Cruising the Med on the Voyager of the Seas I never thought a cruise ship would be my kind of vacation. However, at first sight of the enormity of the ship I plan to spend 10 days on, I am stunned. Once onboard, cabin found and all safety checks completed, it is time to explore and see what cruising is all about. This could take a long time though! Between the number of decks and passageways, shops, restaurants and even street names to follow, it feels more like being in a huge foreign city for the first time! From fancy and formal 'Love Boat' evenings on board, to exploring every new port enroute, the options seem endless.

Glasgow, The Green Hollow of Scotland Popularly referred to as 'Glesca', by Glaswegians themselves, and romantically referred to as 'the dear green place', Glasgow is Scotland's largest city, located on the River Clyde. As a foreigner the thick Glaswegian accent may be a 'wee' bit difficult to understand, but the spirit and soul of these mid-western Scottish folk will win your heart. A strong history, traditional culture and rich Scottish cuisine abound. Whether it is lazing about the city’s new trendy riverbank area, pub crawling or taking in the ever popular music scene, the Glaswegians and their fair city keep you smiling.

The Mountains and Alpine Meadows of South Tirol, Italy If the days of kings, knights, bishops and ladies of the court fascinate you, then South Tirol is the perfect destination with medieval castles dotting the hillsides almost every kilometre. Along with countless lakes and rivers, mountains and alpine meadows, swimming, biking and hiking, St. Tirol offers everything the remotest of outdoor adventurers could dream of. But then we haven't even touched upon the traditional foods and wine all reaped from the acres of vineyards, apple orchards and the hearty souls that tend to them, keeping the happy and healthy spirit of South Tirol alive.

Travel the Ancient Trails of Trentino, Italy From a historical point of view, the Valsugana is one of the most important valleys in Trentino. The Roman road, once Europe's main road, led through the valley connecting the Adriatic with Augsburg. The western part close to Trento is an intensive tourist area. In the late 19th century the Levico Therme baths were established and became popular with the upper classes. Lake Caldonazzo is further statement to the regions historical past. It is no wonder that this breathtaking land of saw-toothed ridges, alpine meadows and immaculate medieval towns is a favourite vacation spot for many Italians.

Intrigue and Passion, the Magic of Sicily, Italy It has been an often used cliché: 'one cannot put a spade into the Italian soil without unearthing something historical'. In Sicily this counts almost literally. Throughout the centuries, Sicily has been the place where different cultures met, mingled, and collided; from the Arabs to the Romans via the Greeks then followed by the Normans. Today, many archaeological sites and impressive ancient temples are the silent witnesses to this rich history. Sicily means intrigue, passion and a long lived traditional culture. Add this to a surround of crystal clear turquoise waters and what could be more inviting?

Calabria: Discovering the Big Toe of Italy, Squeezed in between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas lay the mountains of Pollino National Park in Calabria. Overlooked by the tourist masses and with less archaeological sites then Tuscany or Sicily, Calabria offers peaceful treasures that are only now becoming apparent to tourists. This is the heart of the Mezzogiorno, a region where the summer sun scorches the earth and sizzles the pavement. In contrast, springtime brings green mountains, fields filled with colourful wild flowers, and pebble beaches stretching along the coastline under the cliffs, all of which is generally free of tourists.

Sivalai Resort Koh Mook, Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Thailand Landing directly at the beach of Sivalai Resort on the island of Koh Mook, all of the local villagers have been watching the plane touchdown, delivering special guests from afar. Fresh pineapple and guava juice goes hand in hand with the warm welcome by the reception committee. What look like tiny reed huts from the air turn out to be the top in private luxury wooden bungalows, situated directly on the beach. White sandy shores encircle the island, shifting their way back and forth with the tides. There are no sounds except for the birds and the waves. This is a true island paradise.

Layana Resort and Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand At Layana Resort and Spa the welcoming is just the beginning; flower blossoms threaded into a necklace of exotic tropical aromas, scented hand towels, and a personal greeting from owners Bob and Margie Guthrie. It is no wonder that your start to total relaxation begins immediately. As the day turns to dusk, the sun performs its evening ritual, lighting the sky in a splendour of colour. The sea acknowledges its presence as each wave washes ashore. The table is set for a feast on the beach. Local fire twirlers send you off to imaginary worlds. The atmosphere is exotic, elegant and magical.

