New Zealand

New Zealand is a unique land of breathtaking scenery as craggy coastlines, golden beaches, lush rainforests, snow-capped mountains, bubbling volcanic pools, rivers jumping with rainbow trout, and glacier-fed lakes compete for attention; a landscape beautifully showcased in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Pair this with a thriving indigenous Maori culture, bustling cosmopolitan cities, traditional towns and friendly people, and you have an outstanding and unusual combination. New Zealand is a world leader in eco tourism, and has developed into one of the cleanest and greenest countries to visit. Much of the plant and animal life is varied and unique, including the reclusive kiwi, fur seals, yellow-eyed penguins, Hooker's sea lions, dolphins and whales. Add world-renowned wines, wonderful cuisine, strolls on moody beaches, tramping through national parks and alpine tracks, bungee jumping, zorbing, caving and white-water rafting, and you have a wealth of thrilling experiences.

Destination :

Queenstown

Queenstown boldly claims it is the adventure capital of the world. This sublime New Zealand town has the energetic and brash undertones of a young confident city. Better still, it is set amid one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

This is thanks to Queenstown’s idyllic location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the snow-capped Remarkables and Eyre mountain range

s.

Whilst the views may take your breath away, the mind

-numbing array of adrenaline-inducing activities on offer in and around Queenstown certainly will. These include bungee jumping, caving, rafting, jet-boating, skiing, sky diving - and that’s just to get you started.

In winter, the mountains make Queenstown a key destination for the world's skiers and snowboarders, who visit the slopes by day and take advantage

of the town's many bars and clubs by night.

Christchurch

An iconic city square and cathedral, a historic tram, wide tree-lined avenues and restored heritage buildings make Christchurch a picture-perfect destination. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch has a distinctive quaint English character, with over 740 parks and the meandering Avon River.

The second largest city in New Zealand, Christchur

ch lies at the southern end of Pegasus Bay, in the middle of the east coast of the South Island, between the Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains. The Mt Hutt ski area in the Southern Alps is just an hour's drive from Christchurch.

Popular with visitors all year round, Christchurch is a vibrant city, with a lively café scene and plenty of museums and culture venues to keep locals and tourists enter

tained.

Wellington

Located on the southwestern tip of the North Island, Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, enjoys a beautiful natural setting, nestled between a picturesque harbour and rolling green hills. Wellington has become a mecca for shopping, gourmet restaurants and plenty of cafés.

A dynamic city, Wellington is not only the political capital of the country, but it's also an arts hub, with a calendar chock-a-block full of festivals and events.

In Wellington, you will discover the country's heritage, which is present ever

ywhere, from the many historic buildings downtown to the Parliament Buildings themselves to Te Papa, the national museum, one of the jewels in New Zealand's crown and one that dominates the city's skyline on the waterfront.

Auckland

Improbably strung across a series of volcanoes, and punctuated by islands of green, Auckland is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. This ‘city of volcanoes’ is a major gateway to diverse and beautiful New Zealand.

Auckland teems with life, from its vibrant, regenerated waterfront and ever-expanding Downtown district to the hip suburbs with their Edwardian and Victorian delights, and glorious beaches. Thanks to its location on a narrow isthmus, Auckland’s districts weave around bays and harbours, so you’re never far from the water too. This may explain the city’s devotion to sailing, with more boats per capita in Auckland than any other city in the world.

Aside from its natural assets, Auckland is the country’s most culturally diverse city, home to a large Polynesian and Asian community. This diversity is reflected in Auckland’s eclectic restaurants serving quality Pacific Rim, plus numerous festivals and sporting events.

Bahamas

The quiet coves, sheltered bays and crowd-free beaches of the Bahamas offer visitors the intimacy of a secluded retreat within a surprisingly expansive archipelago. Twice the size of Spain, the Bahamas is actually made up of over 700 palm-fringed isles.

Named from the Spanish baja mar, meaning 'shallow sea', the Bahamas is blessed with clear, turquoise waters that are home to ancient shipwrecks and a rainbow of coral reefs teeming with fish. Pastel-coloured seashells and clapboard houses painted in bubblegum hues sit amidst a tropical landscape dotted with vibrant blooms. On many of the Bahamas' most unspoiled coastal stretches, empty beaches offer total tranquillity with the occasional squawking of an exotic bird and gently lapping waves the only distraction.

