Time To Travel

A complex past, a rich present. Thousands of years of complex history have culminated in South Korea - a place that has finally and fully come into its own as a world-class travel destination, its shimmering capital, Soul, has few rivals that can match it for size (it's the world's third-largest city) and sheer coolness. For lovers of exotic nature, South Korea's mountainous national parks might best be described otherworldly. And no trip here is all that it can be without a visit in the south to the pristine white beaches of Jeju Islands. South Korea is both Eastern and Western; traditional and cutting-edge; strange and yet warmly familiar. With all its contradictions, this is a place you'll remember forever.

Buddha and the beach. Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is a tropical island, rising from sandy beaches though lush forests to cool hill towns spread with tea plantations that, in quieter times, made Sri Lanka famous. The population is overwhelmingly Buddhist, and ancient traditions are still practiced at holy sites scattered across the island "Lanka" also has a variety of World Heritage sites, from the picturesque hill town of Kandy to the Portuguese fortifications of Galle and monastery-strewn ruins of Anuradhapura.

The Past Is The Future. Nowhere on the planet do the modern and the ancient coexist more harmoniously than in Japan. Kimono-clad ladies chatter on futuristic phones while blurring by on the fastest train in the world; thousand-year-old Zen temples are dwarfed by seas of skyscrapers; and neon signs are reflected in flooded rice paddies studded with green. Here, the future and past are like roommates in a Tokyo-sized apartment, sharing a space that seems too small for either but which miraculously accommodates both in a harmony that could only be Japanese. Endlessly fascinating and fascinatingly foreign, enigmatic Japan is a culture irresistible to Westerners, one that hits you like a sumo wrestler at full tilt. 

A hundred smiles an hour. Travel "the Land of Smiles" and you'll uncover a country of contrasts. Offering plenty of just about everything from the vibrancy of Bangkok to rural villages and hilltribes to the idyllic southern islands, Thailand is the sort of place you visit once and long for forever. Surround yourself with stunning scenery, fascinating history, mouth-watering food, beaches, mountains, cities, villages, and - most importantly - the amazing people who will help you appreciate it.

Where the ancient past meets the modern age. Golly, where to begin? Positively massive by every conventional measure, China not only has something for everyone, but everything for everyone - lots of it. Culture? It goes back over 5,000 years here, Landscape? Take your pick of mountains, plains, deserts, and rolling hills. Busting urban centres? Over 20 million people live in Beijing alone. Diversity of experiences? Check out out roster of trips and start making a (very long) list. We guarantee you'll run out of time before China runs out of things for you to fill it with.

Paradise, undercover. Picturesque white-sand beaches, an agreeable coastal climate, a fascinating culture, and a population of warm, welcoming people; Mozambique has everything you could ever want from a destination. So where is everybody? Better question: Who cares? This seaside nation on Africa's southeastern coast in an emerging destination, which there's more to explore, eat, and enjoy for yourself while the rest of the world fights through crowds someplace else. Get here now before word gets around.

Fantasy Island. Madagascar is, above all, a nature destination. While there are certainly interesting man-made facets of the country - including colonial towns, native crafts, and sleepy coastal villages - Madagascar is an eco-traveller's dream. From endless jungles filled with endemic plants, rare birds, and endangered animals, to the white-sand beaches of the Malagasy islands and limestone karst formations of Ankarana, the island is an explosion of nature at each turn. Cut off from the African mainland 164 million years ago, Madagascar evolved in isolation, leading to many unique and endemic species. The hands-down superstars of this wild performance are the endangered lemur, of which 90 percent of the surviving global population is found only here.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, Tanzania is well-established as one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world. Safaris follow the trail of giant herds of antelope or wildebeest across the Serengeti, while lions lounge in the shade waiting for their next meal to trot by. On the horizon looms the conical silhouette of Kilimanjaro, beckoning the strong of lung and leg, and just off the coast the beaches and Arabian-infused culture of Zanzibar offer travelers a very different Africa.

