Sunday, August 1, 2010

There are two kinds of travellers in the world - those who meticulously plan, reserve and itinerate every last detail of a trip and those who simply open up an atlas, point their finger on a location and hop on a plane bound to anywhere.
Regardless of which traveller you are, guidebooks are an essential part of getting to know a new place.
For the highbrow traveller, the Wallpaper, Luxe and Zagat guides provide tips on the hip and trendy places to see.
Then there are the more traditional books like the Michelin guides and Fodor’s.
But for the intrepid wanderers looking to go off the beaten track, the go-to gurus are without a doubt the people behind the Lonely Planet guidebooks.
Their recently published ‘Best in Travel 2009’, lists where to go, what to see and how to experience 850 destinations which should take care of the next few vacations on the horizon.
A few years ago, the hotspots on a traveller’s must-visit list included places like Croatia, promising an authentic Eastern European experience before the tourist masses descended on it.
In a world that is getting increasingly smaller (not to mention, with even smaller bank accounts), what does 2009 hold in store for those affected by a touch of wanderlust?
Ben Handicott, the associate publisher explains that the guide is unlike more in-depth ones in that it does not include restaurant or hotel recommendations. Instead, it focuses on a quirkier, more succinct format with lists such as ‘Most Spine-Tingling Commutes’ and ‘Best Places for Deadly Sins’.
“We want people to open the book, point their finger and come up with something different every time,” he said.
“We want people to be able to dip in and out of content, to basically be able to get some ideas and plan their trip on the plane.
“I guess it’s the effect of the internet,” Handicott says.  
Abeer, 29, who recently adopted the ‘pack up and leave’ approach to travelling, has just returned from a hastily planned trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and China, with minimal preparation.
“I was strapped for time and didn’t have a spare minute to plan anything. I made sure I had all the visas I needed and tentative flight reservations before I set off and that kind of set the mood for the trip,” she says.
Abeer admits it was a bit daunting to arrive in Vietnam without a firm itinerary, but it was good not to have too many confusing recommendations from hefty guide books.
For last minute travellers like Abeer, a streamlined, no-frills guide like ‘Best in Travel 2009’ (each entry is no longer than two pages) is ideal for quick tips and unconventional experiences.
In addition to listing their picks for top ten places to see, the book also suggests going on a transatlantic cruise as well as more adventurous options like trekking across the Sahara desert and a Cairo-to-Capetown biking trip.  
So no matter where you go, just remember the golden rule of travelling - pack light and bon voyage!

Algeria
Lonely Planet describes it as “the most fascinating country you never thought of visiting” and with its ancient salt lakes, French inspired cities and the romantic views of Timimoun, “fascinating” is the least of it.  

Bangladesh
 With sites dating back more than 2000 years, Bangladesh is a perfect spot for history buffs to discover. Don’t miss the largest littoral mangrove forest in the world, Dhaka’s markets and 19th century Maharajah mansions.

Canada
It may not sound too exotic but Canada offers a range of different experiences - just try to stay away when the temperatures dip to ridiculous, sub-zero levels.

Georgia   
Tradition meets modernity here and the local highlight is the food with a mix of European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern influences. Check out the cave city of Vardzia, where guides lead you through a maze of caves built in the 12th century as fortifications and then later turned into a religious complex for 50,000 people.

Greenland
Yes, it does exist.
For many, Greenland is a semi-mythical place with monstrous glaciers, fjords and the fantastical aurora borealis.
And those are just three of the reasons why it should be on your must-visit list.

Kyrgyzstan
Be honest - did you ever even consider visiting a ‘-stan’, as Lonely Planet refers to Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and other Central Asian republics?
A welcoming and accessible spot, don’t miss out on Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world.

Oman
Luckily for people living in Dubai, this neighbouring country is a weekend destination that is not only beautiful, but convenient as well. You won’t have to travel too far to take advantage of the beaches and lush scenery of Oman.

Peru
From the Peruvian Andes where trekkers flock to, to the lost city of Machu Picchu and countless mountainous villages, Peru, with it’s rich history and colourful clothing is the perfect mix of Spanish colonial cities and South American charm.

Rwanda
While Rwanda once conjured up visions of misty mountains and breathtaking gorillas, the genocide that devastated the country in 1994 replaced those images with those of a savage war. Much of the country has been rebuilt however, and it’s ready for the tourists. The gorillas are still a sight to behold.

Sierra Leone
Try to stave off any hopes of saving the day a la Leonardo Di Caprio in ‘Blood Diamond’ and instead think of virgin beaches and national parks that rival most in West Africa.