Stoupa, Greece – Stoupa is  the new  gem of Greece that becoming famous as  the New Côte d’Azur. It is one of the south Mediterranean’s “coolest” and newest hot spots placed in fascinating area called Mani, on the coast of southern Peloponnese in Greece.  This small and very laid-back town is very inspirational for artists, writers, musicians, philosophers. Also great for families  and groups. Great atmosphere, clear turquoise water, fantastic not  crowded sandy beaches and the mountain backdrop makes Stoupa even more spectacular. Just a coach ride away are the ancient ruins of Olympia and the Corinth Canal. There are some 20 restaurants strung out along the beach, a few small hotels, and many rental houses. You can’t stay at Stoupa without visiting the Inner Mani. the only part of Greece never conquered by invaders. The Maniots built tower houses, some of which have been restored, and holed up in them carrying out local feuds.The contrasting scenery on the two different coastlines is very apparent and you will not find more interesting and varied scenery elsewhere. It has a strange and mysterious quality to it with many ancient churches and the old villages with their tower houses, built to defend themselves from the other feuding villages.

Mersa Matruh, Egypt - one of Egypt’s best kept secrets. Mersa Matrouh lies 290 km west of Alexandria and it  lies on a bay on the Mediterranean. It is distinguished by its 7 km long beach, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. The beach is famous for its white soft sands and calm transparent waters while the bay is protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker. Cleopatra’s beach is probably the most beautiful of Mersa, perhaps of all Egypt, but it offers bad chance for swimming.Agiba Beach is the pride os Mersa, even if it is nomore then 30-40 meters long. It is well protected with cliffs ans sand is cleaner and water purer. There are few important monuments and tourist sights (Ruins of the Temple of the King, Pharaoh Ramses II drown city of Caesar,drown Palace of Cleopatra, Rommel’s Hideout – - cave, hewn in the rock, where Rommel drew up plans of his military operations).  As a very conservative and traditional town, Marsa Matruh is extremely safe. But unfortunately, there are still plenty of stories about Western women exposed to a very negative attitude from local young men. With few precossions steps you would be safe and enjoy this unique summer City.

Lithuania Curonian Spit – there is  a skinny slice of land starting in the Russian territory of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea, with a tiny piece of Lithuania at its end: the Curonian Spit. This UNESCO HERITAGE site becoming more and more popular for its sandy beach, forest and desert-like sand dunes crowd onto a two-and-a-half mile wide peninsula. The largest town on the spit is Nida in Lithuania, a popular holiday resort, mostly frequented by Lithuanian and German tourists. Beautiful surroundings, variety of time spending and marvelous landscape of dukes, Baltic seaside and Curonian Lagoon compose an impression of admiring a real gemstone, that, according to UNESCO criteria “V”, is an “outstanding example of traditional human settlement, land-use and sea-use which is representative of a culture and human interaction with the environment”. The sandy marine beaches of the Curonian spit together with nice traditional resorts, mature pinewoods and the magnificent vistas over the drifting dunes and the Curonian lagoon form the most valuable tourism resource of the whole region. Thus making the Curonian lagoon a tourist destination of an international scale. July and August are the warmest months of the year with the main daily air temperature reaching +17ºC, so it’s perfect for tourists who like chillier summer destinations.

