Reviews

Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao, the Dutch Antilles’ ABCs: A is for awesome beaches, B is for brilliant shore-diving & C is for colonial colour

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.

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No stress: island hopscotching across Cabo Verde

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.

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The basics of Cambodia: genocide & temples

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.

Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat

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.

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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.

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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.

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Wreck and reef diving, traditional cultures and ancient ruins in the isolated Federated States of Micronesia

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.

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Once the centre of the slave trade, Ghana is now a peaceful democracy with deserted beaches

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.

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“Tacos, guns and strippers” along with spam, beaches and US military bases in oddball Guam, target of North Korea

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.

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Haiti during tense presidential elections

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.

Voodoo, beaches & current affairs in Haiti

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.

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

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.

The golden triangle of Delhi, Agra & Rajasthan

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.

Sunsets & spices: eating my way around Kerala

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.

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A political tour of Iran

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.

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Lampedusa: possibly the best beach in the world, and no refugees in sight

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.

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Landlocked Laos: Buddhist temples and statues set in the jungle around the mighty Mekong

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.

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Cuddly lemurs, intrepid hikes and dazzling coastlines; though Madagascar is not as easy as ABD

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.

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Magical Micronesia: world class scuba diving and WW2 battlegrounds on tropical paradise islands

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.

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I like to spend some time in Mozambique

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”.

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There’s more to Nepal than trekking

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.

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A guest of the Kims for 12 days in North Korea

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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Volcano treks & lava caves on the island of Réunion

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.

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Volunteering in Samoa

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.

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Another side of Sierra Leone: beaches, rainforests & marathon running

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”.

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Beaches, bright lights & border conflict in South Korea

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.

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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).

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Mormons & canyons: a road trip through Utah

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.

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Gauchos, beaches & legalised marijuana: todo tranquilo in Uruguay

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.

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