Nature untamed. Popular boasts many of the requisite African highlights - parks and reserves filled with big game and abundant birdlife cover almost a third of the country - plus a few magnificent extras. Offering some of the hairiest whitewater on the planet, the mighty Zambezi River draws both adrenaline junkies and madmen to test their mettle. The river drops over one of the world's most impressive waterfalls at Victoria Falls; it was the legendary Dr Livingstone who named them after the then Queen of England, from here, choices are many: set out on walking safari, try river-surfing, or even bungee jump within earshot of the falls.

Out of the shadows and into your hear. Located in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a nation slowly coming into its own as a travel destination. The Zambezi river forms the natural boundary with Zambia, and when in full flood (usually between February and April) the massive Victoria Falls on the river forms the world's largest curtain of falling water.

Sandwiched between Grand Teton National Park to the north and miles of national forest in every other direction, the Jackson Hole valley has remained relatively isolated from the burgeoning travel industry. Instead it has survived on local industries like logging, ranching and, during the 19th century, fur trading. But recently, Jackson Hole has encouraged the rise of tourism. Former blue-collar settlements like Jackson and Grand Teton now boast notable art and performance venues, and mega ski resorts have transformed the region into an up-and-coming winter wonderland. When planning an opulent getaway, many people don't give western Wyoming a thought. To those travelers, we say: Think again. Sure, you won't encounter the glitz and glam of Aspen or Lake Tahoe, but the beauty and vastness of the Jackson Hole region has caught the attention of Hollywood celebs like Harrison Ford and politicos like former Vice President Dick Cheney. Yet, even with its fresh and luxurious upgrade,...

If you're itching to experience the lifestyle of Swiss skiing village, but don't want to fork over the cash for a trans-Atlantic flight, consider Banff. Thanks to its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies near the southeastern border of Banff National Park - Canada's first national park - taking trips here will decrease not only your flight time from the U.S. but also your expenses (although only marginally). Banff caters to intrepid explorers who prefer to end the day in a nice hotel rather than roughing it at the campgrounds (though, there are plenty of those, too). Opportunities for adventure abound, so pick your sport: Ski down Mount Norquay, hike to the massive, free-standing limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos, "scramble" up the face of the Stoney Squaw Mountain or bike along Healy Creek. When you are exhausted, retreat to your cozy (and warm) resort, and replenish yourself with a hefty helping of bison meat.

As one of the original Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef holds a spot on every traveler's bucket list.  Hugging the east coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef extends from Cape York in the north all the way to Bundaberg in the south, more than 1,800 miles. With roughly 2,900 coral reefs, 600 islands and 1,500-plus species of fish, the reef leaves its 2 million annual visitors enchanted. But before diving in, it's important to get your bearings. The northern part of the reef runs from the Cape York Peninsula to Cairns, a popular home base for many reef visitors. Not only does Cairns provide the closest reef access from the mainland, but it also boasts a few attractions of its own, such as the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Other sights like Hartley's Crocodile Adventures and the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas are also situated by the reef's northernmost section. Travel farther down the coast and you'l...

Park City is known for three things: skiing, snowboarding and the Sundance Film Festival. Located 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Park City is easily accessible and home to a wide range of accommodations that attract throngs of vacationers during the winter season. Sandwiched between two premier resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, this former mining town sits in the shadow of the rugged Wasatch Mountain Range. In 2002, both resorts hosted events during the Winter Olympics, and the Utah Olympic Park, which sits just north of the main street, is still a major training facility for winter athletes, including the United States Ski Team. But you don't have to be an Olympic to experience all that Park City has to offer. Stroll down the city's charming Historic Main Street or visit the High West Distillery and Saloon. For family fun, grab your warmest winter gear for an afternoon of snow tubing at Gorgoza Park. And after a long day schussing the slopes (or lounging in...

The British Islands, or BVI for short, are some of the most exclusive and least developed islands of the Caribbean, but this only adds to their appeal. The resorts, villas, restaurants and other tourist attractions in this paradise are known to emphasize spare luxury over sprawling expansion, and they attract travelers with deep pockets and a love for sailing and seclusion. Many travelers who visit come by ferry boat from another Caribbean isle, especially as some find opulent exile too hard to enjoy for longer than a day or two. And some say it's better to split your time between here, the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands and Anguilla to the east. Other find more than enough to keep them exclusively anchored by these 60 islands and cays. On Tortola, you'll find mountainous cliffs and chalk white beaches, characterized by changing tides and calm easterly winds. A brief sail away, sleepy Jost Van Dyke offers delicious Caribbean food and drink, one of the region's best New Year...

