Peconic Bay Winery - The Long Island Wine Trail

If you can brave the traffic on the Long Island Expressway, then consider a trip to the Long Island Wine trail. Wineries dot the trail so you can easily pop into several wineries. The tastings are not cheap, at about $12 for 3-5 tastes, but the pours are generous and the wines are quite impressive. The view from the wineries are also worth a look. Long Island's wine trail cannot compare to Napa Valley but it makes a nice day trip from New York City. We enjoyed the wine tasting at Peconic Bay Winery, the service, and the atmosphere. They sometimes have live music, so if that's not your thing, plan accordingly. To get there: http://www.peconicbaywinery.com/

Momofoku's Compost Cookie (NYC)

The compost cookie is made with pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, butterscotch, coffee grinds, and chocolate chips. One bite and you'll appreciate this perfect blend of ingredients, salty and sweet, moist yet crunchy -- it's impossible to eat just one. Momofoku Milk Bar's other cookies (blueberry cream and cornflakes, marshmallow and chocolate chips) are also worth noting. If you're lucky, try their day old cookies for a discounted price - they are still moist and you can try two cookies for the price of one regular priced cookie. These cookies can't be beat. http://www.momofuku.com/milkbar/

Guatemala's Pollo Campero

Who knew that fried chicken could be so good. Pollo Campero is Guatemala's answer to KFC, but in my opinion better. The skin is crispy and the meat is so juicy. It's also cheaper too at less then $1 a piece. If you can't get to Guatemala, make sure you sample the finest fried chicken in their Jackson Heights branch in New York.

Eat Where Bill Clinton Ate in Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is quite touristy so it's not that easy to find a restaurant serving local cuisine. Fonda de la Calle Real has three branches within walking distance from the main plaza and they all serve delicious Guatemalan cuisine in a courtyard setting. We tasted the pupusas (pictured above), the turkey soup, chicken soup, chile relleno and a stew, which were all tasty and reasonably priced. The sauces were full of spice and intense flavor. Everything was fresh and prepared to order, so be patient.

Relax at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

If you're in Antigua, Guatemala, make sure to spend a few nights in Lake Atitlan. There are many lakeside towns where you can visit by boat or kayak. Each town is different so it's best to explore a few of them by fast boat. This view from our villa at Villas Balam Ya can't be beat. There is not much to do but relax and enjoy the gorgeous views. To get to Lake Atitlan, arrange shuttle transport from one of the many travel agencies in Antigua. If it happens to be a Sunday or Thursday, you can combine the trip with a stop in Chichicastenango Market.

Hiking Pacaya Volcano Can Melt Your Shoes!

The ad wasn't lying when it said that you'll get close to lava. Hiking an active volcano in Guatemala is not at all like hiking one in Hawaii. There are no paths or ropes marking the way. There are no shortage of "Danger" signs either. You walk wherever you want. Be careful as the lava rocks are sharp and you can easily lose your balance. The heat is so intense as you get closer to the lava. Your feet begin to burn as you stand there waiting to take a picture. You have to keep moving or else your shoes will melt. This unlucky traveler ditched her shoes and had to get on a horse to take her back down. Hope she packed an extra pair of shoes for her trip. To get to Pacaya Volcano, book a shuttle at the many travel agencies in Antigua. After arriving at the base, you'll have to hike an hour and a half up to reach the lava flow. The views of the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua are spectacular on a clear day making Pacaya Volcano a highlight.

Lunch at Jean Georges' Nougatine

Now that Restaurant Week is over in New York, it's hard to find a restaurant that offers fine dining for great value. Luckily for us, Jean Georges is offering a $26 lunch special at Nougatine. For starters, we had the Tuna Tartar and Shrimp Salad with Avocado, both of which were light and delicious. Then we had the Pan Roasted Snapper with Squash, Tomatoes and Herbs (pictured to the left), and a Beef Tenderloin with Spinach and Potatoes. The snapper was cooked perfectly and the tomato sauce was sweet and salty. The beef was tender and tasty. We ended with a lemon ricotta cake, which was good but a little dry and a chocolate molten cake, which was divine and rich. Service was a little slow, but for $26 each and a view of Central Park, what more do you want? To book a table: http://www.jean-georges.com/

Monks at Angkor Wat

Visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia before all the crowds arrive. Frankly, the crowds have already begun to discover this once isolated place, so delaying your trip will only make it worse. This massive temple complex set in the jungles of Siem Reap dates back to the 12th century. You'll need to pay a $40 admission fee and hire a driver for $20 a day for at least three days to explore this world heritage site, which is being overtaken by the jungle. Avoid the intense heat and explore the temples during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Admire the intricate details on the stone work, some of which are carvings of faces. You won't get bored here as each temple structure is vastly different. Relax in Siem Reap, a charming town outside of the complex, which has become known for its trendy bars, restaurants and boutique hotels.

