Asia

Georgia began to feature on travel bucket lists seemingly overnight, Tbilisi (the capital) topping all charts imaginable – its nightlife even compared to that of Berlin. And although the word is now well and truly out, Georgia’s riches entice like never before: Tsminda Sameba Church in Stepantsminda (also known as “Kazbegi”), set dramatically against Mt Kazbek glaciers, is the stuff of travel daydreams, and the entire country beckons with outdoor pursuits among the lush greens of pristine nature. The revamped Black Sea resort city of Batumi livens up with vacationers during the summer, beguiling with wine (in the drink’s alleged country of birth) and peerless cuisine.

Although much has changed in Israel in the last twenty years, travelers will certainly still get a feel for the country’s complex politics. Nevertheless, Israel is a safe place to visit and has many things to offer, from ancient Bedouin culture to diverse landscapes, marked by the exceptional aura of the Dead Sea and the colourful canyon of Makhtesh Ramon. Learn more about this country’s turbulent past and explore the cities of Nazareth and Jerusalem that are steeped in history. Try the abundance of local foods and delicacies like hummus and mezze or experience a modern Israel in one of Tel Aviv’s bars and nightclubs.

Prized cuisine, sandy beaches, gleaming Buddhist temples and paradisiacal islands all make up Thailand, the quintessential Southeast Asian destination for travelers of the most contrasting passions. Those seeking seclusion and relaxation will relish the spas and resorts, nature-lovers – gawk at steep, lush cliffs of Andaman sea islands, sports enthusiasts will try out surfing and kite-boarding, and absolutely anyone will take pleasure in visiting Chiang Mai, the country’s spiritual capital.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in the Arabian Peninsula facing out into the Persian Gulf. Cities in the UAE have certainly come a long way from the humble fishing villages they once were. After the discovery of petrol under the hot sandy soil during the mid-20th century, the city of Dubai decided to team up with six other neighbouring emirates to secure the region’s prosperity. Today, the UAE boasts luxurious metropolises such as Sharjah and Dubai, as well as its dazzling capital, Abu Dhabi. Make your way along the capital’s seafront Corniche as you saunter towards the Emirates Palace, a truly mesmerising gem of a building that dominates the Abu Dhabi coastline. Further up the coast is Dubai, a blend of beach, city and desert. Down by the water there are a number of adrenaline-packed activities to partake in, such as jet-skiing or flyboarding at JBR beach. Out in the desert you can go sandboarding, quad biking and even rent out a hot air balloon for a special occasion. The nearby city of Sharjah is so close to Dubai that the two are adjacent. Although Sharjah is Dubai’s often overlooked neighbour, it truly has very much to offer. Admire the Al Noor Mosque in all its splendour by the shimmering waters of the Persian Gulf or head to the Al-Qasba area and go for a ride on the Eye of the Emirates Wheel.