Just an hour's boat trip away from Cartagena lie the magnificent Rosario Islands, which belong to Colombia's only underwater natural park (the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park). Abundant marine wildlife (including over 50 species of corals) and some of Colombia's best beaches draw in many in search of relaxation and active pursuits such as snorkelling and diving. Isla Grande is best for kayaking through unique mangrove forests and seeing the phosphorescent plankton light up the waters of a brackish lake at night, while Playa Blanca is Cartagena's most spectacular white-sand beach (also reachable by land). It should be said that the company you choose to tour with has the potential to make or break the experience. Low cost tours can mean multiple intermediate stops en route to your destination, as well as unpleasant surprises such as no transfer back to your hotel. Try and choose a trusted company with consistently good reviews, or opt for a private tour. Mind that seas may be rough at certain times of the year, particularly in December and January, when tours on smaller boats may even become dangerous.

Of course, you could get all the best Australian wines without leaving Brisbane's city limits, but what could be better than meeting the people whose hands made the wine and taking in the atmosphere of a lush winery. Book a tour or get into a car with a designated driver, and don't forget to pack a picnic basket. We suggest heading south to discover the Scenic Rim’s wine, beer and spirit makers.

Less publicized, but no less astounding, the sanctuary is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian native animals. It was designated as a world heritage site in 2009. Check out their website to choose from a variety of experiences and encounters available.

On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River sits one of Thailand's most distinctive landmarks, the Buddhist temple Wat Arun. The temple gets its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn. Its five spires or prangs are covered in porcelain mosaics and seashells giving Wat Arun a gleaming iridescence when the rising sun illuminates it at dawn. Linger in the mythical gardens, climb the steep white stairs, and soak up the romantic views at sunset. Take a taxi or a river ferry at Tha Tien Pier on Thai Wang Road across the Chao Praya River to the Thonburi area.