Hoboken's Answer to Philly Cheesesteak

Piccolo's is a Hoboken institution dating back to the days of Frank Sinatra. Head straight to the counter and order a cheesesteak with grilled onions for $8 and top it with hot peppers. After the first bite you'll agree that this cheesesteak was worth the trip to New Jersey. Instead of thin "steak-umm" slices that put Philly Cheesesteaks on the map, Piccolo's uses tender cuts of sirloin served in a roll baked in a brick-oven by Dom's Bakery, another Hoboken institution. Piccolo's serves other tasty meals for lunch but locals come here for the cheesesteak. Located on a residential street, look for the row of double-parked cars and you'll find Piccolo's. Cash only. Closed Sundays. For more info: http://piccoloshoboken.com

Survived Eating Fugu (Blowfish)

Who wouldn't want to fork out $200 to eat poisonous fish in a foreign country where English is not widely spoken? I couldn't resist so I sought out the best Fugu restaurant in Tokyo despite knowing I could die. Even if you have the money to burn you can only eat fresh Fugu in the winter months. Consider that when booking your plane ticket. To experience this delicacy, go to a restaurant that specializes in preparing this deadly fish where you can consume an entire eight course meal of Fugu. You''ll start with Fugu sashimi (pictured above) and end with a Fugu nabe (noodle soup). Fugu doesn't have much taste, it reminds me of tofu in that it simply absorbs the flavors of the sauce it's prepared in but of course they are completely different textures. I do love Fugu sashimi as it's sliced so paper thin that it melts in your mouth. The texture is also slightly chewy and when dipped in soy sauce with a squeeze of citrus -- WOW- you've gone to heaven. If you love Fluke sashimi, then you'll go overboard for Fugu. Fried Fugu is another delicious dish. It tastes like kara age (fried chicken) but much lighter and flavorful. The other Fugu dishes are just as noteworthy. Eating Fugu is definitely worth the $200 and a trip to Tokyo in winter. Reserve a table at http://www.kitaohji.co.jp

Tikal, Guatemala

Set in the lush jungles of Guatemala lies Tikal, a Mayan temple complex dating back to 900 AD. Experiencing Tikal requires at least a day of exploring and lots of mosquito spray. This place is so spread out that it's best to hire a guide. You can't escape the heat and humidity even at sunrise but you can escape the people. No matter how sweaty or tired you are, hike to the top of the temples so you can get a panoramic view of this massive complex and the canopy, which is simply breathtaking. After a long day, spend the night in nearby Flores, a charming, colorful lakeside town 45 minutes outside of Tikal. Book a room at Francis Ford Coppola's retreat, La Lancha, at http://www.coppolaresorts.com/lalancha

Machu Picchu Without the Crowds

The best way to enjoy Machu Picchu is in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are gone. If you don't want to sweat to death while hiking the Inca Trail, take the train up to Machu Picchu with all the day trippers but ditch them once you arrive. Spending the night in Aguas Calientes will allow you to explore this magnificent place on your own time. Hang out with the friendly llamas and admire the intricate stonework without the sounds of clicking cameras. Seeing Machu Picchu on TV or in travel magazines doesn't do it justice. You'll be in awe once you set your eyes on this world wonder. Can't believe that the Incas built this ancient city 100 years after the French built the Church of Notre Dame in Paris -- puts everything in perspective. To book a room at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: http://www.inkaterra.com

Cappadocia, Turkey - Another World

If you ever wanted to visit "Bedrock City," take a trip to Cappadocia, Turkey, a 12 hour bus ride from Istanbul. Here you'll experience life like a Flintstone. Explore underground cities, sleep in a cave, and see one of the most unusual landscapes imaginable. The vast valley is dotted with phallic volcanic structures as far as the eye can see. Churches are in the shape of rock domes. The air in the underground cities is cool yet surprisingly plentiful but I still wouldn't want to spend my days without an ounce of sunlight. There is an intricate network of tunnels underground so you'll need a guide.

