Destination Articles

Our Travel Advisors have visited over 125 countries, many of which are represented here with the red pins. Select one for great travel information and a link to an agent with personal experience in traveling there!

Africa

Egypt

Egypt is probably the world's oldest civilization having emerged from the Nile Valley around 3,100 years ago and is probably one of the oldest vacation spots, also. Early Greeks, Romans and others went there just for fun, and to see the wonders of some of mankind's earliest triumphs. The country is much more than Pyramids and monuments. It is also Red Sea scuba diving, hot night spots, luxury hotels and five star restaurants. It is romantic cruises down the Nile on festive river boats, a night at the grand opera and a cultural experience like none you have ever experienced. Egypt is a land bustling with life, sound, visual beauty and excitement. For thousands of years, Egypt has been the playground of emperors and kings.

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Kenya

With long, tropical beaches and dramatic wildlife parks, Kenya has an exotic tourist image. Enter the more genuine and different world inhabited by most Kenyans: a ceaselessly active, contrasting landscape of farm and field, of streams and bush paths, of wooden and corrugated-iron shacks, tea shops and lodging houses, of crammed buses and pick-up vans, of overloaded bicycles, and of streets wandered by goats, chickens, and toddlers. Discover the warmth, openness and curiosity in Kenya's towns and villages, especially off the more heavily trodden tourist routes. Out in the wild, there is an abundance of authentic scenic glamour - savannah dotted with Masai and their herds, high Kikuyu moorlands, dense forests bursting with bird song and insect noise, and stony, shimmering desert. On the Indian Ocean coast, the palm-shaded strands of beach and an almost continuous, reef-protected lagoon are even better than the brochures depict - no photo can do justice. Of course, Kenya's wildlife adds a startling and rapidly addictive dimension.

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Morocco

Morocco has been mythologized for good reason. Travelers extol the country's unique living history, its shimmering light and its extraordinary art. Morocco is the ideal African starting point for the traveler. An easy hop from Europe, it is hectic but friendly and stimulating as well. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, jewelry and leather - said to be the softest in the world. Morocco's image is slowly shifting. The old romantic notions of a conservative nation steeped in Islamic and feudal history now clangs with a contemporary reality. The medieval labyrinthine medinas of Marrakesh are what Morocco is all about for many, but don't be surprised to hear the shrill ring of a mobile phone or see a sign pointing down some darkened alley to the nearest internet cafe.

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South Africa

South Africa is an exciting place to visit. Cape Town, with its vibrant nightlife, stylish young people and beautiful surroundings, has become one of the most desirable destinations in the world. South Africa's natural attractions are as appealing as ever: the green vineyards and rocky coast of the Cape; the arid landscape of the Karoo; the rich farmlands of Gauteng and Mpumalanga; the snowcapped peaks of the Drakensberg range; and the verdant hills and wide beaches of KwaZulu-Natal. The country also has more than 300 game and nature reserves, along with some of the finest lodges on the continent. Your surroundings can be as wild or as genteel as you want -- or both. The hottest tourist attraction in South Africa these days is Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years as a political prisoner.

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Antarctica

Antarctica

If the thought of an Antarctic cruise holiday makes your teeth chatter, you might be surprised to know that during the November-to-March season, temperatures usually range between twenty and forty-five degrees Fahrenheit.

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Europe

Austria

Austria has few peers as a year-round holiday destination, with plenty of winter sports in the Alps, some of the most impressive and overblown architecture in Europe and an unrivalled musical tradition that even The Sound of Music couldn't sully. Vienna is the capital, hub of the country's musical life and littered with beautiful buildings. Music, art and architecture reach baroque perfection in Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace. Innsbruck's snow-capped peaks frame its fascinating historic buildings. Throughout Austria, you'll find the rhythm of daily life has a musical beat; music festivals fill its calendar. There's also a wonderful range of outdoor activities, from lounging on lakeside beaches to paragliding from mountains. The skiing is some of the best in the world.

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Belgium & Luxembourg

If Belgium's spotlight on the European stage is a little dim, it's only because its people are rarely boastful. This slow-burning country has more history, art, food and architecture packed into its tiny self than many of its bigger, louder neighbors. A rich and bubbling vat of beer, chocolate, oil paint and bureaucrats, Belgium gives off the heady pong of the bourgeoisie. Stir the pot a little and you'll find an 'artificial state' roughly made up of two parts Germanic Flemings to one part Celtic-Latin Walloons. Divided by pride first and language second, the country's binding agents are a pervasive sense of family and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. Visitors, lulled by the locals' friendliness, will probably not even notice the tensions spark across the Linguistic Divide. Multilingualism is one of the assets of the Grand Ducal capital. Visitors may be ushered in with a hearty ”Moiën”, as the natives stick to their mother tongue, ”Lëtzebuergesch”, now as before. Placed in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg has matured into an economic and cultural center. The modern edifices of the European Institutions on the Kirchberg Plateau or the futuristic bank head offices lining Boulevard Royal bear witness to progress the city has made. The media world has found a home here, just like the circles of the specialist conventions or international conferences. Many great names, from Goethe or Victor Hugo to William Turner, used to think highly of Luxembourg hospitality and open-mindedness. Therefore, visitors should feel at ease in a cosmopolitan city stamped by the spell of smallness, visible at a glance.

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Croatia

In the past decade Croatia has gone from being the quieter, more-affordable alternative to Italy to a top Mediterranean destination.

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Denmark

The smallest and most southern of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark offers an interesting mix of lively cities and rural countryside. Ancient castles, ring forts, jazz festivals, the sleekest modern design you'll ever see and the people who invented Lego. Danish Vikings once 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. Given all the fun that there is to be had in this festival-happy scattering of islands, Denmark's status as the least bank-breaking country in Scandinavia deserves glad-handed shake-me-happy thank you letters from travellers all the way from the bottom of the beer glass.

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England

There is so much to explore in this land of historic cities, dramatic moorlands and gentle, rolling pastures. Incomparable theater, beautiful cities, country lanes, castles and the quintessential English garden -- England has it all. Each area of England offers something new and unique: Cornwall’s quaint fishing villages and rugged coastline…the magical New Forest and the mysterious Stonehenge…romantic Cotswolds villages…stunning lakes and mountains in the Lake District…historic cities, ancient cathedrals, charming villages…Shakespeare and Wordsworth, Jane Austen, Robin Hood, Keats and Beatrix Potter…china and cream teas, crumpets and cricket…there is just so much waiting for you to explore.

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France

France has been synonymous with romance for as long as one can remember. From romance along the Seine to landscapes on bus-sized canvases to cafes monologuing on the use of garlic, Paris is the essence of all things French. The charming city of Arles is renowned for its Roman remains, houses with striking red barrel-tiled roofs, and shady, twisting narrow alleys. Biarritz is known for fine beaches and world-class surfing. Cannes has a museum and many pretty galleries. The harbor, the bay, the hill west of the port called Le Suquet, the beachside promenade, the beaches and the people tanning themselves provide natural beauty. Chamonix lies in one of the most spectacular valleys of the French Alps. The largest and most lavish chateau is Château de Chambord. St. Malo, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Emerald Coast, is famed for its walled city and beaches. Toulouse has grand churches, fine art and handsome 16th-century mansions.

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Germany

Germany wears its riches well: elegant big-city charm, small picture-postcard towns, pagan-inspired harvest festivals, a wealth of art and culture and the perennial pleasures of huge tracts of forest, delightful castles and fine wine and beer are all there for the savoring. Deep in the heart of Europe, Germany has had a seminal impact on Continental history. From Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire to Otto von Bismarck's German Reich, Nazism and the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, no other nation has molded Europe the way Germany has.

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Greece

Many aspects of Western culture came into being in Greece - drama, art, philosophy and science. It's a wonderful feeling to walk on stones that may have been trod by Plato, Homer or Agamemnon. But at many places in Greece, where ancient ruins are surrounded by the noise and smells of traffic, or where pristine island beaches are packed by topless sunbathers, it's apparent the influence works the other way as well: Greece, it sometimes seems, has been overtaken by the modern world it spawned. Travelers in Greece should find the golden mean - in this case, the balance between environment and history, between crowds and quiet, between ancient and modern. Beautiful settings soothe the soul, while centuries of art and history invigorate your mind. Visitors will be as charmed by the Greek people as they are by the landscape.

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Iceland

Iceland, the country with the chilly name, is rapidly becoming one of Europe's hottest destinations. Much of Iceland's popularity is due to its natural features, which include glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes, portentous peaks and vast lava deserts. In addition to its expansive landscape, it has a rich history and folklore tradition.

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Ireland

It's said that Ireland, once visited, is never forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, due as much to the country's almost tangible history as its claim to being the home of the fairies and the 'little people'. Sure, the weather may not always be clement, but the dampness ensures there are fifty shades of green to compensate - just one of the reasons Ireland is called the Emerald Isle.

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Italy

Italy is a land celebrated for the arts, and not the least among the arts that have attained their highest expression in Italy is the art of hospitality. The Italian welcome is as warm and traditional as a glass of fine wine. This comparison is apt, for travelers in ancient times gave the country its first name: Land of Wines. Italians are such good hosts because they get so much practice welcoming visitors from all over the world. Italy is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe, all seasons being good for a visit. In summer, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from all continents mingling with vacationing Italians at the famous resorts. Spring comes early to Italy and autumn lingers - and so will the wise traveler who wants to enjoy at a more leisurely pace the art centers, the large cities and the holiday resorts such as those in the Lombardian lake region where spring and fall are ideal seasons.

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Monaco

Monaco, an ancient principality steeped in a rich and colorful history, is considered by many to be Europe's most fascinating country. Though the Principality covers but one square mile, it stands as a proud monarchy with his Serene Highness Prince Rainier III as its head of state. Today people visit Monaco and its glittering district Monte-Carlo not simply to vacation, not just to test their standing with lady luck, nor merely to see and be seen, but to revel in the memorable life-enhancing experience that is Monaco.

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Netherlands

Netherlands is a very big small country, and full of salutary surprises. The Netherlands is often called Holland, which is formally incorrect as North and South Holland are actually two of its twelve provinces. The word Dutch is used to refer to the people, the language, and anything pertaining to the Netherlands. A chief pleasure of the place is its lively contrast between pragmatic liberalism and the buttoned-up just-so primness of a culture founded on Calvinist principles. The Netherlands is easy to travel in and the locals are friendly and speak excellent English, but many towns are still surrounded by canals and castle walls, the endlessly flat landscape which inspired the nation's early artists still stretches unbroken to the horizons, and dykes still occasionally threaten to give way.

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Norway

From icy Hammerfest in the north to Bergen in the south, Norway is quite possibly the most beautiful country in northern Europe. Known best for the majestic fjords that span the western coast, Norway also harbor dramatic mountains, crystal clear seas, dense forests, farmland and sunny coves. Oslo is the nation’s capital and considered Norway’s cultural center. Exploring Oslo could take days visiting the numerous museums and parks scattered throughout the city. On the west coast is Norway’s second largest city, Bergen. Choose a city tour in Bergen or hop on a boat and tour the majestic fjords. Trondheim and Stavanger are other bustling cities in Norway that are ripe for exploring. Whether it’s visiting a big city or traveling to the farmland or a quaint fishing village of Norway, the country will dazzle with its beauty.

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Portugal

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, wistful towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Littered with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals, it also remains refreshingly affordable. Savoring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble - traditional folk festivals; simple, honest food drowning in olive oil; music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories; and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers.

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Russia

Russia is the world`s largest state and a country with tradition and culture stretching back to the early first millennium. Some of the most famous architectural, historical and cultural monuments in Russia are included in the UNESCO list of Universal Heritage Objects, including the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, the historic centre of St. Petersburg and the palace and park complexes of its suburbs. Other sites include the whitestone monuments of Vladimir-Suzdal and cities of the "Russian Golden Ring," Troitse-Sergieva Lavra in Sergiev Posad and the Ascension Church in Kolomenskoye. Russian territory is vast, with many zones of much interest.

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Scotland

Scotland's people are feisty, opinionated and fiercely loyal. The countryside is a wild, beautiful tumble of raw mountain peaks and deep glassy lakes. There's a plethora of tartan 'n' bagpipe beaten tracks across this land, but even in popular tourist hubs like Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Isle of Skye it's easy to veer off into one-of-a-kind adventures, usually involving extroverted locals. Scotland is a place where you can watch golden eagles soar over the rocky peaks of the Cuillin and play golf on some of the world's most hallowed courses. The landscape is evident of the past: a moor that was once a battlefield, a beach where Vikings hauled their boats ashore, a cave where Bonnie Prince Charlie once sheltered. Like a fine single malt, Scotland is a connoisseur's delight - it reveals its true depth and complex flavors only to those who savor it slowly.

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Spain

In Spain's cities, narrow twisting old streets open to views of daring modern architecture, while bars serving wine from the barrel rub shoulders with blaring, glaring discos. Travel is easy, the people are relaxed, the beaches are long and sandy, and the food easy to come by and full of regional variety. Geographically, Spain's diversity is immense. There are endless tracts of wild and crinkled sierra to explore, as well as some spectacularly rugged stretches of coast between the beaches. The country has superb old buildings, from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces to Gothic cathedrals. Almost every second village has a medieval castle. Spain has been the home of some of the world's great artists - El Greco, Dalí, Picasso - and has museums and galleries to match. The country vibrates with music of every kind - from the drama of flamenco to the melancholy lyricism of the Celtic music and gaitas (bagpipes) of the northwest.

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Sweden

Sweden is quite affordable, and the simple joys of fresh air, landscape and culture are free. Its forests are starkly beautiful, its lakes giant. Stockholm, the country's capital, is a progressive city with pockets that maintain a village feel. Gothenburg and Malmö beckon with urban delights. Away from the cities, Sweden has vast areas of scenic coastline and idyllic islands. The wilderness areas of Norrland have the legendary midnight sun in summer, Arctic Scandinavia's highest mountain and marvelous hiking trails.

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Switzerland

Switzerland's fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes have enough zing to reinvigorate the most jaded traveler. Goethe summed up Switzerland succinctly as a combination of 'the colossal and the well-ordered'. The tidy precision of Swiss towns is tempered by the lofty splendor of the landscapes that surround them. Switzerland conjures up a fair swag of clichés: irresistible chocolates, yodeling Heidis, humorless bankers, international bureaucracies and an orderly, anally-retentive and rather bland national persona.

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Turkey

Turkey is a rapidly modernizing country with one foot in Europe and one in the Middle East. It has oriental splendor, mystery, intrigue and whirling dervishes, and it also has a spicy past. They have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is dreamy, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destination. There's an enormous variety of things to see and do ranging from water sports to mountain trekking, archaeology to night-clubbing and river rafting to raki drinking.

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Asia & Middle East

China & Hong Kong

China is a different world. From shop-till-you-drop metropolises to the epic grasslands of Inner Mongolia, China is a land of cultural and geographic diversity. The yin of revolutionary zeal is being balanced by the yang of economic pragmatism. China is a country of great contrasts, with picturesque rural landscapes and congested cityscapes, and natural beauty ranging from the untamed to the idyllic - from the windswept plains of the Gobi Desert and Mt. Everest's notorious northern face to Yángshuò's gorgeous karst scenery. China is huge and wild enough to satisfy your explorer instinct, and is a great rollercoaster ride for anyone with a little time and an instinct for travel.

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India

India will sideswipe you with size, clamor and diversity - but if you enjoy delving into convoluted cosmologies and thrive on sensual overload, then it is one of the most intricate and rewarding dramas unfolding on earth, and you'll quickly develop an abiding passion for it. Nothing in the country is ever quite predictable; the only thing to expect is the unexpected, which comes in many forms and will always want to sit next to you. India is a litmus test for many travelers - some are only too happy to leave, while others stay for a lifetime. The country's glorious diversity means there's an astonishing array of sacred sites, from immaculately kept Jain temples to weathered Buddhist stupas; there's history around every corner, with countless monuments, battle-scarred forts, abandoned cities and ancient ruins all having tales to tell; and there are beaches to satiate the most avid sun worshipper. On a personal level, however, India is going to be exactly what you make of it.

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Indonesia

The floating emerald islands of the Indonesian archipelago have for centuries lured everyone from missionaries to pirates, mining companies and backpackers to their sandalwood and spice breezes, their Bali Hai lifestyle and their magnificent beaches, mountains and volcanoes. However, the myth of paradise is often marred by deep racial divides, religious warring, high-handed autocracy, government corruption, economic mismanagement and natural disasters. The latest rounds of violence have made Indonesia a problematic destination for Western travelers. Refreshingly though, much of the country remains barely touched by mass tourism. Despite great improvements in communications and transport connections, Indonesia's thousands of islands and multitude of cultures still offer adventure that is hard to find in the developed world.

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Israel

Everyone has their own perception of what Israel is about: it’s a package of beaches and sun; it’s the Promised Land of the Jews; it’s the birthplace of Christ. And while it is all of these things, it's much more. Israel is a bustling, noisy, modern country. It’s best not to arrive with preconceptions of spiritual epiphany at the risk of missing the best this fascinating country has to offer. To understand Israel, visit the new, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, dive the Red Sea at Eilat, explore some of the country's thriving national parks and float for hours in the salty stillness of the Dead Sea.

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Japan

Japan is an intricate blend of East and West. Thus, that modern high-rise may look Western, but it may contain a rustic-looking restaurant with open charcoal grills, corporate offices, a pachinko parlor, a high-tech bar with views of Mount Fuji, a McDonald's, an acupuncture clinic, a computer showroom, and a rooftop shrine. Your pizza may come with octopus, beer gardens are likely to be fitted with Astroturf, and "parsley" refers to unmarried women older than 25 (because parsley is what's left on a plate). City police patrol on bicycles, garbage collectors attack their job with the vigor of a well-trained army, and white-gloved elevator operators, working in some of the world's swankiest department stores, bow and thank you as you exit. Because of this unique synthesis of East and West into a culture distinctly Japanese, discovering it is like peeling an onion - one layer is uncovered only to lead to more layers underneath. No matter how long you stay in Japan, constant discovery is one of the most fascinating aspects of being here.

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Philippines

There are plenty of natural wonders in the Philippines - dramatic waterfalls, beautiful beaches, ancient rice terraces, hills resembling chocolate drops, reefs teeming with aquatic life. The real natural wonder of the Philippines is its outgoing people, who are puzzled by loners and prefer company nearly everywhere they go. The Bayanihan communal spirit holds Filipinos together, and they extend it to visitors as well. The Philippines is the country to make friends and learn about people. Travel can be risky in the southern islands and in some rural areas, but the majority of the Philippines - particularly the tourist areas - are considered safe for travelers.

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Qatar

Visitors to Qatar are welcomed to a land of glitzy new hotels, towering sand dunes, ancient rock carvings and distinctive architecture. Best known for being unknown, Qatar has a habit of falling off the world's radar. Most foreign maps of Arabia drawn before the 19th century don't show the Qatar peninsula, and most people in the West don't even know where it is. When looking at modern Qatar, it’s easy to imagine the great Oriental scholar, Edward Said, turning in his grave. Nineteenth-century Western travelers to the Middle East went in search of an imagined Arabia. When they couldn’t find it, they described an Orient they thought their readers would prefer to the reality. Even today, it’s tempting to go searching for such stereotypes and Qatar has its share: there are rock carvings to testify human endurance pitched against adversities of nature; forts to hint at the ruins of empire; and occasional goat-hair Bedouin tents to suggest the ‘noble savage’ nature of life in the desert.

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Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. There is never a dull day in Thailand. Whether it is the Songkran Festival or the first cool breeze of winter, there is always something to make visitors smile, laugh, cry or get excited. Thailand is a land of magic and mystery that attracts the Western world and those who seek advantage and romance. Blessed with beautiful natural resources and extraordinary culture, it is no wonder Thais are such fun-loving people.

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UAE (United Arab Emirates)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. It boasts mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, Bedouin markets and the legendary duty-free shopping of Dubai, all packed into a relatively small area. It also has the most relaxed entry regulations in the region, the best tourist infrastructure and, despite promoting itself exclusively to tourists with a buck or three (or four) to spend, it's extremely accessible to independent budget travelers.

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Vietnam

Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country's natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some divine beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.

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Australia / Oceania

Australia

Australia's biggest attraction is its natural beauty. The landscape varies from endless sun baked horizons to dense tropical rainforest to chilly southern beaches. Scattered along the coasts, its cities blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors. The unimaginable vastness of the country gives Australia - and its diverse population - much of its character. In cities, visitors will experience a blur of fashion boutiques and crowded restaurants. In the interior, they will hear the thump of rocks under their 4WD, only to be followed by a slow, silent swirl of outback dust. Around the coast, they'll take in the depths of a rainforest, then slowly realize they have an entire beach to themselves.

