Asia has it all for the traveller – rugged mountains, jungles, ancient and awe-inspiring temples, bustling cities, countless golden beaches, diverse cultures and fascinating and friendly people.

And, as borders re-open, the famous "hippy trail" – overland travel from India to Indonesia – is once again an option.

At times Asia is in your face, at times it is seductive.

First impressions of Asian cities like Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Delhi, Karachi, Kathmandu and Saigon can be misleading. Don’t be put off by the crowds, the traffic and the pollution. Below the surface there is a seductive charm that will leave you hooked on the region. Colourful markets, temples hidden away in back streets, raucous street vendors and peaceful hideaways quickly lure you into the Asian way of life.

But quiet city backwaters still exist. There is the French charm and unhurried life of Vientiane in Laos and Hanoi in Vietnam or the idyllic Maldives.

Asia’s real sights, however, are in the countryside.

In India there is the Red Fort and the deserts of Rajasthan and the stunning mountains around Manali.

In the archipelago that is Indonesia visit Mt Bromo, an active volcano in Java, the orang-utans in Sumatra, Lake Toba and the komodo dragons in Flores.

Or you could try trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, visit the hill tribes of northern Thailand or hike through Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands.

If you’re looking for the perfect beach to relax on the choice is endless. You can choose from the famous islands in Thailand, Nha Trang and Hoi An in southern Vietnam, the Tioman and Perhentian islands off the coast of Malaysia, Goa and Cochin in India, Bali and the Gili islands in Indonesia, Sri Lanka or the hundreds of islands that make up the Philippines.

And Asia isn’t short on history and breathtaking manmade attractions either – the Great Wall of China and the terracotta warriors in Xian, the Taj Mahal, Bororbudur in Indonesia, the Potala Palace in Tibet or the many shrines that cover the remote countryside in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

Add wildlife and cheap, delicious food and you come across the problem that every visitor to the region has – choosing what NOT to do.

So, you've made the decision to travel to Australia and New Zealand. You won't regret it. The two countries have more to offer than you could possibly imagine.

Whatever you're into, be it partying or bushwalking, you'll find plenty of it Down Under. Between them, Australia and New Zealand have got most of the stunning natural wonders of the world covered. From the desert to ski fields, tropical island beaches to eye-popping glaciers, it's all here.

For some, it may be the attraction of clean white sandy beaches and crashing waves. For others, it is the variety of breathtaking coral reefs, stunning fjords and magnificent rainforests, unique to this part of the world. Or it may be the appeal of relaxing days spent sunbathing, surfing, swimming, diving, rafting or fishing.

And then there are always the cute little furry fellas, the kangaroo, koala and kiwi which have done so much to create Australasia's image overseas. Whatever it is that attracts you, it's guaranteed to add up to a brilliant experience you won't find anywhere else in the world. So save those pennies, find out what needs to be done and you'll soon be enjoying the trip of a lifetime.