Biking in Yangshou, China

If you want to see spectacular karst scenery without the hordes of tourists, I recommend skipping Guilin and heading an hour straight to Yangshou, which is less commercial and much more quaint. Don't get me wrong, Yangshou is touristy but the village is small and the architecture is meant to resemble an ancient chinese town. This place is a backpacker's paradise. You can walk everywhere and get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets. Cute restaurants and cafes abound. The best way to explore the countryside is by bike. You can take a guided tour and be forced to make small talk with your guide or if you can read a map that's even better. We did both but preferred going solo at our own pace as our best experiences are the ones we stumble upon by accident. The bike ride is adventurous, challenging and unforgettable. Being on a two-wheeler allowed us to get close to nature. We were also able to stop and meet local villagers and even shared a meal with them. Money Saving Tip: If flying from Hong Kong, save yourself $ by crossing over to Shenzhen by train and then booking an internal flight to Guilin as opposed to booking direct from Hong Kong.

Meeting the "Long Necks" in Myanmar

These Padaung "long-neck" women couldn't keep their hands off my husband. It may have been the first time they ever met a foreigner. We were invited into their hut in Kalaw, Myanmar. We had a "translator" with us in hopes to communicate with them. Who knows if he really translated what they said, but it didn't matter as they were so warm, friendly and inquisitive. They were an aunt and niece who smiled non-stop at us. They took off one of their brass rings for us to try -- it was so heavy. I can't imagine having to wear all those rings starting at the age of five. This was an experience I'll never forget.

Sunset over Bagan, Myanmar

The only time I've ever heard of anyone going to Myanmar was on Seinfeld, when J. Peterman exclaimed to Elaine, "I'm in Burma! You may know it as Myanmar, but it'll always be Burma to me." The show was not what prompted me to go to Myanmar. I ended up there on a whim. I happened to be at a bookstore in Bangkok airport and saw the Lonely Planet's guide to Myanmar. I flipped some pages -- it peaked my interest and I was on my way. So when I arrived in Yangon, I had no idea what to expect. The people were so curious, friendly and warm. The food was fantastic as it incorporates Chinese and Indian spices. The culture was like nothing I've ever encountered. The scenery is spectacular, including that of the massive temple complex in Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, where the 2000 plus temples and pagodas date back to the 11th and 13th centuries. Few people make the journey to Myanmar, which is unfortunate as I found it to be one of the best experiences of my life. I wouldn't be surprised if one day Bagan becomes overrun with tourists but with the military junta running the show, it may be awhile before that day comes. Now's your chance to go see this amazing country without the crowds.

Aquavit NY

Before stepping into Aquavit, my only experience with swedish food was at the cafeteria at Ikea. Needless to say I was excited about venturing deeper into Scandinavian cuisine. Ordered from the Restaurant Week menu for $24.07. Started with the herring plate (a sampling of herring consisting of pickled herring, curry, fresh herbs and one more I can't remember, but it was all delicious and flavorful). Meatballs with lingonberries and mashed potatoes were next. Definitely better than Ikea's meatballs - more tender, less salty and not overwhelmed by gravy. Could've been more juicy. Also tasted the seared salmon, which was divine. It was cooked perfectly and the tomato vinaigrette sauce was perfect. If I had to pick - the salmon was the winner. Ended with the Artic Circle dessert (a creamy goat cheese parfait with passionfruit curd and blueberry sorbet). Loved this -- not too sweet, great texture and the perfect amount of tartness. Also tried the chocolate mousse with peanut powder and grape sorbet. This was like a twist on peanut butter and jelly (but much better). It was light and airy, not too sweet and the sorbet was refreshing. Aquavit is definitely a winner for Restaurant Week.

Matsugen NY

Had lunch at Jean-Georges' Matsugen the other day. Such a huge modern space - it's a shame hardly anyone was there, which makes me wonder how long this place will last. They offer a $24 prix-fixe menu, but I didn't want to fill my stomach with miso soup and seaweed salad. So we ordered a la carte. Started with the homemade tofu and yuba (tofu skin) appetizers, both were pretty good, though you probably could get the same quality tofu for half the price in a tofu shop in Chinatown. For entrees, we had the Matsugen soba (pic above) (a soba salad mixed with yam, egg, bonito, myoga, cucumber, wasabi, okra, sesame, scallion and seaweed) and the cold soba with kamoseiro (duck soup) and a side of goma dare (sesame dipping sauce). Both dishes were pretty good. I liked the goma dare sauce - not a common soba dipping sauce. I'd like to think that I'm a soba connoisseur as I ate soba almost everyday when I lived in Japan and I've eaten at many of the soba restaurants in NYC. So when I say the soba here was pretty good, you should trust that it was. Was it so great that it's worth the $$? Well, there are plenty of other soba places in NYC that serve the same quality soba, if not better, for slightly less. Check out Soba Koh, Soba-ya, Sakagura (serving soba at lunch only), and Soba Nippon. If you're in Tribeca and are craving soba, then you won't be disappointed in Matsugen. To reserve a table: http://www.jean-georges.com/