Finding Peace in Bangkok, Thailand Hidden away in the chaos of Bangkok lays the Arun Residence, a recently renovated historic Sino-Portuguese river house nestled alongside the vibrant life of the Chao Praya River and set against an exotic vista of seventeenth century classic Thai architecture. Perched on the rooftop bar with a glass of Australian chardonnay in hand, one can thoroughly enjoy the transition of day into night. Across the river, above Wat Arun temple, we watch the sky turn salmon pink, then crimson red, finally dissolving into a purple haze. The rich history and mystical magic of Bangkok unfolds before our eyes.

Stepping Back in Time, Ayuthaya, Thailand Disappear into the ancient world of Siamese dynasties, a period during which no less than 33 kings ruled Ayuthaya, once capital of Thailand. Merchants from around the world flocked to the city, claiming it to be the most illustrious and prosperous city they had ever seen and the magnificence of the Ayuthaya Court as incomparable. But this prosperity also brought others whose jealousy and greed drove them to conquer. It was in 1767 that Burmese invaders destroyed the city and many of its artefacts. Today this historical treasure stands proud, speaking without words, of its rich cultural heritage.

Sassy, Sophisticated & Outdoorsy! Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is: east meets west, Italian coffee bars, Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants, third largest Chinatown in North America, tapas bars, Japanese fusion food, the best of R&B and jazz music, film crews and stars in the new Hollywood of the north, and a whole load of people who are, basically, just really nice people (that's Canadian!) who know how to enjoy nature's best in their very own backyard. Whether winter, spring, summer or fall you will always find Vancouverites out and about enjoying their fun filled, culturally upbeat, incredibly scenic and very 'hip' city. Vancouver has it all.

Island Hopping in Style, Thailand Luxury begins on the platform at Phuket International Airport where, with VIP escort, we are whisked through security to our Cessna 206 Amphibian, operated by Destination Air. With only a week to spend in paradise we don't want to lose time. What better way to get around than a float plane? Before landing, veteran bush pilot Charlie Pike of Destination Air banks steeply over the island, revealing a picture perfect tropical paradise; an island surrounded by sandy beaches, shimmering emerald waters, randomly strewn palm trees, thatched huts and all that makes for a luxurious vacation hideaway.

Discover the Island of Java, Indonesia The Indonesian island of Java was once known as Batavia under Dutch occupation. Still today the influence of this colonial period remains, most noted by the architectural designs seen throughout the island. The mainly Muslim population can be found planting rice, harvesting coconuts, palm sugar and coco nuts that blanket the countryside. Tourism is mainly found at the ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan and the huge Buddhist stupa complex at Borodudur, as well as Bromo, one of the islands most spectacular volcanoes. Java's music, dance and traditional puppet theatre attract visitors worldwide.

Sun, Sand & Sea, Bali, Indonesia. The Island of Bali is known as a surfer's paradise. The trophy waves give reason for many adventurous surfing souls to flock to the sandy beaches. Other tourists find peace and quiet on Bali's Northern shores where morning sunrise is welcomed by the splendor of the local dolphin population. Rice paddies and Hindu temples grace the interior with their splendor and magnificence while wood carvers and traditional dancers carry on age old traditions.

Castles & Character of Prague, Czech Republic Prague, a city of fun, architecture, arts and music, is truly the crossroads of European cultures. The magic of castles and chateaus, the most per square mile of any country in the world, makes this city one amongst the most unique for any explorer, historian or culture freak. Whether during the summer months or winter periods, the central square is always alive with artisans exhibiting wooden carvings, metal sculptures, paintings, all mixed in with street entertainers and lively music. Outside of Prague, the regions of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia come together in a treasure of ancient villages.

Sailing the Turkish Mediterranean Coast Crystal clear waters and deserted beaches treat you to some of the most spectacular views where mountains meet sea and history is packed into every cove and tiny bay. Drift back in time as you pass through the waters where sunken cities lay beneath the sea and ancient Lycian tombs line the mountain tops. Each day aboard our traditional Turkish gullet we experience the best in local Turkish cuisine, the opportunity to explore the many ruins that form the history of this entire coastline and visit the small traditional villages to experience the charm of Turkish culture and daily life.