1. Gabon -f or travelers who love Africa this country is rare exotic gem. Although Gabon, situated in Western Central Africa, has rich diversity of holiday and leisure opportunities, its tourism potential is still something of a well-kept secret on the international market. So you’ll be stunned by what is shaping up to be Africa’s next best ecotourism destination: here you can explore endless white sand beaches, primate-filled tropical rain forests, rolling savannahs and estuaries. The capital, Libreville, is a modern multicultural city that overlooks the meeting place of the Komo Estuary and the Atlantic ocean. While most Gabonese are Christian, New Year’s Day is celebrated more than Christmas or Easter, so it’s fun and colorful this time of a year.
2. Jamaica is perfect winter destination for visitors who want a great deal to the Caribbean this winter – need look no further than Jamaica. Months of December, January and February stand as the most popular time to visit tropical dream island. Jamaica’s miles of pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, unique cultures and friendly people are sure to shake away anyone’s winter blues.
3. Malta is a wonderful little island, it is just lovely for a short stay, especially the town of  Dragonara near Valletta. The historical scenery is beautiful, the people are very laid back and the weather is nice all the time. It is usually mild in Malta during the winter,  with plenty of sunshine, with daytime temperatures usually 15ºC or above.  Malta is mostly famous for its  historical sights, but you will find an interesting night life, especially in St Julians – island’s answer to Ibiza. Carnival in Malta, which is usually held in February, during one whole week, is somewhat very popular. It is great fun consisted of masked balls, fancy dress and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colorful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical floats, marching bands and costumed revelers.
4. Sicily - here is never a bad time to take a trip to Sicily.  But during the winter time you will have rare opportunity for skiing, snowshoeing and horse trekking on  the largest and highest volcano in Europe, and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Despite Etna’s southerly latitude in the warm seas of the Mediterranean, the 3350m elevation means that in winter it receives deep snows. Enjoy stops in the various sleepy old villages which offers plenty of warm Sicilian hospitality and wonderful authentic cuisine. Also the citrus harvest is in full gear and the almond trees are taking blossom.
5. Kiruna, Sweden is the largest Sweden municipality located in the very north of the country, just  145 kilometers north of the Arctic circle. People of this region decided to turn minus into plus and to create experiences from the natural resources available – cold, darkness, ice, snow and the Northern Lights. Mount Kebnekaise, more than 6000 lakes, seven rivers that run through the municipality create many possibilities for those who are not afraid of the cold!  The Snow festival kicks off in January so Christmas is a critical time for getting the snow deep and bouncy -  skoterhopp (snowmobile ramp-jumping), snowshoeing,lassoing, sledging, Husky safaris. Also meet Sami culture and delicious cuisine, their customs and artworks. Kiruna has polar night for 20 days, from the twelfth of December to the 31st of December. A new Icehotel is built every winter, and is then decorated and ornamented by artists from the whole world, and it has become Sweden’s most internationally famous tourist destination.
6. Bocas del Toro, Panama is famous as one of the best places in the world to dive. It is an archipelago of some 68 tropical islands surrounded by crystal clear waters, filled with astonishing variety of plants and animals that are found no where else in the world. Well maintained resorts, less expensive hotels and equipment, sandy beaches, many reefs and lagoons.  There are also beautiful spots perfect for laying back and letting the cool ocean breeze wash over you. Bocas offers its visitors a perfect mix of beautiful locales, fine cuisine and a rich history and culture.
7. Istanbul, Turkey is busy with visitors year round. Now days winter has become favorite times to visit: sights are uncrowded, prices for hotels are lower, there’s less bustle. The weather can be dreary or gloriously sunny. Istanbul maintains a distinguished position among the metropolis of the world with its unique geographical location and a cultural heritage of thousands of years. As European Capital of Culture for 2010, Istanbul will launch the celebrations with a party on January 16, followed by a year of events in the visual arts and museums, music and theater, literature, cinema, and traditional arts.
8. Vilanculos, Mozambique – it does take some effort to get there, but the trip is well worth it. It’s not so much the town of Vilanculos but the tranquil haven of Bazaruto Islands off its coast. The islands (without permanent residents) are everything one can dream of: miles of untouched sand, limpid warm waters, coral reefs, fluorescent fish, dhows, extraordinary sunsets, seafood. Don’t forget to take a peek at the island’s interior. The sand dunes, mangrove forests and inland lakes are home to 125 species of birds as well as a variety of mammals and even one or two crocodiles.
9. Harbin, China is indeed an unusual and interesting choice for a winter vacation destination. The city is in the far north of China, near Siberia and Mongolia. It often referred to as the “Oriental Moscow” for its mix of western and Chinese culture. Harbin offers many attractions for tourists, especially in the winter. The International Snow and Ice Festival, one of four of the biggest in the world,  is held in Habin every winter.  It also boasts the best ski resort in China-Yabuli Ski Resort, besides, the Sun Island, Siberia Tigers Park and Chinese-Russian Market are also worth a visit.
10. Dubai – a world leading City of the Future. You can spend your winter holiday on the beach or in the 40 shopping malls. Dubai has some excellent beaches, some of the best hotels in the world, cheap shopping and for those looking for some adventure how does a desert safari, camel racing, sand skiing and driving 4×4 vehicle on sand dunes or just take  some excellent golf courses.

If you want to have both adventure and relax holiday, this beautiful city in the province Rio Negra, Argentina is THAT place. Surrounded by lakes and mountains Bariloche serves as a base for many excursions in the region famous for spectacular scenery and for skiing, water sports, trekking, climbing, fishing. The city itself embodies a strange juxtaposition: an urban city plopped down in the middle of beautiful wilderness. Bariloche stands out for its architectural features influenced by German, Swiss, and English immigration. Compared with the crowded metropolis, Bariloche, with its hundred thousand or so inhabitants, still lives the life of a mountain village. This place offers its population panoramic vistas and a constant contact with natural beauty, you breathe fresh air in the streets, and the immense Nahuel Huapi Lake can be seen from any part of the town. Walking along the woodland trails is a marvelous experience of being by yourself and in harmony with nature, far away from the pollution and stress of large cities.

