Paul Rush succumbs to tactile sensations and rose-scented dreams in a Thai spa.

Beignets and buskers are among the Big Easy's delights, writes Megan Singleton.

Fresh water or salt, the bathing options in Samoa are heavenly, says Elisabeth Easther.

If jazz is your poison, be prepared to drink your fill in New Orleans, writes Sophie Barclay.

Mark Muckenfuss follows in the footsteps of Darwin by travelling to the most plentiful and lush marine species environment on Earth.

See this year's winners of the National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest.

On a billion-dollar ship, Toby Manhire dodges the conga line and opts instead for several fine ales and a ride on the North Star.

Ahead of Air New Zealand beginning its direct flights to Houston in December, Ewan McDonald visits the space base.

From church services to Zumba classes, Filipino shopping malls offer everything.

Brett Atkinson experiences the Alaskan wilderness in style at a private lake retreat.

A friendly Aussie convinces Eveline Harvey to try out his local, and she likes the vibe.

From rainbow-coloured saris to terrifying traffic jams, Paul Rush finds all of his senses assailed in India.

Hike on a lava flow in the morning, ascend a glacier in the afternoon, and after a night of club-hopping enjoy a Northern Lights spectacle.

A 17th-century homestead is a sumptuous base for an exploration of the area's villages.

Forts and watchtowers by the hundred in the sultanate of Oman point to a fierce past.

On a pilgrimage to Cuba, Owen Scott and his ukulele bandmates meet new pals keen to strum and dance.

River cruises are growing in popularity, particularly across Europe. Pamela Wade explains why.

The train tracks that criss-cross the US showcase a different side of the nation, discovers Sophie Barclay.

An amazing fantasy world beneath the seas of Hawaii's Big Island astounds even veteran diver Pam Leblanc.

His yukata is comfy but the traditional clogs cause a few problems for Lincoln Tan in Kinosaki.

At Coffs Harbour, Andrew Louis saddles up his fine steed for some seaside cantering.

Far from work, Winston Aldworth clocks in to experience the charms of Tahiti.

Grant Bradley revisits a long-held interest with a tour of Colditz, the German castle which housed POWs during World War II.

Rod Emmerson looks at the nuts and bolts of a luxury cruise through the Greek Isles and Turkish Coast.

The Hard Rock Hotel has added a soft touch, embracing littlies as well as adults at its Cancun resort, finds Leena Tailor.

With the Old Course one side and 300 whiskies on the other, Kevin Pilley is a happy man.

Those axe-wielding, marauding Norse ancients would be so envious of the comforts on today's ships, writes Catherine Masters.

Top Gun suddenly feels real for Shandelle Battersby onboard an aircraft carrier in San Diego.

Flat seas threaten to ruin his surfing trip, but James Russell avoids breaking point thanks to some awe-inspiring oceanic phenomena.

Cruising along the Seine from Paris to Normandy is the perfect way to travel, finds Penny Lewis.