Eagles Fly High over Berchtesgadener Land, Bavaria, Germany The sound of a trumpet echoes over the lake. The farmers and local villagers begin to celebrate the beginning of spring, preparing to herd the cattle to the upper alms. Everyone in the village, young and old, are decked out in their best finery; traditional dirndls for the women, lederhosen for the men and most important, flower adornments for the cows that will lead the procession up into the mountains. On the border between Austria and Germany, this unique part of Europe is packed with history and adventure, from Hitler's 'Eagles Nest' to some of the best low and high alpine hiking in the Alps.

Singing Rocks of Silence, Meteora, Greece Even though not everyone is to rise before the morning sun, the ancient bells from the monasteries of Meteora, Greece, continue to echo amongst the rocks, calling to prayer those who give themselves to an age old commitment of religious following. But the bells also ring throughout the day for those who come to stroll through the villages, wander through hillside forests or tackle the stone steps up to visit these historic places of worship. For the truly adventurous, others come to scale a vertical cliff or two with some of the world's best climbers who flock to Meteora for international competition.

Loire a Velo, The latest Cycling Sensation in France We follow the country roads through golden sunflower and wheat fields, through small villages and vineyards, past exquisite chateaux that sprawl amongst the trees with pride and a tad of prejudice. This region was once home to French kings, a reminder of courtly lifestyles in 15th and 16th century aristocracy. Loire a Velo is a new concept in France: a carefully developed and signposted route made up of minor roads where traffic is at a minimum. The traffic here consists predominantly of cyclists who have come to enjoy the many pathways that wind their way around one of Europe's last untamed rivers.

The Sounds and Spirits of Dublin, Ireland The Irish are a spirited people who cherish family, tradition and a whole lot of music and fun with the city of Dublin possibly representing it all in the wildest of fashion. Being an international city with a whole lot of enthusiasm, drama and intrigue, any visitor should be prepared to pick up their legs in a jig or two, clap their hands together with the locals and bounce their way from pub to pub on any given night in Dublin! The hearty nature of the Irish will entice any visitor to join in the spirit of Ireland giving good reason for Dublin to be crowned the friendliest city in Europe, 2007.

The Great Escapes of Cape Town, South Africa I'm not sure if it is the soft white sandy beaches, the views from Table Mountain, the outrageously wonderful colours that paint the walls of homes in the community of Bo Kap, or the great music, delicious cuisine and outstanding wines that make this a magical place. From early morning and late into the night, beachside terraces are alive with the enthusiasm of locals and tourists alike. I've only just begun and I still have to see the Cape of Good Hope, a whole load of penguins at Boulder Beach, seals and porpoises, plus baboons and maybe even a cage dive with the great white sharks. Why not!

Join the Kingdom of the Great Warrior Shaka and the Big Five, KwaZulu Natal. Considered to be South Africa's most 'African' province, KwaZulu Natal boasts it all. From Shakaland, set amidst the historic battlefields of the Anglo Zulu wars of 1879, to Kruger National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves, KwaZulu Natal will take you back in time, to the basics of nature and tribal existence. Whether it is the sangoma medicine market in the heart of Durban, a safari tent or a thatched hut in the wilds of Africa, there is never a day without enchantment, excitement and surprise. Our dream is to experience the heart of South Africa and the earthbound nature of its people.

The Gateway Between East & West, Istanbul, Turkey As I walk through the streets of Istanbul I am startled by the fact that one city alone can represent so many. I come to realize that because of its location. From the early ages, Istanbul has been a natural settling place for people of many cultures and religions. Historically valued for its representation of two great empires, the Byzantine and Ottoman, it holds many great treasures. It is no wonder that Istanbul will hold title as 'Cultural Capital of the World 2010'. Whether haute couture, international cuisine, antique galleries or international festivals, Istanbul is an empire unto itself.

Valleys, Vineyards & Vaticans of Umbria, Italy Home to ancient stone villages, olive groves, wine and prosciutto, Umbria is simply delicious, all of it. The fields are alive with wild poppies, daisies and rainbows of colour. We leave the camper under the shade of the olive trees then race into the valley, playing in the fields and lazing in the sun. A fresh bouquet of flowers will adorn our table once we reach Camping Fontemaggio, a natural paradise above the city lights of Assisi, the famous home of St. Francis & Claire. From Assisi we will indulge in fine wines and local cuisine, as we travel through the villages of Spoleto, Spello and Trevi.