Taj Mahal --Get There Early

No trip to India is complete without making the trek to Agra, which is not the prettiest city. Once you step into the gates of the Taj Mahal, all the noise, grime and pollution of Agra fades away. I'd recommend arriving at sunrise to appreciate this impressive mausoleum without the crowds. The white marble facade with the rich colorful inlays and carvings are so intricately detailed -- it's no wonder the Taj took over 20 years to complete. It's hard to imagine a man loving his wife so much that he built this enormous complex in memory of her. These days that just doesn't happen no matter how much money you have. Imagine Bill Gates doing this for his wife? The grounds are a peaceful respite from the hectic hustle and bustle of Agra. You won't feel rushed here nor have the urge to leave and continue on with your itinerary. Take a stroll and simply admire the beauty of your surroundings and the finest display of Mughal architecture. The other stand alone structures in the complex are also worth noting as they also contain beautiful carvings and paintings. They also offer you different views of the Taj worth photographing. Open everyday from sunrise to sunset (except Fridays).

Where are the Tigers?

There is only one reason to endure the above 40°C temperatures in an open air jeep in India -- to get close to a tiger in Ranthambore National Park. A tiger safari in India is not at all like that in Africa. African safaris spoil you with the massive amount of game. Here, you're tracking one of the most endangered and elusive cats in the world. Whether you see a tiger depends on your luck. You'll see lots of peacocks, deers, and monkeys, but that's not what drew me here. It could be worse, you could be stuck in a "canter" (an open air truck carrying 25 locals) if you don't book your jeep ahead of time. I cannot stress this enough -- book a jeep online in advance or stay in a luxury hotel and they'll do it for you at a premium! Unfortunately, we had to endure one bumpy ride in a canter and it was hell -- uncomfortable, slow, and noisy. It didn't help that the locals probably scared the tigers away by smoking. Another frustrating aspect of the tiger safari is that there are five zones where a limited amount of jeeps and canters can enter. The zone you get stuck with is chosen at random and you can't request or pay extra to go to the zone where a tiger was recently spotted. I won't say that the tiger safari was a waste of time as we did see one tiger hiding in a cave (too far away to capture on camera) and the scenery and ruins were beautiful. Our hotel, Khem Villas, also made the trip worthwhile (although they were the ones that couldn't secure a jeep at the last minute). We'll have to revisit between October and April to test our luck again. Ranthambore National Park is open from October 1- June 30. To book a jeep: http://www.rajasthanwildlife.in/ To book a stay: http://www.khemvillas.com

Floating Over the Masai Mara

Who looks forward to getting up before dawn while on vacation? You would if you were about to go on a safari in a hot air balloon. Eight of us squeezed into a basket and waited for lift off in the darkness. Before I knew it, we were drifting over herds of animals in Kenya's Masai Mara and watching the sunrise. Though the wind was pushing us, I hardly felt any movement. It was very calm and serene. The sound of the occasional firing of the burners disrupted the silence. The hour journey took us over the Mara River where we could see hippos bathing. The "soft landing" was not as "soft" as I'd have liked as we were dragged a bit before tipping over, but I quickly forgot about it when I saw the champagne and breakfast being set up in the bush. Definitely an "Out of Africa" experience. A seat in the basket will set you back $400 per person, which is not a steal, but if you plan on experiencing this once in your lifetime, this is the place to do it. To reserve: http://www.governorscamp.com/property_activities_masai_mara_hot_air_ballooning.php

Raft from Argentina to Chile

I can't swim so I must have had a death wish when I chose a Class IV white water rafting tour that requires you to be a "confident swimmer." I figured what could go wrong as long as I have a life jacket and safety kayakers by my side. Luckily, nothing bad happened to me but I can't say the same for the guys who fell overboard into the glacier-fed Manso River in Argentina. Did I mention that it was also snowing that day? Within minutes, I was part of a rescue team saving my fellow rafters. You'd be surprised what you can do when the adrenaline is pumping. After rafting for two hours through the deep canyons and intense rapids, we arrived at the Chilean border where we we celebrated the day's events with some Argentinian wine and a Patagonian barbecue. For more info: http://www.aguasblancas.com.ar/english/adventure-rafting-manso-river-chile-frontier-patagonia.shtml

