Antigua’s impossibly blue seas and sandy white beaches are so postcard-perfect that you’re torn between the urge to dive into the still, inviting ocean or simply stand and stare, absorbing sunshine that seems to soak you to your core. Neighbouring Barbuda is little more than a sandy reef, but its indigenous population of sea-birds is […]

An Islamic nation with centuries of history, Morocco is a unique blend of Africa and Europe. Historical influences dating back to the Romans are still visible in the architecture. The cities of Fez and Marrakech are colourfully chaotic, dizzying and dazzling in equal measures, while the glittering coastline and the inviting Atlas Mountains are perfect […]

Dubai puts the glamour into petroleum; with wealth founded on the discovery of rich oil fields in the mid 60s, it’s been busy glitzing its way into the international consciousness as a city unlike any other. It’s ostentation at its most fabulous; from the moment you arrive you’ll be treated like a VIP, dazzled by […]

Thailand is a gorgeous country with a diverse natural and archaeological legacy. A tropical climate, white sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife are all on offer; try diving amid coral reefs and whale sharks at Ko Tao, go jungle trekking in Mae Hong Son or simply party the night away in the bright lights of […]

Few cities are as immortalised in international folklore as the Italian capital; even fewer are able to live up to hype. Yet standing beside the Coliseum in Rome, or gazing up at the roof of the Sistine Chapel, or simply taking in the stunning panorama from one of the seven hills, you might start to […]

Saudi Arabia has long seemed a mysterious, forbidden kingdom to the west. With riches built on the largest oil reserves in the Middle East, it has become better known for its super-wealthy oil barons than its cultural contributions. Yet the cities of Mecca and Medina are the two holiest sites in Islam; since the seventh […]

In the early 19th century, the land around Port Elizabeth was settled by 4,000 British settlers looking for new opportunities in the South African hinterland. Encouraged by the South African government, the settlement grew into a diverse mix of ethnicities from Europe, Cape Malay and many other parts of the world. It thrived as a […]

Liberal, fun-loving Tel Aviv is too often defined by what it’s not; this is not Jerusalem, this is no city of antiquity. What it is, is a vibrant, high-octane capital blessed with gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and an epic social scene that seems capable of serving up a party at any hour of the day. It’s […]

Historically one of America’s most revolutionary cities, the unofficial capital of New England remains a forward-thinking and liberal leader in contentious political issues. There are hordes of higher education facilities lurking amid twisting streets, creating a highly educated and discerning populace, and a strong, intellectual cultural base is complimented by a twenty-first century explosion in […]

How do you like your capitals? Well done, with a strong hint of the medieval, winding cobbled streets and Gothic domes, smothered in classical character? Or medium-rare and full of life, with modern boulevards and busy plazas, hip boutiques and a hearty social and cultural scene? A tale of two cities, Buda on the west […]

South Africa is founded on a strong national pride – and with good reason. It is known as one of the most naturally beautiful, diverse and culturally rich countries in the world. From the spring flowers of Namakwa to the eerie desert of the Kalahari, the buzzing nightlife of Cape Town to the mountain paradise […]

An Asian island city-state located off the coast of Malaysia, Singapore is the fourth largest financial centre in the world and is often regarded as the most open, business-friendly economy. With a 50 percent expatriate workforce it also has the highest percentage of foreign worker of any country and can legitimately claim to be the […]