Why now?
Winter and summer can be extreme, so visit between seasons.
Biblical and beautiful, Egypt's Sinai is a desert land oddly famous for its water activities. It features crystal-clear water, rare and lovely reefs and an incredible variety of fish. Jacques Cousteau once said it gave him the 'happiest hours of my diving experience'.
GO: MAURITIUS
Africa
Go now to try out 'snuba', undersea walking. A 25-minute 'walk on the wet side' awaits - once you've donned a weight belt and diving helmet. Two prime spots for an underwater ramble are Grand Baie and Belle Mare.
GO: KWAZULU NATAL
South Africa
This is South Africa's most populous province, and yet you can surf one day, swim with sharks the next, and view white rhinos the next.
GO: VICTORIA FALLS
Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls' thick, thundering curtain of water is so utterly overpowering it's regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
GO: HONG KONG
China
With almost seven million people squeezed on to just 10% of the available land space, that leaves around 1000 sq km of Hong Kong country open to xploration.
HIKE: Hill-Tribe Villages
Thailand
Fitness/Expertise Level
Good fitness required
Why Now?
The weather is refreshing, there's little or no rain and wild flowers are in bloom. Trek mindfully through the fascinating hill-tribe villages of northern Thailand.
Trip Details ›HIKE: The Annapurna Circuit
Nepal
Fitness/Expertise Level
Good fitness and acclimatisation required
Why Now?
The best hiking season is October to December. The Annapurna region is Nepal's most popular hiking area, and the 16-day circuit is its showcase route.
Trip Details ›SNORKELLING/WILDLIFE: Manatees
United States
Fitness/Expertise Level
Basic swimming skills required.
Why Now?
The manatee numbers are good. Swim alongside these 'sea cows' and ponder how these huge grey aquatic mammals were ever mistaken for mermaids.
Trip Details ›CAMEL SAFARI: Douz
Tunisia
Fitness/Expertise Level
Not required
Why Now?
November is one of the few times that conditions permit overnight treks, which involve about four hours riding before pitching camp at sunset.
Trip Details ›MUCK DIVING: Samarai Island
Papua New Guinea
Fitness/Expertise Level
Not required
Why Now?
Muck diving (it's like underwater macrophotography) is best from October to March, when winds are lightest. Dive in silty water and capture ocean obscurities.
Trip Details ›
