adventure

Few places have a closer relationship with the sea than Wales. With more than 800 miles of rugged coastline to experience, you'll find so many invigorating opportunities to dip your toes in Welsh waters and help celebrate the Year of the Sea.  The waters that lap this special segment of Britain have shaped the landscape over countless centuries - not just in geography, in carving out tall cliffs, gorgeous bays and soft beaches, but in their effect on the people who live alongside the waves. Read more about Waves of Pleasure in Wales

One of Europe's most beautiful sailing destinations, Croatia offers calm turquoise waters and a host of islands, each with its own identity and idiosyncrasies. Yacht charter bases are located in marinas, the most popular ones being on the mainland, in or near Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Pula, all of which are conveniently served by summer flights from the UK or elsewhere in Europe. Read more about Coves, castles and calm seas - set sail for the sights of Croatia

Tired of the Taj? If queuing under the hot sun for hours to be rushed past an architectural icon is your idea of fun, you'll love the Taj Mahal. If you prefer to linger, soak up the atmosphere and not be hounded by aggressive touts, however, head to Humayun's Tomb in Nizamuddin, Delhi. Read more about Try These Worldwide Alternative Iconic Beauty Spots

Easy-going and spectacular, Nicaragua is also ecologically rich. It boasts the; largest area of primary-growth rainforest north of the Amazon, six active volcanoes and more than 500 miles of carefree coastline, peppered with sunny surf tows and tranquil beaches. Tourist interest has grown in recent years as the country has begun to normalise after years of political unrest and some terrible natural disasters; and today, the largest country in Central America is also one of the safest. Read more about Seven Reasons to go to Nicaragua

I'm suspended horizontally, trussed up like a turkey and pointing face-first down a mile of zip wire, the longest in the northern hemisphere. And when the safety line is yanked free, there's no turning back.  Zip World opened recently in the dramatic setting of the world's oldest and largest slate mine, Penrhyn Slate Quarry, by Snowdonia National Park. Read more about Try the Longest Zip Wire in Europe, Snowdonia

Anyone who has seen the movie Sideways will know that exploring California's wine regions will be a trip of a lifetime before you've even packed your bags. The Golden State not only has some of the most exciting pinot noirs on the planet, it is home to artisan towns, epic scenery, great wildlife, welcoming locals and, of course, fascinating wineries. Read more about Wine Break California

Morocco's cities are impossibly exotic. North African culture bumps up against all the quirks and traditions of the Middle East, leaving travellers caught up in haggling sessions for carpets, tripping over snake charmers' baskets, drinking scalding mint tea or getting lost in dark, maze-like souks. From the capital to the coast, there's plenty to discover in the urban hubs across the country. Here's our pick of the top spots to see. Read more about Morocco's Best City Breaks

In the film Hostel, the director Eli Roth depicted Slovakia as a dirty, dangerous war-torn country brewing with evil. Horny backpackers were particularly vulnerable, not only from the devious women who'd lure them to an early death for a few korunas, but also the young ruffians who'd kill for a mobile phone - or even a piece of chewing gum. Read more about Get a Different View of Slovakia

Gastronomy, golf, beaches, nature and history: the tourist attractions of the Costa del Sol are undoubtedly some of the most complete in the world. Malaga province may be the smallest in Andalucia in terms of size, but because of its situation and its climate, it is hard to beat.  The location is fundamental in understanding the success of the Costa del Sol as an international tourist destination. It is the European Mediterranean coast which is closest to the Atlantic, but it is also south of the great Guadalquivir valley. Read more about Malaga, a Gem in the Costa del Sol

Few adventures still stir the soul like the great American road trip. This near-mythical experience seems to go to the very heart of the world's third largest country - the Mustang, the Charger, the Bronco all being cars that conjure up the spirit of riding horseback across wild, unchartered land - and hitting the road is the embodiment of freedom in the land of the free. Read more about Discover Some of California's Spectacular Lakes and Mountains