Climate:
Despite its small size, Greece has a varied climate.
Most of the country, including all coastal areas, enjoys a so-called Mediterranean climate, almost identical to much of California. Summers are hot and dry with a 7-month period of near-constant sunshine generally from April until November. The remainder of the year is characterized by a relatively cold, rainy period which generally starts sometime in November and lasts until late March or early April. Sporadic rains do occur during the dry season, but they tend to be rare, quick showers. The country’s Ionian Coast and Ionian Islands tend to receive more annual precipitation than the rest of the country. The islands in the southern Aegean and parts of the southeastern mainland are the driest areas of the country.
The most pleasant weather occurs in May-June and September-October. The warmest time of the year starts in mid-July and generally lasts until mid-August, when the annual meltémi winds from the north cool the country. Mid-July to mid-August is the height of summer, and the midday sun tends to get very strong; during this time, most Greeks avoid heavy physical activity outdoors between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. It is best advised to get in tune with the local way of life by waking up early, doing all sightseeing and errands in the cool morning hours, and then spending the afternoon in the relaxing shade or at the beach. In fact, the bulk of tourists arrive in Greece during the height of summer, to do just that!
Summer evenings tend to be very rewarding. As strong as the sun may get on a summer afternoon, the low levels of atmospheric humidity in most areas of the country prevent the air from trapping much heat, and temperatures tend to dip to very pleasant levels in the evenings. But even during midday, high temperatures actually tend to be quite comfortable as long as the time is not spent doing a lot of walking or other physical activity. (Athens, however, can still be uncomfortably warm during summer afternoons due to the predominance of concrete in the city, an effect similar to New York City.) Coastal areas near open waters (away from tightly-closed bays and gulfs) especially on many of the islands, tend to be quite breezy, and can be quite cold at night.
While the Mediterranean climate characterizes most of the country, there are two other climate systems that are present. One is the cool Alpine climate which is found on mountainous areas of the country's interior, including many high-altitude valleys. Another system is the Continental climate found on the interiors of north-central and northeastern Greece, and gives those areas very cold winters and warm, relatively humid summers.

Cities:

Major cities include:
Athens - the capital city
Heraklion - Crete's largest city and main hub
Patra
Thessaloniki - the country's second largest city
Volos

Cyprus

Climate: Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and cool winters

Terrain: Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.

Districts: Cyprus is divided into 6 administrative regions. Each district carries the name of its administrative capital. Following the Turkish Invasion in 1974, and the division of the island, the republic of Cyprus has no effective control over the whole of the Kyrenia and parts of the Famagusta districts.
Famagusta district (South) / Famagusta district (North)
Kyrenia district
Larnaca district
Limassol district
Nicosia district (South) / Nicosia district (North)
Paphos district

Cities: Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English tourist... The following list emphasises traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller.

Nicosia (also Nikosia, Lefkosia)
Larnaca Larnaka
Limassol Lemesos
Paphos Pafos

Things to buy:
Cypriot wine - the iconic local variety known as Commandaria is strong, sweet and somewhat akin to port wine
Lacework of an intricate nature - from the village of Lefkara.
Zivania - is a strong spirit based alcoholic drink

Things to eat:
Cypriot food bears a distinct resemblance to Greek cooking, and uses lemons and olives extensively.
Cypriot meze (appetizers akin to Spanish tapas) are an art form, and some restaurant serve nothing but.
Halloumi (Χαλλουμι) is a uniquely Cypriot cheese, made from a mix of cow's and sheep's milk. Hard and salty when raw, it mellows and softens when cooked and is hence often served grilled.
For more info you can also visit Cyprus' most comprehensive eating out guide that features Cyprus restaurants CyprusEatOut

Egypt

Climate: Egypt is largely desert, an extension of the great Sahara Desert that bands North Africa. Save for the thin strip of watered land along the river Nile, very little could survive here. As the ancient Greek philosopher Herodotus stated: "Egypt is the gift of the Nile".
Generally, dry and very hot summers with moderate winters - November through to March are definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt. There is almost no rain in the Nile valley, so you won't be needing wet weather gear!