Bariloche is the gate to the Patagonian lakes – Nahuel Huapi, Gutiérrez Lake, Moreno Lake and Mascardi Lake. It is said that here starts the magnificent world of the Patagonia. The marvelous surroundings of the Nahuel Huapi will allow you to enjoy over 50 different excursions. Lake traditional and adventure promenades satisfy all kind of amusement during the whole year. Beaches by the lake such as Playa Bonita and Villa Tacul welcome sun-bathers and some brave lake swimmers (the waters, from melting snow, are always very cold). Lake Nahuel Huapi contains several islands, including Isla Huemul, which hosted the Huemul Project, the Argentinian secret research project on nuclear fusion in 1949-1952. San Carlos de Bariloche is actually in the midlle of area known as the oldest national park in Argentina – Nahuel Huapi National Park. The park covers approximately 7050 km² and is famous for its rich wildlife. It covers many biotopes, due to altitudes ranging from 700 to 3,000 m and precipitation ranging from rain forests with 4,000 mm/yr on the western slopes to steppes with less than 300 mm/yr on the eastern side. Its incomparable beauty extends through the polychromy of its flowers, gardens and lakes, the variety of trees and plants that ornament the mountains and valleys giving in this way a colorful spectacle with the species diversity of ñires, cipreses, lengas and pines among others.

The towering snowy peaks of the Andes to the west of the city allow you to have beautiful winter holiday.  Located 12 miles from Bariloche,  Cerro Catedral is one of the most important ski centers in South America with a skiable area of 2 km² (0.77 sq mi), over 100 km (62 miles) of ski runs, and a lift capacity of 22,200 skiers per hour. It offers variety of activities like skiing in all its modalities, alpine, nordic, snowboarding and adventure, motoskiing. July is the peak of season for skiing.

San Carlos de Bariloche is also famous for its chocolates and fine cuisine, mountain food prepared in a very characteristic way. The city hosts an amazing number of shops were they produce and sell all sorts of varieties of chocolate. Local fruits and licor make some of the fillings. The most renowned ones are Mamuschka, La Abuela Goye and Benroth. Bariloche offers a wealth of services, including the area’s largest and best-serviced airport. But if you’re looking for a quiet vacation, you’d be better off lodging outside the city center, on the road to the Llao Llao Peninsula or in the town of Villa La Angostura. Beautiful alpine style hotel Hotel Llao Llao built in 1939 (recently renovated), adds to the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. A classic resort: there’s a golf course, boating, and much for the wealthy to see and do.

There are few places in the world where the seasons are so well marked as in Bariloche. The snow changes the landscape abruptly in winter time, spring is full of colors, long and warm days in summer and spectacular color shades in the fall, and all these changes permanently accompanied by the welcoming friendliness of the people.

This is a place where the past and the present merge in perfect harmony. Romantic, old Finnish town, perfect to spend a weekend with loveone. Definitely perfect place to spend Christmas! Porvoo is situated about 50 km to the east of Helsinki, at the mouth of the river Porvoo (Porvoonjoki). This idyllic town grew up on the banks of  calm and beautifull river in the 14th Century and it is a second oldest town in Finnland. It gives a perfect glimps of what Finland must have looked like few hundreds years ago.

Approaching the ancient town, first glimpse of Porvoo is a pea green river and the reflections of red, green and yellow buildings mirrored on the water’s surface. Along the Porvoonjoki (Porvoo’s river) are numerous red boat houses that have characterized Porvoo for centuries, and which have been depicted countless times by artists. The red color dates from the 18th century when the owners painted the buildings to honor King Gustav III of Sweden. Trade has been carried on for centuries under the black roofs of the red ochre shore houses. . The ships loaded butter, dried fish, timber, tar and flax, among other things, and unloaded exotic delicacies, such as fruits, wines and spices. The shore houses also served as intermediate depots of coffee and tobacco. Today the shore houses overlooking the river are mainly used as private living quarters and storage spaces. No painter’s stroke could duplicate the beauty of this spot: the emerald green of trees and shrubs on one side of the Porvoo River; small boats tied to their moorings, bobbing with the slow current.

Walking through the small paths and alleys of the Old town you can enjoy in beautifull and authentic finnish architecture – colorful old wooden houses, narrow curvey cobble stone streets, wonderful church up on the hill, great unique small shops and dozens of museums and galleries. The Baroque building sports a clock tower that will fascinate anyone interested in architecture of the period. The imposing salmon-colored building up the hill on Valikatu Street was once the Old Town Hall (1764) but is now the home of the Porvoo Museum. Actually, the Porvoo Museum is composed of two museums and two buildings: the Historical Museum and the Edelfelt-Vallgren Art Museum. The mission of the Historical Museum is to showcase the history and culture of Porvoo and the region through its collection of furniture, textiles, local artists’ work, glass, toys and the like which is shown throughout the first floor. The second floor is dedicated to the what life was like in Porvoo during Medieval times. The Edlfelt-Vallgren Museum concentrates soley on the work of two local artists who gained international recognition: Albert Edelfelt (1855-1905), and Ville Vallgren (1855-1940). Albert Edelfelt, one of Finland’s most well-known painters of the 19th century is perhaps best known for his portrait of Louis Pasteur, the great microbiologist. His studio, dating from 1883, provides a stellar look at the range of architecture that forms this unusual town. Another popular site is the museum that was once home to Finland’s former national poet, J.L. Runeberg. It is Finland’s oldest home museum, opened to the public in 1882.

The central point of the old town is the medieval, stone and brick Porvoo Cathedral which gave its name to the Porvoo Communion – an inter-church agreement between a number of Anglican and Lutheran denominations.The history of the granite cathedral dates back to the late 13th century. It was rebuilt or repaired several times. During WWII it was even hit by a bomb, but luckily not damaged. Inside the church a nice wooden tall ship can be seen. The interior houses a model of a tall wooden ship that is alone worth the trip. At the beginning of the 19th century, Finland was annexed to Russia as an autonomous grand duchy. Tsar Alexander I convened the first diet in Porvoo in March 1809. In Porvoo Cathedral, he gave a sovereign pledge in which he ratified the country’s religion, its constitutional laws and the rights of the estates. Outside, you’ll be able to explore the belfry that, unlike similar structures elsewhere, isn’t attached to the main building. Arrangements can even be made to get married in the cathedral, though you’ll have to plan a couple of years in advance, at least.

Brumberg Oy, a small chocolate factory is located in Old Porvoo, next to the cathedral. The production facilities include a small shop where you can buy chocolates and pastries handmade by the master chocolate-maker. A quality chocolate and candy factory with traditions going back all the way to 1871. Free samples of delicious wrapped truffles tempt the tourists.

In addition to Old Porvoo and the attractions downtown, travellers should consider a trip to the beautiful archipelago. Alongside the old islander life, there are summerhouse residents and boaters. There the choices include an archipelago cruise, summer markets and outdoor recreation areas as well as outings in the countryside. Also, there are many manors, an animal farm and nature trails. Boating, fishing, sight-seeing, and canoeing are some of the favorite summertime activities here.

For those who love golf there is Virvik Manor , an 18-hole golf course located 18 kilometers from downtown Porvoo, far from the rush and noise of the city.

The town has a surface area of 1 768 square kilometres, of which 654 is land and 1114 water. The town’s population is over 44 000, of whom 64 per cent are Finnish-speaking, 34 per cent Swedish-speaking and about two per cent others.

White ripples of sand formed in the pristine waters as small sailboats glided peacefully in the horizon. The water is beautiful with many different shades of blue colored like a pastel painting. Seeeing that it can be easily understood why Boracay Island was known as the “Jewel of the Philippines”. This pearl among tropical islands was well-guarded secret paradise, until 1970s. From around that time Boracay  island slowly graduated from a private travellers hangout to a favourite tourist destination in the Philippines and place with the best beach in the world.

Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines, an hour flight from Manila. The island is approximately seven kilometers long, dog-bone shaped with the narrowest spot being less than one kilometer wide. Island is famous for its powder-fine white sand, clear warm water and nice, pleasant weather all year round.

