Afghanistan

Why bother? Afghanistan is a war torn country with daily problems. Although one day may again be a beautiful place to visit with it’s various historical artefacts.

Fast Facts for Afghanistan

• Location: Southern Asia
• Capital: Kabul
• Climate: Cold winters with a moderate wet season.
• Currency: Afghanistan afghani (Afg)
• Language: Persian (Pashto, Russian and Uzbek also spoken in areas)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/afghanistan

Iraq

Given the volatile state of the country at the moment, car bombings, suicide bombers I would be surprised if anybody would seriously consider this as a holiday destination. To be avoided.

• Location: Middle East
• Capital: Baghdad
• Climate: Hot dry summers with mild winters.
• Currency: Iraqi Dinar (ID)
• Language: Arabic (English also spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/iraq

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is overpriced. Even though the tourist infractructure is well developed and that it receives thousands of tourists, the prices are much higher than they should be considering the other Central American countries.

• Location: Central America
• Capital: San Jose
• Climate: Tropical wet or dry climate.
• Currency: Costa Rican colón (¢)
• Language: Spanish (English also spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/central-america/costa-rica

Norway

Norway is a vast and scenic country most famous for the phenonomen ‘Aurora Borealis’ or ‘Northern Lights.’ However unfortunately the country is a very expensive place. Expect to pay through the nose for the most basic of items especially food and drinks. Not for those with a light pocket.

• Location: Northern Europe
• Capital: Oslo
• Climate: Cold at best.
• Currency: Norwegian Krone (Nkr)
• Language: Bokmal and Nynorsk
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/norway

France

The people in France are a rude and unfriendly sort. Although there are some that may be helpful so long as you speak some French. The scenery is disappointing, the beaches are rocky and the place is dirty. Expect it to rain.

• Location: Western Europe
• Capital: Paris
• Climate: Mild temperate climate.
• Currency: Euro (Euro)
• Language: French
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/france

Indonesia

Indonesia is a beautiful place with vast and beautiful scenery. Volcanoes and mountains galore! However the stifling heat will deter all but the most seasoned traveller. Every afternoon the humidity will overcome the most intrepid traveller.

• Location: Southeastern Asia
• Capital: Jakarta
• Climate: Hot and wet or hot and dry.
• Currency: Rupiah (Rp)
• Language: Bahasa Indonesian (Also English, Javanese and Sundanese spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/indonesia

Israel

While Israel claims to be a world class destination with various cultural attractions, Israel does not appear to offer anything more than other middle eastern countries. It is overpriced especially considering how cheap Egypt and Jordan are in comparison.

• Location: Middle East
• Capital: Jerusalem
• Climate: Mainly hot and dry.
• Currency: Shekel (₪)
• Language: Hebrew (also Arabic and English spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle- east/israel-and-the-palestinian-territories

South Korea

South Korea in particular Seoul is an extremely busy place. While the country is known for its culture and historical sites, tombs, temples, and ancient relics the country is very crowded and hardly relaxing. During the holiday periods in July and August the accomodation also tends to get very expensive, there are crowds everywhere and the transport system is overloaded.

• Location: Eastern Asia
• Capital: Seoul
• Climate: Humid summers and icy winters.
• Currency: Republic of Korean Won (W)
• Language: Korean (official)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/south-korea

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is perhaps most well known for it’s sensational landscapes and teeming wildlife however about 30 miles southeast of the capital Managua, there is Lake Nicaragua. The water is dirty, brown and polluted. The rubbish rolls in with the waves and is definitely not a place to swim.

• Location: Central America
• Capital: Managua
• Climate: Varies according to altitude, mainly hot and wet.
• Currency: Córdoba (C)
• Language: Spanish (English also spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/central-america/nicaragua

India

India is a beautiful place with culture and colour galore unfortunately the bureaucracy makes it difficult to travel. There are various scams to avoid. The honest traveller will meet dozens of persisent and dishonest people who will use any method to attempt to make a quick dollar. The crowds are extremely difficult to navigate and just buying a train ticket will test anyone’s sanity.

• Location: Southern Asia
• Capital: New Delhi
• Climate: Varies greatly from arid desert to monsoons.
• Currency: Indian Rupee (Rs)
• Language: Hindi (English widely spoken)
• Related Link: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/asia/india/