Cayman Islands Travel Guide

Renowned for beautiful beaches, excellent diving and offshore banking, the Cayman Islands are a group of three islands situated between Cuba and Jamaica, only a 90-minute flight from Miami. Grand Cayman is the largest and most developed of the islands and the location of the capital, George Town. It is hard to believe that among the buildings that line George Town's harbour are 500 banks making up the world's fifth largest offshore financial centre.

Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are 70 miles (113km) northeast of Grand Cayman and are much smaller and even more relaxed. Visitors don't come here in suits; the little business that goes on revolves around diving and catering for the world's best bone-fishing.

Discovered by Columbus in 1503 and explored by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, it was not until 1670 that the islands came under British rule. They remain a British territory, and the Queen's picture is still displayed proudly, but the US exerts the dominant influence over what it considers its backyard. For years the islands were a base for pirates who delighted in the remoteness of Grand Cayman. A bonus was the island's absolutely flat topography, which ensures that its profile is practically invisible against the horizon, making it the perfect hide-away for nefarious characters.

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Why? Bikinis on the beach, Samba in the streets, a stunning setting with the Sugarloaf Mountain as backdrop, the world famous carnival … how many more reasons can there be to book a holiday in Rio de Janeiro, vibrant capital of Brazil?
When? Rio rocks all year round, with holiday beach weather the order of the day every day. It is therefore always a good time to travel to Rio de Janeiro, but party people are particularly attracted to travel to Rio de Janeiro for 'Carnaval', held annually in January or February, when the samba schools parade through the streets in their brilliant costumes. Carnaval is the cherry on the top for a Rio de Janeiro holiday.
Who for? A holiday in Rio de Janeiro is custom-made for sultry sun-lovers and revellers. Families who enjoy beach holidays can also make the most of the 62 miles (100km) of beaches that flank the city.
More Info: Full, detailed information for a holiday in Rio de Janeiro is available on our Rio de Janeiro travel guide, which can be printed off and used to plan a trip to Rio. The Rio travel guide can also be emailed to a friend using our Email tool.


Rio de Janeiro Overview
Mention Rio to anyone and immediately the name evokes images of sultry street parades, the Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Christ statue, and the 'itsy-bitsy teeny weeny' bikinis on the beach at Ipanema. The exuberant cultural capital of Brazil is tucked between the mountains and the sea and is endowed with a natural beauty that ranges from the beaches to the mountain peaks. It also contains the biggest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca Forest, which was completely replanted during the second half of the 19th century.

The city throbs to the infectious beat of Brazilian music, the choro, the samba and the bossa nova, and is the main source of Brazil's national culture. Its annual carnival, known simply as Carnaval, draws together the population of the city (known as the 'Cariocas') ranging from rich to very poor who take to the streets for the world's largest samba parade on the Sambodromo.

The city is capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, which encompasses most of Brazil's major tourist attractions.

Rio is a never-ending story made up of 150 districts each characterised by unique features, like Santa Teresa, which is reached by taking an old tram across an ancient aqueduct called Arcos da Lapa. In the central city area Rio boasts historic monuments and public buildings like the Municipal Theatre, the National Museum of Fine Art, the Itamaraty Palace, the National History Museum and the National Library. There are also beautiful examples of religious architecture such as the Sao Bento Monastery. No matter how long you spend exploring the city, it will always deliver new surprises.

To the north of the city is the Lakes region, which has more than 62 miles (100km) of beaches and sea-water lagoons and is the site of the main tourist resorts of Búzios, Cabo Frio, Arrial do Cabo, Rio das Ostras, Maricá and Saquarema.

Kavos Travel Guide

Overview: A sprawling town on the southern tip of Corfu, Kavos is the most action-packed of the island's resorts and is very popular with British under 25s, intent on having a good time. The long, narrow beach is far from the best in Corfu but offers lovely views over to the Greek mainland, lots of watersports and is fine for sleeping off the night before. Those looking for a less hectic holiday, but still within reach of the nightlife in Kavos, should stay in the neighbouring resort of Aghios Petros, one mile (2km) to the north.
Shopping: The shopping in Kavos is limited to souvenir and 'bucket and spade' shops selling the usual tourist tat including some (often quite good) fake designer labels. For more choice, there are regular buses to Corfu Town (half an hour away), which has an excellent range of shops. Good buys include gold, leather, lace, ceramics and silver. For self-caterers, there are a few mini-markets that supply the essentials, including cheap alcohol and cigarettes. For those that risk buying anything from the street vendors, remember to haggle hard.
Restaurants: There are a wide choice of cafes, restaurants and fast food joints, but most offer a similar menu catering for the unadventurous British palate.
Nightlife: Kavos is the top party destination in Greece and is crammed full of bars and clubs. Popular bars include Snobs and Scorers but the Rollin Stone is a good option for those who need a change from the constant beat of R&B and Garage music; it plays 60s, 70s and 80s classics and is always packed. Good nightclubs include the Limelight, Venue and Future-Atlantis.
Activities: The sea around Kavos is warm and shallow and ideal for swimming and watersports, which can be arranged from the beach. Popular excursions include a visit to the nearby aqua park and boat trips around the scenic coast. Those with a taste for culture should make the trip to the island's historic capital, Corfu Town, which is packed with interesting archaeological sights. Also, the interior of Corfu is worth exploring for those looking for some tranquillity; it remains very unspoilt and uncrowded even during the peak season.
Negatives: The nightlife and entertainment in Kavos is geared for 18-30s, so families would do better to stay well clear of the main strip. This area also attracts touts from far afield. The salesmen outside the bars and restaurants are very pushy but can be worth chatting up as they offer free drinks, but beware of the double measures. Visitors should avoid the Albanian gypsies selling flowers and glow bangles, or keep a very close eye on their wallets. The beach in Kavos is not great and is sometimes covered in litter and seaweed, however it offers safe swimming and lots of watersports. Mosquitoes can be a problem over the summer and the local shops sell various types of repellent. Mopeds are a great way to get around the local area, but tourists should be aware that they also put scores of people into hospital each year.

