Lesotho is the very small ‘Kingdom in the Sky’ completely land-locked by South Africa. It’s a perfect gem of a place – especially for the independent traveller – where the exploring opportunities seem endless. You Too a Basotho To come to grips with new cultures, what could be better as first immersion than to live…

If you thought visiting Brazil in summer was all about crowded beaches and hordes of tourists, think again! The tiny island of Fernando de Noronha, 340km off the northeast coast of Brazil is a peaceful gem waiting to be discovered. With the government limiting the number of visitors to 420 people at any one time…

The Cook Islands are best known for their pristine beaches and warm lagoons, the kinds of retreats that usually appeal to travellers in the South Pacific Ocean. Most visitors therefore end up on the two most popular and easily reachable islands, Rarotonga and Aitutaki. However, the Cook Islands have so much more to offer

On 8 December 2008, under a marquee on a beach at Le Lagon Resort in Port Vila, the Vanuatu Tourism Association (VTA) distributed honours to the stars of its industry. On hand were John and Silvana Nicholls of Vanuatu Hotels to present to Epi Island Guesthouse the Green Award, introduced to create a greater more…

On 11 January 2009 the New York Times (NYT) published a piece entitled The 44 Places to Go in 2009. The introduction suggests that they are the new year’s ‘most compelling destinations’ and they’re presented in an order of preference ‘recommended’ by the NYT. At the article’s request, readers also voted on their favourites and, with…

The scope of certification has now been broadened to include social and cultural issues – all part of a movement focusing on sustainability. Whilst I applaud the intent, efforts and enthusiasm of all the experts involved, I can’t help but feel things haven’t gone so well. It seems to me that key beneficiaries of the message – you! the travellers! – have been left out. As a result, many suppliers are not so sure that the cost of certification will be rewarded by increased patronage.