Bales - Top 5 2013 Destinations

Japan - Jen Liscombe, Senior Marketing Executive: Discover Japan

Japan offers something for everyone with its mix of traditional and modern which inspires me to travel there. The beauty of Spring’s cherry blossom season creates a breathtaking backdrop to explore dynamic Tokyo and the Imperial Palace. Nothing could be better than travelling by the infamous Bullet train to Hiroshima and Kyoto and taking in the views of the awe inspiring Mnt Fuji.  

Costa Rica –  Kat Baghdadi, Travel Expert: Discover Costa Rica

No place would get me closer to nature than Costa Rica. I love the idea of venturing into this unspoilt slice of the world and observing the wealth of flora and fauna that this island has to offer. It’s a place to feel like a true explorer, where else can you say that you’ve walked on volcanoes, ventured into jungle and experienced the beauty of the Monteverde Cloud forest? A truly special place I can’t wait to visit.

India  - Belinda Keay, Customer Services Manager: Discover India

I have wanted to visit India for many years and my perfect trip would be to see the beautiful Taj Mahal at sunset and then fly to Varanasi and take a boat trip at dawn to witness the pilgrims bathing in the Ganges River. I would then travel on to one of the game parks, where there is a good chance of viewing a tiger, before continuing to the historic forts of Rajasthan and a stay in one of the former Maharajah’s palaces. My journey would end in Kerala with a relaxing backwaters cruise, exploring local villages where life has remained unchanged for many years.

Jordan – Sue Livsey, Product Manager: Discover Jordan

Jordan is next on my list to re-explore. With a hugely diverse landscape and a wealth of ancient monuments it is a destination with many sides which offers something new each visit. Petra cannot be missed, the rose coloured city is a gateway to another time and its scale looks breathtaking. I also want to get a true taste of the Bedouin culture journeying into the spectacular Wadi Rum desert and of course spending time to discover the reviving properties of the wonderous Dead Sea!

Myanmar (Burma) – Lynne Raw, Operations Manager: Discover Myanmar

I would love to visit Burma as for me; it’s the uniqueness of the place and how much it has managed to preserve its beautiful natural environment, traditional customs and ancient cultural heritage that appeals.  I really want to visit The Golden Rock Pagoada at Kyaiktiyo and wonder at how it was constructed so precariously on top of a rocky outcrop.  But for me the highlight must be to take a balloon flight over the ruins of Bagan and view silently the many temples and stupas which date back to the 11^th century.