Take a boat trip around the island and you’ll discover many beautifull beaches. Boracay’s two primary tourism beaches, White Beach and Bulabog Beach, are located on opposite sides of the island’s narrow central area. White Beach faces westwards, it’s 4km long and can be crowded. Skimboarding has come to Boracay in a big way. Skimboarding is a clean and cheap sport, and has become popular along White Beach. The locals teach visitors the basics. A large variety of gourmet restaurants with food from many cultures are all within walking distance this magnificant white beach. Fine French cuisine, swiss food, several true Italian restaurants and wooded oven pizzerias, local Philippine food, sea food, Chinese and Thai food, Korean and many other food specialties. Bulabog Beach faces eastwards and presents the best kiteboarding and watersport beach in Asia, due to the unique wave breaking reefs and ideal wind situations. There are numerous competitions and events here as well. It is also less developed and quieter than White Beach.  Visit Kingfisher’s Farm where you can fish for your lunch and the staff will grill up your catch. Diving is extremely popular around Boracay. The waters surrounding Boracay have excellent sites for beginners and experienced divers alike. The waters are packed with vibrant fish and reefs, wreck sites, caves and canyons. There are 30+ great dive sites within 30 minutes of Boracay.

On the north there is also the beautiful and undeveloped Puka Shell Beach which is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island. While here you can visit Bat Caves home to thousands of giant fruit bats. At twilight, thousands emerge from these caves and fly over White Beach in search of fruit on Boracay and other surrounding islands.

Shuttered in from the rest of the island by flamboyant greens and great hills, the Newcoast Beach at Boracay’s edge remains one of the best-kept secrets of Boracay where the old ways of enjoying the island are pretty much left untouched. The Dead Forest, a scenic spot believed to be populated by elemental spirits, is likewise located within the boundaries of village Manoc-Manoc. A product of ecological disturbance, the Dead Forest, also known as the Sunken Forest was created when a dam that kept off the saltwater broke down, destroying the swamp and killing off the mangroves that grew in it. With dead tree trunks sticking out of stagnant water, the Dead Forest presents a highly romantic scene surrounded by old folk tales about ghosts and goblins. Local folk believe supernatural occurrences take place here, particularly on full moon nights.

Boracay is a vacationer’s paradise, with luxury 5 star hotels, through traditional bungalows; something for anyone’s budget and taste. Choose from native, so-called nipa huts (cottage made of wood, bamboo and Nipa-palm leaves, modern and spacious cottages, all kind vacation houses along the beach and on hilltops overlooking the sea, and modern resorts and hotels with swimmingpools and spas. Boracay is above else famous for it’s nightlife, with pubs and bars of all kinds that are jumping until very late at night. If you are looking for perfect place to spend your honeymoon – look no further. Romantic scenery will surround you on every step you make on Boracay island.

High Season starts in October and ends in May, when the wind blows out to sea, leaving the beach pristinely clean and generally calm.

Open your eyes and heart and enjoy the natural scenery of this tropical pearl among Pacific islands. Perfect place to relax and enjoy life.

The city of Beppu is located on the east coast of Kyushu Island and it lies at the base of a slope of volcanic debris. In and around this city in northeastern Kyushu are more than 3800 hot springs, geysers and fumaroles (vents emitting gases and steam).  It has the largest volume of hot water in the world aside from Yellowstone and the largest number of hot spring sources in Japan.  Hot springs are regarded as sacred. The waters are sparkling, hot, mineral-rich and multicolored. Regional folklore and contemporary visitors report that the waters work wonders on both body and spirit. Because of the legendary therapeutic powers of its myriad springs, Beppu attracts over 12 million Japanese and foreign visitors each year.

Beppu contains 9 major geothermal hot spots, which are sometimes referred to as the – nine hells of Beppu. Hot spring ponds for viewing are called jigoku, literally meaning hell, because of their resemblance to the Buddist conceptions of hell. Famous hells include the Sea Hell because the boiling water of the pond is blue, and the Blood Pond Hell where red mud is emerging with boiling water.

There are an incredible variety of springs to choose from: huge, multi-pooled complexes operated by the resort hotels; small, family-run onsens (the Japanese word for hot spring) whose soaking pools are hundreds of years old and beautifully lined with wood and stone; great outdoor pools of bubbling blue and red mud; and great earthen cauldrons of steaming sand called Sunayu. Sunayu is hundreds of years old and has been managed by the same family for its entire history.

Walking through charming little town Beppu, you can see the steam rising from cracks in the sidewalks, sewer vents and half-pipes. Leave it to the Japanese to have cleverly harvested it’s power by turning potentially dangerous cravats of heat to stellar onsens where one can get anything from a therapeutic sand bath to a steam inhaling session. Beppu uses geothermal water to heat buildings and factories.