Stony Brook Vineyard, South Africa

After visiting so many commercial wineries in Franschhoek Valley, South Africa, we were delighted to find the family-run Stony Brook Vineyards. We felt like we had just walked into someone's home. The owner brought us to the verandah and we tasted some of the best South African wine. The "Ghost Gum Cabernet Sauvignon" was a winner. You'll end up buying many bottles as we did. Worried you can't finish it all? Some of the restaurants in Franschhoek allow BYOB -- just ask. Headed for a safari and can't carry it all? Give your wine as a "tip" at hotels. Do that and you may score upgrades. Don't bother shipping wine back home as it's exorbitantly expensive. Put Stony Brook at the top of your list when touring the winelands. For more info: http://www.stonybrook.co.za/index.html

Tracking a Leopard

Believe it or not, you'll get bored after a day of seeing elephants, zebras and giraffes. You'll never get bored of tracking predators (lions, cheetahs, and leopards). We couldn't leave Botswana without finding a leopard. After a couple of hours tracking a leopard, we found it hidden among the bush stalking a baby elephant. We watched in silence. Within seconds, there was chaos. The birds signaled the elephants that a predator was near. The elephants trumpeted and a huge herd ran to protect its babies. A lone elephant bull came out of nowhere and chased the leopard away. It's a shame that our cameras were not fast enough to capture all the action, which lasted less than a minute. We caught up with the leopard and watched it hunt a guinea fowl. That couldn't have satisfied the leopard's appetite. The leopard was back on the hunt within minutes but unfortunately it was time for us to go. You always have to keep your eyes open as you never know what you're going to find on a safari. To book a safari: http://www.kwando.co.za/

Snowmobiling on an Ice Cap

I can't imagine a better way to see Iceland than to go snowmobiling on the Myrdalsjökull glacier in southern Iceland. Don't worry, it's probably unlikely that the underlying volcano will erupt while you're snowmobiling across its ice cap. At speeds of almost 40 mph, you're in for a thrilling ride. There are no trees to obstruct your view of the sea, sky and glacier. The only downside is that the tour costs $200 for the hour ride, which is too short for the hefty price tag if you ask me. For more info: http://www.adventures.is/Iceland/SnowScooter/Myrdalsjokullglacier

View of Mt. Everest by Plane

If you're out of shape, broke, or have time constraints, but still want to see Mt. Everest, I recommend you book a flight on Buddha Air to at least say you saw it. The hour flight from Kathmandu gives you a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. There are no FAA rules here as the pilots invited me into the cockpit so I could take this picture. I'm glad I got a chance to see Mt. Everest without having to risk death to climb it. Who am I kidding, there is no way I could even make it to base camp. (Note: If you're heading to Bhutan from Nepal on Druk Air, you'll see the same view on your flight so save your money.) To book a flight: http://www.buddhaair.com/everestexperience.html

Ziplining in Mombacho Cloud Forest, Nicaragua

Lynmar Winery: Russian River Valley

These days I much prefer spending my days wine tasting in the Russian River Valley as opposed to Napa Valley, which I find very commercial and congested. At Lynmar winery, I can relax and sip Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while nibbling on the tasty food pairings. Not to mention that the view of the rolling vineyards from their outside patio is superb. Few people have discovered this intimate place. Lynmar wines are so enjoyable, they are served at the White House. It's unlikely that I'll be invited to dine at the White House in my lifetime so at least I know I can keep coming back here to taste the wine. To visit: http://www.lynmarwinery.com/

Ice Trekking on a Glacier

Reaching the center of the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina with crampons strapped to your feet is no easy task. After four hours of hiking and rappelling, you'll be begging for a foot massage. Several types of ice trek tours are offered in Calafate, ranging from easy to hard. Push yourself and sign up for the "Big Ice" trek offered by Hielo y Aventura, which allows you to experience more of the glacier. This trek is geared for fit people between the ages of 18 and 45. I'll be the first to tell you that I'm not what most consider "fit," but I can walk a fair distance without huffing and puffing. So if I can do it, it can't be that hard. After a couple of hours of trekking, you'll find yourself at the center of the glacier where you can have a picnic and a warm cup of yerba mate tea. It gets better -- on the ferry ride back, you'll be drinking a "scotch on the glacier rocks." