Now's the time to think about a romantic snowy Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere. Ewan McDonald takes a Yuletide cruise on the Danube.

Sophie Barclay takes the train from New Orleans up through Tennessee to Chicago, following a trail of American music history.

With his backside almost touching the ground, Andrew Louis pretends he's a racing driver.

Anne Gibson checks into the stylish Hotel ibis Styles in Edinburgh, where the carpet teaches her to speak Scots.

It took eight years but an emotional Steve Deane finally gets a luxury honeymoon in Fiji.

The best bartenders in the world tell Sandrae Lawrence where they like to drink.

Alex Robertson enjoys incredible skiing at a resort in Utah with a rich history, loads of powder and an incredible number of runs.

This city's horror was 70 years ago, but the memories will never leave, says Kevin Pilley.

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.

From castles to quaint ski villages, here's our list of places around the world where you'll find communities that make the most of the colours of the rainbow.

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.

Revamped Changi Airport will add a new dimension to stopovers, writes Morgan Tait.

Stick to the good stuff - and water - is a Berlin barman's advice, says Grant Bradley.

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.