In the Basque Country, Ewan McDonald learns the cider houses rule.

A Swedish co-founder of file-sharing website The Pirate Bay has gone on trial, charged with hacking and stealing data from an IT services company with ties to the Swedish tax authority and other government agencies.

Kiwi Helen Steemson saw Sri Lanka up close when she joined Habitat for Humanity.

Alex Robertson and award-winning travel photographer Babiche Martens get to grips with a complex and beautiful land.

The region has long been a thriving hub, but it's still looking to the future, says Tom Peck.

Everything revolves around the local pub in the UK, writes Jared Savage.

Luxury hotels are taking hold in this communist corner of South-east Asia, reveals Laura Holt.

Many travellers only experience Bangkok through the largely sleepless eyes of a backpacker – or settle for clean yet budget hotel accommodation at best. Don't overlook a luxury holiday in Bangkok, though - it's more affordable than you might think.

Cruising up the coast of Vietnam to Hong Kong on a boutique ship is a great way to sample a slice of Asia.

If Niseko is the crown jewel of Japanese skiing, then Rusutsu is one of its most lustrous, and least known, diamond clusters.

There's plenty to do in this landlocked nation - even if you don't pack crampons.

Cheap, cheerful and full of surprises, Thailand really is the land of smiles, most of the time, discovers Peter Feeney.

Schoolboy Lachie Scott thanks his parents for a holiday that opened his eyes.

For many hikers to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, adding an extra hike to the top of nearby mountain Kala Pattar is out of the question.

Black fingers claw at your neck. The zip of your windcheater is yanked away from your red raw chin.

In the heart of Asia, Macau's Portuguese past emerges strongly in its scrumptious cuisine, finds Paul Rush.

Enterprising director Alex Galvin tells Dominic Corry he hopes his latest film will inspire others.

Seat-of-the-pants expedition filmmaker Brian Armstrong has an eye for weird and wonderful alcoholic concoctions.

China mesmerises and intrigues Leanne Rinne.

Ewan McDonald rambles on about a group of Aucklanders taking a walking holiday with a few differences.

The Government is maintaining there is no specific threat to the safety of New Zealanders in South Korea, despite a new warning issued by the North.

Japan has deployed Patriot missiles in its capital as it readies to defend the 30 million people who live in greater Tokyo from any North Korean attack.

Let your taste buds run free in Hong Kong - a food destination full of surprises.