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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
by Simon Buckby |
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 |
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 | 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 David Clutterbuck | Winter 2018
Laos, an adventure playground centred around the mighty Mekong River, with gorgeous Buddhist temples of its own though landlocked and lacking the obvious appeals of its neighbours, is still often overlooked. This is a great pity, as there is much to see and do.
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 | 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 | 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 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 David Clutterbuck | Winter 2015
The lesson of Cambodia is about the remarkable depths of human resilience. A little more than 35 years ago, this was a country in ruins. In a four-year riot of mass murder, the psychopathic Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge army of peasant-tyrants not only devastated the economy, but destroyed every intellectual asset the country had.
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 |
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 | 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 Tamsin Crimmens | Autumn 2015
Small enough to explore on a two week holiday, yet with a diverse landscape of backwaters, beaches, mountains and tea plantations, Kerala is the perfect destination for India newbies keen on sinking their teeth into the Land of Spices.
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 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 David Clutterbuck | Winter 2018
Laos, an adventure playground centred around the mighty Mekong River, with gorgeous Buddhist temples of its own though landlocked and lacking the obvious appeals of its neighbours, is still often overlooked. This is a great pity, as there is much to see and do.
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 |
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 | 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 Peter Deegan | Spring 2017
It’s a common misconception that Nepal is all high mountains which means tourists should only come here for strenuous trekking. In fact, there is much more to Nepal than trekking.
by Simon Buckby |
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 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 David Clutterbuck | Summer 2016
Almost everyone I told I was going to Réunion replied simply: “Where’s that?” In the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and Mauritius. It has one frequently active volcano and lots of volcanic mountains, which make for spectacular trekking.
by Jill Rawlins | Summer 2014
There are very few hotels, but they are all attractively designed and beside some of the best beaches in the world. The sea is blue and warm, all year round. There are no ‘nasties’ like snakes or malarial mosquitoes. You can buy fresh coconuts alongside any road and someone will cut a hole and hand you a straw for the unique taste that is never quite the same out of an English supermarket cardboard carton.
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 |
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 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 |
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.
