Countries

Africa

Known for: Safaris, African tribes, World’s largest desert, beginning of civilisation, Serengeti, Big Five, Great Rift Valley, Swahili music, Victoria Falls.

Botswana – Okavango Delta, walking safaris, Chobe National Park. wildlife, Bushmen. Egypt – Ancient history, Wonders of the World, River Nile, diving, desert, Red Sea resorts.

Ethiopia – Wildlife and bird-watching, tribes, rock-hewn churches, festivals, culture, highlands, trekking, motorbiking.

Eswatini – Old Kingdom, culture, game parks, arts and crafts.

Gambia – Beaches, bird-watching, Baboon Islands.

Ghana – Gold mines, castle and forts, slave history, cocoa beans, music.

Kenya – Wildlife safaris, wildebeest migration, Masai Mara, tea plantations.

Madagascar – “The Island of Perfumes”, unique wildlife, lemurs, beaches, islands, baobab tress, national parks, limestone pinnacles.

Malawi – Landscape, witch doctors, sugar plantations, Lake Malawi, David Livingstone (world famous missionary).

Mauritius – Beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, markets.

Morocco – Souks, riads, mint tea, Atlas Mountains, Berber tribes.

Namibia – Namib Desert, ghost town, shipwrecks, tribes, townships, German towns.

Rwanda – Mountain range, Lake Kivu, fruit bats, mountain gorillas.

Seychelles – Islands, idyllic beaches, marine parks.

South Africa – Apartheid, townships, shark diving, V&A Waterfront, whale watching, wine regions, ostriches, game parks.

Tanzania – Game reserves, national parks, Mount Kilimanjaro, source of the River Nile.

Zambia – National parks, lakes, rivers.

Zanzibar – Spices, slave history, cobbled streets, stunning beaches.

Antarctica

Known for: Ice, cruises, Arctic wildlife, coldest place on Earth.

Asia

Known for: Culture, traditions, traditional medicine, temples, Himalayas, martial arts, yoga, rickshaws, spirituality, diving.

Armenia – Churches, Christian roots, gorges, mountains.

Azerbaijan – Skiing, futuristic architecture, mud volcanoes, fire mountain.

Bhutan – Ancient Kingdom, traditions, monarchy, Tiger Nest monastery, Buddhist culture.

Brunei – Museums, mosques, palaces.

Cambodia – Angkor Wat, Pol Pot history, Mekong River, rice paddies.

China – Chinese New Year, Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, history, cheap shopping, monasteries.

Hong Kong – Nightlife, shopping, harbour, stunning skyline.

India – Clothes and fabrics, colourful and vibrant, tigers, diversity, spirituality, yoga, shopping, ghats, traditions, cremation ceremonies, cooking classes, curries.

Indonesia – Diving, Komodo dragons, fossils, volcanoes, surfing, islands, beaches.

Japan – Tea, Manga, technology, sushi, vibrant cities, Mount Fiji, temples.

Kazakhstan – Ancient Kazakh nomads, mountains, glaciers, rock canyons.

Kyrgyzstan – Alpine lake, Tien Shan Mountains, walnut forests, Osh Bazaar.

Laos – Culture, trekking, mountains, adventure, tribal villages.

Malaysia – Petronas Towers, tea plantations, wildlife, primates, hiking, heritage, islands, tribes, motor racing.

Maldives – Lagoons, stunning beaches, coral reefs, warm waters, diving.

Mongolia – Gobi Desert, nomads, gers, double-humped camels, Mongolian wrestling, archery, Genghis Khan.

Myanmar – Ancient ruins, temples, culture, hiking, floating villages.

Nepal – Mount Everest, trekking, Himalayas, markets, religion.

Philippines – Islands, diving, adventure, palm-fringed beaches, festivals, whale sharks, shopping, nature, flora and fauna, spas.

Singapore – Shopping, Raffles Hotel, nightlife, quayside, Sentosa Island.

South Korea – Coffee culture, outdoor adventure, nightlife, Korean ginseng, cuisine, K-pop music.

Sri Lanka – Tea tourism, Tamils, elephants, nature, greenery, Buddhism, hiking, wild cats.

Tajikistan – Pamir Highway, Mountains, Buzhashi (a Central Asian sport).

Taiwan – Mountains, forests, scenery, traditions, hot springs, walking, cycling.

Thailand – Hill tribes, full-moon parties, beaches, cheap cuisine, Buddhism, temples, monkeys, cooking classes, fishing villages, limestone karsts, diving.

Tibet – Himalayas, Buddhism, Dalai Lama, trekking, monasteries, monks. Turkmenistan – The Gate of Hell (Darvaza gas crater), desert, UNESCO cities.

Uzbekistan – Ancient cities, mausoleums, The Registan, The Silk Road.

Vietnam – War history, motorbiking, landscapes, lakes, Halong Bay, cuisine, Mekong River, hill tribes.

Caribbean

Known for: White sandy beaches, islands, reggae, rum, dancing, steel-drum music, tropical food, flora and fauna, marine life, diving, relaxation, cruises.

Anguilla – Cuisine, tranquility, coral reefs.

Aruba – Dutch island, shopping, beaches, spectacular sunsets.

Bahamas – Beaches, dolphins, stingrays, old pirate stronghold, jewellery, flamingos, slave huts.

Barbados – Cruising, historic buildings, lighthouses, nature, architecture, beaches.

British Virgin Islands – Paradise, full-moon parties, nightlife, sailing, water sports.

Cayman Islands – Islands, tourism, coral reefs, diving.

Cuba – Salsa, rum, culture, political history, home stays, live music, American classic cars, horse and carts, colourful streets, stepping back in time.

Dominica – Nature, tropical forests, hiking, Boiling Lake, jungle adventures.

Dominican Republic – Beaches, kite-surfing, cobbled backstreets, adventure sports.

Grenada – Spices, diving, hiking, rainforests.

Guadeloupe – French culture, Creole traditions, volcano, nightlife, sports, rum distilleries, waterfall.

Haiti – African roots, slums, voodoo, forests, fortress.

Jamaica – Coffee, reefs, Seven Mile Beach, waterfalls, outdoors, hiking.

Martinique – French, black sand, mountains, hiking, flora and fauna, rainforests, wildlife.

Netherlands Antilles – Dutch influence, diving, ostrich farm.

Puerto Rico – Mountains, beaches, harbours, forts, castles.

Saint Kitts & Nevis – Mountains, sugar plantations, fortresses, horse carriages, hiking.

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines – Volcanoes, shipwrecks, cobbled streets, reggae music.

Trinidad & Tobago – Tropical rainforest, calypso music, steel drums.

Central America

Known for: Volcanoes, lakes, nature, canals, coffee farms, Spanish cities, diving.

Belize – English speaking, jungle, big cats, diving, culture, zip-lining, caving, Mayan sites.

Costa Rica – Eco-tourism, cloud forests, wildlife, volcanoes, outdoors, coffee.

El Salvador – Surfing, war museum, rainforest, birdwatching, hiking, jungle, wildlife.

Guatemala – Mayan ruins, colourful towns, Lake Atilán, handicrafts, customs, Garifuna people.

Honduras – Islands, Mayan ruins, diving, Garifuna people.

Nicaragua – Spanish fortresses, cloud forests, lakes, volcanoes, Corn Islands.

Panama – Panama Canal, coffee, cosmopolitan capital, islands.

Europe

Known for: History, island hopping, cities, architecture, great nightlife, cuisine, skiing, old towns, Christmas markets.

Albania – Mountains, nightlife, colourful capital, interesting history, ancient ruins, beaches.

Austria – Architecture, Alps, Mozart, Baroque buildings, Alpine forests, skiing, waterfalls, scenery.

Belarus – Culture, architecture, city nightlife.

Belgium – Beer factories, chocolatiers, waffles, medieval city.

Bosnia and Herzegovina – War history, bombed buildings, forests, tunnels, waterfalls, monasteries, mountains, coastline.

Bulgaria – Crazy nightlife, Black Sea resorts, vineyards, skiing, old town, ancient Roman city.

Channel Islands – Seafood, hiking, bird-watching, harbours, rock climbing, coves, cobbled streets.

Croatia – Island hopping, old towns, beautiful coastline, partying, waterfalls.

Cyprus – Vineyards, partying, hiking, harbour, rocky coves, sandstone fortress, historic cities.

Czech Republic – Gothic architecture, cave monastery, skiing.

Denmark – Viking history, cool cities, castles, coast.

England – Medieval history, monarchy, countryside, spiritual sites, music, surfing, city landmarks.

Estonia – Medieval history, World Heritage city, forests, national parks, outdoors, hiking, bird-watching.

Faroe Islands – Folk songs, birdlife, hiking, traditions, grass-roofed houses, tranquility, outdoors.

Finland – Lapland, Santa Claus, saunas, midnight sun, winter adventures, reindeers, harbour city.

France – Cuisine, châteaux, Champagne, city landmarks, art, D-Day history, Alps.

Georgia – UNESCO World Heritage sites, seaside resorts, castles, cave cities.

Germany – Oktoberfest, castles, trekking, beer culture, war history, vineyards.

Gibraltar – Rock climbing, monkeys, botanical gardens, whale watching, water sports.

Greece – Island hopping, ancient civilisation, mythology, Mediterranean, tavernas.

Greenland – Indigenous people, scenery, Arctic wildlife, fishing ports, icebergs, fjords, hot springs, modern city.

Hungary – River Danube, architecture, Roman spas, diversity, mountains, rivers, nightlife.

Iceland – Icelandic horses, geothermal activity, glaciers, quirky culture, Northern Lights, midnight sun, fjords, Blue Lagoon.

Ireland – Hospitality, Guinness and whisky brewing, folk songs, traditions, rugged coastline, fishing villages.

Isle of Man – Motorbiking, walking, cycling, sea life, quad biking.

Italy – Cuisine, cooking classes, lakes, romantic cities, ancient history, architecture, shopping and fashion, coffee shops.

Latvia – Old town, dog sledding, nature parks, white beaches, medieval history.

Liechtenstein – Hiking, biking, skiing, castles.

Lithuania – Folklore, highlands, cobbled streets, artisans, ancient ruins, cycling, nature.

Luxembourg – Natural sites, hillside town, pastel houses, hiking.

Macedonia – Lakes, rivers, mountains, historical buildings, modern capital.

Malta – Mediterranean, islands, walking, ethnic diversity, Neolithic temples.

Moldova – Vineyards, farming, cave monasteries.

Monaco – Racing, casinos, designer shops, Riviera.

Montenegro – Beautiful bay, old town, skiing, rural tourism, adventure.

Netherlands – Windmills, canals, red-light district, arts, flowers, Van Gogh, museums, cycling.

Norway – Northern lights, midnight sun, nature, fjords, winter sports, picturesque towns, Viking history.

Poland – History, countryside, rivers, lakes, ancient city.

Portugal – Coastline, castles, Roman ruins, surfing, cobbled streets, Port, street art.

Romania – Transylvania, castles, pretty squares.

Russia – Architecture, train journeys, Cold War, Siberia, lakes, vast landscapes, eco- tourism.

Sweden – Viking history, shopping, midnight sun, ice hotels, winter sports, glaciers, rock climbing.

Scotland – Lochs, castles, bagpipes, traditions, whisky.

Serbia – Party boats, rivers, bridges, eco-tourism, bombed buildings, medieval castles.

Slovakia – Medieval, architecture, folklore, tradition, hidden towns, nightlife.

Slovenia – Lakes, outdoor adrenalin sports, castles, rivers, charming capital, caves.

Spain – Festivals, Costa del Sol, traditions, bull fighting, dancing, cuisine, hiking.

Switzerland – Stunning scenery, lakes, clean air, skiing, winter sports, hiking, outdoors, chocolatiers.

Turkey – Gateway to Asia, cuisine, architecture, Ottoman Empire, mosques, markets, Turkish coffee.

Ukraine – Chernobyl, underground caves, nightlife, Black Sea, Champagne.

Vatican City – Religion, museums, religious paintings, Sistine Chapel.

Middle East

Known for: Deserts, Bedouin tribes, desert hotels, souks, sleeping under the desert stars, shisha, Arabic culture.

Bahrain – Culture, museums, mosques, history, temples, pearl diving. Iran – History, mountains, deserts, heritage, art galleries, mosques.

Israel – Religious sites, beach city, Dead Sea, historical sites, desert, Palestine, olive production, national parks.

Jordan – Dead Sea, red desert, desert castles, ancient cities, Roman ruins, religious sites.

Kuwait – Desert plains, shopping, marinas.

Lebanon – Skiing, art, archaeology, valleys, hipster capital, dark tourism.

Oman – Sand dunes, starry skies, landscape, fishing town, mountains, souks, port town, hiking, rock formations.