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New Zealand

New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of “Kiwis” will impress you. The great advantage of New Zealand is all its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other. With over a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It’s a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles New Zealanders live, and the stories they have to tell. With vast open spaces filled with stunning rugged landscapes, gorgeous beaches, spectacular geothermal and volcanic activity, a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life, it is no surprise New Zealand’s natural environment is so attractive.

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South Pacific - Fiji, Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora

From palm-lined beaches and warm crystalline waters to grassy highlands and lush tropical rain forests, FIJI offers visitors a true South Seas paradise. The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Beyond experiencing Fiji's perfect physical environment, it is sharing the warmth and friendliness of the Fijian people and their special living culture that makes this a holiday as it should be—a life-enhancing experience. To hear a heartfelt "Good Morning" and to know it is sincerely given; to listen to the stories of what has shaped the culture into what it is today, and to share the laughter and smiles with your new friends—this is the true treasure of Fiji awaiting your discovery! TAHITI, crowned by a circle of majestic peaks, towers over the ocean with a mountainous green interior of deep valleys, clear streams, and high waterfalls. The flat coastal lands are home to fields of tropical flowers and most of the island's population. Papeete, the invigorating capital city and territorial gateway, boasts world-class resorts, spas, fine restaurants, nightclubs, and endless shopping at vibrant markets, shops, and boutiques. Tahiti is the world's definition of paradise.  

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North & Central America

Alaska (U.S.)

Alaska. Imagine your vacation in Alaska for one moment. Delight at the sight of a grizzly bear with a cub or two. That instant when the silence of a misty fjord is shattered by a pod of giant humpback whales, breaching high into the air, then crashing back against the sea. While your floatplane flies over crystal glaciers, toward the midnight sun, remember: This is Alaska. This is real. This is the adventure of a lifetime. Traveling in Alaska is like traveling no other place on earth. There are 586,000 square miles here and many possibilities. Choose from wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and guided glacier hikes. Relax aboard a one-day cruise, pan for gold, bait a rod for Alaska’s world famous King salmon fishing.

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Bahamas

The Bahamas is a country of 700 different islands and cays, stretching southeast off the Florida coast. Visitors won't find more interesting islands. The islands differ physically: pine forests, white sandy beaches, limestone caves, lush plantations, bonefishing flats and the world's third largest barrier reef. They differ historically: Indigenous Arawak Indians, Seminole Indians from Florida, Eleutheran Adventurers from England, post-Revolutionary planters from Carolina and pirates all settled here. Even Columbus paid a visit in 1492. Because each island retains its individual character, each has something unique and unexpected to contribute to an island vacation. There are islands so secluded, only the lighthouse keeper has a telephone. Islands with everything from casino to golf course. Islands for the country-club set, where tennis overlooks mile-long beaches. Islands bustling with colonial charm. Islands for frogman and islands for fisherman. Even islands have islands- a Sunfish sail from nearly any beach can become a voyage of discovery.

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Belize

An adventurer's paradise, Belize is your peaceful, English-speaking neighbor only two hours away from 3 major U.S. Gateways. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belize people have protected 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves. Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

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Bermuda

Perched amid the blue-green waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Bermuda is unlike any other island destination you may be familiar with. It is a surprise just waiting to be discovered by visitors fortunate enough to reach its shores. Not only does it offer lush, tropical surroundings, splendid and unusual pink-hued beaches, plus a bevy of cultural attractions and sporting options, Bermuda is blessed with a distinct air of British propriety and European flavor that make it unique. Visitors will not only cherish memories of the islands' sherbet-toned homes, ubiquitous flower gardens and charming winding streets, but also of its gracious people, who are a little bit British, a little bit islander and always friendly.

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Canada

Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country different from the USA. The edginess between Canada's indigenous, French and British traditions gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and traditions brought by migrants to form a thriving multicultural society. With its history, people, landscape and natural beauty, Canada offers well-known cities, attractions, parks and regions making for wonderful educational, inspiring or just plain fun destinations. Don't pass up a chance to explore the less-travelled areas, too - at the fringes of the inhabited world, great challenges, eye-opening experiences and hospitable people await.

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Costa Rica

Pack your bathing suit, hiking boots, camera, and binoculars. Lush tropical Costa Rica offers the best in Sun, Beaches, and Forests! Northern Costa Rica is everything from secluded spots of breathtaking natural scenery to a water sports-lovers paradise. Its wealth of activities and attractions is provided by a variety of territories that comprise active volcanoes, rich flora and fauna, and the Pacific Coast and beaches of Costa Rica's Golden Coast. A rich multicultural heritage endowed San Jose sophisticated capital city with a vibrant street life as well as a refined cultural life.

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Disneyland (U.S.)

The Disneyland Resort is a recreational resort in Anaheim, California. It is home to two theme parks, three hotels and a shopping, dining, and entertainment area. The area now known as the Disneyland Resort was developed by Walt Disney in the 1950s and for over 40 years was known simply as Disneyland. When it opened to guests in 1955, the property consisted of Disneyland, its 100-acre (0.40 km2) parking lot, and a hotel known as the Disneyland Hotel, owned and operated by Disney's business partner. After succeeding with the multi-park, multi-hotel business model at Walt Disney World in Florida, Disney decided to apply the same business model in Anaheim and acquired large parcels of land adjacent to Disneyland. After its first publicly known proposal for a second theme park in Anaheim was scrapped, construction began in 1998 on a theme park called Disney California Adventure Park; a hotel called Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, a renovation, renaming, and re-theming of the Disneyland Pacific Hotel; and an admission-free shopping and dining area called Downtown Disney. During the expansion, the name Disneyland Resort was coined to refer to the entire Disney complex, while Disneyland Park was coined to refer to the original theme park.

