Myanmar (Burma) is quite unlike any place you know about.  Highlights of this traditional Asian country include the ‘winking wonder’ that is Shwedagon Paya and the 4000 sacred stupas scattered across the plains of Bagan.  Pack your bags now while the gilded Burmese pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure; this time capsule of a country is no longer off limits.

Currency is the Burmese Kyat

Language is Burmese

When to visit Myanmar:

• High Season: December to February
• Shoulder: October to November, March to April
• Low Season: May to September

There is a code of conduct for visiting temples.  It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites.  Women may accept a gift from a monk (lok song) but must be careful never to touch him.  Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate.  Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds.   Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples.  When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side.  Bow in the presence of elderly monks.  Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated.  Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.

Bagan

Bagan

Inle Lake

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Mandalay

Inle Lake

Inle Lake

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Inle Lake

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Bagan

Yangon

Bagan

Bagan

Bagan

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Yangon

Bagan

Bagan

Bagan

To explore Mexico is to wander the streets of bustling cities, sleepy villages and the ruined cities of the Maya, the Aztecs and many other great Meso-American civilizations that flourished here long ago.  A highlight for many is the Yucatan peninsula which is the cradle of the classic Maya civilization where intrepid adventurers can explore Chichen Itza and Uxmal.  At the end of your Mexican adventure, plan to sit back and indulge your senses on the pristine beaches of the Mayan Riviera.

Currency is the Mexican Peso

Language is Mexican Spanish

When to visit Mexico:

• High Season: December to April
• Shoulder: July to August
• Low Season: May to June, September to November

Mayan Cenotes

Chichen Itza

Cozumel

Teotihuacan, Mexico City

Palenque NP

Chichen Itza

Cozumel

Cozumel

Chichen Itza

Cozumel

Teotihuacan, Mexico City

Cozumel

Palenque NP

Palenque NP

Teotihuacan, Mexico City

Cozumel

Cozumel

Palenque NP

Teotihuacan, Mexico City

Malaysia’s beginning and end is the capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL).  Begin your Malaysian adventure in this buzzing city where 21st century megastructures punctuate a truly eclectic Asian skyline.  For a truly inspiring view of the Petronas Twin Towers, be sure to have your camera at the ready at the top of the open air skydeck of the KL Tower.  Without a doubt, it will not take long for you to embrace the Malaysian way of life in KL, beyond and back again.

Currency is the Malaysian ringgit

Language is Malay & English

When to visit Malaysia:

• High Season: December to February
• Shoulder: July to November
• Low Season: March to June

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Kuala Lumpur

KL Tower

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Sabah, Borneo

Petronas Twin Towers

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Petronas Twin Towers

KL Tower

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers

KL Tower

KL Tower

Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo

KL Tower

Kuala Lumpur

Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo

Merdeka 118 Tower KL

Sabah, Borneo

Jordan is a safe haven in a region of conflict that has delighted visitors for centuries with its spectacular history, friendly towns and inspiring desert vistas.  The ancient hospitality that has welcomed visitors since Roman times remains to this day.  If it is a diamond in the rough that you seek, then it must be the ancient Nabataean city of Petra.  The natural wonders of Jordan are not to be missed as well.  Take a ride with Lawrence of Arabia through the Wadi Rum at sunset where the weathered sandstone glistens red with the waning light of the day.  ‘Ahlan Wa Sahlan’

Currency is the Jordanian Dinar

Language is Arabic

When to visit Jordan

• High Season: March to May
• Shoulder: September to February
• Low Season: June to August

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Jerash

Jerash

Amman

Petra, Jordan

Amman

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

Jerash

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Wadi Rum

Jerash

Petra

Petra, Jordan

Petra

Petra

Petra

Siq, Jordan

Dead Sea

Wadi Rum

Petra

Siq, Jordan

Japan is an incredibly easy and safe country to travel around.  Specifically, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in Asia.  So, whether you ride a sleek bullet train or a humble rickshaw, you will find getting around the country an absolute breeze.  With all that in mind, if you are looking for contrasting images of ancient temples amongst futuristic cities then you have met your match in Japan.

Currency is the Yen

Language is Japanese

When to visit Japan:

• High Season: April to May, August
• Shoulder: June to July, September to October
• Low Season: November to March

There is a code of conduct for visiting temples.  It is important to act and dress with respect when visiting religious sites.  Women may accept a gift from a monk but must be careful never to touch him.  Shorts and tank tops are not appropriate.  Hats must be taken off when entering the grounds.   Shoes must be taken off before going into the temples.  When sitting in front of Buddha, sit with feet to the side.  Bow in the presence of elderly monks.  Giving a small monetary donation will be greatly appreciated.  Never point your finger or soles of your feet towards a monk or a Buddha figure.

