Destinations

In our Destinations section we provide in–depth descriptions of places we've visited and liked. This is a collection of many different places globally and we'll add to it over time. Some of these we visted a few years ago, and some very recently. Hopefully our destination guides will stand the test of time. As a reminder, we are seasoned travelers with many years of traveling experience. Our interests go beyond sitting on a banana lounge sipping a cocktail (although we've been known to do that too). We try to experience our destinations in depth, pick up some local ambience and gain insight into what makes places tick.

We provide both insights into the locations and pragmatic information where appropriate. We try to refer to the authoritative source for factual information, because information on currencies, visas, transport details, hotels and restaurants all change over time. As Tony Wheeler used to say, good places go bad, and bad places come good. If you don't know who Tony Wheeler is, you may have missed out on the golden age of travel.

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Middle East & Asia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fantastic Dubai! The sparkling, glitzy brash, raucous, free–wheeling home of the ultra–rich and thousands of wannabees. Money talks here, but it's gotta be serious money. There's the world's tallest skyscaper, the gold souk and more mega–yachts than Monaco. As the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe, the mix of cultures is intoxicating! And of course, there's oil. Dubai is great for a couple of days on a stopover, or stay longer and soak up some wonderful Arab hospitality

The Maldives

The Maldives conjures up images of beautiful white sand beaches, tropical palms and idyllic weather. Well its all true, and more! Fantastic snorkelling and diving, luxurious resorts and romantic meals await in the Maldives, but beware, it comes at a hefty price. There are local options, but it is a much different experience. We'll show you the high–end resorts here, but if you're adventurous you can also catch local ferries between the islands and stay at local places. It's still paradise whichever way you do it.

Manado, Indonesia

Discover Manado and the captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Minahasa region in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Nestled between lush mountains and crystal-clear seas, this enchanting destination offers a blend of natural wonders and vibrant traditions. Be careful though, of what you eat! Some of the food can be fiery, and some of the meats are not really eaten in many other places.

Ternate, Indonesia

The magical Spice Islands are centered on Ternate and the Moluccus. This Sultanate can trace its direct history back to the year 1257AD, and the history of this fabled land shows everywhere. The island is redolent with the pungent scent of cloves and the ruins of the Europeans who tried to exploit these spices. There is Portuguese, Dutch and English history etched into the thin strip of land surrounding the central volcanic core of Gunung Gamalama. This central volcano, currently dormant, dominates the entire island.

Malacca, Malaysia

We love Malacca. With its rich culture and fantastic food scene, Malacca embodies the deep cultural millieu of Malaysia in one compact city.

Malacca (or Melaka in the Malay language) is an historic town in southern peninsula Malaysia with over 500 years of European influence. The city state of Malacca dominated trade in the Straits of Malacca prior to European settlement, and it was also one of the first places in Malaya to trade with China.

Penang, Malaysia

Penang, with its rich culture and history, brilliant food scene, laid back ambience and sandy beaches and seafood, has been a favourite for ours for decades.

Penang, a Malaysian island paradise, offers a vibrant blend of cultures, history, and natural beauty. Explore colonial charm and street art in UNESCO-listed George Town. Hike through rainforests or relax on idyllic beaches in Batu Ferringhi. Discover unique Peranakan heritage and indulge in delicious hawker food. From Kek Lok Si's grandeur to ESCAPE Theme Park's thrills, Penang promises an unforgettable adventure.

Caribbean

Aruba

Aruba is a small island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. It is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The island covers an area of approximately 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) and has a population of around 110,000 people.

Popular with North American, European and affluent South American tourists, Aruba has a modern, safe and sophisticated tourist scene

South America

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza takes it's wine very seriously! There is a wine fountain in the middle of the main pedestrian mall, vineyards and bodegas scattered all around the region, and wine conversations going on all over town. With the wine and the steak (done fuego of course), this town makes a great place for a visit during the cold northern winters.

Be aware though, the currency situation is changing rapidly. With the demise of the blue dollar, costs may increase rapidly as the peso is traded at free rates

Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Merida has 500 years of colonial history, and over 1,000 years of Mayan and other Mesoamerican history before that. The Yucatan region, centered in the colonial capital of Merida presents a fascinating kaleidoscpe of cultures spanning thousands of years.

With the new Tren Maya connecting the entire Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is set for a boom time for tourism. Explore it before it goes away.

Merida is rated as one of the safest cities in Mexico, so if you are thinking of Mexico but don't know where to start, this may be the place for you.

Europe

Milan, Italy

Sophisticated streets and boutiques offer a glimpse into the world of Italian style in Milan. The vibrant and stylish capital of Italy's Lombardy region is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern elegance. Known worldwide as a global fashion and design hub, Milan offers an array of cultural landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and a thriving cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Milan is home to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano and the city also has other notable architectural buildings, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Malta

Malta is a little slice of paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean with a history that is alive, echoing through every cobblestone. It is a feast for the eyes and a carnival for your taste buds. Valletta, with its forts, churches, and gardens, is a living testament to history.

With Arab, Jewish, southern European and British influences, the food and culture of Malta is a unique and interesting.

Krakow, Poland

Krakow is a city steeped in history and culture that captivates visitors with its charm and timeless beauty. Nestled in the heart of Poland, Kraków is one of the country's oldest and most significant cities, boasting a legacy that stretches back to the 7^th century.

Spared much of the destruction of World War 2, the city retains a strong medieval architectural tradition.