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Dominican Republic

The white-sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are part of the Dominican Republic's appeal. Whether looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer. Steer a small boat through endless mangrove forests in search of gentle manatees. Spy on lovesick humpback whales in the Bahía de Samaná. Get back to civilization and prepare to party. The locals throw festivals, parties and carnivals. Folks in the Americas' first European city, Santo Domingo, don't just spend their time admiring the fine colonial architecture gracing their home. This town has not one, but two complete Carnivals, complete with parades, elaborate floats, live music, and dancing in the streets. Pre-Lent Carnivals are celebrated in Santiago, Cabral, Monte Cristi and La Vega as well. Check out the country's two major merengue festivals, the annual Latin Music Festival and the national surfing and windsurfing championships.

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Hawaii - Hawaii ("Big Island")

Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is also the youngest of the island chain. At some 800,000 years of age, it's also still growing. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains one of the world's most active volcanoes which continues to pour into the sea adding to the shoreline. From its snow capped peaks to its black, white and green sand beaches the island is really a study in contrasts. Rocky deserts and lush rainforests. Peaceful bays and rolling pasture land. Luxurious orchids and waterfalls on the windward side, and areas on the western slopes where the world famous Kona coffee is grown.

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Hawaii - Kauai

Kauai stands out as the vacation destination of choice, blending the enchantment of ancient Hawaii with all modern conveniences. Kayak on the same river where Indiana Jones escaped, or windsurf with playful spinner dolphins swimming at your side. Enjoy a whalewatching expedition, or explore exquisite waterfalls on a scenic helicopter tour, or from a zodiac craft. Sportfishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all popular in the pristine waters off the incomparable coasts. Horseback riding offers breathtaking vistas from the mountains to the beaches.

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Hawaii - Lanai

For nearly 70 years, Lanai dubbed the "Pineapple Island," was operated as a pineapple plantation by Dole Company. Today there are two exclusive, world-class hotels, the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay Hotel. In addition, the Experience at Koele and the Challenge at Manele provide visitors with award winning, world-class golf. People: Lanai is known for is amiable residents who greet island visitors with old-fashioned Hawaiian aloha. Some 2,800 people call the island home, including older families of Hawaiian, Caucasian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Puerto Rican and Filipino ancestry.

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Hawaii - Maui

Travelers who can go anywhere in the world come back to Maui again and again, because their Maui moments are some of the most treasured of their lives. The majestic leaps of Maui's humpback whales are the perfect symbol for the magic of this island, where natural wonders set your spirit free and the warm aloha of Maui's people fills your heart with a sense of belonging. Maui's prime resort areas are Kapalua, Kaanapali, Kihei, Wailea and Makena. Strung like jewels on the sunny western and southern shores of Maui, they offer pristine beaches and a wide range of hotel and condominium accommodations. At serene, secluded Hana, you'll discover Hawaii the way it used to be. The best golf in paradise is yours to enjoy on Maui. There are challenges for players of all skill levels and incredible views no matter where you play, from the public courses to the championship layouts of Maui's Golf Coast. Plus, nowhere else in the world will you find the array of oceansports and activities that Maui offers.

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Hawaii - Molokai

The fifth largest and least developed of the Hawaiian Islands, Molokai is only 20 minutes by air from Hawaii's most populous islands, Maui and Oahu. Molokai's population, numbering less than 7,000, includes the highest percentage of people of native Hawaiian ancestry of any of the islands. Because of their friendliness to visitors, Molokai is known as, "the Friendly Isle." Molokai is a quiet island that offers a unique introduction to the gentle rythms of South Seas life. Many of the Hawaiians here still exist much in the fashion of their ancestors, reaping fish from the sea. Days are spent in a carefree manner, and nights pass in a relaxed mood of tranquility Kaunakakai, the main town on Molokai, is famed in song for its "Cockeyed Mayor." A few hotels and condominiums are scattered along the island's south shore, and on the western coast is the 6,700-acre Kaluakoi Resort with an 18-hole championship golf course and miles of secluded white sand beach. On the west end of Molokai is the plantation village of Maunaloa.

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Hawaii - Oahu

Oahu  is "The Gathering Place." It has more hotels, more restaurants, and more major attractions than all of the other islands put together. Our major city, Honolulu, is here. So is the "World's Best Beach" at Waikiki. Honolulu is sophisticated, lively, and breathtaking. It has more in the way of arts, culture, and entertainment. It has an abundance of galleries, nightclubs, and museums, a major zoo, aquarium, Iolani Palace (the only royal palace on U.S. soil), Pearl Harbor, the Arizona Memorial... the list goes on and on.

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Hawaii - Overview (U.S.)

