Andy Burrows

Rising like an enormous barrier between France and Spain, the Pyrenees are one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the whole of Europe. This has long been a popular destination with skiers, as this region stretches for some 430kms all the way from the Bay of Biscay towards the Mediterranean of Languedoc and the area is studded with terrific ski resorts.

Vietnam is an ideal place for backpackers. It is very inexpensive and there is a tangible sense of adventure here for even the most basic day to day activities. Though plenty of expensive travel tours make it here and even though there is no shortage of luxury options, the backpacker circuit here is well established and most budget adventurers will get ample bang for their buck in Vietnam.

Besides a wide range of other hedonistic things like partying, visiting girly bars and mega shopping, Bangkok is also home to one of the best wining and dining scenes in the world.

With a considerable expat population and a reputation as one of Thailand’s most popular holiday resorts, Pattaya sees it fair share of westerners, which generates considerable demand for quality dining and drinking establishments.

A lot of folk assume that owning a pub in Thailand must be a very pleasant way of earning a good living. New bars open in Chiang Mai all the time, but they often vanish again within a year. It is not that easy to succeed and there are many unexpected things you have to deal with.

Phuket’s largest and most significant beach resort draws large numbers of tourists across the seasons, particularly between November and March when Thailand’s often searing heat is considerably more bearable. Holidaymakers flock to Patong Beach for its scenic views and golden sands as well as its glut of high-rise hotels, tourist amenities and heavily westernised eateries.

Airport car hire is becoming more popular these days as budget airlines enable more people to fly while at the same time leaving travellers extra money to spend on other services.

Asia has long been a haven for backpackers, delighting travellers with exotic destinations at budget rates. One of the most popular countries acting as a backpackers’ paradise is China with its inexpensive food, choice range of accommodation and variety of welcoming cities and sights.

Thai people love to eat. There is nothing that they enjoy more. Every corner, street and alley has a restaurant, street stall or stand selling snacks, nibbles, bites and full menus of tantalising local specialities.

Pattaya is a popular holiday destination among gay and lesbian travellers, not just for its beaches and close proximity to the Thai capital, but for its liberal attitude towards homosexuality and its vibrant gay-friendly nightlife.