Highlights of South Korea

The South Korean Tourism Organisation has put together recommended itineraries allowing visitors to experience the best of what the country has to offer.

The special 11-day itinerary explores some beautiful sites, including several sites in Seoul.

Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site, is well worth a visit. Built in 1405, it was the principal palace for Kings and is the most well preserved of the Josean palaces. The gardens are extremely tranquil; they are filled with relaxing  fountains and beautiful plants. The grounds are best viewed in the autumn, as the leaves start to fall.

A quick ten minute stroll from Changdeokgung Palace lies Insa-dong, a centre of traditional Korean culture. Visitors can sample local, authentic dishes in the many restaurants, which line the streets. Insa-dong is the largest art market for Korean artwork, and is also a great place to pick up souvenirs.

The itinerary also includes some spectacular sites away from the big cities.

Oedo-Botania is a picturesque marine botanical garden located in Hallyeo Maritime National Park. The garden offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and crystal blue South Sea. Odeo Island offers camellias and various kinds of rare flowers from all over the world as well as fantastic sculptures. When coming down the 'Stairway to Heaven,' visitors can view the beautiful garden and the ocean in the background.  The Island truly gives visitors the chance to escape modern life.

Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country, and rightly so!  The beach is 1.5km long and up to 50m wide with rough white sand which sticks easily to the skin. The water is crystal clear and warm, making ideal swimming conditions. Haeundae Beach allows you to relax in paradise.

Click here to see the full eleven-day itinerary.

Top reasons to choose Barbados for your winter holiday

Barbados is the ideal location for those seeking some winter warmth with an average daytime temperature of 26 degrees celsius.

Barbados is famed for its sandy beaches, and rightly so! Visitors can explore 70 miles of sun-saturated beaches and translucent azure waters. The west coast offers calmer waters whilst the east coast laps up the Atlantic waves, making it a surfer’s paradise. For the most breathtaking beaches, a visit to the south east of the island is required- an alluring background of sheer, plant covered cliffs and pure pink sand awaits you.

The crystal clear water also makes Barbados the ideal location for water sports. Snorkelling or scuba diving allows you to see the underwater delights of marine life including coral reefs and sunken ships. If you prefer to be above the water, you can charter a yacht, manned by experienced and friendly crews.

The warm climate ensures a unique mix of flora and fauna. Green fingered travellers will appreciate the Andromeda Botanical Gardens where you can delight in the sights and scents of tropical flowers and trees. A particularly beautiful example is the dwarf Poinciana, with its typically red and yellow flowers and delicate green foliage- it is also the national flower of Barbados.

The best way to explore the Island is on foot. Every Sunday, three-hour hikes around the Island, in a variety of difficulties, are available. The Eastern and Northern sides are best for hiking; you can easily view the thrashing Atlantic waves that shape the coast. The views are simply spectacular.

There is no better way to celebrate Barbados’ heritage as the birthplace of rum than visiting a rum distillery. In St Michael’s Parish, the Mount Gay Rum and Malibu Rum visitor centres offers tourists the chance to witness the distilling process and to enjoy the full flavour of Barbados rum. Learn about the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the different rum companies.

If you enjoy shopping, you’ll love Barbados. Known as the tax-free haven of the Caribbean, the island is home to one of the most coveted shopping destinations in the region. If you prefer souvenirs, the talented island craftsmen produce all sorts of trinkets, fine art pieces and collectables for you to take home. With one pound averaging 3.2 Barbados dollars, you’ll get good value for money too.

For more information, click here

Foul Bay in South-Eastern Barbados