Reviews

Oman has become Arabia’s hip trip for a reason

by Simon Buckby | Winter 2023

Unlike other countries on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman can feel more like a traditional holiday destination, with easily accessible natural beauty (for driving and hiking in the wadis and mountains, along with dune bashing in the desert), important heritage sites (especially forts and watchtowers), as well as beaches, diving and high-end resorts.


Qatar after the World Cup and beyond its controversial headlines

by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2023

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.


There is more than a Grand Prix in Bahrain

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.


Kuwait beyond the Gulf War

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.


The natural wonders and human resilience of Uganda

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.


Bahrain

There is more than a Grand Prix in Bahrain

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.


Cabo Verde

No stress: island hopscotching across Cabo Verde

by Simon Buckby | Spring 2016

Santa Maria beach on Sal island, Cabo Verde

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.


Cambodia

Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat

by Camilla Wright | Winter 2014

Photos of S21 prisoners in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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.


Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Isolated beaches, glitzy hotels and WW2 sites in the Northern Mariana Islands

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.


Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire: edgy post-colonial current affairs in stunning coastal locations

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.


Fiji

Fiji: the picture-perfect South Pacific paradise

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.


Haiti

Haiti during tense presidential elections

by Charlotte Proudman | Autumn 2015

Panoramic view of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

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.

Voodoo, beaches & current affairs in Haiti

by Simon Buckby | Spring 2015

Simon Buckby at the National Museum, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

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.


Hong Kong

‘Fragrant Harbour’: a resident’s guide to falling in love with the unique energy of urban Hong Kong

by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021

Yachts in Hong Kong harbour

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.

The trails less travelled: the hidden treasures of rural Hong Kong

by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2021

Mountain trails in Hong Kong

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.


India

The backwaters of Kerala, along with tea and spices, festivals and beaches

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.

The wonders of Punjab: the Golden Temple & the border ceremony

by Simon Buckby | Winter 2015

Wide view of Golden Palace of Amritsar in India

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.

The golden triangle of Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan

by Simon Buckby | Winter 2015

Cow in the market at Jaipur, India

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.


Iran

A political tour of Iran

by Roma Hooper | Spring 2016

Mosque in Isfahan, Iran

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.


Kuwait

Kuwait beyond the Gulf War

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.


Mexico

How to do the ultimate road trip, Mexico’s Baja California, in the style it deserves

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.

How to get way beyond the obvious in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

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.


Mozambique

I like to spend some time in Mozambique

by Simon Buckby | Summer 2015

An island in the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique

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”.


North Korea

Back to Pyongyang to experience the Mass Games and witness signs of change

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.

A guest of the Kims for 12 days in North Korea

by Simon Buckby | Summer 2016

Wide view of the Mansudae Grand Monument in Pyongyang

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.


Oman

Oman has become Arabia’s hip trip for a reason

by Simon Buckby | Winter 2023

Unlike other countries on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman can feel more like a traditional holiday destination, with easily accessible natural beauty (for driving and hiking in the wadis and mountains, along with dune bashing in the desert), important heritage sites (especially forts and watchtowers), as well as beaches, diving and high-end resorts.


Palau

Diving and sailing around its Rock Islands, Palau is the ultimate Pacific paradise

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.

A PADI Divemaster course in the Pacific paradise of Palau

by Estelle McCartney | Winter 2015

Boat POV in Palau

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.


Qatar

Qatar after the World Cup and beyond its controversial headlines

by Simon Buckby | Autumn 2023

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.


Republic of the Marshall Islands

Isolated beaches and spectacular atolls, including the famous Bikini, compose the tiny Republic of the Marshall Islands

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.


South Korea

Beaches, bright lights & border conflict in South Korea

by Simon Buckby | Summer 2016

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea

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.


Sri Lanka

The roads less travelled in Sri Lanka: the cultural home of the Tamils and the sites of the civil war in the north, plus the quiet golden beaches of the east

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).


Uganda

The natural wonders and human resilience of Uganda

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.


United States

Mormons & canyons: a road trip through Utah

by Estelle McCartney | Summer 2015

Dead Horse Point, Utah

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.