Australia
Derived from the Latin “Australis”, meaning “of the south”, the Land Down Under has played home to human habitation for 42,000 years. Discovered by the Western world in the 17th century, the gold rush of the 1850s began a flow of human population to the country that hasn’t been reversed since.

Geographically an island, home to the world’s largest coral reef and the driest inhabited continent, Australia is today a prosperous Western-style economy with plenty of exciting options for the global traveler. The world’s smallest continent awaits you.

With a long history in visual arts that began with indigenous cave and bark paintings, it continues to have a vibrant tradition of music, theatre and ballet. The fact that the Opera House on the Sydney Harbor is the most commonly recognized icon of Australian popular culture bears testimony to this statement.

Given its tremendous geographical advantages, the continent country is a haven for adventure tourism. From riding the waves on Sydney’s Bondi beach to sky diving in Melbourne to communing with fish in the green-blue reef waters, you’re never going to run out of options in this part of the world.

Sports enthusiasts and beer drinkers alike toast to this unique country of surf, smiles and sunny Christmases. So grab that backpack, throw in a pair of flippers and head South to the land of broad accents and broader horizons…Australia!

Canada
Under the vast expanse of open sky on the North American continent, sprawled between oceans, lies the world’s second-largest country, Canada. Often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbour the United States of America, the treasures of Canada lie hidden, awaiting the discerning tourist.

With its 10 provinces and three distinct and culturally unique territories, Canada is a convenient one-stop destination for those seeking the ambience of both England and France – and all this with a vibe that is relaxed, welcoming and distinctly its own.

The Niagara Falls are the most popular image of modern-day Canada, with the country hosting the best views of the horseshoe falls. In fact, Canadians are known to proudly declare that “the Niagara piddles in America!” The region has plenty else to offer, with vineries and tours catering to the curious visitor.

Lesser known but no less memorable are the majestic landscapes of the Saskatchewan Prairies and the Canadian Rockies. For the wildlife adventurer, the country offers the thrill of Alaskan cruises and the Denali National Park. For city-lovers, metropolitan Toronto and Francophone Montreal offer all the pleasures of First World modernity. So what are you waiting for? Book your holiday today and discover the land of warm vibrant arctic shores: Canada!

The Caribbean
February kicks off street parties and parades in Grenada; in August, Junkanoo – a reggae and calypso festival – begins in the Bahamas, very much in tandem with the Curacao Salsa festival in the Cayman islands; May heralds a boat Regatta in the Virgin Islands; and in October there is the famous World Creole music festival in Dominica… and that is just a slice of the action! The menus in the region’s many restaurants are eloquent too, and so are its homes – British influence is evident in Jamaica, Barbados and the Grenada, while the French connection is strongest in Guadeloupe and St.Martinique. This sheer ‘joie de vivre’, coupled with some of the most relaxing beaches and abundant natural beauty, has made the Caribbean increasingly popular with both students, and the rich and famous who anchor their impressive yachts in the Caribbean waters. The number of islands you decide to visit depends on the time that you have for your travels, but a Caribbean cruise including dancing on board is something you shouldn’t miss!

Chicago
It’s often called the ‘city that works’ because of the long hours the locals keep, but it’s still a perfect holiday destination. Nestled against Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the United States, Chicago has one of the most picturesque and recognizable skylines, a retail paradise along the ‘Magnificent mile’, million dollar homes in Lincoln Park, and a vibrant cultural scene. Any Chicagoan will tell you that the city is best explored through its neighbourhoods, ranging from affluent expanses to bustling migrant towns, and there are plenty of organized tours to help you along the way. For urban introspection, pay a visit to the city’s cemeteries, which are some of the prettiest in the world, and if it’s inspiration you seek, the gothic Hyde Park around the University of Chicago is ‘home to more Nobel prizes than any other single neighbourhood on the earth’. Even if you are travelling on work, make sure to make some time for a cruise around the Lake or a Chicago Bulls match to see the locals at play.

China
China, Asia’s behemoth dragon country, has a 5000-year-old history and a gleaming, dazzling future! The buzz of activity will touch crescendo in the 2008 Olympic stage and the city is preparing feverishly with typically Chinese fortitude. To gain a complete insight into China you would need to take many a journey, but there are some memorable places you must not miss. You could begin with the Forbidden City or the ‘Palace Museum’ at Beijing, traverse a section of the Great Wall, again most easily accessible from the capital, admire the life-size Terracotta warriors at Xi’an, and take a boat ride along the Yangtze river, with glimpses of the magnificent Three Gorges. And why not explore the historic Silk route on yaks? While in China, don’t forget to say a prayer at the Temple of Heaven, search for your inner self at the Potala Palace (traditionally the seat of the Dalai Lama) or enjoy the antics of giant pandas in the Chengdu region. There is no better time than now to watch China take centre stage.

Dubai
When you fly into Dubai’s glitzy international airport with its fake palm trees, your sights firmly trained on Retail Heaven, you may miss an often-ignored detail: 115 kms southeast of the city, in the heart of the rocky Hatta Mountains, lies a village that goes back in time 2000 years. Dubai, modern city of the new millennium, poised at the crossroads of three continents, has its own rich history if you’re willing to look.

While the multi-storeyed malls and exclusive boutiques are sure crowd-pullers, haggling at the souks has its own bran of charm. The now-legendary Dubai Shopping Festival is a month-long bonanza that converts the little kingdom into a sprawling, vibrant mall, in addition to showcasing the arts and culture of the region.

Lest you think this shopping capital of the Middle East provides nothing beyond retail therapy, take a look out into the desert. Camel-riding, overnight safaris, dune driving, moto-cross biking and sand skiing are among the myriad options for adrenaline junkies.

And no, the stomach isn’t ignored either. You can end your day by taking in spectacular sunsets among the dunes and feasting on a traditional Arab barbeque. Lucky you, you even get your very own belly dancer!

Egypt
A legacy that includes the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the River Nile and ancient Luxor is difficult to shoulder, but Egypt is coping wonderfully! Camels coexist with designer wheels, and bargains are made and prayers are offered with equal fervour. American fast food restaurants have not blown out the smoke from the ‘sheeshas’ at local hang-outs, and civilization and its roots together strike a peculiar charm. Egypt has charmed travellers from the East and West for centuries and you will be charmed too by the sheer grandeur of its attractions that appear extraordinary no matter how many times you visit. Absolute must do’s on your itinerary include strolls in the capital – chaotic but culturally intense Cairo – visiting a few the Egyptian oases (Siwi is remote but stunningly beautiful), taking a cruise on the Nile, especially at Aswan where the river offers its most beautiful views, diving into the shops or the waters of posh Alexandria, and taking a pilgrimage or just trekking up Mount Sinai, a mountain steeped in mythical and religious significance.

Florida
Apart from an occasional thunderstorm in ‘Sunshine city’, the weather in the State is gorgeous most of the time! Disneyland just gets more exciting every year, but there are other mega parks as well. Universal Florida’s Islands of Adventure have activities exclusively for tiny tots and 4-dimensional thrill rides on themes like ‘Men in Black’ for teenagers. But Florida offers much more than this; there are other interesting secrets to discover. You can ride the Hamburger Harley at the International Hamburger Museum in Daytona Beach or rub shoulders with Native American spirits at Spook Hill near Lake Wales. In fact Florida is a movie-buff’s paradise, as you get to walk the mean streets of ‘Miami Vice’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’. If all the sunshine gets too much for you, relax with a Caribbean dip at the Discovery Cove or go trekking in the Cedar Keys. Interrupt your excursion only for the most amazing seafood in the many restaurants bordering Florida’s beaches.

Germany
Breathtaking sights and magnificent castles make each moment in Germany a memory to treasure. Modern Berlin dazzles in all its steel and glass glory, the Mercedes Benz museum showcases German engineering at its finest and the Brandenburg Gate area makes history come alive. See nature at its spectacular best in the picturesque Black Forest and Rhine valley region. Watch your childhood fantasies spring to life in the fairytale-like castles of Heidelberg and buy trinkets at enticing Christmas markets – Dresden's Striezelmarkt dates back to the 15th century. Unwind at the famous St. Pauli party district in Hamburg, shop till you drop in Berlin’s Potsdamer Platz and get fashionable at the Kö in Düsseldorf. Grab a deliciously decadent meal of spiced sausages and schnapps all year round and head to Munich for the Oktoberfest to join revellers over mugs of beer. A getaway to Germany promises to be an experience of a lifetime and one you certainly mustn’t miss!