Hawaii is the most remote island chain in the world, over 2,000 miles from the nearest landfall. Distance makes for splendid isolation - these Polynesian islands are removed from all else but one another. Hawaii consists of eight major islands plus 124 minor islands, reefs and shoals, strung like a necklace across the Pacific for over 1,500 miles. The eight major islands (which make up over 99% of the total land area) are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (known as Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe (uninhabited) and Niihau (privately owned). Each of the major islands has an identity all its own. Oahu is as different from Molokai and Maui as Kauai is from Lanai and the Big Island - each as varied and colorful as the official state flower, the hibiscus. With their collective mass of 4.1 million acres or 6,450 square miles, these islands form the fourth smallest state in the United States. Beyond mere geography, to Hawaiians the land is "mother". The Hawaiian word for land, 'aina, literally means "that which feeds". It doesn't belong to us; we belong to it, and are part of it. Many have embraced Aloha, since visitors are Hawaii's major source of income. The Islands host approximately 7 million people each year whose average expenditures (excluding airfares) exceed 10 billion dollars! (1999) Remember...it's much harder to be a traveler than a tourist. A tourist seeks only an escape that fades - a traveler's reward lasts a lifetime!

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Honduras

Honduras is the original banana republic, but travel there is easy, enjoyable and inexpensive. The slow pace, natural beauty and low-profile tourism make it particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy getting off the beaten track. Honduras is the second biggest country in Central America. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Mayan ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), and a Pacific and Caribbean coastline and the Bay Islands, with great beaches and coral reefs where snorkeling and diving are exceptional by any standard.

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Jamaica

From each glorious morning sunrise to the iridescence of the sunset, Jamaica presents a magnificent kaleidoscope of color and beauty that has made the island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. It is a land of warm and welcoming people, inspiring scenery and so many unique and engaging ways to experience it visitors want to come back again and again. Jamaica has coves for parasailing, roads for jogging, duty-free shops for treasure hunting and a place called Boston Beach for surfing. Plus, the bluest-ever waters for swimming, snorkeling, skiing and wind-surfing.

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Lesser Antilles - Leeward Antilles & Windward Islands

The British Leeward Islands consist of Antigua, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and Dominica. Anguilla is for relaxing and being pampered at elegant Caribbean accommodations. St. Martin is a unique island divided by two nations where visitors enjoy sports, casinos, shopping, nightlife, and great restaurants. St. Barts is like a chic Caribbean French Riviera. Saba is for divers, ecotourists, nature lovers and those looking for the road less taken. St. Eustatius is a scenic volcanic island with few beaches. St. Kitts and Nevis have lush volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches, and breathtaking views of island neighbors. Antigua has fabulous beaches, modern shopping areas, nightlife, and a little local scene and history. Barbuda is flat coral island with long pink or white beaches. Montserrat is a volcanic island popular for yachts, charter boats, some small cruise ships, and hikers. Guadeloupe is known as the 'Island of Beautiful Waters'. Dominica is the 'Nature Island' with tropical rainforests and mountains, rivers, and a boiling volcanic lake. Martinique is named 'the island of flowers'. St. Lucia's beauty has been compared to islands in the South Pacific. Barbados is nicknamed 'Little England'. St. Vincent is a rugged volcanic island with rushing rivers and waterfalls and black sand beaches. Grenada is the 'Spice Island' of the Caribbean.

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Lesser Antilles - Leeward Islands

The British Leeward Islands consist of Antigua, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, Saint Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla and Dominica. Anguilla is for relaxing and being pampered at elegant Caribbean accommodations. St. Martin is a unique island divided by two nations where visitors enjoy sports, casinos, shopping, nightlife, and great restaurants. St. Barts is like a chic Caribbean French Riviera. Saba is for divers, ecotourists, nature lovers and those looking for the road less taken. St. Eustatius is a scenic volcanic island with few beaches. St. Kitts and Nevis have lush volcanic peaks, black-sand beaches, and breathtaking views of island neighbors. Antigua has fabulous beaches, modern shopping areas, nightlife, and a little local scene and history. Barbuda is flat coral island with long pink or white beaches. Montserrat is a volcanic island popular for yachts, charter boats, some small cruise ships, and hikers. Guadeloupe is known as the 'Island of Beautiful Waters'. Dominica is the 'Nature Island' with tropical rainforests and mountains, rivers, and a boiling volcanic lake. Martinique is named 'the island of flowers'. St. Lucia's beauty has been compared to islands in the South Pacific. Barbados is nicknamed 'Little England'. St. Vincent is a rugged volcanic island with rushing rivers and waterfalls and black sand beaches. Grenada is the 'Spice Island' of the Caribbean.

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Mexico

Mexico is a traveler’s paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialized cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clichéd and the surreal, is the key to Mexico's charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins or expanding your Day of the Dead collection of posable skeletons. Despite the considerable colonial legacy and rampant modernization, almost 60 distinct indigenous peoples survive, largely thanks to their rural isolation.

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Panama

While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to travelers. This country offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in the Americas. It is a proud nation that offers astounding wildlife adventures, that respects its seven indigenous peoples and that celebrates its Spanish heritage with frequent colorful festivals. Rafters can ride 20 sets of rapids in a single day, wildlife abounds in scarcely-visited national parks, and a person can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea and swim in the Pacific Ocean on the same day!

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Puerto Rico

Enchanting Puerto Rico has it all... 272 miles of pristine beaches, exotic natural wonders, the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest Service and oldest city in the US. By day, a variety of water sports, championship golf and world-class shopping await you. Then get ready to feel the nightlife sizzle... from gourmet dining to glitzy casinos, live salsa bands, discos and nightclubs. If you haven't been to Puerto Rico before, it was worth the wait. If you haven't been there recently, it's time to go back and discover the NEW Caribbean Luxury!  *No passport required for U.S. Citizens!

