FORGET blind dates; Eloise King set up a "blind vacation" when she took her partner on a two-night mystery sojourn.

YOU can swim and snorkel in their waters, sail around them and stay on them: we explore the "pineapple isles".

A MEANDERING weekend around the wineries of the Hunter Valley helps this former West Australian conquer his Margaret River bias.

AFTER a hard day of wine touring, Ed Charles hits the hops and quenches his beer thirst in the country's famous grape regions.

IT'S time to peel off your clothes and be pampered back to life with our pick of Australia's best spa experiences.

WITH death-defying ledges and vertical assaults – can Lee Taylor conquer Lord Howe Island's "Everest"?

CHINA here we come: Cynthia Rosenfeld presents the 10 most happening places in Shanghai, Beijing and surrounding areas.

ITS place names may be too long and be virtually unpronounceable, but Wales may be Britain's best-kept secret.

COLOURFUL history and charming locals make the area of Paris where Australian photographer Carla Coulson lives a storyteller's delight.

WITH death-defying ledges and vertical assaults – can Lee Taylor conquer Lord Howe Island's "Everest"?

WHO said tree-houses were for littlies? Alison Cotes finds a wondrous world for grown-ups that has her defying gravity.

FORGET blind dates; Eloise King sets up a "blind vacation" when she takes her partner on a two-night mystery sojourn.

THE sun goes down and Hong Kong comes to life: Cynthia Rosenfeld reveals her insider's guide to after-dark Honkers.

LAOS was once known as The Land of a Million Elephants. Mike Larder found out why.

PUSH, scoot, pump ... this adventure centre will take you on a few wild rides beside Brisbane's waterways, writes Kara Murphy.

LAOS was once known as The Land of a Million Elephants. Mike Larder found out why.