Where to?

New York U.S.
The Sinatra- and Madonna-approved sleepless city leaves little to be desired. From shopping to museums to Broadway shows, the Big Apple has an energy like no other. Travelling through crowded Times Square, finding calm in Central Park, drinking the original, frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity and drooling over window displays on Fifth Avenue are some of my favourite memories.

— Diana Cina

Rio de Janeiro Brazil
Rio’s annual Carnival celebration has earned a reputation as one of the greatest shows on earth. Officially a competition between teams that compete to have the best floats and costumes, the parade that highlights the celebration attracts thousands of visitors each year. Escape to Brazil and watch as passionate Brazilians in elaborate costumes gyrate to pulsing beats.

— Dave Bowden

Copenhagen Denmark
With their rainbow-coloured facades and gorgeous-looking citizens, Copenhagen’s streets were a joy to stroll through. But the next time I’m in Denmark, I’ll definitely do like the Danes and travel on two wheels. Copenhagen has been designated “Bike City” by the International Cycling Union, meaning that aside from promoting cycling in general, the city is graced with multiple world-class cycling events between now and 2011.

— Julia LeConte

Nice France
When Brangelina took up residence in a South-of-France chateau, the power couple immediately converted the longstanding luxury of the Côte d’Azur into contemporary cool. Look south and marvel as the piercing blue depths of the Mediterranean contrast with the shore’s impossibly turquoise waves. Look north and take in the bulbous pink dome of l’Hôtel Negresco, a museum-hotel that brings French art and culture to the forefront.

— Dave Bowden

Venice Italy
This northern city may be sinking, but it’s still considered one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. It is essential to take a gondola ride; yes, the little Italian gondolier will demand too much money, but it will be worth it. Stunning Piazza San Marco is also a tourist necessity — even Napoleon loved it! Visit upscale boutiques like Gucci and Prada or the endless markets selling Venetian masks and Murano glass.

— Diana Cina

Parc National des Volcans Rawanda
Zoologist Dian Fossey spent 18 years in the hills of the Virunga Mountains studying the exceptional mountain gorilla. Today the gorilla remains a wonder within a wonder: the crown jewel of the Virunga rain forest’s sprawling majesty. Mark the 25th anniversary of Fossey’s death by trekking through the park and meeting the mountain gorillas that compelled her to remain in Rwanda for years.

— Dave Bowden

Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom Cambodia
You can’t help but feel small amidst the vast and beautiful structures of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It took two full days by motorbike to investigate these 12th-century sites, where photo opportunities were endless. Getting there was the hardest part. A mere 185 kilometres of rich, red soil riddled with pot holes took eight long hours to traverse by bus from bordering Thailand to Siem Reap. It was so bumpy that one of the seats from the van (an old Korean school bus) actually busted off and left two unlucky travellers sitting on the floor. Next time, I’ll fly direct.

— Chantelle Thompson

Thailand
It’s known as the “Land of Smiles,” and travelling anywhere in Thailand you will quickly learn why. I can’t say that I have a favourite spot because each beach seems better than the next. Travelling in and out of Bangkok is extremely easy, most of it done by packed minivan or bus, then by small boat or ferry to any of the islands. Accommodation is so affordable that you can stay in a private hut on most beaches for less than $20/night, or choose a small guest house for less than $10/night.

— Chantelle Thompson

Hong Kong China
Easily my favourite city on the planet, H.K. knows how to work hard and play harder. A spectacular skyline, bars that open 24/7, more high-end shopping than even the most luxe traveller would know what to do with (plus endless funky boutiques and street markets), and a unique blend of Eastern and Western culture — Hong Kong is a metropolis after this city girl’s heart.

— Julia LeConte

Queenstown New Zealand
For those wanting to stare fear in the face, New Zealand is the place to be. Queenstown, specifically, is where international adventure tourists congregate. Just outside of the bustling resort town is “the world’s wildest bungy,” Queenstown Nevis Highwire Bungy Jump, famous for its 8.5 seconds of free fall. Jumping off a cable car too much? Trekking through the country’s myriad national parks from coast to coast may flight your fancy.

— Louis Law

Noosa Australia
Pack your sunscreen and your board shorts, you’re off to southeast Queensland. Two hours north of Brisbane lies a sun-worshipper’s mecca and surf-bum’s paradise. Some prefer to cruise along with the laid-back atmosphere, chilling on the white-sand beaches, sipping cocktails and window shopping on Hastings Street. The more adventurous walk through the national park spotting koala bears on their way to some of the cleanest and most consistent point breaks in Australia. No visit is complete without a trip inland to Spirit House restaurant for an incredible Asian experience.

— Fergal McCourt