For a change of pace, head to one of the islands' bustling straw markets to haggle over spices, ceramics, handicrafts and local art. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and parasailing or take to the fairways of a world-class golf course for ocean-facing holes.

Umpteen Bahamian bars and clubs pulsate with island rhythms, from pumping goombay and calypso to Junkanoo beats. Discover riotous dance festivals that mix African slave-trade rituals with Bahamian tempo and American hip-hop twists. Or experience the age-old traditions and legends of the islands at local cultural celebrations amidst costumes, food and song.

India Travel Guide

India is a both beautiful and bamboozling place, where holy cows bask on heavenly beaches next to modern hotels, and ancient temples sit perfectly at home besides shiny offices. Glittering trains pass through rural villages where life hasn’t changed for hundreds of years, and through it all teems one sixth of the world’s population. India is vast, varied and, above all, unforgettably beautiful.

India’s intoxicatingly rich history has spawned a number of exquisite palaces, temples and monuments. The most frequently visited part of India is the Golden Triangle, comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The people-packed cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) have a bustling, colourful charm, while the holy city of Varanasi and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamil Nadu are rewarding places of pilgrimage.

Goa and Kerala’s palm-fringed beaches await those in search of tropical bliss. And for fresh air and serenity, India ripples with pristine mountains and hills, from the towering beauty of the mighty Himalayas to a bevy of beautiful pine forests, orchards and babbling streams.

Destination :

Kolkata (Calcutta)

Kolkata is a city of ornate Raj-era balconies, elegant gardens, cavernous bookshops, graceful churches, packed temples and mammoth monumen

ts.

Although its problems of overpopulation and poverty are well documented, its faded decadence and historical, cultural and religious buildings are among the lesser-known highlights that astonish first-time visitors.

Kolkata originally emerged as a prominent city in Indian history when it became a British trading port and a significant commercial centre during the British Raj.

Today, it continues to remain significant; a city with a soul, a fabled past and a rich artistic tradition. The city's reputation as the cultural and intellectual capital of India is thanks to its most famous sons, Nobel Prize-winning poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) and renowned film director Satyajit Ray (1921-1992).

Meanwhile, the rise of modern sky rise offices and glossy shopping malls has enhanced Kolkata's appeal as a city that has just as much to offer visitors as any other metropolis in India.

Chennai (Madras)

Chennai, the industrial capital of Tamil Nadu in southern Ind

ia, is where the history of British settlement in India has ancient roots. This has resulted in some splendidly monumental municipal buildings and a number of broad avenues and gardens.

But Chennai's history stretches way beyond the British presence, with its resourceful citizens actively engaging in trade with the Chinese,

Romans, Greeks and others more than 2,000 years ago.

Still retaining much of its traditional charm, this bustling city, for

merly called Madras, provides a captivating insight into southern heritage. Chennai is proud of its Tamil culture and in many ways is still traditionally conservative, lacking the cosmopolitan flavour (and nightlife) of Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Delhi.

Music, dance and many other art forms from south India are widespread in Chennai and the Tamil film industry is huge. Religious heritage has left its mark with old churches, ancient temples and of course the wonderful shore tem

ple of Mamallapuram, under two hours' drive away.

Chennai has grown dramatically over the past few decades and has enjoyed marked economic growth in recent years, thanks mainly to a booming IT industry. Today, Chennai sprawls out in all directions over the flat land along the coast and up the river valley and feels somewhat uncentred and chaotic as new shopping malls and modern skyrises spring up, residential districts spread, and squatter settlements are scattered throughout.

Although the devastating tsunami of 2004 hit Tamil Nadu and affected some of the settlements on the beach in the city, most areas have now been repaired.

Delhi

Delhi is a city of jarring juxtapositions: extreme wealth and brutal poverty, outstanding natural beauty and polluted urban sprawls, modern metropolises and medieval bazaars.

