by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
With a couple of days in the capital, a day in the western oil heartland dipping into local Iban culture, an overnight stay in the protected and pristine Ulu Temburong National Park rainforest in the eastern enclave, plus diving in Brunei Bay, you have a busy and rewarding itinerary in this tiny country.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
Macau’s primary attractions are its glitzy casino resorts on the Cotai Strip that copy almost exactly those in Las Vegas. In addition, it has an interesting history as a Portuguese colony, and, like neighbouring Hong Kong, a controversial imminent future as part of China’s Greater Bay Area.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
It is easy to spend a long weekend or more in Bahrain. Manama is a relaxed capital with beach resorts, souq shopping, eating and even drinking. Then the wider archipelago has heritage sites from both an ancient civilisation and the era of the most successful pearling industry in the region.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2022
Overshadowed by the Gulf War, Kuwait is little visited. But there are terrific hotels and top notch restaurants, a substantial corniche and a handful of photogenic attractions, plus a lovely old souq and an excellent modern mall. Out in the desert, highlights include the road from Iraq used by Saddam’s troops to invade and retreat, and a day at the camel races.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2022
The enduring legacy of the World Cup – both the modernisation and the controversy – spatchcocked onto a quiet conservative Islamic culture, makes for an intriguing retreat. It’s not hard to have a fun long weekend in Doha, but nor would you be struggling for things to do if you stayed for a week or more.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2022
Mountain gorillas. And chimps. Plus the source of the White Nile, Lake Victoria, white-water rafting, the equatorial line, the world’s most powerful waterfall, the safari Big Five, and numerous rare birds. Along with cool Kampala and pygmy people from the forest.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2022
Crammed with top class heritage sites, as well as loads of fun stuff, such as tasting plov and local wines, enjoying hammams, and getting a bit of Soviet kitsch too. It is all easy to access, making Uzbekistan perfect for ten days of exotica.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2022
Tips on how to explore the Seychelles’ most visited Inner Islands , including by yacht, to reach the best and most isolated beaches.
by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021
A love letter to Hong Kong from a departing resident with comprehensive tips for visitors and immigrants on how to get the most from this magical city, including all the obvious tourist attractions, but also delving deep into its authentic, hidden and often quirky side that too few people take the trouble to explore.
by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021
Explore the hidden treasures of rural Hong Kong, including breath-taking hiking trails up steep mountains and along coastal paths, a complete circuit of brand new cycle lanes through ancient villages, and gorgeous islands east and west stuffed with beautiful beaches and authentic local restaurants.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2021
Paradise beaches, perfect sailing, a low key vibe and a preserved colonial heritage. All the ingredients for really rather a nice time.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2018
There is brilliant diving on all three islands, especially on Bonaire, there are awesome beaches on Aruba, and in Willemstad on Curaçao there is a colourful old colonial city to explore.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
It is easy to spend a long weekend or more in Bahrain. Manama is a relaxed capital with beach resorts, souq shopping, eating and even drinking. Then the wider archipelago has heritage sites from both an ancient civilisation and the era of the most successful pearling industry in the region.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
With a couple of days in the capital, a day in the western oil heartland dipping into local Iban culture, an overnight stay in the protected and pristine Ulu Temburong National Park rainforest in the eastern enclave, plus diving in Brunei Bay, you have a busy and rewarding itinerary in this tiny country.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2016
First timers to Africa will find Cabo Verde a very easy step to take. Sun, sand, world-class surfing, a little bit of culture, a lot of hiking up volcanoes, but with no need for injections and no threat of violence.
by Camilla Wright | Winter 2014
These days, a holiday in Cambodia is a reality for almost 5 million travellers a year. With one of the wonders of the world, Angkor Wat, that’s hardly surprising. And there’s a hell of a lot more to it than the famous temples. Getting off the beaten track you can really see and feel a thousand years of history. And, on top of all that, enjoy some of the most perfect beaches in South-East Asia.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
Only three of the islands are inhabited and they feel remarkably different to each other. Rota is a very quiet, pristine and friendly place that attracts almost no visitors; Saipan is a long-standing magnet for Japanese and more recently also Chinese tourists looking for neon fun amid a slice of Americana; and Tinian has been left as a memorial to the horrors of World War Two.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2016
Away from any current conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, the main attractions are in the south-eastern corner: the exciting party town of Abidjan, the world’s tallest basilica in very odd Yamoussoukro, the former colonial capital of Grand Bassam, and one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth at Assinie. For a small country with a small reputation, Côte d’Ivoire packs a big punch.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
With world-class diving of both wrecks and reefs, ancient heritage sites and traditional cultures, all set among some of the most beautiful islands and atolls going, the isolated Federated States of Micronesia are an absolute joy.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2019
Fiji can be the most perfect South Pacific destination in Melonesia: calm turquoise oceans gently lapping at the white sandy beaches of remote blissful islands reached by adventurous seaplanes or romantic catamarans. All under a baking sun and with a warm vibe. This is especially true in the spectacular Yasawa chain.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2016
Ghana was the centre of the slave trade until 200 years ago, with a coastline of colonial castles that were converted into slave prisons that are now respectful memorials of this blight on humanity. It has a well-developed infrastructure and the kind of picture postcard white sand beaches that people pay thousands of dollars to access in the Caribbean.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
Guam is a brash Hawaiian mini-me, with beaches backed by high rise hotels and glitzy shopping malls; US naval and airforce bases are thrown in too. It is under US jurisdiction and proud to advertise itself as “America’s western border”. In practice that means it is also the frontline of potential conflict with North Korea.
