New destinations
-
VIETNAM
Where the only constant is change Successively occupied by China, Russia, France, Japan, and the United States, Vietnam has had its share of foreign interference. But today, the Vietnamese are focused on rocketing into the future. In this new era of confident self-determination the atmosphere is one of palpable optimism. Fortunately for travellers, Vietnam's traditional charms have not yet been eclipsed. Although noisy motorbikes continue to replace bicycles at an alarming rate, the former Communist stronghold of Hanoi has maintained its narrow-laned charm, while the melting limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay are as otherworldly as ever. From the ancient neighbourhoods of Hoi An to the vast Mekong Delta, the country offers an astonishing variety of scenery. Whether your fascination is wartime relics or beaches and rice paddies, see Vietnam now, because every year it seems to reinvent itself.
-
MADAGASCAR
Madagascar is, above all, a nature destination. While there are certainly interesting man-made facets of the country — including colonial towns, native crafts, and sleepy coastal villages — Madagascar is an eco-traveller's dream. From endless jungles filled with endemic plants, rare birds, and endangered animals, to the white-sand beaches of the Malagasy islands and limestone karst formations of Ankarana, the island is an explosion of nature at each turn. Cut off from the African mainland 165 million years ago, Madagascar evolved in isolation, leading to many unique and endemic species. The hands-down superstars of this wild performance are the endangered lemur, of which 90 percent of the surviving global population is found only here.
-
BRAZIL
Sensuality, dancing, and partying: it seems the Brazilians have made a science of all that is fun in life. The world champions of hedonism were no doubt aided by a lush land and steamy climate, but still there is something different about Brazilians. For one, they are the most diverse country in Latin America, not to mention the continent's only former Portuguese colony. One of the largest countries in the world, Brazil certainly has plenty to see – the Amazon and Iguassu Falls spring immediately to mind – but more than anything it's the Brazilian passion for life, epitomized by Rio's Carnival celebrations, that will make you fall in love and want to return again.
EN 
PT