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.

Food is a family business for an expat pair who headed to Britain to study and found they just couldn't stay away from the kitchen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After sampling the French capital’s traditional tourist spots, head to the hipper places to be in Paris, writes Helen Barlow.

Readers of US-based Travel and Leisure magazine have voted the ten best islands in the world in its annual survey.

No city does elegance - or afternoon tea - like London, discovers Patricia Greig.

The latest addition to Universal Studios' backlot tour makes passengers feel like they've driven onto the set of a Fast and Furious film.

In Dallas, Winston Aldworth finds there's still plenty of heat in the conspiracy theories.

Tim Roxborogh explores Kerala's captivating backwaters on a rice boat.