by Charlotte Proudman | Autumn 2015
It had been nearly two weeks since the Haitians went to the polling stations to pick their favourite presidential candidate among 54 contenders. It was the day before departure and an email from a Haitian tour operator I had contacted landed in my inbox. The email advised me not to travel to Haiti because of threats to security following protests that can turn violent.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2015
Empty Caribbean white-sand beaches baked in year-round sun, with rhum sours and lobster dripping in Creole sauce, five star hotels and modern transport that requires virtually no advanced booking, along with deserted first rate heritage sights, all at the home of voodoo.
by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021
A love letter to Hong Kong from a departing resident with comprehensive tips for visitors and immigrants on how to get the most from this magical city, including all the obvious tourist attractions, but also delving deep into its authentic, hidden and often quirky side that too few people take the trouble to explore.
by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021
Explore the hidden treasures of rural Hong Kong, including breath-taking hiking trails up steep mountains and along coastal paths, a complete circuit of brand new cycle lanes through ancient villages, and gorgeous islands east and west stuffed with beautiful beaches and authentic local restaurants.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2020
Beautiful backwaters, mountain plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage sites and two world-class beaches make Kerala the chilled alternative to Goa.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2015
Surprisingly few foreign tourists make it to Punjab, the small state on the north-west of India neighbouring Pakistan. But those who do witness two very different treasures – the Golden Temple of Amritsar and the border ceremony at Wagah – that are among the greatest attractions in the world, never mind the sub-continent.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2015
On this classic itinerary you will see all the famous palaces, citadels and monuments, have your senses assaulted from all sides, and come away with so many talking-point experiences that you will feel you have at least an introductory insight into this vast and complex country.
by Roma Hooper | Spring 2016
This was a nine-day journey tracking the changes since the 1979 revolution. We started in Isfahan trying to understand the lives of ordinary Iranians, and Shahr-e Kord visiting businesses to see the impact of sanctions. Then we moved north to Qom, the religious centre. In Tehran, we spent time looking at Iran’s system of government, its media, economy and relations with its neighbours.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2022
Overshadowed by the Gulf War, Kuwait is little visited. But there are terrific hotels and top notch restaurants, a substantial corniche and a handful of photogenic attractions, plus a lovely old souq and an excellent modern mall. Out in the desert, highlights include the road from Iraq used by Saddam’s troops to invade and retreat, and a day at the camel races.
by Peter Deegan | Summer 2016
Lampedusa should be a popular summer spot for Europeans: it’s close, a one-step flight from most major cities in Europe, with world-class beaches and warm weather, along with great food and coffee all paid in euros. Yet it’s visited almost entirely by Italians (and formerly by refugees) and even many Italian people don’t know it exists.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2023
Macau’s primary attractions are its glitzy casino resorts on the Cotai Strip that copy almost exactly those in Las Vegas. In addition, it has an interesting history as a Portuguese colony, and, like neighbouring Hong Kong, a controversial imminent future as part of China’s Greater Bay Area.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2017
Madagascar’s geological and natural histories are crucial for our understanding of the way our planet has developed. Though it is not an easy country to visit, largely because of its vast size and dreadful transport, there is a lot for visitors to enjoy. But it’s current economic plight signals just how far our world still has to go.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2019
Not many visitors make the effort to explore what is surely everybody’s idea of tropical paradise, with the turquoise Pacific Ocean, blue skies and white beaches.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2021
Relax into the cactus-filled Baja desert while discovering the border wall in the Pacific Ocean, wine tasting, remote islands, paradise beaches, isolated villages, restored Catholic missions, along with the outrageous beauty of the Sea of Cortez where you can see several species of whales, swim with sea lions, watch constant pelican shows, go big-game fishing and enjoy world class scuba diving.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2021
With a little imagination and a bit of effort you can go way beyond Cancún to beat your own path to magical parts of Mexico that offer remote colourful towns and seldom seen Mayan ruins hidden deep in the jungle as well as deserted beaches and exciting scuba dives.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
Micronesia is widely overlooked. Yet there is a genuine tropical paradise to be found among these 2,000 tiny Pacific islands: world class scuba diving and World War Two battlegrounds, beaches and remote cultures, in one of the most glorious places there is.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2015
It is 40 years since Bob Dylan wrote his lovely, catchy ditty; 40 years since independence from Portugal; and, as one of my guides put it, “Mozambique is finally starting to grow up”.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2019
Myanmar feels exotic, but it is easy to navigate, with new hotels and transport systems, and locals welcoming to foreigners now we have been invited in.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2019
New Caledonia is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. Simple as that. Yet often overlooked even by travellers to Melanesia. We found almost no foreign tourists here at all.