Another attraction is the Hihokan Sex Museum (literally “Secret Treasure Hall”), with displays of erotica mostly from Japan, India, Tibet and Paua New Guinea. At the edge of the city, Beppu also has an aquarium featuring dolphins at the base of Takasaki-yama (mt. Takasaki), which is known for its large population of wild monkeys (macaques). A 15-minute bus ride from Beppu Station there is  Suginoi Palace, an amusement center with one of the best-known baths in all of Japan. Called Tanayu and built of natural woods and glass, it’s refined and spacious, with different kinds of baths both inside and out that take advantage of its hillside perch with great views out over the town toward the sea. One of the unique things you can do in Beppu is take a bath in hot sand, considered useful for treating muscle pain, arthritis, and indigestion. Although several public baths offer hot-sand baths, one of the most atmospheric places is the Takegawara Bathhouse.

There is a power to this place which makes a wonderfully invigorating and mind altering experience.

Most beautiful island in the Pacific, an exceptionally beautiful holiday destination which has become one of those secrets that visitors prefer to keep to themselves. Born from a volcanic eruption some seven million years ago, Lord Howe Island boasts the southern-most coral reef in the world. The island is listed as a World Heritage site for its rare plants, birds, marine life and its breathtaking natural beauty. Just 11 km long and 2 km wide, two thirds of its land mass is covered by Banyan trees, Pandanus and native Kentia Palm forests. The crystal waters that abound in marine life comprises over 400 species of fish, 90 species of coral, 4% of which is unique to the Island. Both visitors and the community are committed to the protection of its fragile and unique environment.

Lord Howe is the perfect place for nature-lovers, adventure seekers and romantic getaways. It is a paradise with serene opal lagoons, shallow warm ocean, pristine beaches, perfect golden sands, secluded bays. The Island has a spectacular underwater topography of trenches, caves and volcanic drop-offs. One of the Island’s icons, the majestic Ball’s Pyramid – the largest monolithic sea rock in the world – is part of the same undersea ridge called the Lord Howe Rise.

Lord Howe Island has a plenty of land and water based activities for you to enjoy. Expirience guided and self-guided bush treks, fish feeding at Ned’s Beach, bicycling, bird watching tours, cruising around the Island, kayaking, fishing, reef walking, snorkelling and scuba diving, or just laying around in a world class world heritage environment. Visit the palm nursery, Lord Howe Island museum,play 9 holes on the most picturesque course in Australia. And to ease tired muscles, there is a choice of spa treatments.

A mere 280 people are lucky enough to call the Island home. Lord Howe Island allows only 400 visitors at any one time which means you can have your very own little piece of this exclusive paradise. Lord Howe Island is not a ‘resort’ island: almost all the accommodation is owned and operated by islanders and ranges from self-catering cottages and apartments, to traditional guesthouses through to boutique luxury lodges. Lord Howe is less than two hours by air from Sydney or Brisbane.

Lord Howe’s premier retreats are Arajilla and Capella Lodge. For more information look here.

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Perfect place if you are bored with mass tourism and seeking an enlightening holiday experience which you will remember forever. Zanzibar islands lies 25-50 km (15-30 mi) off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Archipelago consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as “Zanzibar”), and Pemba. Over time Zanzibar Island has seen the change from the trade center to a romantic island where people come to seek the quietness of the blue-waters, relax on the sandy beaches, go diving or snorkeling.

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Perfect place if you are bored with mass tourism and seeking an enlightening holiday experience which you will remember forever. Zanzibar islands lies 25-50 km (15-30 mi) off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Archipelago consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as “Zanzibar”), and Pemba. Over time Zanzibar Island has seen the change from the trade center to a romantic island where people come to seek the quietness of the blue-waters, relax on the sandy beaches, go diving or snorkeling.

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world. The majority of them are along the East Coast, where shallow tirquiz water allow you to see a wealth of life just beneath the surface – starfish, small minnows, anemones. This is where you can truly relax as the beaches are uncrowded, no  major resorts, only beautifull untouched  fishing villages. Up north, ocean swimming is much less susceptible to the tides, and smooth beaches and white sand make for dazzling days in the sun. The beach is just magnificent, crystal blue water.  Under the water a coral reef provides the backdrop for great snorkelling and world-class scuba diving. Above it, windsurfing, kayaking and state-of-the-art big game fishing are favourite holiday pastimes. Nearby is the Mnemba Island and an untouched atoll off the coast of Zanzibar, a prime dive site known world wide. Selected by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the three most romantic ocean destinations in the world, Mnemba surpasses all expectations.