Hawaii
‘Aloha, Aloha!’ – the word in Hawaiian means both ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’, perhaps indicative of the typical islanders romantic approach to life. The Hawaii islands have long been a destination for travellers and adventure seekers. This archipelago of volcanic islands was once a centre of pineapple and sugar cultivation, but now tourism is synonymous with the Hawaii Islands. And for obvious reasons, as Hawaii has something to offer to everyone! Think unspoilt beaches (yes, even today!) for honeymooners, trekking and hiking in Rainforests and Plantations for the outdoors enthusiast, and tantalising feasts for the seafood gourmet. Honolulu, the capital is the nerve centre, and Oahu is also a bustling city, but to soak up the sun at your own lazy pace, head to the more tranquil Neighbour Islands. They are also home to natural wonders such as Mount Haleaka at Maui , the world’s largest dormant volcano and the Waimea Canyon at Kauai ( where movies as grand as the Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones have been filmed).

Hong Kong
If you’re an eclectic sort of travel bug, whose interests span Disneyland, a monastery, shopping and dolphins, Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan international city with its roots in an ancient civilization, is the destination of your dreams.

Hong Kong’s complex layering of the traditional with the uber-modern is a source of surprise and delight to many an unsuspecting tourist who flies in expecting only brand names and a neon-lit skyline.

From Chinese Opera to the ancient tradition of tea-drinking to kicking back at the beach, this thriving, dynamic city offers something for everybody: singles, honeymooners, large extended families and the intrepid shopper.

Whether it’s dragons or Dolce & Gabbana, dim sum or dimly lit lounges, hills or higher skyscrapers, the yin and the yang come together in perfect holiday spirit on this verdant, vibrant island that is Hong Kong.

Italy
When you're in Italy you'll soon understand why they say La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful). With their passion and fervour setting them apart from their fellow Europeans, the Italians will make your stay memorable and exciting! The romance of Venice, the history of Rome, the ruggedness of Sicily, and the emerald green seascapes of Sorrento – Italy has something for everyone. You could sample high-fashion shopping in Milan and unwind in the sleepy, rustic charm of the Tuscan vineyards. Soak in the serenity of the blue grotto and re-kindle your faith at the Vatican. Grab a quick slice of wood-oven pizza from a ‘trattoria’ or sit down to a fine gourmet meal with music by a string quartet playing exclusively for you! Get yourself fine leather from Florence, glass from Murano or the finest of wines from Chianti. Yes, even souvenirs from Italy are works of art and wherever you go, you’re sure to return with a bag full of indelible memories!

Las Vegas
Shimmering lights, dancing fountains, spectacular shows, and the buzz of several cities rolled into one – Las Vegas is ‘Sin City’ and ‘Fun city’ all at the same time! You can shoot into the air on a roller coaster against the Manhattan skyline, or take a romantic boat ride in a gondola at the Venetian, hold your breath at the Cirque du Soliel productions, or pose for photographs with the hottest things on wheels at Wynn Las Vegas. And if you are feeling lucky, then there are the Casinos, of course… from slot machines for beginners to sophisticated draw tables for real-life Daniel Craigs. And don’t worry if you don’t know what to do at the tables, there are plenty of lessons available for beginners. And if you are single and feeling really lucky, you might want to head away from the casinos to the chapels – to take a bigger gamble in life! So whatever your inclination, Las Vegas will have it all lined up just for you!

London
A buzzing city that’s always on the edge – with an exciting past, the ever-expanding labyrinth of Greater London has cast its spell on many a traveller down the ages.

For a bird’s eye view of London there’s the London Eye that looms above the skyline at Westminster, but to get a truly unique look at the city head underground for the London Dungeons tour. Also underground is ‘the tube’, as it’s fondly referred to, whizzing millions of commuters around the urban sprawl that is London!

The economic hub of Canary Wharf with its towering steel and glass structures is a perfect foil to the gilded towers of the Houses of Parliament further along the Thames. For a taste of history amble along to old Greenwich village or take a stroll around Westminster before heading to watch the changing of the guard at that hallowed seat of the monarchy, Buckingham Palace. The star-struck can get trigger-happy at Madame Tussaud’s waxworks while the Tate Modern and the Victoria and Albert Museum hold treasures for the artistically inclined and historians alike.

To get a taste of the bohemian chic of London head to Soho or take in the quaint Anglo-Egyptian opulence of a shopping expedition to Harrods. The gleaming stores along Oxford Street have for decades defined fashion in the new world while Camden Market and the by lanes of Notting Hill are the places to see and be seen. Theatre aficionados can indulge themselves at one of the acclaimed plays in a theatre around the West End and top it off with a drink and a hearty meal at a pub afterwards.