Qatar – Markets, souks, fort, beach resorts, desert.

Saudi Arabia – Desert, mountains, fortress, coastal town (but difficult to enter).

United Arab Emirates – Racing, beaches, cosmopolitan cities, skyscrapers, gold jewellery, shopping, opulence, mosques, desert adventures, pearl diving, marinas.

Yemen – Desert, old ruins, mountains, gorge, ancient town.

North America

Known for: Iconic cities, road trips, train journeys, skiing, vast outdoors, wilderness. Bermuda – Pink beaches, cobbled streets, seafood, crystal caves.

Canada – Rocky Mountains, moose, bears, politeness, vast spaces, the outdoors, whale watching.

Hawaii – (part of the USA) Volcanic islands, blend of cultures, national parks, eco-tourism, mountains, forests, dancing, lava fields.

Mexico – Whale sharks, partying, Mexican coastline, great beaches, Mayan culture.

United States – Long road trips, cities, iconic music, Hollywood, casinos, Wild West, Native Americans, mountains.

Oceania

Known for: Iconic landmarks, Great Barrier Reef, scenery, road trips, islands, adventure.

Australia – Aborigines, long road trips, cities, outback, Great Barrier Reef, diving, surfing, outdoor living, East Coast partying, amusement parks, wildlife, iconic landmarks.

Fiji – Paradise islands, water sports, traditions.

Cook Islands – Tribal, islands, jungle, nature, coffee plantations.

New Zealand – Stunning scenery, waterfalls, adrenalin sports, trekking, skiing, hiking, glaciers, geothermal activity, whale watching.

Palau – Islands, Jellyfish Lake, wrecks, diving.

Papua New Guinea – Tribes, islands, adventure, mountains, jungles.

Samoa – Volcanoes, islands, forests, waterfalls, diving, hiking.

Solomon Islands – Diving, snorkelling, islands, underwater volcanoes, sunken wrecks.

Tonga – Whales, volcanoes, rainforest, sinkholes, islands, eco-tourism.

Vanuatu – Active volcano, waterfalls, islands, tribes, ancient traditions, lakes, adventure.

South America

Known for: Rainforests, Amazon, jungles, coffee plantations, Spanish cities, Incas, Aztec ruins, Mayan culture.

Argentina – Dancing, steaks, wine, ancient caves, trekking, whale watching, Iguazu Falls, stunning scenery.

Bolivia – The highest national capital in the world, salt flats, traditions, salt hotels, stunning scenery, volcanos, coloured lakes, flamingos.

Brazil – Iguazu Falls, World’s largest inland wetlands, carnivals, Amazon, wildlife, flora and fauna, beaches, one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Chile – Easter Island, star gazing, vineyards, glaciers, hiking, beaches, desert.

Colombia – Andes, coffee plantations, Amazon, Caribbean coastline, dancing.

Ecuador – Wildlife, Galapagos Islands, jungle, chocolate, coffee, modern cities.

Falkland Islands – British, landscapes, sea life.

Guyana – Ethnic culture, eco-tourism, waterfalls.

Paraguay – Rural villages, jaguars, waterfalls, zip lining, UNESCO villages.

Peru – Mountain scenery, Incas, Aztecs, Machu Picchu, trekking, national parks, jungle, festivals, Lake Titicaca.

Suriname – Eco-tourism, Amazon, tropical forest, nature reserves. Uruguay – Beaches, cattle ranches, mountains, countryside.

Budget

If you're travelling on a budget you may prefer to travel to cheaper countries. Here’s a list of the cheapest and most expensive, which you may want to avoid if you're on a budget.

Cheapest countries

• Africa – Tunisia, Morocco
• Asia – Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
• Caribbean – Dominican Republic
• Central America – Nicaragua
• Europe – Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland
• Latin America – Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua
• Middle East – Jordan
• North America – New Orleans
• South America – Paraguay

Most expensive countries

• Africa – Angola
• Asia – Japan, Singapore
• Caribbean – St Barts
• Central America – Panama
• Europe – Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland
• Middle East – Dubai
• North America – San Francisco
• South America – Uruguay

Too many choices? Then create a bucket list of all the places you’ve ever dreamed of going to. Just remember that you won’t be able to do and see everything, as there will nearly almost never be enough time or money, but don’t let that stop you creating your dream itinerary.