Can a Kiwi cyclist out-sprint a hungry brown bear? In Japan Victoria Clark fixates on this point while pedalling through Hokkaido's forests. She need not have worried.

America has its fair share of quirky buildings - here are five of them.

Rhett Butler and Scarlett come to life for Paul Rush as he visits the deep South.

Pam Neville finds an unexpected joie de vivre among Beijing's bustling population.

Roll up! Roll up! For the chance to ride some of the best double-decker trams in Hong Kong, writes Russell Maclennan-Jones.

Ian Henderson relished the chance to venture beyond the world of safe, scheduled travel. His wife was not so sure...

Andrew Louis hones his ski skills — and falls in love.

This state-of-the-art speed train devours long scenic stretches while passengers enjoy views in comfort, writes Brian Kelly.

The charm and character of a fair dinkum train make for an epic rail journey, writes Mike Yardley.

Good intentions are being abused in voluntourism, says Neesha Bremner.

The name, Zanzibar, thrills the imagination and, writes Yvonne van Dongen so do its sights, sounds, smells and history.

Elvis Presley's spirit keeps music lovers flocking to Memphis, writes Adrian Sainz.

The Welsh poet and playwright Dylan Thomas is being celebrated in a year-long series of events leading to the 100th anniversary of his birth on October 27, 1914, writes William Hageman.

Brett Atkinson finds plenty to keep him busy in the city that gave us the world's first farmers' market.

A ship is like a second home to regular cruisers, writes Denise Montgomery.

The warm welcome at PNG's Kiriwina Island leaves cruise passenger Paul Rush smiling.

An unfunded shelter mends the wildlife that doesn't make it across Australian highways, writes Shandelle Battersby.

James Ihaka enjoys fine vodka in optimum conditions.

Grant Bradley flies QF146 from New Zealand to Australia.

Get your art, science, culture or history fix at one of these monumental museums.

Bronwyn Sell takes the family on a wild Sydney safari.

In parts of eastern Europe, the memory of communist rule is still fresh, writes Sisi Tang.

The best concerts leave memories, mosh scars and minor hearing loss, says Chris Schulz.

Paul Abercrombie gets to grips with Venice's watery warrens during a once-in-a-lifetime rowing lesson.

Wildlife viewing in an open vehicle on a private African game reserve is an emotional experience, writes Paul Rush.

Veronique Dupont finds a veritable treasure trove of contemporary art in the desert city of Marfa.

Sophisticated cuisine and quaint forest accommodation enthral Paul Davies on Tamborine Mountain.

Being forced to pay a gratuity to serving staff seems unnatural for New Zealand travellers, writes Rod Pascoe.

Circles in the sky have become a hip way to view a city, so prepare your cabin for 'flight', says Peter Hamling.

If you want a dinkum Aussie drinking experience, you can't do better than Port Douglas, says Kurt Bayer, even if locals are scarce.