Top off-the-beaten-track destinations
Taiwan: The beautiful island
Early Portuguese sailors named Taiwan ‘Ilha Formosa’, meaning ‘beautiful island’, and you can see why. It’s a place of forests, mountains and wide plains. Today, it’s also home to the energetic capital, Taipei, which houses one of the world’s best collections of Chinese artefacts; as well as tranquil tea plantations and the more traditional city of Tainan.
Guyana: The Caribbean Amazon
One of the least populated countries, Guyana rarely tops people’s bucket lists. Yet the ‘Land of Many Waters’ has much to boast about, not least one of the largest unspoilt rainforests in South America. It also has an intriguing culture to delve into – a blend of pre-Columbian and colonial influences (it was a UK territory as late as 1966).
The Caucasus: Where east meets west
The melding of eastern and western traditions is most apparent on Europe’s fringes, where Ottoman minarets and Orthodox steeples share the skyline. This is especially true throughout the nations of the Caucasus, a region replete with natural beauty and historical treasures, yet under the tourist radar. Combine a visit to Azerbaijan, set on the shores of the Caspian Sea, with Georgia, famous for its ancient monasteries and viticulture, and Armenia, one of the oldest Christian countries in the world.
Colombia: The gateway to South America
Andean peaks, fathomless forests, sun-soaked beaches and Spanish-colonial towns: Colombia has it all. The welcome is as warm as the coffee – grown here in the lush hills of the Paisa region. Yet this South American country is largely untouched by mass tourism, promising you an authentic cultural experience.
Central Asia: Along the Silk Road
The ancient empires of the West and East traded goods, services and religion along the Silk Road. This trade brought wealth and power to the kingdoms of the crossroads, leaving a legacy of splendid monuments. You can explore this history by visiting the ‘Stans’ of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Rivalling the region’s ornate architecture: plunging valleys, yurt-studded steppes and snow-capped peaks.