For the first-time visitor, a trip to India's capital can be daunting; the sense of chaos sharpened as Delhi was preparing to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games

. This year, it falls under the microscope once again when it hosts the Grand Prix for the first time in October. However, look beyond the surface of Delhi, and you'll find a place rich with history, culture and overwhelming colour.

There are monuments, mosques and tombs in abundance, impressive colonial architecture, brilliant museums, excellent restaurants and more than enough bazaars, markets and shops. In fact, your only problem will be fitting it all in.

Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Bengaluru has reinvented itself; ditching its previous name of Bangalore and transforming into a cosmopolitan city, with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops to rival other major Indian cities.

The explosive growth of Bengaluru over the last decade has been propelled by the city's IT sector, which has attracted leading Indian and multinational companies and led to the creation of thousands of jobs. The consequent rise in the city's young workforce, with their increased disposable income, means entertainment options have mushroomed, creating a more vibrant veneer.

Away from the commercialism, Bengaluru retains its old-fashioned charm from ornate temples and old buildings to quiet gardens and bustling street markets. Bengaluru has something for everyone: it is a case of just knowing where to look.

Florida Travel Guide

Florida, known as 'The Sunshine State', is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Orlando is the face of Florida that most people recognise, with its enormous number of theme parks, movie studios, water parks and entertainment facilities.

But there is more to Florida than Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom Park or Busch Gardens. Winding waterways, freshwater lakes, hills, forests, exciting cities, 13,560km (8,426 miles) of coastline, countless bays, inlets and islands, and a legendary climate make this one of the most popular states in the USA.

Parts of Florida's coastline, unfortunately, are under threat from pollution following the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil spill this year, the worst in USA history. The state's beaches remain open, whilst strenuous efforts are being made to keep beaches, estuaries and bays oil-free.

Florida is divided into eight geographical regions. Miami and Miami Beach have long been a haunt of the rich and famous. Palm Beach scores equally highly in the glamour stakes. Fort Lauderdale is a popular spot for families, offering sports and recreational activities. To the south, the Florida Keys offers a tropical climate, beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.

The capital of Florida, Tallahassee, is strictly Southern in tone.Tampa and St Petersburg are the main cities in the Central West region. Sarasota is the cultural capital of the region, while Naples in the southwest is a popular seaside retreat.

In the northeastern corner of Florida stands Jacksonville, named after General Andrew Jackson. Nearby St Augustine is known as 'America's Oldest City' while Amelia Island is the only place in the country to have been governed by eight different countries during its history.

Destination :

Miami

Miami is almost more Latin American than simply American - famed for its sunny weather, savoir faire, legendary party scene and super-cool South Beach style.

Miami and its neighbouring city

Miami Beach are cities of emotion, colour and texture. Much of Miami's appeal is due to its diverse neighbourhoods, which range from towering skyscrapers in downtown Miami (the commercial heart of the city) to Little Havana, home to the Cuban community. Meanwhile, the Port of Miami is the world's largest cruise port.

Miami Beach is world-renowned for its 'gold coast' hotel strip, palatial properties and exceptional outdoor recreational facilities. Its glamorous, see-and-be-seen South Beach neighbourhood is instantly recognisable, with its candy-coloured art deco buildings set against a pure South Florida backdrop of cloudless skies, dazzling blue ocean, pale sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.

Thanks to its warm weather year-round, both cities share one ethos: life here is not about work but plenty of play.

Orlando

There is no disguising the fact Orlando is a city built on theme parks - lots of them. Until 1966, there was precious little here in central Florida, but growth has spiralled thanks to a huge influx of tourists following the arrival of Walt Disney World Resort.

From the original Magic Kingdom, which opened in 1971, Disney has added three more theme parks, two water parks and a host of associated development, including hotels, shops and golf courses to make it a true 'World' resort. With Disney setting the example, SeaWorld (three theme parks) and Universal (two) have added to Orlando's reputation as the family entertainment capital of the world. Between them, they draw nearly than 50 million visitors every year, and that has meant a huge growth in associated hotels, restaurants and shops, plus a host of smaller-scale attractions.