To many, Costa Rica's charm lies in its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife. With breathtaking landscapes and a myriad of creatures from toucans to monkeys to jaguars, it's easy to see why. Where else can you hike active volcanos, zip line through cloud covered rainforests and surf warm turquoise waters within the span of just a few days? In this compact but diverse tropical paradise, exhilarating outdoor activities are abundant. Nature seekers will roam thick jungles while beachgoers will sprawl across the powdery sands. It's hard not to admire all the splendors this "Rich Coast" has to offer. However, for others  this small Latin American country has a different appeal: it's a relaxed way of life. Residents know as Ticos often recite the catchphrase "pure vida"  (or "pure life"). This guiding philosophy can be observed from Costa Rica's central cosmopolitan capital of San Jose all the way to the sandy Atlan...

On of California's most formidable natural landscapes, Yosemite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millennia-old Sequoia trees, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. But despite its enormous size, most of the tourist activity takes place within a 7-square-mile area of Yosemite Valley. Here you'll find the park's most famous landmarks-Half Dome and El Capitan - as well as excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments. Even inexperienced hikers can enjoy Yosemite: Guided tours and climbing lessons are available from local adventure outfitters. Just don't expect to experience it by yourself. Like so many other American tourist destinations, crowds are the biggest obstacles to an enjoyable Yosemite vacation - at least 4 million people visit each year. But if you go at the right time (and start your day a little earlier than usual), Mother Nature's wonders will rev...

Miles of shoreline, dozens of resorts, French cuisine to die for Tahiti's sands in favor of Bora Bora's ivory shores. Despite its idyllic reputations and accessibility, Tahiti is more of an off-the-beaten-path stop than a romantic getaway. However, that doesn't mean Tahiti deserves to be ignored. Leafy forests sit beside sandy shores, French crepes are served alongside Tahitian poisson cru (raw fish). If there ever was a place that embodies the beautiful duality of the French Polynesian archipelago, It's Tahiti. Here, the quirky, often chaotic atmosphere of the island's capital, Papeete, rubs elbows with uncorrupted natural beauty. In fact, Tahiti - the largest of French Polynesia's 118 islands - is often referred to as two separate islands despite them being joined by a tiny land bridge. Tahiti Nui is the larger, northern section where Papeete can be found. Tahiti Iti (the smaller half) is less accessible, although many visitors make the trek here for a taste...

With all of its remarkable offerings, it's hard to believe that San Sebastian isn't as popular as neighboring Madrid or Barcelona. But this oceanfront resort town deserves the same regard reserved for Spain's most popular metropolises. San Sebastian's timeless beauty has a tendency to put travelers into a trance, that is, if its world-class culinary offerings don't take hostage of their taste bud first. The Basque Country lends a kind of cultural experience that deviates from what some might see as the norm in Spain. Here, flamenco and bullfighting aren't sought-after cultural activities in the same way that pintxo bar hopping is. And while siestas are still practiced and Spanish is still spoken, much of the city's residents are bilingual (San Sebastian has the highest number of Basque speakers in the Basque province) and opt to surf in their spare time. 

Pure white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs await travelers who visit Thailand's southwestern island of Phuket. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and about an hour by plane from Bangkok, this island is a little piece of paradise, which comes with a relatively low price tag for everything from its accommodations to spa treatments and boat tours. But along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons to travelers wanting to experience its flavorful cuisine (think: lemongrass, lime leaves, chillies) and its rich culture, heavily influenced by its reigning religion: Buddhism. And although the island's beaches and tourism operators have bounced back from the 2004 tsunami, which hammered its western coast and tragically claimed thousands of lives, it remembers the past with memorials and a better warning system, should the area once again come under threat.