Destination guides

AUSTRALIA

Country overview

Australia is the world's largest island, the sixth largest country by land mass, in a recent survey, it's the fifth friendliest country!

Australia is actually a land packed full with natural wonders. From the Great Barrier Reef - the world's largest coral reef - to Uluru (Ayers Rock), the world's largest monolith. Culturally, it's hot too, being home to not only world famous comedians but musicians, actors, directors and the iconic Sydney Opera House.

And the beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping scenary and a varied climate, Australia easily caters for the most diverse of tourists.

Essential facts

CAPITAL CITY: Canberra

LANGUAGE: English

CURRENCY: Australian dollar

ELECTRICITY: 220/240V AC 50Hz

DRIVING: Driving is on the left. National licence or international driving permit required

FLIGHT TIMES:19.5 - 23 hours

TIME DIFFERENCE: +9.5 to +11

TIPPING: Restaurant tipping only and taxi fares rounded up

Weather

Summers and Winters are the reverse to those in Europe. Central Australia is a vast desert region, with little rainfall, hot Summer temperatures and cool evenings. North and Northeast Australia has a tropical climate and is hot all year. The monsoon rains arrive between November and March. Southeast Australia has warm to hot Summers on the coast and hot temperatures inland. Winters can be coolers and weather can be changeable year round. Southern and Western Asutralia have a Mediterranean-type climate. Summer temperatures can be hot and Winters mild.

Useful contacts

Tourism Australia

Tel 0207438 4601

Website: www.australia.com

Embassy

Tel 0207379 4334

Website: www.uk.embassy.gov.au

BARBADOS

Country overview

One of the most developed islands in the region, Barbados is the most easterly island in the Caribbean.

A former British colony, it still has close ties with the UK and it is a favourite with British holiday-makers. It lies approximately 100 miles east of St Vincent and the Grenadines and 250 miles north-east of Trinadad and Tobago.

Barbados' rugged east coast fronts the Atlantic Ocean, and the much calmer south and east coasts face the caribbean Sea.

Tourism is focused on the south and east coasts, with the capital Bridgetown on the island's east.

Essential facts

CAPITAL CITY: Bridgetown

LANGUAGE: English

CURRENCY: Barbados Dollar

ELECTRICITY: 110V AC 50Hz

DRIVING: Driving is on the left

FLIGHT TIME: Average 8.5 hours from London

TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT -4

TIPPING: Generally included - otherwise 10%

Weather

Barbados is the most easterly Windward Island. Temperatures are dependably hot throughout the year although never unbearable and sea breezes help counterbalance the humidity.

Rain falls throughout the year although the wettest months are June to November.

Hurricanes can occur between July and November.

Useful contacts

Barbados Tourism Authority

Email: btauk@barbados.org

Website: www.barbados.org

High Commission of Barbados

Tel 020 7631 4975

Email london@foreign.gov.bb

CYPRUS

Country overview

The Mediterranean's third largest island, Cyprus is situated in the Eastern Med.

Cyprus is a popular destination for UK tourists, who visit for it's beaches, cultural heritage, olive trees, mountains and vineyards, as well as for it's nightlife. Popular holiday resorts include Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos and Protaras.

According to ancient tradition, it is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the godess of love and beauty. The Troodos Mountains are situated in the south and west and include at its highest point, Mount Olympus which stands at 1,952 metres.

Essential facts

CAPITAL CITY: Nicosia

LANGUAGE: Greek, Turkish, English widely spoken

CURRENCY: Euro

ELECTRICITY: 230V AC 50Hz

DRIVING: Driving is on the left. International driving licence of National driving licence required

FLIGHT TIME: Average from London 4.5 hours

TIME DIFFERENCE: Mar-Oct GMT +3 otherwise GMT +2

TIPPING: 10% in hotels and restaurants - good service tipping is welcome.

Weather

Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm/hot and dry with virtually no rainfall between mid May and mid October. Winter is generally mild except in the mountains where snow is quite frequent. Highest rainfalls are from December to February.