| | California, the home of Beach Culture | | With its origins in Hawaï, surfing developed in California nearly a century ago due to the efforts of a man named Duke. Ever since this sport has been an integral part of West Coast American culture associated with sun, girls in bikinis and nice cars. In 2011 this legendary beach culture is still truly alive and kicking. | Read more | Get muscular on your California hols | | American Beach Culture - a way of life At Newport Beach to the south of Los Angeles, surfers practice their art from the break of dawn before commencing their studies or days work. The latest trend to hit the beach is Stand Up PaddleSurf. | | The Californian coast a surfers paradise Wheres the best spot to get on your surfboard and confront the ocean rollers? With so many legendary beaches lining the Pacific Coast from San Francisco in the North to San Diego at the Mexican border in the in the south. Heres a brief, non exhaustive list of places you might try. | | | The best prices for California | | ViaMichelin's Recommendations Los Angeles from £42 San Francisco from 50$ Price valid for booking a double room for the night of 1st to 2nd October depending on availability | | Drop in on New Zealand | Wellington, a windy and happening capital Wellington the political and financial capital of New Zealand is a concentrated combination of Anglo Saxon and Oceanic worlds.Situated at the extreme southern end of the Northern Island, this wind-beaten capital has everything to seduce shoppers, culture lovers and enthusiasts of cosmopolitanism. | | | | Fiordland, at the worlds end
At the extreme south west of New Zealand Fiordland national park covers an area of 1.25 million hectares. Classed as a Unesco world heritage site, this wild and isolated land is home to fjords, dolphins and the unspeakable fragrance of virgin territories. | | | | This most famous geyser in the world is found in Iceland approximately 40 miles from Reykajik and is between 8000 and 10,000 years old. What's the name of this natural site? | Right here! | A Postcard from Austria | Discovering Wachau, a Unesco world heritage site 80 km northwest of Vienna, the quiet little town of Krems appears to travellers like a gateway to the enchanting land of Wachau. This region of breathtaking beauty extends 33 km along the Danube to its jewel, the famous baroque abbey of Melk. | | | Gastronomy at home and away | | An Introduction to New Zealand Wines From 9th September to 23rd October New Zealand will be holding the Rugby World Cup for the second time in its history. Whether youre making the journey to watch your team or staying at home in front of your TV, why not make the most of the occasion by sampling some of the countrys exceptional wines with intense and exotic tastes. | | Great White Wines from the Kamptal Valley in Austria The Kamptal, to the northwest of Vienna, is a mountainous region that produces some of the countrys finest Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. These crystalline, delicately crafted white wines that improve with age are good competition for even the most renowned of Burgundy Chardonnays. We meet with two exceptional local winemakers: Willi Bründlmayer and Michael Moosbrugger. | | | | |