Atolls of enchantment

TEN ways to say "hello, holiday" in the Maldives amid its atolls of white sand, palm trees, turquoise sea and friendly lagoons in the tropical Indian Ocean.

Saddle up for a tasty ride

THE Tour de France is an epic for observers as well as the world's top cyclists. Melanie Ball explains how to get into the spirit of it.

Mersey beats 'em all

IT'S been a long and winding road for the Beatles home town, but Liverpool has undergone a stunning evolution to become Europe's cultural capital for 2008.

Kiwis' capital of cafe culture

WELLINGTON'S starchy reputation belies an exciting and vibrant atmosphere, Ric Acott finds in a city known as the southern hemisphere's San Francisco.

Runaway brides escape tradition

COUPLES stressed about organising a big wedding at home have discovered an escape clause – getting married overseas. Tonya Turner reports on the growing trend.

Aztec city's modern vibe

BUZZING cantinas and alfresco cafes, street markets, high-end boutiques and colonial architectural wonders make today's Mexico City a fun city to visit.

Life in a Kenyan village

A STINT as a volunteer in Africa immerses Tessa Akerman into the life of a Kenyan village where she becomes a school teacher and keeper of the local chooks.

Holiday of your Second Life

CYBERSPACE could be the next big thing in tourism. No worrying about excess baggage, tan lines or how you look in a bikini. All you need is broadband.

• 5 comment(s) about this story