However, this young city has also developed its own identity, with a number of high-tech industries relocating here. The downtown area is fast developing yuppie overtones and there are ambitious plans to become a major cultural centre. The city is also America's number two convention location.

Having said that, the main attraction for 99% of visitors remains the theme parks, and the likes of the nearby Kennedy Space Center. And, in order to attract the all-important repeat visitors, Orlando has become adept at re-inventing itself and providing new attractions at regular intervals.

New York

Renowned for its frenetic pace, ever on the edge of invention, New York City's creativity includes venerated restaurants, chic nightspots, cutting-edge theatre and architectural masterpieces. Combine this, with the fact that New York City is also a global financial capital, and it's arguable that New York City is the greatest metropolis in America.

The epicentre of New York City life always has been the island of Manhattan, which is surrounded by four other distinct city boroughs - the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island - all of which have their own character and attractions.

Although New York City still grapples with the events of 11 September 2001, it has regained its vitality, and now marches forward to confront the challenges of the future. Symbolic of this is the reopening of the former World Trade Center site later this year. The National September 11 Memorial will be a tree-filled plaza consisting of two giant pools, intended to represent the footprints of the former twin towers, featuring cascading waterfalls and inscribed with the names of the 3,000 victims of 9/11. The memorial is sure to resonate with New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Coney Island is also due to get a multi-million dollar make-over this summer, which will include new high-rise hotels, shops, cinemas, an indoor water park and the city’s first rollercoaster in 80 years. Brooklyn Bridge Park is continually being developed, helping to expand green space within the city, while a new cycle share scheme planned to start from August will make the city easier to navigate.

Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey is a land of vast open spaces, massive mountain ranges, fertile valleys and rugged coastline, fast-growing cities and sleepy villages, bustling neon-lit seaside resorts and unfrequented beaches.

A rich history has left an indelible mark and Turkey, and the country overflows with historic sites and archaeological wonders set in a varied and beautiful landscape. The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom and Ephesus, while the austere and rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Istanbul, still very much the pulse of the nation, has even more to offer, with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques and palaces.

But however deep its past, Turkey is now a thrusting and dynamic society that embraces cultural, economic and political change while consciously seeking to retain the best of its multicultural heritage and time-honoured traditions of hospitality.

Destination :

Ankara

With its pleasing mix of Ottoman ar

chitecture, modern skyscrapers, domed mosques, minarets and a resplendent castle, Ankara is not only Turkey's capital but also its hidden gem.

In recent years, careful restoration has breathed new life into many of the city's handsome Turkish buildings that now house art galleries, bistros and bazaars. Large leafy parks boast fountains, funfairs and boat rides while cobbled backstreets hide a myriad of pungent spice markets, coffee shops and sizzling food stalls.

Ankara offers plenty of mystical eastern touches amidst its student-thronged university campus buildings, with a buzzing nightlife scen

e amongst the city's futuristic 20th-century spires. Blessed with a host of sophisticated restaurants and lovely bars and cafés, the city also offers visitors innumerable fine historical attractions.

The oldest parts of Ankara surround a magnificent castle set in neat, flower-filled gardens. Several well-stocked museums contain priceless artefacts from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras together with Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations.

Istanbul

Istanbul owes its historic importance and its amazing cultural and architectural heritage to its perfect strategic location, straddling the Bosphorus straits which separate Europe and Asia Minor.

Through most of its 2,500-year-long history, the city (first known as Byzantium, then as Constantinople and since 1930 as Istanbul) was a cultural melting pot. Today, its population of more than 13 million is almost exclusively Turkish, and many of its people are recent migrants from provincial Turkey, lured by the promise of jobs and careers in this vibrant, fast-growing city.

Istanbul is no longer the nation's capital, but is Turkey's economic and cultural powerhouse - a status underlined by its role as a European City of Culture in 2010 and the award of UNESCO World Heritage listing to many of its most important landmarks, which range from stunning Ottoman mosques and Byzantine churches and catacombs to the columns of Hellenistic temples and the remains of massive medieval city walls.

But there's more to Istanbul than Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. A fast-growing economy contributed to a flourishing arts and music scene, with a plethora of new bars, clubs, private art galleries, restaurants and designer fashion outlets.