkably rich history, thriving nightlife and breathtaking scenery, Bulgaria seems to tick all the boxes, and yet it surprisingly remains off the beaten tourist track. While cities such as the capital of Sofia are bang-up-to-date, hip urban centres, its numerous historic towns seem to have changed very little since the 19th century. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy countless adventurous activities, including excellent skiing, windsurfing, hiking, and golf, to name but a few. If you are seeking historical and cultural intrigue, astounding natural wonders, modern cities and quaint traditional villages all conveniently crammed into one compact country, look no further than the remarkably diverse nation of Bulgaria.
Set on the glorious south coast of Croatia, Dalmatia is an enthralling region that often surpasses expectations. One of the four historical regions of the country, it boasts an impressive number of heritage sites, mesmerising ancient walled cities, breathtaking Roman monuments and fascinating medieval towns that overlook turquoise Meditteranean waters. The Old Town of Dubrovnik is an essential stop for its enchanting medieval architecture and scenery, while nature lovers are drawn to the spectacular waterfalls and stunning blue pools of Krka National Park in the heart of Šibenik-Knin county. Night owls head to Novalja for world-leading open-air nightclubs, festivals, and vibrant nightlife on Zrće beach. History and wine blend beautifully at the world’s oldest continuously cultivated vineyards at Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Hvar Island.
Portugal’s fairly isolated location in the far south-western corner of Europe makes it the continent’s least visited and most underrated tourist destination. Fewer crowds make for a more relaxed, authentic experience. Pack your itinerary with visits to hilltop medieval castles, ornately decorated palaces, cobblestone villages and architecturally-stunning cities. The country abounds with fascinating culture, breathtaking natural beauty and a host of fun and varied activities. A single day can be spent hiking in lush green mountains, mingling with the friendly locals, and wandering through scenic vineyards sipping on famous, velvety port wine. Throw in plenty of fresh seafood, a coastline strewn with remote sandy beaches and an affordable price tag, and it makes for an ideal choice of holiday destination.
One of Cape Verde’s smallest island’s, Sal, offers picture-perfect beaches lapped by turquoise waters, first-class watersports facilities and an exciting African-European ambience giving it a special charm.This desert island is a dry, mostly flat desert plain known for its younger population, enchanting sights and excellent surfing. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of attractions and activities including: visiting the charming west coast port of Palmeira, boasting cobblestone streets lined with quaint cafes; or discovering Buracona, a lagoon-filled cave featuring a glowing blue-eye effect formed when the sun hits a certain point. Don’t miss Terra Boa, famous for its mystical mirages where visitors can view the ‘ocean’ shimmer in the middle of the desert. Popular activities include: sunbathing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, swimming, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.
Located in northwest Colombia, the Antioquia Department stretches over the majestic Andes Mountains. It boasts a diverse cultural heritage, remarkably scenic landscapes and historical architecture. Known for its gold, coffee, textile and flower industry, Antioquia has developed the country’s second-largest economy. It is home to the city of Medellin which serves as the capital of the region and features the impressive must-see Museo de Antioquia, showcasing works by Fernando Botero, a famous Colombian artist. Visit a coffee plantation and enjoy a cup of locally grown freshly roasted coffee; discover the charming town of Santa Fe de Antioquia with its colonial buildings, tamarind candies and winding cobbled lanes; and enjoy a weekend retreat at Guatape, a resort town on the banks of the Penol-Guatape Reservoir.
Mexico offers travellers a tantalising smorgasbord of nature, history, cuisine and culture. Aztec and Mayan archaeological treasures, tequila, charming colonial cities, Mexican food and beach culture, all these features and more make up this tourist and historical hub. The culturally curious will be bowled over by the impressive sites of ancient civilisations that moulded Mexico’s great pre-colonial history. Nature lovers will be in their element on the pristine beaches that stretch along its 10 000 kilometre coastline or exploring the country’s rainforests, mountain peaks and mangrove lagoons. Gourmands gorge on the distinctive and flavourful cuisine that has become famous worldwide.