The hardest part about a trip to London is the leaving, but like many travellers you may find yourself returning to this city with a soul, time and again.

Los Angeles
Many dreams world – of the star-spangled silver screen kind – are made here than in any other city! The Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard are as good a place as any to begin your journey. Once you’ve got Hollywood out of your system, you can also discover the subtler aspects of Los Angeles. Head to the Getty Center for a fascinating collection of art, or amuse yourself at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, in true ‘Angeleno’ style. Or how about joining the ongoing excavation of 40,000-year-old fossils at the LA Brea Tar Bits Museum? Los Angeles is also ideal for sports enthusiasts – both the armchair and actual kinds! You can watch a match of the legendary LA Lakers or the more entertaining LA Dodgers baseball team, or head down to surf at Malibu, trek at the Topanga State Park, or go skiing downhill in Lake Big Bear. The people here also love a good party, and you can join the fun almost through the year from New Year festive floats to the ‘Blessing of the Pets’ in Easter right down to LA Posedas (candle-lit processions tracing Mary and Joseph’s journey) in December.

Malaysia
Welcome to the jungle. Crunch through dry leaves on the forest floor, enter the village longhouse, and stay as long as you wish. Save the genteel trolley-pushing for quieter environs and head out to haggle at the colourful outdoor markets. And take a couple of extra bags along. You’ll thank us for the advice when your arms overflow!

If communing with whale sharks or flapping through coral gardens is more your idea of fun, don’t cancel that ticket. Malaysia’s still your destination. Dive into tangy sauces with their rich spices and savour seafood that lived around the corner from you an hour ago.

Boasting a cultural mosaic that includes most of South and East Asia, Malaysia can have you believe you’ve been transported to South India… or China… or the jungles of Borneo, and no, you won’t be hallucinating. Melt into the cultural pot, throw in some local flavour, and voila! You have a holiday that’s too good to be true! Small wonder then, that the country calls itself ‘Truly Asia’.

Mauritius
Nestled against Africa, with visible evidence of its British and French colonial connections and a warm, mainly Indian, local community, Mauritius is exotic and still very affordable. Some of the attractions include the Black River Gorges National Park, L’Aventure du Sucre, a journey through the sugar trade and its accompanying history of slavery, the bustling market at Port Louis, which is perfect for everything from souvenirs to aphrodisiacs, and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, which has a history as interesting as the foliage. If you think you are getting too soft on Mauritius’ ‘very soft white sands’ get a local guide and trek up to the Tamarin Falls – the spellbinding view is worth every bit the effort. Wherever you choose to be in Mauritius, you will be tempted to agree that truly the islands are as close to Paradise as any of us can get in our present lives!

Mexico
The passion and vibrancy of Mexico are a feast for the senses. Prepare to be enthralled by the Mayan site at Chichén-Itzá (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and get bowled over by the buzzing downtown area of Oaxaca set amidst cathedrals and colourful markets. The lofty reaches of the Pico de Orizaba National Park, the tangy bite of the bright, red salsa and the lilting tunes of the Mariachis are sure to cast a magical spell over you. Sun yourself at the sandy beaches of the legendary Acapulco or splash around to your heart’s content in the clear blue waters at Los Cabos. Then take a kayaking trip to go whale watching in the Baja peninsula and watch bull running in Tlaxcala. Join in the revelry during the Fiestas Patrias, indulge in a treat for the palate at Mexico City’s world class restaurants and shop for bargains on handcrafted silver, bright ethnic fabrics and tequila. When your getaway finally ends, you’re sure to want to own a hacienda of your own in magical Mexico!

New York
Of course we’ve all heard Sinatra crooning “New York, New York”, airing the city’s virtues to the world. There’s a line in the song that goes “I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps”. Yes, it’s common knowledge that New York City is abuzz 24/7, but has it ever occurred to you why it never sleeps?

Consider this: In 322 square miles of concrete towers and glassy glitz lie Broadway, Ethiopian restaurants, free summer concerts at Madison Square Garden and the hottest pair of leather boots east of the Hudson River. Blink and you miss it. Sleep and you don’t stand a chance. Little wonder then, that even in the Garden of Eden, temptation was an apple.

