Article by Kaya Brown

Colombia's National Parks are plentiful, varied and brimming with wildlife. We've collated the very best that the country has to offer, from the pristine beaches of Tayrona to the rocky peaks of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy in the Andes Mountains.

• Colombia
• JanuaryFebruaryMarch, +3
• Off the Beaten PathUndiscovered BeachesWalking & Hiking, +2

Article by Samantha Fergusson

Colombia's Lost City is the "new" Machu Picchu - a fascinating ruined city of terraces and steps hidden deep in the Colombian jungle and dating to 600 years before its Peruvian counterpart was even thought of. The only way of reaching this stunning spot is on a four day hike forging rivers, sleeping in hammocks and scrambling up vine-clad mountain slopes. An adventurer's heaven...

• Colombia
• JanuaryFebruaryMarch, +1
• CulturalHistoryAdventure, +1

Article by Larissa Obolensky

Over the years, Colombia has shaken off its tumultuous past and its kaleidoscopic character has come to life. With colonial archaeology galore, idyllic beaches, a fascinating culture and lost cities hidden deep in the jungle there is a huge amount to discover here. With the help of our local experts, we've picked out some highlights to help inspire you in planning your trip.

• Colombia
• JanuaryFebruaryMarch, +4
• ClassicCoastCultural, +7

Article by Martha Hales

As the world's most biodiverse country, Brazil is abundant with thriving wildlife. We've rounded up our top three locations in the South American nation to see a wide variety of species, including the birds of the Amazon rainforest, the jaguars of the Pantanal and the country's dizzying array of flora.

• Brazil
• AprilMayJune, +4
• Off the Beaten PathSafariWildlife, +1

Article by Larissa Obolensky

Discover the bygone relics of the Maya Mountains in Belize, home to an abundance of wildlife, fantastic hiking routes and countless Mayan archaeological sites. Our blog post outlines all the best treks in the area, including the well-known Cockscomb Basin and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

• Belize
• FebruaryMarchApril, +1
• AdventureCulturalHistory, +3

Article by Martha Hales

The Malaysian island of Penang has everything you could possibly want from a holiday destination, with mouthwatering food, hidden beaches and magnificent temples. Read our blog post to find out more about this Southeast Asian paradise.

• Malaysia
• DecemberJanuaryFebruary, +1
• CoastCulturalFamily, +4

Article by Martha Hales

Kazakhstan is a wild and wonderful place of mountains, deserts, lakes and steppes... One of the best ways to get to grips with the country is to walk through its varied landscapes, stopping to admire the wild tulips as they bloom, and passing just the occasional nomad as they monitor their grazing herds. Here are our favourite places to hike in Kazakhstan.

• Kazakhstan
• JuneJulyAugust, +3
• AdventureOff the Beaten PathWalking & Hiking

Article by Kaya Brown

Ghana, Togo and Benin offer the perfect opportunity for an exciting African getaway at the fraction of the usual price, and without the hordes of tourists you find at better well-known destinations. We've rounded up our top tips and insider knowledge to bear in mind whilst travelling the West African coast.

• GhanaTogoBenin
• NovemberDecemberJanuary, +2
• CoastColonial EraCross Border, +10

Article by Martha Hales

No one parties quite like the Brazilians and there are plenty of festivals to get involved with whilst you're in the country. Whether it's New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach or Oktoberfest in Blumenau, our blog post outlines all the best festivals to check out whilst you're in the South American nation.

• Brazil
• JanuaryFebruaryMarch, +3
• CulturalFestivalsFood & Drink, +1

Article by Martha Hales

Trying to decide where to go on holiday with the best snorkelling? We've gathered together 10 of the best snorkelling (and diving) destinations, from the sparkling waters of Raja Ampat in Indonesia to the Great Blue Hole and epic coral reefs of Belize.

• BelizeMozambiqueBorneo, +6
• CoastAdventureWildlife, +1

Article by Samantha Fergusson

Ghana has an incredible stretch of coastline with some truly beautiful beaches as well as some cultural coastal hotspots... From Cape Coast with its historic castle to the remote wilds of Cape Three Points, find out which beaches we think are most worth a visit.

• Ghana
• CoastUndiscovered BeachesHistory

Article by Corinne Homer

The world is home to some weird and wonderful creatures, and here at TravelLocal we often come across them as we research destinations with our local experts. From the rarely seen pink fairy armadillo to the alien appearance of the snub nosed monkey, find out our favourite strange beasts and where to find them...

• ChinaKenyaIndonesia, +12
• WildlifeOff the Beaten PathUnique to TravelLocal

Article by Kati Taylor

The West African jewel of Ghana is bursting with things to do, see and experience. We've rounded up all the top reasons why you should head to this destination, including amazing wildlife, exciting festivals and tranquil beaches.

• Ghana
• NovemberDecemberJanuary, +3
• Great JourneysFamilyCoast, +9

Article by Samantha Fergusson

We've picked out the best destinations for your next hiking holiday, from Japan where you can follow the ancient Nakasendo Trail, to Kyrgyzstan or Namibia, where the breathtaking landscapes are best discovered on foot...

• EthiopiaNamibiaChina, +7
• Walking & HikingOff the Beaten PathAdventure