Zanzibar has some amazing history. It was originally believed that Zanzibar first settled by Africans, 3000 to 4000 years ago. Many centuries later, inhabitants from Greece, Egypt, Persia, China, India, Arabia, Europe began to settle, each leaving behind a legacy of their stay. An incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds.Through all the intermarriages, the language of Kiswahilli was born. This forms the base of the present day language Swahili, which is the language spoken in Zanzibar and extensively in East Africa.The population of Zanzibar is about 800,000, 95% Muslim and 5% Christians and they all live in harmony. The people are very friendly and helpful.

The island has a rich history as it used to be the epicenter of the spice and slave trade in Africa.  So there are many interesting places to visit in Zanzibar. Stone Town, the National Museum, Livingstone House, House of Wonders, Peoples Palace, Old Fort, Hamamni Baths, Cathedral Church of Christ, Tippu Tip House, Kizimkazi, Maruhubi and other ruins at Chuini, Dunga, Kidichi, Kizimbani and Bungi, Jozani forest reserve, Changu or Prison Island, spice plantations etc. Freddie Mercury (Queen) the famous rock star was born in Stone Town Zanzibar. His house is now made into a little restaurant, outside is a board with pictures of him and a brief about him, that was very cool to see.

Full of variety and above all fragrant, Zanzibar is the Spice Island, a place with romantic allure that thrives on its centuries old association with aromatic cinnamon, white cloves and cardamoms. You can taste fresh peppercorns, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, coconut- it still grow wild there.Exotic forests are scented with the delicate fragrance of ylang-ylang, hibiscus and jasmine and the heady aroma of cloves and cardamoms. There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar, and forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by rare Red Colobus monkeys, bush-pigs, small antelopes, wide variety of birdlife and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. Civets (and rumour has it, the elusive Zanzibar leopord!) and various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. On the south coast of Zanzibar lies the Menai Bay Conservation Area, a sea turtle protection area for the endangered species that come to breed on the island. Stunning coral gardens are home to more than 350 fish species recorded. The diverse aquatic life off Zanzibar’s coast includes frequent sightings of turtles and dolphins, as well as occasional sightings of humpback whales and whale sharks!

Stonetown is the main city on the island of Zanzibar, and was the true heart of the spice and slave trade. Today is a World Heritage Site. Reputedly the only ancient town in East Africa still flourishing, Stone Town has changed little since the 19th century.  It’s a delightful place of narrow alleys, crumbly mosques and grand Arab houses with giant brass-studded wooden doors.There are more than 500 ornately-carved doors. In this colourful, highly scented labyrinth, veiled women bargain noisily in crowded craft and food shops. Many of the buildings in the this town are built with local coral. Stone town is an excellent place to purchase arts, crafts, and antiques.

Zanzibar experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year, with the exception of April and May which are seasonally subject to the long rains. Short rains can occur in November, but, do not last long. The heat of summer is seasonally often cooled by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and east coasts. Being near to the equator, the islands are warm all year round, but officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with and average of 7-8 hours of sunshine daily.

Some recommendations: Stay at the Zanzibar Serena or Tembo Hotels in Stone Town, Amani Kempinski Hotel, Blue Bay Resort or Karafu in the East Coast.

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A land blessed with untouched nature, magnificant sunsets, 17 waterfalls including the spectacular Victoria Falls and one of the wildest rivers on the earth, lies on the northern part of South Africa. Zambia is the country that attracts both nature lovers and thrill seekers. Many adventures activities can be done while here and there is a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.Most of the population is concentrated around the capital Lusaka and in a few urban areas along the major transport corridors – rest of the counry is The Real Africa.

Historic colonial city Livingston became tourist capital of Zambia, because of the proximity to the Zambezi River and the spectacular Victoria Falls, “The Smoke That Thunders”. David Livingstone, in 1855, was the first European to see the magnificent waterfalls on the Zambezi River. He named the falls after Queen Victoria, and the Zambian town near the falls is named after him. This small but impressive town is situated 8km from Victoria Falls and 10 km from the Zambezi River. Although Livingstone is the tourist capital of Zambia, the town itself appeared almost untouched, with a mix of rundown colonial architecture and traditional homes – most of the tourism goes on outside of the town in resort-style hotels such as the Zambezi Sun and the Royal Livingstone. This gives the place a unique atmosphere and easy-going charm, less spoilt by commercialism. As a colonial town Livingstone has a fascinating story to tell as one of the first white settlements and as a capital for nearly 30 years. The colonial era built Livingstone Museum houses four galleries permanently displaying: Pre-History, Ethnology, Natural History and Modern Zambian History.

