Laura Hutchins cherishes the easy-going pace of Cook Island life because she knows when she's home it'll be what she misses the most.

Dreaming of a sojourn on a Mediterranean island? You could join the rush to big and bustling Sicily, Sardinia, Crete or Capri. Or consider Pam Neville's six little sparklers.

Carol Smith overcomes a physical challenge and is seduced by beauty and birdsong.

On a hot-air balloon ride, Brett Atkinson gets to look down on Myanmar's temples from the heavens.

This mysteriously neglected side of the Manukau has plenty to offer the curious, writes Sarah Ell.

Ellie Mitchell spends a night at a well-located hotel in central Auckland.

Justine McLeary and her young family enjoy an adventurous weekend in Whakatane.

Natalie Akoorie finds she's a little wobbly on her sea legs but her husband gets to enjoy the rich sealife of the Poor Knights Islands.

Despite its dark past, this visitor-friendly city in former East Germany takes its history very seriously, as Mathew Dearnaley finds out.

A second honeymoon can be better than the first, writes Penny Lewis.

The 'Island of Weka' is full of natural beauty, says Elisabeth Easther.

Erik Heinrich is in ecstasy sipping an award-winning lager while steeping in a beer bath.

Our ancestors would have ventured deeper into our back country if they'd been able to do so in a powerful jetboat, writes Lisa Scott.

When American explorer Hiram Bingham first laid eyes on Machu Picchu, he felt as if he had walked into a dream, writes Derek Cheng.

Great surf and scenery and a passionate local populace impress Elisabeth Easther.

Och, witch room? Clash of the tartans and a wee dram later, Kevin Pilley is still deciding.

On the island of Maafushivaru, in the Maldives, Sam Wylie-Harris and her husband savour a holiday befitting a king and queen.

Turkey's largest city is a place of grandeur and contradiction, writes Nicola Lamb.

Superstars and royalty have laid their heads in Sydney hotel with a tragic story, writes Lauren Quaintance.

Eveline Harvey samples some of the gourmet highlights on offer in Noosa.

Catherine Smith discovers a vibrant dining scene in the gastronomic capital of Northland.

In Dubai, Pamela Wade meets a cranky camel who takes her on a peaceful and relaxing ride.

Amid coal-dusted Stalinist buildings Jim Eagles finds a pole in the North Pole pointing to a pub ...

Twenty-six years ago, Nicholas Jones' father tested his youthful stamina on the mountainsides of Nepal. Recently, he returned to the roof of the world with his sons to relive his trekking adventure.

Alex Robertson makes a moonlight trek up a sacred mountain to experience its magnificent view of the rising sun.

Daniel Richardson sees the city from a kayak.

Kiwi broadcaster Dennis Katsanos rediscovers his Greek heritage - and adds 4kg in weight.

Modern history is a presence in Turkey that confronts visitors, writes Brett Atkinson. For Kiwis, though, the welcome is always warm.

Considering eloping? These world-class resorts promise wedding magic, writes Jennifer Ennion.

Shandelle Battersby checks into a remote Central Otago lodge that's worth the journey.