Cities:

Cairo - the capital of Egypt, home to the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and fabulous Islamic architecture
Alexandria - Egypt's window on the Mediterranean
Aswan - a more relaxed option, full of amazing sights
Luxor - gateway to the Valley of the Kings, amongst other fabulous attractions
Siwa - an oasis town

Holidays:

Banks, shops and businesses will close for the following Egyptian National Holidays (civil, secular). Public transport may run only limited services:
7th January (Eastern Orthothox Christmas)
25th April (Liberation Day)
1st May (Labour Day)
23rd July (Revolution Day)
6th October (Armed Forces Day)

Climate: Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones.
The South is hot, humid and tropical, with temperatures hovering in the 25-30°C all year round, but it rains the most from May to November.
The North has four distinct seasons, with a comparatively chilly winter (temperatures can dip below 15°C in Hanoi), a hot and dry summer and pleasant spring (March-April) and autumn (October-December) seasons. However, in the Highlands both extremes are amplified, with occasional snow in the winter and temperatures hitting 40°C in the summer.
In the Central regions the weather is somewhere in between, only just to confuse things here the rainy season is in the summer, not the winter.

Cities:

Hanoi / Hà Nội - the capital
Can Tho / Cần Thơ
Dalat / Đà Lạt
Da Nang / Đà Nẵng
Ho Chi Minh City / Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh (Saigon / Sài Gòn)
Hoi An - and the ruins of Mỹ Sơn
Hue / Huế
Nha Trang

Climate:

Nepal has a Monsoonal climate with four main seasons - though traditionally a year was categorized into six distinct climate periods: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter).
Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:
Heavy monsoonal rains from June to September - the rains are generally lighter high in the Himalayas than in Kathmandu, though the moutain peaks are often lost in cloud.
Clear and cool weather from October to December - after the monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to 'experience' the mountains.
Very cold from January to March, with the temperature in Kathmandu often dropping as low as 0°C at night. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter, but it is extremely cold and snow fall may prevent going above 4,000 - 4,500 meters.
Dry and warm weather from April to June - there is an abundance of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Things to do:

Rafting - Overnight trips for all levels of experience leave from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Kaligandaki is a popular river.
Jungle Safari - Royal Chitwan National Park offers elephant rides, jungle canoeing, nature walks, and birding, as well as more adventurous tiger and rhino-viewing.
Parties - "The Last Resort", near the Tibetan border, has frequent Full Moon Trance Parties, lasting 2-3 days. Watch for posters and check music shops. Pokhara has started featuring its own brand of Full Moon raves and interesting Western takes on Nepali festivals.
Massage - "The Healing Hands Center", in Kathmandu, has monthly five-day, ten-day and one-month Ancient Massage courses.

Trekking - Most of the trekking Nepal is called "Tea-House Trekking" as the day's hike is between guesthouse-filled towns. While this doesn't make the treks that much easier, it means there is no need for tents, food, water, or beer-- all those things, plus luxuries such as apple-pie, can be purchased along the way. Remote trekking is also possible, but unless you are an experienced wilderness trekker, it is recommended to hire a guide and porters. See also "Stay Safe" for information about Maoists rebels in remote areas.
Everest Base Camp Trek: Stunning scenery, Wonderful people. See 'Regions' - Khumbu
Annapurna Circuit: A 3-4 week trek around the Annapurna mountains.
Jonsom-Muktinath Trek: The last week of the Annapurna Circuit, done in the opposite direction. Known as the "Apple-Pie Trek" partly for crossing the apple growing region of Nepal, and partly for being one of the easier (but far from "easy") treks.
Helambu Langtang Trek: Relatively easy Trek from Kathmandu
Mera Peak Climbing: Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest (8848m), Cho-Oyu (8201m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m), Kangchenjunga (8586m), Nuptse (7855m), Chamlang (7319m).
Island Peak Trek: The Island Peak trek in the Everest region takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas.
Some tips for trekking in Nepal include:
Despite all the adverts on the sides of tea-houses, hot showers generally do not exist (except in Namche Bazaar and the lower Everest region). You can certainly get a bucket of hot water on request in most places, which is good enough. Solar showers only work when there has been a enough sun light (so they don't work at night - and they are never that hot anyway).
A pack of cards is great for the long evenings. Taking a cheap CD/MPEG player is also an option. Alternatively, unless you're trekking in a very unpopular season (such as monsoon), you will usually meet fellow trekkers on the trail, often spending many nights in the same lodges together, so be open to conversation and you may make friends from around the world.
When it gets dark, have a candle handy - especially post monsoon when a lot of the electricity lines are down (most lodges can supply, but always good to have one just in case).
A "finger" or "sawn-off" toothbrush is much more compact and easy to use in the dark, and a pack of "Wet Wipes" to clean yourself with in the morning and every second day is very handy, as is antiseptic hand spray or gell to use before food and after toilet.
Take along some safety pins (to fix bust zips/flaps/etc.) and also some cheap/small clothes pegs with a bit of washing line and "camp" wash (during the trek, you will need to do some washing, which of course will need drying). Don't screw tops down too tight - or at least open every day any sealed tubes/bottles (the altitude will make them explode otherwise).
Use your CamelBack as a boiling hot-water bottle when you go to bed (which will then be full of cold purified water to start the next day). Furthermore, buy some powdered juice flavouring to diguise the taste of CamelBack, which will soon become boring, and a spare mouthpiece and insulation for the tube (which can freeze in the cold). Sweets from home are also great - especially boiled/hard ones to keep you going over the steep and high-altitude bits.
You will generally be expected to pay your sirdar (guide) and porters a "baksheesh" (tip). This has to be handled tactfully as they will not say outright what amount is acceptable. More personal gifts to express your appreciation (like a spare jacket or fleece) also go down well.

