Reisverhalen / Wereldkaart

Nobody agrees on when Amerindian cultures first arrived in North America. What’s certain is that their advanced societies prospered, rose and fell here for thousands of years before European colonisation changed the face of this continent forever. Today, these lands are powerful both politically and economically. There is also immense natural wealth in this New World from the tundra, glaciers and pine forests of Canada to the cacti-filled deserts and tropical rainforests of Mexico.

Thousands of years of accomplished Asian history have contributed much to cultures around the globe, notably via the ancient silk and spice routes. Emerging democracies are slowly replacing the communist, authoritarian governments of the more recent past and countries freed from Soviet rule are striving to rebuild national identity. Monsoon rains, hidden Buddhist temples and rainforest-clad, desert islands are juxtaposed with fast-paced, gleaming cities, thriving financial markets and futuristic technology on the most populated continent in the world.

Palm trees, white sandy beaches and coral lagoons, the Pacific islands are an earthly paradise. Fertile volcanic islands and low lying atolls form the estimated twenty to thirty thousand oases in the largest ocean on Earth. To the south lie Australia and New Zealand, with vast areas of natural beauty and modern city culture alike.

Geographically active and volatile, this isthmus connecting North and South America is extraordinarily fertile due to ongoing volcanic activity. The thriving agricultural sector provides the world with tropical fruit and coffee but, more importantly, the fertility of the land supports magnificent biodiversity. Many countries in this region were the home ground of the Maya civilisation and stone carvings and ruins of the sophisticated, ancient cities still stud the landscape, testimony to the prowess and advancement of these ancient civilisations.

South America is home to the largest rainforest in the world, the highest waterfall, the grand Andes mountain range, baking deserts and the freezing landscape of Patagonia. Many civilisations, most famously the Incas, have competed for the continent’s bountiful resources and the earliest evidence of agriculture has been found here. These ‘Pre-Columbian’ societies live on in the populations here today and still make a massive contribution to the fascinating cultures of South America.

Extending from the deserts and sun-baked beaches of Spain to the icy fjords in Norway, Europe is a continent packed with art, culture and history. The opulent colonialist societies of the past have evolved into a democratic, economic powerhouse, headed by the European Union. With amazing diversity on one continent, Europe has something for everyone.

Named after the Carib tribe who lived here at the time of European discovery, this region of lush, volcanic islands and blue-green, crystal seas has year-round sunshine (and the occasional hurricane). Long known as a resort destination for honeymooners and cruise ships, many of these islands are recognising and protecting their natural heritage, creating new opportunities for the eco-tourist.

Advantageous positioning between Europe, Africa and Asia has made this a region of huge importance and throughout the ages the Middle East has been at the centre of world affairs. Three of the world’s main religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism originated in this region and three of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were situated here. Beautiful architecture, friendly people and a rich cultural life make this an area more than worth visiting.