New Zealand
Lakes, fjords, lodges and wine country
Alpine lakes, fjords, vineyards and Māori culture, in a country of great variety for its size.
Discover New Zealand
The collection
Destinations
Six countries we know in depth, across the South Pacific and Asia, each with its own detailed planning guide.
Our guides are written to help you decide, not just to inspire. Each one explains the regions worth your time, how the seasons differ across the country, a realistic trip length, a sample route and the practical details worth knowing before you go. New Zealand and Australia sit alongside Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and South Korea because many of the best journeys we plan combine them.
Australia
Harbor cities, reef and red desert
Harbor cities, reef and rainforest, the Red Centre and Tasmania's wild coast, on a continental scale.
Discover Australia
Japan
Timeless beauty, modern luxury
Temple towns, mountain hot springs and the energy of Tokyo, connected by some of the world's finest trains.
Discover Japan
Vietnam
Culture, cuisine and coastal escapes
Limestone bays, imperial history, lantern-lit towns and some of Asia's most celebrated food.
Discover Vietnam
Thailand
Temples, street food and island coasts
Bangkok's energy, the temples and mountains of the north, and two very different island coasts.
Discover Thailand
South Korea
Tradition meets innovation
Palaces and design-forward cities, temple stays, volcanic islands and one of Asia's great food cultures.
Discover South KoreaCompare
The six destinations at a glance
A starting point for choosing. Every destination works in more than one season; the right answer depends on your interests, your dates and which regions you want to see.
| Destination | Especially good for | Suggested first-trip length | Generally favorable seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Scenic road journeys, walking, lodges, wine regions and outdoor adventure | 12 to 16 days for a first visit covering both islands | December to April for warm-weather touring; March to April for settled autumn days; June to September for skiing |
| Australia | City life, food and wine, reef and rainforest, wildlife and Outback landscapes | 14 to 18 days for a first visit across three regions | September to November and March to May suit most itineraries; May to October for the tropical north |
| Japan | Food, culture, design, gardens, ryokan stays and rail journeys | 12 to 16 days for a first visit | Late March to May and October to November; winter for Hokkaido snow |
| Vietnam | Food, history, landscapes, culture and beach time | 14 to 16 days for north, central and south | Varies by region; February to April is often the best overall compromise |
| Thailand | Food, temples, beach resorts, wellness, families and first trips to Asia | 12 to 16 days for city, north and islands | November to March for most regions; the Gulf islands are often good from January to August |
| South Korea | Food, cities, design, history, temple stays and hiking | 9 to 12 days for a first visit | April to early June and September to November |
Combining destinations
Long-haul flights from the United States to this part of the world are a significant investment of time, so it often makes sense to see more than one country on the same trip, provided the pacing stays realistic. A few combinations work particularly well:
- New Zealand and Australia. A natural pairing, with frequent trans-Tasman flights. Allow at least three weeks to do both justice; with two weeks, one country usually works better.
- Japan and South Korea. Short flights connect the two, and the contrast is rewarding. See our 18-day Japan and South Korea journey.
- Vietnam and Thailand. Regional flights link Bangkok with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Weather patterns differ by region, so timing needs care.
- Asia with the South Pacific. Some travelers break the long journey to New Zealand or Australia with a stopover in Asia, such as a few days in Tokyo or Bangkok.
Beyond these six
These six countries are where our published guides focus, but they are not the limit of what we plan. Through Fora we can arrange travel to many other destinations, and we will always be clear about where our knowledge is deepest. If you have somewhere else in mind, tell us about it.
Not sure where to begin?
Tell us your dates and what you enjoy, and we will suggest the destinations and routes that fit.