World Travel Guide: "Travel destinations for your next vacation" Thursday, 7 August, 2008

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Faraway Places online Travel Guide

Faraway Places is your online travel guide to destinations worldwide. Click on the links in the left hand column to find information on different destinations and types of vacation, as well as different ways to get to where you are going. We hope you will find this travel guide has interesting and helpful information to plan your next vacation.

Travel destinations for your next vacation

People keep saying the world's getting smaller - but at the same time it's as if there are more and more places to see. Beaches and mountains, deserts and rainforests, quaint little villages and hunting lodges, tourist attractions and secret places... Once there were only Seven Wonders, I doubt you could count them all now.

But sometimes it seems wherever you go, you see endless branches of the same tired food and clothing outlets. For something different, you either have to go the rural route, avoiding high streets and towns altogether, or travel longhaul to somewhere exotic.

Dragons with a Tartan Fringe

Take Scotland, for example. This beautiful country is often overlooked as a potential holiday destination, and it's true that it is a little short of sun-baked beaches, but there are so many other attractions.

For a City Break, you might choose between the capital, where at the right time of year you can experience the Edinburgh Festival along with its Fringe, or Glasgow, perhaps better known for its shopping and its nightlife. You can go on a Haunted Tour and try out some of the local candy, 'tablet'. Other culinary delights abound, the famous haggis for a start, and all the local produce, from fresh caught salmon (and smoked salmon, as well) to Arbroath smokies, from raspberries and loganberries to grouse and venison, not forgetting local sweets and pastries, such as cranachan, a fabulous confection made with raspberries, cream, Scotch whisky (of course) and oatmeal - delectable.

But it's really the countryside where Scotland excels. As soon as you cross the border at Berwick on Tweed, the landscape changes almost instantly from flat plains to forested hills (which look to me like sleeping dragons). There are castles, lochs and National Parks to visit, and plenty of activities, from golf to hill walking to kayaking. The beauty of the scenery is breathtaking, and the wildlife truly outstanding — although Nessie is very hard to spot!

Probably the best way to visit Scotland is to rent a self-catering cottage . Wherever you are, you are never too far from a town, even if it's a small one, but in the countryside you can unwind in the sort of peace and quiet you just don't expect to find any more. There really are babbling brooks (though the Scots call them 'burns') and quiet glens full of secrets. If you're looking for somewhere to get away from it all, it comes with the territory.

The Scottish countryside is one of the few places in Western Europe where you can actually see the stars in their full glory at night, with virtually no light pollution to mar their beauty. And the further North you stay, the more likely you are to be rewarded, at the right time of year, by the sight of the Northern Lights.

If activity holidays are more your style, you couldn't do better. The range of activities available is incredible, whether you want to take to the air in a balloon, a parachute or a microlight, or you prefer water sports like sailing, rafting, sub aqua, powerboats, water skiiing and wakeboarding, kayaking and windsurfing. For those who want to stay on terra firma, there's cycling and mountain biking, archery, skate sports, or for the more adventurous falconry, caving, climbing and hillwalking. You never run out of ideas in Bonny Scotland. Don't forget, as well, the chance to try out your angling skills in the sparkling rivers, or to hone your golf game in its country of origin. All in all, I am sure you will find Scotland to be a beautiful country, well worth a visit.

Hot stuff

On the longhaul side, the Kingdom of Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, formerly known as Siam. Probably the most exotic US ally, it's the only country in South East Asia which managed to completely avoid European rule.

Best known for Siamese cats and Buddhist temples, Thailand links the Malaysian peninsular to the South with the main Asian landmass. It is quite tiny - only just over twice the size of Wyoming - and has a tropical climate. The weather tends to be warm and rainy from mid-May to September, dry and cool from November to mid-March, although the southern isthmus is always hot and humid.

'The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its virtually irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms,' Lonely Planet says. A destination with more than a touch of the exotic, why not give it a try.

Thailand was one of the countries badly affected by the tsunami, but it is rebuilding, and keen to welcome visitors. There's plenty still to see. Don't be put off, show your support by spending at least part of your next holiday in this gorgeous country.

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