Moving beyond its most popular icon, the Statue of Liberty, you’ll find a pulsating, colorful city of 8.2 million people representing every nation in the world. Take a brisk walk down its streets and you’ll hear arguments in Russian while you head to the Iranian corner store to pick up your lunch of Vietnamese noodles in a container made in China and assembled in Mexico.

Absorb abstract expressionism at the Guggenheim, salivate over Fendi spybags on Fifth Avenue, survey the world atop the Empire State Building and pretend you’re Carrie Bradshaw gracing Jimmy Choo’s sanctum.

Welcome to the Big Apple!

New Zealand
Australia’s quiet yet captivating neighbour New Zealand is a treasure-trove of delights for all ages. The islands offer travellers the opportunity to try once-in-a-lifetime experiences like Zorbing, Caving, Jet boating and even Bungy jumping! Dramatic landscapes captured on the silver screen are yours for the taking in the vast, sweeping mountains, the snow-white glaciers, the balmy beaches and the picturesque river valleys. Eco tourists will treasure a getaway to the Te Wahipounamu national parks, while explorers can take to the sub Antarctic islands or enjoy flight-seeing trips. The indigenous M?ori have preserved their arts and culture and at centres like Rotorua you’ll even be able to take home a M?ori treasure for yourself! Sample the fine wines on a Canterbury Brewery tour or get a taste of authentic Kiwi cuisine. Then let Auckland’s buzzing nightlife win you over as you watch live performances and shop till you drop at the Aotea Square Markets.

Paris
The anticipation of Paris is almost as exciting as a trip to the city of romance, high-fashion and the arts.

Get swept away by the Parisian passion for life and love at the delightfully decadent cafés as you enjoy a coffee and a melt-in-the-mouth croissant by the riverside. Drift down the Seine on a river cruise and watch centuries of history and architecture float past as you take in the sights on its banks.

Paris’ treasures are in its exquisite museums where your every fantasy comes to life in masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, Da Vinci, Rodin, Monet and Michelangelo at the Louvre, Musée Picasso, Musée Rodin, Musée d'Orsay and the living art centre of Montparnasse. The city is a feast for the senses, so prepare to be captivated – in the fragrances at Fragonard’s perfumery, the flavours bottled in its wine stores and the flair for fashion that you will see all the way down the Champs-Élysées.

Come nightfall and there’s plenty to do – revues at the Moulin Rouge, fine dining at the George V or Jules Verne or even a stroll by the banks of the river that takes you past the illuminated sights of the city. But no trip will be complete without paying homage to the iconic structure that rises proudly above the city of lights – the Eiffel tower. As you gaze out at the twinkling city lights and the cool breeze from the Seine tugs at your hair, you will fall in love again – with the city, the people and the romance that is Paris.

Singapore
The tiny fishing village at the crossroads of culture and history has grown into a megapolis at the heart of the buzzing East and is today a vibrant mix of languages, races and traditions. Singapore is home to state-of-the-art transport systems, exciting shopping areas and gourmet delights that reflect its colourful heritage and rich history. Futuristic malls jostle for space with the bustling street markets of Chinatown and Little India.

This economic powerhouse of the East promises to woo the leisure and business traveler alike. For an adrenalin rush, head to the reverse bungee at Clarke Quay, camp at Pulau Ubin or kayak off Singapore’s tropical waters. Shopaholics will find deals galore at brand heaven, Orchard Road, and yuppie delight, Holland Village. Even kids love holidays at Singapore – explore Jurong Bird Park or splash about in the water world of the Disney-esque Sentosa with them! History buffs will treasure a walking tour of Changi, City Hall or the Kampong Glam area and foodies will be in paradise whether they’re grabbing a spicy Chilli Crab at a Hawker centre, a freshly baked curry puff at a deli or a 3-course meal in a cable car to Sentosa!

After dark, the nightlife of Singapore buzzes to life at the Ministry of Sound, the newly opened St. James Power Station and the ever-popular Zouk. For connoisseurs of the arts, the porcupine-like Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay) is a real delight! And when your getaway to Singapore is almost done, head to the Raffles hotel and raise a Singapore Sling to coming back again!