New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand, 'Land of the Long White Cloud', is a small, sparsely populated country consisting of two major islands, North and South Island, and a scattering of smaller ones. Despite its small size it is crammed with magnificent natural beauty and has an incredible amount to offer; the only complaint travellers have is that they haven't allowed enough time in the country. Fresh air, breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities are the main attractions of New Zealand, with a tremendously friendly, honest and helpful population, colloquially nicknamed after their country's distinct symbol, the unusual but amiable flightless kiwi bird.

The two islands have surprisingly different characters. The North Island has dramatic volcanic landscapes and highly active thermal areas, long stretches of beautiful beaches and excellent sailing, ancient indigenous forests and a strong Maori cultural influence. The South Island has a slower pace of life dominated by a magnificent spine of mountains, the snow-covered Southern Alps, and the spectacular scenery of the southern waterways of the fjord lands, with glaciers, deep lakes and verdant forests.

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 was New Zealand's founding document, an attempt to settle disputes between the European settlers and the Maoris, conceding the country to British rule while guaranteeing the Maori people possession of their land and cultural identity. Today, integration has been replaced by a policy of upholding two different cultures alongside each other. Their shared love of sport, most notably the revered national sport of rugby union, and their enthusiasm for adventure and the outdoors is the unifying factor among the whole population.

New Zealand offers a huge variety of action-packed and laid back activities, from bungee jumping to skiing, swimming with dolphins, scenic flights and boat cruises on the fjords, as well as several world famous walking trails with unrivalled scenery. Alternatively visitors can immerse themselves in culture at the museums and galleries of the country's main cities - Auckland and the capital Wellington in the North, and Christ Church in the south.

New Zealand is an easy and compact place in which to travel and its spectacularly dramatic landscape alone, famous for its setting for the 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy, makes the long trip to these southern islands more than worthwhile.

Amman Travel Guide

Why? The reason most people travel to Amman, Jordan's 'white city', is because it is a great base for exploring the country. A holiday in Amman will also reveal the fact that this city (one of the oldest in the world) boasts plenty of historic sites as well as a modern ambience and culture.
When? If you want to stay dry, avoid a holiday in Amman between October and March, when it is wet and cold, with occasional snowfalls. Sun-lovers who travel to Amman will revel in the hot, dry, summer months.
Who for? An Amman holiday is recommended for serious travellers who enjoy discovering a different way of life and making excursions to unique and interesting outlying sites, like the famous 'Rose City', the historic town of Madaba with its beautiful mosaics, or the Dead Sea.
More Info: Before travelling to Amman make use of our detailed Amman travel guide, which gives comprehensive information on excursions and attractions, as well as basic facts about entry requirements, communication, health and safety.



Amman Overview
Originally spread over seven hills, or jabals, the capital of the Hashemite kingdom now sprawls over 19 hills and is home to well over a million people, almost half of Jordan's population. Known as the White City, the hills are covered in a jumble of light-coloured stone houses, consistently box-like in shape with flat roofs characteristic of a typical desert city. Faded minarets, pavement markets, Arabian sweet shops and the crumbling remains of ancient civilisations contrast wonderfully with the contemporary edifices, fashionable boutiques and international restaurants. This blend of the old and the new combines in the noisy and chaotic downtown area where the city's extraordinarily friendly residents go about their business.

At the heart of downtown is the Ottoman-style King Hussein Mosque, around which the buzz and bustle is at its most interesting. Even busier at prayer times, the surrounding streets are filled with the essence of Arabia, exotic smells and rows of glittering treasures in the souq (market) amid the noise of frenetic haggling.

Just as overwhelming is Amman's sense of history, dating back 5,500 years to its position as the ancient capital of the Ammonites, Rabbath-Ammon of the Old Testament, and later as Philadelphia, the Roman city that became part of the Decapolis. Overlooking the city from atop Jabal al-Qala'a is the Citadel, the site of the ancient Rabbath-Ammon, and at its foot lies the impressive Roman amphitheatre that is the most remarkable remnant of ancient Philadelphia.

Amman is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world, and today functions as a thriving commercial and administrative centre with modern facilities, historical attractions and a longstanding tradition of hospitality. It is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounds, even the rest of the country, being no more than five hours drive from anywhere, and is surprisingly agreeable for a capital city.

Orlando Travel Guide

Why? For fun in the sun there is no better place to travel to than Orlando, Florida's holiday Mecca where Walt Disney founded his Magic Kingdom in 1971. Today Disney World is just a part of the world's greatest pleasure dome, which boasts four major theme parks, including Universal Studios and Sea World.
When? It is holiday time in Orlando all year round. Those who travel to Orlando will find it very hot in summer, and mild in winter. Even the quick thunderstorms that occur between May and September are unlikely to dampen the spirits of Orlando holidaymakers.
Who for? Orlando's myriad man-made holiday attractions are a paradise for children, but no matter what age you are when you travel to Orlando the theme parks and hundreds of other amenities will bring out the child in you.
More Info: To discover the delights of a holiday in Orlando consult our Orlando travel guide. The travel guide, updated regularly, contains all the information you need to plan a holiday in Orlando, from how to get around the resort city to exciting excursions and opening times for the main theme parks.



Orlando Overview
The most famous resident of this central Florida city is Mickey Mouse, the cartoon creation of animated movie tycoon, Walt Disney, whose vision has turned Orlando, and the adjacent Lake Buena Vista and Kissimee areas, into the world’s busiest, biggest and best-known concentrated tourist Mecca. Disney bought up land in the area with the aim of establishing his dream theme park back in the 1960s. He died before the first park, the Magic Kingdom, officially opened in 1971, but his legacy has taken root and is still growing. Currently the Disney empire in Orlando includes four theme parks, dozens of smaller attractions, thousands of hotel rooms and holiday apartments, hundreds of restaurants and snack bars and even two cruise ships. It is not only the Disney dazzle that draws visitors to Orlando. There are other attractions here too, like Universal Studios and Sea World, all adding to the maelstrom of thrills and pleasure palaces that this city is now renowned for. Just a trip down attraction-rich International Drive is a mind-boggling experience.

Santiago Travel Guide

Santiago at dusk © USA Cuba TravelWhy? A modern metropolis mingled with the breath of the past, a holiday in Santiago is perhaps not as exciting as a visit to one of the other major South American cities, but it is nevertheless a city with distinctive personality, great sites, colourful markets, lively street life and an awesome museum devoted to pre-Columbian exhibits. Many also travel to Santiago to use this city as a base for outdoor adventures, and excursions to wineries, national parks and ski resorts.
When? The best time to travel to Santiago is during spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant. During the height of summer (December to March) the locals head for the hills to avoid the heat and enjoy their annual vacations, so this is also a good time to holiday in Santiago if you prefer to avoid crowds.
Who for? Tourists exploring South America should not miss out on a holiday in Santiago, which offers plenty to see and experience on strolls through the city streets. Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors should travel to Santiago, with its ragged mountain backdrop, because it is an ideal base for accessing the recreational and adventure activities of the surrounding countryside.
More Info: Our Santiago travel guide is the ideal resource for planning a Santiago holiday. The guide is packed with information, from entry requirements and communications, to advice on how to get around the city and details of local attractions.



Santiago Overview
The towering Andes provide an awesome backdrop for the sprawling metropolis of Santiago. The population of this flat urban stage that spreads out from a compact city centre numbers more than five million. Despite this, a small town atmosphere prevails downtown where friends will more than likely meet and greet each other in the overcrowded streets and bustling walkways of the main commercial district.

The city is a curious mix of skyscrapers and 19th-century European architecture, with some Spanish adobe bungalows thrown in for good measure. Threaded through this architectural tapestry are numerous green areas, busy markets, and quaint old squares. Street life is vibrant, and adding to the vibe is the presence of numerous chic sidewalk cafes, outside of which traditionally dressed women hawk their wares hoping to catch the eye of the tourists. There are also some small but impressive museums, several modern hotels, excellent restaurants and some good shopping opportunities in the Ahumada and Huerfanos pedestrian malls.

The city exudes an aura of health and wealth in the inner city and fashionable suburbs, despite the shabby shantytowns stretching out from behind the skyscraper facade. The city is also one of the 10 most severely polluted cities in the world, thanks to its position in a bowl of mountains. It is nevertheless an excellent base in which to spend a relaxing few days taking excursions to the wineries, national parks and ski areas, which are all within easy reach of the city.