Madagascar

Madagascar is one of those "lost world" islands, where intrepid travelers – particularly those seeking exotic wildlife in a remote tropical setting – can go days on end without rubbing shoulders with that less-than-endangered species… tourists. Known for centuries as the Great Red Island (for its red-orange soil), it's the world's fourth largest island. The capital of Antananarivo (usually called Tana) is home to no less than 2 million people, with street markets, botanical gardens, a zoo, and museum. Poverty is rampant and English rarely spoken (practice your French). The backpackers and seasoned travelers who make their way here usually aren't surprised by 40-hour bus rides over potholed roads and hotels that double as brothels.Meanwhile, the landscape is one of contrasts: nature preserves with dazzling wildlife (including 3,000 butterfly species, the famous lemurs, and some of the world's rarest birds) sandwiched between vast areas ravaged by logging and slash-and-burn agriculture. As you might suspect, you'll find great hiking (and mountain biking), white sand beaches (though sharks can be a problem) and classic coral reefs for divers; there's even a resort island (Nosy Be) with restaurants and nightspots, but that's probably not what will bring you here. What will draw you is an interest in Malagasy culture (the music has topped world charts) and a desire to walk into rain forest on a misty dawn to hear the eerie, wailing calls from troops of indri lemurs.