50 Top Destinations

To the far south of Japan, just north of Taiwan, lies the tropical islands of Okinawa. Take a ferry to Zamami Island and the most beautiful Furuzamami beach. The waters and the island are supreme. Go snorkelling for an incredible view of the abundant sea life around the islands. [MORE...]

In the far north of Georgia, in the Caucasus Mountains just south of the Chechen Republic, Russia, sits a 14th-century church above the village of Kazbegi (2,200) - also known as Stepantsminda. It has become a symbol of Georgia for its photogenic hilltop setting with the majestic Mount Kazbek rising behind it. A rough and steep circuitous 6 km motor track leads up to the church from the nearby village, however, hike the shortcut for an incredible experience. [MORE...]

Kilauea Volcano, located on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The best way to experience the power, and beauty, of the volcano is to take a helicopter trip over the craters and lave fields and then to go walk right where the action is. Don't get too close to the craters and "skylights" as volcanoes are unpredictable! [MORE...]

The small settlement of Kulusuk on the southeastern side of Greenland is remote, beautiful, and a rather lonely place on earth. With just a couple of colourful houses and a few husky dogs laying around, the village is home to Greenland's Inuit people. Come in the summer and enjoy the views of drifting icebergs. [MORE...]

Located in the centre of Yemen, in the Hadhramaut Valley, "Shibam Hadhramaut" is justifiably described as “the oldest skyscraper city in the world” or “the Manhattan of the desert”, and is one of the oldest examples of city planning based on the principle of vertical construction. The city has some of the tallest mud buildings in the world, with some of them over 30 m (100 ft) high. Don't visit any time soon, but once the civil war is over, its a great destination to explore! [MORE...]

In the far northeast of Guatemala, not too far from the Mexico and Belize borders, rises the remnants of an ancient civilisation which flourished between 200 and 850 A.D. but was then abandoned. Arrive before sunrise, carefully climb the stairs of one of the many temples, and wait for the sun to rise over the jungle. Most likely spider monkeys and toucans will entertain you. Listen to the howler monkeys and other subtle noises of the jungle. At some point in the past, up to 90,000 people lived here during a dynasty which spanned at least 33 rulers. [MORE...]

Along the southwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula, lies one of the most remote national parks of the Americas. The Corcovado National Park is hard to reach but once you arrived you never want to leave. You will find pristine waters and jungle, and look out for ample wildlife including the endangered Baird's tapir, the American crocodile and spectacled caiman, the jaguar, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi, puma, two-toed and three-toed sloth, collared peccary, northern tamandua and the silky anteater. Among the monkeys you will spot the Central American squirrel monkey, white-faced capuchin, mantled howler, and Geoffroy's spider monkey. [MORE...]

Armenia is probably best known for its many monasteries, churches and cathedrals dating back to between the 11th and 13th centuries. While most of them are fairly deserted and open for free visits, some are still active with serving priests and monks. [MORE...]

Iceland is known for its majestic glaciers ad icecaps. Take a snow mobile and drive around on them or just go for a walk with a qualified and well equipped guide. These massive ice structures won't be around for long. [MORE...]

The Kaluts in the vast Dasht-e Lut desert lies just 56 m above sea level and is one of the hottest and most spectacular places on earth. At 150 km north of the town of Kerman, its a pleasant drive to the baking temperatures of the desert. Go run around and enjoy the hot sand! [MORE...]