USA

An otter delight

On an Alaskan cruise, adorable otters take centre stage in a cast of whales, eagles and starfish, writes Julietta Jameson.

Restaurants

I know this great little place ...

Simon Thomsen Christopher Kostow has earned three Michelin stars for his nine and 10-course dinners.

The Backpacker

Ten popular tourist attractions that can kill you

The Backpacker If you don't like taking risks, you should probably avoid doing any of these.

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Thursday Island

Shore excursion: One fine day

Jane E Fraser Keen expedition cruiser Rick Cooper, of Noosa, steps through Australian history in the north of Queensland.

Victoria

Shift in the cool

Northcote and Thornbury are Melbourne's latest hip hotspots, writes Tim Richards.

Tasmania

Tale of two Tasmanian riverbanks

A tour of the Tamar Valley's wineries reveals depth and diversity in styles, writes Andrew Bain.

The Cruise Director: Australia Day

Sally Macmillan What's happening for Australia Day on board the ships sailing around the country?

Queensland

Marooned by choice

Andrew Taylor From all angles, stunning is the word, writes Andrew Taylor.

Northern Territory

Adventures in Alice's wonderland

There's action aplenty, as Kerry van der Jagt discovers in our unofficial capital.

Japan

Spirit of romance

He stole the secret of whisky and a wife - and his drop is among the best, writes Stephen Phelan.

Canada

And for Cirque's next act ...

Jill Dupleix In Canada's beautiful Charlevoix region, Jill Dupleix takes a gastronomic train to the door of her hotel.

Canada

Mountains of plenty

Terry Durack Terry Durack finds meeting the people behind the food along the Charlevoix Flavour Trail makes everything taste better - no argument.

India

Weaving their magic

The variety of life makes this silk city rich, writes Luke Slattery.

Gourmet travel

Sue Lawrence: I know this great little place ...

Sally Webb Food writer and cook Sue Lawrence has had a long media career since winning British Masterchef in 1991.

Luxe Nomad

A $60 salad? Welcome to the joys of room service

Lee Tulloch I stayed at a reputable Paris hotel where a plate of chopped lettuce with dressing was listed on the room-service menu at $60.

ACT

Capital cocktails

Canberra, trendy? Tim Richards will drink to that.

Cruising

The Cruise Director: rollin' on a river

Sally Macmillan Viking River Cruises is set to outdo itself by launching 14 more of its 190-passenger vessels in 2014.

Cruising

Please rock the boat

Brigid Delaney discovers what happens when the likes of the Village People, Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer are all at sea.

Croatia

Shore excursion: Dubrovnik

Felicia Ioculano steps into a Game of Thrones fantasy on a Contiki cruise.