Spain
Spectacular Spain is a mosaic of experiences in much the same spirit as Gaudí’s works of art, which pepper Barcelona. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the palette of holidaying opportunities that await you! Watch bull fighting in Seville, take in a feisty flamenco performance in Andalucia or go clubbing in Barcelona. You could pick up some unique souvenirs at the Rastro flea market in Madrid, and let the quirky, artistic styles of Salvador Dalí and Gaudí enthral you. Relive the past in the historic streets of Granada, savour some delicious Paella in Valencia, or just take off on a trail in the scenic countryside of Majorca or to the stunning cliffs and coves of Costa Brava. Life in Spain revolves around two activities – the siesta (leisurely afternoon break) and the fiesta (festival), and you’ll soon be enjoying them so much, you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from this Mediterranean paradise.

South Africa
How would you like to spend Christmas soaking up the sun? Learn more about the philosophies of Ubuntu, Satyagraha and Holism? Welcome to the Rainbow Nation of South Africa! Moving beyond its grim history of racial segregation, the country is now a culturally diverse haven, with eleven official languages and residents from most races across the world.

And if you thought the country is all jungle, think again. With its unpopulated stretches of coastline, breathtaking beaches, wildlife parks, game and natural reserves and eight World Heritage Sites, this cradle of civilization will certainly have you trumpeting for more!

The wines of South Africa have been considered among the best in the world for centuries. Its scenery has been voted among the best in the world, too, by the Conde Nast Traveller in 2006. Add to this specialty ethnic cuisine, jazz clubs, health spas, museums, resorts, golf courses and modern art galleries, and you have a truly international vacation on your hands. Come, splash in its colours. The Rainbow Nation awaits you.

Switzerland
Even before the silver screen discovered its white-capped ridges and introduced millions of Indians to its pristine charms, Switzerland, with its panoramic views and a resident population smaller than New York City, was a popular tourist destination. Its forested landscapes, winding pathways, grassy meadows and postcard perfection attracted a legion of adoring fans from across the world. One of the most coveted holiday destinations in Europe, its popularity shows no signs of abating, and the Swiss government is doing everything in its power to keep the visitors coming in.

A blend of cultures and a politically neutral buffer zone, the country has French, German and Italian influences in addition to its own distinctive, independent national persona. For the eclectic tourist, Switzerland offers a bit of everything: skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer and a quiet, restful break in autumn and spring. Given that 21% of its resident population is not native to the country, the locals are warm and welcoming, especially outside the large cities, where the traditional farming culture still predominates.

Whether you’re looking for a jet-setting holiday or want to kick back and live the high life, or to simply lie in an open field and count dandelions, chances are you won’t need to look further than Switzerland. And if you end up in the frame of a movie or an ad film…what do you know, you just got lucky!

Seychelles
For pictures prettier than postcards and sands whiter than marble, go island-hopping at Seychelles! Of the 115 granitic islands forming an archipelago in the western part of the Indian Ocean, nearly 16 provide accommodation, thereby making exploring an easy and fun activity. Each island has its own unique geographic features and flora and fauna, so it’s essential to visit more than one. The islands also offer plenty of opportunities for scuba diving, yachting and snorkelling. Seychelles is not just about endless beaches and water though; you can also visit impressive national monuments, and gaze at quaint Creolean colonial houses, say a prayer at diverse religious sites, and even get some retail therapy at the ‘Domaine de Val des Pres’, a craft village and National Heritage site at Mahe. Most of these attractions are centred on the main islands – Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. If you love the outdoors, you will be charmed for ever by the Aldabra Atoll, one of the largest coral atolls in the world, some rewarding bird watching at Cousin Island, and the World Heritage listed ‘Vallee de Mai’, a haven for pine, palms and the black parrots of Seychelles!

Thailand
There is a reason why, despite the current slump in international tourism, Thailand’s numbers tell a different story. Whatever your budget, agenda and choice of holiday pace, this destination wraps itself around your wishes, like the warm, tantalizing aroma of the now legendary Thai curry.

Whether it’s a walk through history amid ancient temples, or savouring the country’s authentic cuisine that is the current rage around the world, exploring mountainous jungle territory, or discovering all 256 shades of blue that populate the Indian Ocean, you can satisfy the wildest whims of each of your multiple personalities in Thailand.

And of course there’s shopping in Bangkok. You can also paint the city a deep crimson with a fun night out. And then wake up the next morning and try your hand (and elbows and knees) at Muay Thai, the national sport. It will be the perfect excuse to melt into mush at a spa and then hibernate from civilization up in a tree house. You can be out there too, doing it all!