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.

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.

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

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.

With the All Blacks playing in Samoa this week, the Herald's Pacific Affairs reporter, Vaimoana Tapaleao, selects her top things to do on the islands.

Ho Chi Minh City has a great craft ale scene, says Vietnam beer vet Brett Atkinson.

Joanne Carroll explores the out-back on camelback and iron horse.

Xenia Taliotis has a taste of the Gin and Tonic Experience at a swanky London hotel.

Jim Eagles' eyes are opened to the intricacies of trade at a livestock market in the Silk Road hub of Kashgar, China's westernmost city.

Diana Balham comes face to face with a very angry - but very pretty - volcano on the Vanuatu island of Tanna.

The capital of Taiwan shows its true colours during an evening wander for Eli Orzessek.

Despite Waikiki beach’s fame and endless supply of tourists, it’s still a beautiful, relaxing and entertaining place to be, writes Graeme Lay.

Tai chi? Uh-uh. Shereen Low visits a Chinese park to find that modern pensioners are all about the bass.