Shinjuku Night District, Tokyo

Nikko Temple

Himeji Castle

Tokyo Skytree

Osaka Castle

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Gion District, Kyoto

Miyajima Shrine

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Nikko Temple

Tokyo Skyline

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Osaka Castle

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Miyajima Shrine

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Tokyo Skyline

Osaka Castle

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Tokyo Skyline

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Miyajima Shrine

Miyajima Shrine

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Shinjuku Night District, Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Himeji Castle

Yasaka Shrine, Gion District, Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Tokyo Tower

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Miyajima Shrine

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Miyajima Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Tokyo Skytree

Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, Kyoto

Shibuya Night District, Tokyo

Tokyo Skyline

“Italy is the ultimate dream date: impossibly good-looking, impeccably cultured and obscenely good in the kitchen.  Endlessly inspiring and naturally flirtatious, it will leave you swooning long after that bittersweet ‘Arrivederci.‘”  – Cristian Bonetto

We agree, it’s hard not to feel a little envious sometimes but it’s even harder not to fall madly in love.

Currency is the Euro

Language is Italian

When to visit Italy:

• High Season: July to August
• Shoulder: April to June, September to October
• Low Season: November to March

Rome

Rome

Rome

Rome

Isle of Capri

Rome

Rome

Rome

Sicilly

Rome

Rome

Rome

Rome

Rome

Florence

Rome

Venice

Venice

Venice

Rome

Isle of Capri

Venice

Rome

Rome

Rome

Venice

Isle of Capri

Florence

Venice

Rome

Rome

Florence

Amalfi

Rome

Venice

Sorrento

Rome

Rome

Venice

Venice

Israel itself is modern and westernized, it has great public transport, architecture and plenty of English speakers.  Consider two weeks in Israel so you can hit the major highlights, including Masada, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Haifa and the Sea of Galilee.  Everything is within easy reach by public transport, car or bicycle.  Shalom!

Currency is the New Israeli Shekel

Israel’s national language is Hebrew.  In the tourist centres, many European languages are spoken, including English.

When to visit Israel:

• High Season: April to October
• Shoulder: November, March
• Low Season: December to February

Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Western Wall, Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Bethlehem

Israel

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Station of the Cross, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Station of the Cross, Jerusalem

Temple Mount, Jerusalem

Ireland is now a modern country, but some things never change.  Endeavour to explore the spectacular Skellig Michael which lies offshore in the raging Atlantic.  On the Emerald Isle history presents itself everywhere from coast to coast to coast.  Last but not least, the friendly Irish will give you lasting memories whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome.

Currency is the Euro

Language is English and Irish

When to visit Ireland:

• High Season: June to September
• Shoulder: April to May, October
• Low Season: November to March

Trinity College Library

Trinity College Library

Waterford Castle

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Trinity College Library

Cliffs of Moher

County Cork

Trinity College Library

Trinity College, Dublin

Cliffs of Moher

Temple Bar, Dublin

Trinity College, Dublin

Waterford Castle

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher

Waterford Castle

Cliffs of Moher

County Cork

Trinity College Library

Indonesia’s island geography bridges the exotic cultures of Asia and the island paradises that characterize the Pacific.  Specifically, Bali’s rich culture plays out at all levels of life.  Yes, the mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of paradise on earth.  However it’s more than just an island, it’s a tropical state of mind.

Currency is Indonesian Rupiahs

Language is Indonesian, however there are many local dialects throughout the islands

When to visit Indonesia:

• High Season: July to August
• Shoulder: May to June, September
• Low Season: January to April, October to November

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Lempuyang Temple, Bali

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Tegallalang, Ubud

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Tegallalang, Ubud

Saraswati Temple, Ubud

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Tagallalang, Ubud

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

FS Ubud, Bali

RC Nusa Dua, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

Tegallalang, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Pura Gunung Kawi, Ubud

RC Nusa Dua, Bali

Lempuyang Temple, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

FS Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Ubud, Bali

Tegallalang, Ubud

Pura Taman Ayun, Ubud

FS Ubud, Bali

Iceland is a tiny island in the North Atlantic where the past meets the future in an elemental symphony of wind, stone, fire and ice.  Beyond the landscapes austere bleakness, it’s hard not to be deeply touched by the island’s awesome beauty as few leave the country without a fervent vow to return.

Currency is Icelandic Kronur

Language is Icelandic

When to visit Iceland:

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder: May and September
• Low Season: October to April

Vik

The Blue Lagoon

The Silica Hotel

Dettifoss NP

Dettifoss NP

The Silica Hotel

The Blue Lagoon

Dettifoss NP

The Blue Lagoon

Dettifoss NP

Seljalandsfoss

Skogafoss

The Blue Lagoon

Seljalandsfoss

Godafoss

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Seljalandsfoss

The Blue Lagoon