by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2019
Having spent almost two weeks in North Korea in 2016, I came back. To experience the Mass Games of synchronised gymnastics, and to see if anything had changed since I was last here. And I was surprised by some of what I found.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2016
Like an onion, the layers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are too many and too deep for tourists to see what is really going on, especially in the environment of the strictly policed tour that is required to visit the country as a foreigner. But you can pick at the surface, and you will certainly get to know the country as its officials wish to present it to the world, and this is more than sufficiently fascinating to make the accompanying frustrations worth bearing.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
It’s only fair to warn you that Palau has far more than its fair share of natural wonders, especially the spectacular Rock Islands and world class scuba diving, and there’s a very good chance you will be overwhelmed by their mind-boggling splendour. What’s more, they’re all easily accessible off the south coast of this tiny Micronesian country, once you finally get all the way here.
by Estelle McCartney | Winter 2015
Palau is a scuba diver’s paradise. Unspoiled coral reefs, abundant sharks, mantas and other pelagic life along with countless tropical fish provide a unique underwater experience. On land, the tropical flora and fauna, and the idyllic white-sand beaches of the uninhabited Rock Islands, make it a special – if remote – spot.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2022
The enduring legacy of the World Cup – both the modernisation and the controversy – spatchcocked onto a quiet conservative Islamic culture, makes for an intriguing retreat. It’s not hard to have a fun long weekend in Doha, but nor would you be struggling for things to do if you stayed for a week or more.
by Simon Buckby | Winter 2017
The Marshall Islands are remote, scattered, and hard to reach, which may explain why they have totally failed to establish themselves as a destination even for island hoping travellers. Yet there are enough exciting boat rides to hidden beaches and exotic dives to keep you interested for a little while and much longer if you have the patience.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2022
Tips on how to explore the Seychelles’ most visited Inner Islands , including by yacht, to reach the best and most isolated beaches.
by Molly Hodson | Autumn 2015
Sierra Leone boasts a hidden paradise: palm-fringed, white-sand beaches made famous by a 1980s Bounty advert, and lush mountainous rainforests that lead you to the sea. It’s also the setting for what’s dubbed “the world’s most worthwhile marathon”.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2019
The Solomon Islands in the South Pacific are usually just passed over on the way to even more glamorous destinations. Yet for the most intrepid visitors, there awaits an authentic culture almost untainted by tourism, along with many Second World War wreck dives.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2016
There is more to South Korea than the high-tech hub of Seoul. Our main reason for coming was to see the DMZ and the heavily-militarised border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. But first we started with a relaxing time on the beach at the Republic of Korea’s main summer holiday destination for its own citizens.
by Simon Buckby | Spring 2019
Once the shock of the 2019 bombings has settled, adventure travellers will return to Sri Lanka, where the biggest attractions are along the routes ignored by mass tourism in the years since the end of the civil war: the remote north (the cultural home of the Tamils and the battlefield sites) plus the secluded east (with its quiet golden beaches).
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2022
Mountain gorillas. And chimps. Plus the source of the White Nile, Lake Victoria, white-water rafting, the equatorial line, the world’s most powerful waterfall, the safari Big Five, and numerous rare birds. Along with cool Kampala and pygmy people from the forest.
by Estelle McCartney | Summer 2015
Utah is best known as the home of the Mormons, whose headquarters are in Salt Lake City in the north, and for its incredible canyons and landscapes, found in the national parks of the south. This combination of weird and wonderful make it a fascinating destination for a classic American road trip and is an alluring destination for keen photographers like me.
by Pasca Lane | Winter 2015
Uruguay boasts 660 kilometres of pristine coastline, unspoilt nature reserves, abundant bird life, countless trekking and horse riding opportunities as well as a vibrant cultural heritage and party scene. It is also a very easy place to explore.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2022
Crammed with top class heritage sites, as well as loads of fun stuff, such as tasting plov and local wines, enjoying hammams, and getting a bit of Soviet kitsch too. It is all easy to access, making Uzbekistan perfect for ten days of exotica.
by Simon Buckby | Summer 2019
In Vanuatu you can peer over the lip of an active volcano. There is also an American luxury ocean liner that usually rates in the world’s top five wreck dives. Plus interaction with traditional villagers with ancient customs and a subsistence living.
