New Zealand

Most people who've visited New Zealand will talk for hours about its unspoilt, its peace and tranquillity and its warmth and hospitality. And the great thing is - they're right! Whether you're visiting North Island or South, the overwhelming impression of New Zealand is of rugged open landscapes, huge skies, and vast and empty beaches. Even the air feels fresher! But it isn't all about beaches - New Zealand is home to a fascinating array of unusual animals and plants. Isolated from the outside world for 100 million years, flora and fauna of all kinds have evolved in New Zealand, including some direct legacies of the dinosaur era. The backdrop for the recent Lord of the Rings trilogy, New Zealand has a distinctly 'other world' feeling about it.

Whether immersing themselves in culture, getting off the beaten track or simply chilling out on the beach, our teams know how to holiday. In case you are looking for inspiration for your next getaway we've selected a few of our favourite destinations.

Africa

Why not take a walk on the wild side among arguably the world's most fascinating wildlife. Discover exotic creatures such as bee-eaters, unusual vegetation such as the mighty Baobab tree, and weird and wonderful insects such as termites and dung beetles. Africa's National Parks will take your breath away, not only for their natural beauty but also their diversity. With classic game viewing in Tanzania, Kenya or South Africa, unforgettable sights such as the crater of Ngorongoro and the challenge of hiking in South Luangwa, there really is something for everyone. And whether you're discovering Ethiopia's Simien Massif, Uganda's Mountains of the Moon or even spectacular Kilimanjaro, walking in Africa brings you closer to the people of this amazing continent.

Europe

If you're a culture vulture, summer in Europe is the place to be. There are festivals everywhere, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and experience traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Here are some selection for the summer months:

Italy

• Regatta of the Four Ancient Maritime Republics
• Festival of Saint John in Florence - includes a series of legendary 15th-century costumed football matches

England

• Trooping the Colour, London
• Isle of Man TT Motorcycle Races
• Glyndbourne Opera Festival Opera

France

• Fête de la Musique, Paris
• Chaumont Garden Festival

Netherlands

• The Holland Arts Festival, Amsterdam and The Hague

Hungary

• Sopron Festival Weeks - featuring ancient music and dance

Austria

• Vienna International Arts Festival

Greece

• Athens Festival - with drama and music in ancient theatres

Denmark

• Roskilde Festival, northern Europe's largest rock music festival

Russia

• Stars of the White Nights Festival, St Petersburg - mainly featuring opera and ballet

Belgium

• The Golden Chariot and Battle of Lumecon, Hainaut - Saint George fights the dragon and everyone pushes a large holy chariot around the town, June 6th.

Ireland

• Great Irish Houses Festival - live music in great Irish houses, mostly in Dublin but also in Wicklow and Kildare.

North America

A little more unassuming than its larger neighbour, yet the world's second largest country by area, Canada is in many ways the Jewel in North America's crown. Think Canada and you'll probably think ice hockey, the maple leaf and the Rockies, yet the country abounds in relatively littleknown treasures. Take, for example, the spectacular Icefields Parkway, the beautiful Lake Louise and the exceptional Colombia and Athabasca glaciers. Elsewhere, Vancouver always scores highly in any poll for its superb quality of life and is rightly feted for its gorgeous Vancouver Island, perfect for whale hunts and kayaking around the untamed coastline. A trip to Churchill in northern Canada, meanwhile, will reveal polar bears in their natural habitat.

Head even further north, and you'll hit Alaska, America's most northerly state and home to the grizzly bear and wandering moose. Alaska has many highlights, including Anchorage, Denali National Park, McCarthy and prince William Sound.

The Caribbean

If you're looking for a chilled-out holiday in the sun, look no further than the Caribbean, home to the world's finest beaches and most relaxed lifestyles. There's more to the Caribbean than meets the eye though, with undiscovered gems such as the Pitons of Saint Lucia, the waterfalls of Dominica and the Creole culture of Martinique.

Havens of tranquillity are also on offer in the little-visited islands and beaches off the coast of Venezuela, as well as the pièce de résistance, Cuba. The warmth of the welcome is surpassed only by the excellent beaches, the revolutionary history, the stunning scenery and the ultra-cool salsa clubs.