Visiting Zambezi river, besides enjoying astonishing sunsets, can bi adrenalin-packed adventure. The river initiates its journey from Zambia, traveling along Angola and finally drains off into the Indian Ocean. With its immense volume of waters, is also highly praised as one of the wildest rivers in the globe. High action adventures includes white water rafting, river boarding, jet boating, bungi jumping, helicopter flights and micro lighting, gorge swinging, river cruising, game viewing, tiger fishing, walking safaris, canoeing safaris .

The Victoria Falls with 1708 meters wide and 108 meters deep fall makes it the largest curtain of water in the world. The falls and the surrounding areahave been declared National Parks and UNESCO World Heritage Site. All seasons offer different perspectives of this The 7th wonder of the natural world. Best time to visit is April and May-wonderful months (dry, warm and full Falls) and June-August: warm days, cold nights, dry, full Falls.

“The first impression was unmistakable; immense power, the raw energy unleashed when the entire Zambezi leaps wildly into a black two kilometer wide abyss. The scale is massive, the spectacle spellbinding and perpetually changing. The falls hiss and roar as if possessed, they rumble and crash like thunder. Vast clouds spew and billow out from the seething cauldron of its dark impenetrable depths. The moving water creates a magnetism that sucks you closer, so that you recoil in horror to quench a subliminal sacrificial urge.” (Jumbo Williams, Zambezi, River of Africa. 1988)

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park have a good variety of animal and birdlife. Depending on the season, you can see anything from white rhinos, buffalo, elephant, crocodiles, hippo, plains game and a lot of birds. The Park covers 66 km² (25.5 square miles) so one can take a pleasant drive around the park in a couple of hours. Almost all the species there should be seen at close range and since there are no predators, they are very relaxed and afford some excellent photo opportunities.

For shoppers, the best place to buy a wide range of crafts and curios is the Mukuni Victoria Falls craft village. Here you can find everything from intricate animal carvings in stone, wood or ivory, or the beautiful green malachite, to masks, drums, marimbas, walking sticks, jewellery and other distinctive African items.

In the southern section of South America there is a very small country, so small its citizens call it “paisito” or little country. This country is Uruguay. And it has one of the world most popular places to visit. Punta del Este is called the St. Tropez of Uruguay or the Hamptons of South America as it is scenic resort area with miles of glistening beaches, with luxury hotels and restaurants, plenty of natural attractions, shops, glittery nightlife and wealthy summer visitors. The place is awash with yacht and fishing clubs, golf courses, casinos and beautiful holiday homes. Punta del Este has become in the docking place for yatchs which sail all around the world.

Twenty miles of beautiful beaches are very much crowded during the summer season, which begins in December and ends in March. Being a peninsula there are two coastlines, one of them is pretty quiet and calm (called “mansa”), and the other one is windy, with some surf spots (called “brava”). Famous beaches includes: “La playa de los Dedos” (The finger beach”), which is near the main street in Punta del Este, and in La Barra the Bikini Beach is famous because of the models and famous people that goes there. La Barra is a center of youth oriented activities, from daytime sports on the fine sandy beach to all night discos. To get to this small village, you cross an unusual bridge shaped like an easy roller coaster. La Mansa beach is famous for landmark known as “The Hand in the Sand” which was made in 1982.

Besides the stunning beaches there a lot more attractions to visit. Opposite the large peninsula separating the two waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Rio de la Plata, lie the enchanted islands of Isla Gorriti which has more superb beaches and the ruins of an 18th-century fortress and Isla de los Lobos, inhabited by one of the world’s largest sea-lion colonies.

Museo Taller Casapueblo, in nearby Punta Ballena, is the museum and workshop of the artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. It features his paintings and is an artistic monument in itself, like a villa imported from the planet Tatooine. There are few places in the world where you can enjoy the sunset as at Punta Ballena. The Panoramica route, just on the hills, allows you to see Portezuelo and Maldonado Bay. You can also see the Arboretum Lussich, a fantastic place built by Antonio Lussich, who brought plants from all over the world and made this place a must-visit at Punta del Este.

Punta del Este is famous for its clubbing scene. The party scene doesn’t kick into high gear until Christmas, when the famouse people, Brazilian models and international jet set arrive for a week or three of get-togethers, lavish dinners and midnight cruises. Punta is also known for its casinos where elites from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and beyond come to rendezvous and chill. The Conrad Resort and Casino holds Las Vegas-style reviews and other music, dance, and magic shows. The enormous 24-hour casino has 450 slots and 63 tables for baccarat, roulette, blackjack, poker, dice, and fortune wheel.

Punta del Este has an extraordinary variety of options for tourists so if you are looking for an active and memorable holiday it’s the best place to visit.