Top 5: Countries

1. Bolivia

The cheapest country in Latin America, is full of friendly people and wild nightlife. You can buy dynamite and 97% alcohol in the shops as long as your 9, bike down the worlds most dangerous road and traverse the stunning salt plains, all whilst sitting at around 4000m altitude in this beautiful Andean country.

2. Nepal

Another mountain kingdom even more astoundingly beautiful than Bolivia. The 8 days I spent hiking in the Nepali Himalayas is undoubteldy one of the highlights of a brilliant year.

3. Panama

Many people may be surprised by this choice, and my answer would be to tell them to go to the San Blas Islands, the most beautiful islands I have ever been to. Bocas Del Toro another set of Carribean islands is less attractive, but a lot more fun (diving boards off the roof of the bar!) and Panama City's a fun night out too.

4. Uruguay

This little visited country is the perfect place to enjoy surf, sun, sand and steak in relaxing fasion.

5. Laos

Want an authentic South-East Asian experience? Head to Laos. With less tourists, friendlier people and a limited tourist industry that has yet to squeeze the culture out of this beautiful country as has happened elsewhere in the region.