Tired of winters? Pack your suitcase and escape!
Winters can be cold, wet, snowy, dark and gloomy and if you are not in to winter activities, it is a great time to escape on an adventure tour to a far-flung place.
Here are ten countries to travel to this winter.
Argentina Few countries in the world can claim subtropical forests and glaciers, huge waterfalls and deserts, swampy lowlands and high mountains, wide-open spaces and bustling cities, penguins and flamingos. Yet Argentina has all that and more. Thundering Iguazú Falls, the calving glacier at Perito Moreno and the mountains of Patagonia are the most famous draw cards. Then there are football, tango, great steaks and phenomenal wines. Part Latin American and part European, this is one country you do not want to miss. Take me to Argentina Cambodia There are few experiences on earth matched by the setting of the sun at Angkor Wat, the famous temple complex in Cambodia, a stunning blend of spirituality and symmetry. Beyond Angkor, come eye to eye with recent history at the killing fields, discover the glittering spires of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, enjoy delicious food , mingle with local people, enjoy the lively cafe culture or relax on the beautiful beaches. Take me to Cambodia
Chile Squeezed between the depths of the Pacific and the volcanoes, peaks and glaciers of the Andes, Chile stretches from the driest desert in the north, to the ice fields of the south. In between you will find numerous landscapes from deep fjords and mountain-ringed lakes, to dunes, vineyards, fertile valleys and dark forests. The capital Santiago is cosmopolitan and sophisticated, while out in the Pacific, time has all but forgotten magical Easter Island and its treasure trove of moai. Take me to Chile
Costa Rica A hidden rainforest trail leads to an azure-blue pond, where a waterfall plunges down, inviting you to a refreshing dip. Walk on up the hill discovering a myriad of wildlife and birds along the way. Stand still, awe-inspired at the view over the forest canopy. Zipline down back to your hotel and enjoy a spot of kayaking, rafting, snorkelling or sailing or simply an afternoon on the beach. This is La Pura Vida - Costa Rica style. Take me to Costa Rica
Galapagos Islands Ecuador packs a lot of variety into a small country. The undisputed highlight is the Galapagos Archipelago, with their otherworldly volcanic landscapes and stunning array of wildlife. Snorkel with sea lions and penguins, come close to boobies and albatrosses, iguanas and tortoises and watch whales. This is nature in its primordial state, nature as it used to be. Take me to the Galapagos
India The moment you set eyes on the Taj Mahal, you know you are seeing an edifice unlike any other. India is like that - it stirs the soul, it challenges your conceptions, it changes you. It is a spectacular mix of people, traditions and landscapes, from Himalayan peaks to the hills, backwaters and beaches of the south, from the sacred Ganges to the deserts of Rajasthan. Temples, shrines and fortresses are everywhere, reminders of an ancient history and spirituality. One things is for sure: you will remember your journey through this fascinating country long after you've left its shores. Take me to India
Jordan As you walk through the Siq to the Treasury at Petra, you cannot help but be in awe. Hand-hewn red sandstone buildings rise up into the clear desert skies, remembering ancient caravans of spice traders travelling far and wide to sell their wares. In the Roman ruins at Jerash and in the crusader castles and Byzantine mosaics along the King’s Highway, history is everywhere in this beautiful land. Travel through canyons and oases, stay with locals among the rock formations of Wadi Rum, and begin to understand why T.E. Lawrence loved this land. Take me to Jordan
Morocco Soak up the bustling, exotic atmosphere in ancient souqs; join a camel trek into the Sahara; sleep under expansive star-studded skies; witness traditional lifestyles in kasbahs; walk to hamlets high up in the mountains; get lost in winding alleys. All that and more awaits you in Morocco. From Fez, the Islamic world’s largest medieval city, to the sea-side romance of Essaouira; from glorious Marrakesh to the oases of the interior and from traditional bath houses to wonderful meals, Morocco is one country you will not want to miss. Take me to Morocco
Turkey Turkey, the crossroads of culture and history. You experience it in the bazaars of Istanbul, the city founded by the Romans, cultivated by the Byzantines, conquered by the Ottomans and made cosmopolitan in the modern era. You feel it in the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the Armenian churches in the east and the medieval fortresses along the south coast. You taste it in the olive oil–lathered Aegean vegetables and the spicy Anatolian kebabs. Turkey truly is the place where East meets West - yes, it is cold in winter, but you will have to place to yourself. Take me to Turkey
Vietnam A breathtakingly beautiful country, Vietnam is at once incredibly exotic and utterly compelling. Gaze over the surreal limestone islands of Halong Bay, walk or cycle through rice paddies, soak up the street scenes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, get clothing tailored in Hoi An, dodge traffic in Saigon, enjoy delicious food, laze on long sandy beaches and mingle and laugh with the engaging locals. Vietnam is all that and more. Take me to Vietnam