Japan

Climate:

The Japanese are proud of their four seasons (and a surprising number believe the phenomenon is unique to Japan), but the tourist with a flexible travel schedule should try to aim for two of them.
Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Japan. The temperatures are warm but not hot, there's not too much rain, and March-April brings the justly famous cherry blossoms (sakura) and is a time of revelry and festivals. In early March, the Japan Meteorological Agency announces predictions about when the blooming will begin [5].
Summer starts with a dreary rainy season (known as tsuyu or baiu) in June and turns into a steambath in July-August, with extreme humidity and the temperature heading as high as 40°C. Avoid, or do as the Japanese do and head to northern Hokkaido or the mountains of Chubu and Tohoku to escape. The upside, though, is a slew of fireworks shows (花火大会 hanabi taikai) and festivals big and small.
Autumn, starting in September, is also an excellent time to be in Japan. Temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and fall colors can be just as impressive as cherry blossoms. However, in early autumn typhoons often hit the southern parts of Japan and bring everything to a standstill.
Winter is a good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping, but as the Japanese have yet to figure out the wonders of central heating, it's often miserably cold indoors. Heading south to Okinawa provides some relief. There is usually heavy snow in Hokkaido and northeast Japan due to the cold wind blasts from Siberia.

Cities:

Japan has thousands of cities; these are nine of the most important to the traveler.
Tokyo - the capital of Japan, modern and densely populated.
Hiroshima - a large port city, the first city to be destroyed by an atom bomb
Kanazawa - a historic city on the west coast
Kyoto - an ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, with many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens
Nagasaki - an ancient port city in Kyushu,the second city to be destroyed by an atom bomb
Nara - the first capital of a united Japan, with many Buddhist shrines, and historical buildings
Osaka - a large and dynamic city located in the Kansai region
Sapporo - the largest city in Hokkaido, famous for its snow festival
Sendai - the largest city in the Tohoku region, known as the city of forests due to its tree lined avenues and wooded hills.

Holidays:

The most important holiday in Japan is New Year (お正月 Oshōgatsu), which pretty much shuts down the country between December 29 and January 3. Japanese head home to their families (which means massive transport congestion), eat festive foods and head out to the neighborhood temple at the stroke of midnight to wish in the New Year. Many Japanese often travel to other countries as well, and prices for airfares are very high.
In March or April, Japanese head out en masse for hanami (花見, lit. "flower viewing"), a festival of outdoors picnics and drunken revelry in parks, cleverly disguised as cherry blossom (桜 sakura) viewing. The exact timing of the famously fleeting blossoms varies from year to year and Japan's TV channels follow the progress of the cherry blossom front from south to north obsessively.
The longest holiday is Golden Week (April 27 to May 6), when there are four public holidays within a week and everybody goes on extended vacation. Trains are crowded, flight and hotel prices are jacked up to multiples of normal prices, making this a bad time to travel in Japan, but the weeks immediately before or after GW are excellent choices.
Summer brings a spate of festivals designed to distract people from the intolerable heat and humidity (comparable to the US Midwest). There are local festivals (祭 matsuri) and impressive fireworks competitions (花火 hanabi) throughout the country. Tanabata (七夕), on July 7th (or early August in some places), commemorates a story of star-crossed lovers who could only meet on this day. The largest summer festival is Obon (お盆), held in mid-July in eastern Japan (Kanto) and mid-August in western Japan (Kansai), which honors the departed spirits of one's ancestors. Everybody heads home to visit village graveyards, meaning that transport is packed.