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U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John

The US Virgin Islands' long standing, enviable international reputation is not solely based on pristine beaches, warm weather, and crystal-clear waters - they are the most culturally diverse, ethnically rich, and artistically vibrant society in the tropics. The biggest asset is its sun-kissed people - who are island-spiced, friendly and happy. The Islanders are literally from everywhere and are as diverse as peaceful Arawak and fierce Carib Indians---and as culturally rich as peoples of Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States. Nowhere else in the Caribbean offers such a good vacation value as the US Virgins. Secluded beaches. National Parks. Duty-free shopping. Campgrounds. Kayaking. Hiking. Ecological tours. World-class diving. Superb sailing. Tropical forests. Local craftsmen. Island art. Sunbathing. Fine Dining. Nightlife. And it's all wrapped up in the safety, security, and efficiency of the American flag. The United States Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Three lively islands -- one gentle people. *No passport required for U.S. Citizens!

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Walt Disney World (U.S.)

The Walt Disney World Resort, sometimes shortened to Walt Disney World or Disney World, is the world's largest and most-visited recreational resort. Located approximately 21 miles (34 km) southwest of Orlando, Florida, USA, the resort covers an area of 30,080-acre (47.00 sq mi; 121.7 km2) and includes four theme parks, two water parks, 23 on-site themed resort hotels (excluding 8 that are on-site, but not owned by the Walt Disney Company), including a campground, two health spas and physical fitness centers, and other recreational venues and entertainment. It opened on October 1, 1971 with only the Magic Kingdom theme park and has since added Epcot (October 1, 1982), Disney's Hollywood Studios (May 1, 1989) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (April 22, 1998). The resort was inspired by the dreams of Walt Disney and his creation of Disneyland in California. Its original theme park, Magic Kingdom, is designed similarly to Disneyland. Walt Disney created "Disney World" in order to have a vacation resort that was much different from Disneyland's one-day visit; this includes a much wider variety of sports, recreation, uniquely-themed resort hotels and entertainment.

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West Indies - Cayman, Anguilla, Antigua, St. Lucia

The archipelago, sometimes called the Antilles, is divided into three groups: the Bahamas; the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico); and the Lesser Antilles (Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados) and the islands off the northern coast of Venezuela.      

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South America

Argentina

Argentina is geared up to thrill - from nights tangoing in the chic quarter of Buenos Aires to gaucho riding in the grasslands of the Pampas. It is also a merry-go-round of incongruity: traditional cream teas in the Welsh community of the Chubut valley, the birthplace of the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara, stomping ground of Maradona, source of Evita worship, museums of meteorites, huge numbers of dinosaur fossils, celebrity spotting on the ski slopes of Bariloche, and home to the southernmost city in the world.

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Brazil

For hundreds of years, Brazil has symbolized the great escape into a primordial, tropical paradise, igniting Western imagination like no other South American country. From the mad passion of Carnaval to the immensity of the dark Amazon, it is a country of mythic proportions. Perhaps it's not quite the Eden of popular imagination, but it's still a land of staggering beauty. There are stretches of unexplored rainforest, islands with pristine tropical beaches, and endless rivers. And there are the people themselves, who delight the visitor with their energy and joy. São Paulo is the world's second most populous city.

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Colombia

The Colombia you don't hear about in the newspapers is surprisingly relaxed and is inhabited by extremely personable and spirited people pursuing orderly lives. Its cities may be daunting, but it has some wonderful towns, Caribbean beaches, cordilleras, Andean valleys and Amazonian rainforest. Steeped in myth and mysticism, Colombia, when safe, is arguably the most underrated travel destination on the continent. Six-day return treks to the ruins of La Ciudad Perdida are very popular. There is great snorkeling and diving off the Islas del Rosario, 20mi offshore from Cartagena, and off the Isla Barú, the peninsula south of Cartagena. The waters around San Andrés and Providencia are ooh-aah pretty-fishy spots of choice delight. Adventurous jungle tours of the Amazonian interior can be arranged in Leticia.

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Ecuador & Galapagos

The smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands, Ecuador has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes and dense rainforest. And all that in a nation no bigger than the US state of Nevada. The Galápagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over the centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth. Since Darwin's famous voyage, its marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and source of inspiration for people through the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.

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Peru

It's the multiple layers of great civilizations that make Peru so intriguing. Wander around colonial cities preserving the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, visit the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco, explore the lost city of Machu Picchu and ponder the enigma of Nazca Lines. It also has some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in South America. The Peruvian Andes are arguably the most beautiful on the continent and the mountains are home to millions of highland Indians, who still speak the ancient tongue of Quechua and maintain a traditional way of life. The verdant Amazon Basin, which occupies half of Peru, is one of the world's top 10 biodiversity 'hot spots' - a species-rich area of tropical rain forest that will make your head spin when you start to learn about its ecology. The coastal deserts, with their huge rolling dunes, farmland oases and fishing villages, are underappreciated by travelers but offer the opportunity to get off the Gringo Trail in a big way.

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Venezuela

Venezuela has epic proportions: it has South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, and the longest of all snakes. It also has jaguars, armadillos and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see. There are the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west; steamy Amazonian jungles in the south; the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east; and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Caribbean coast.

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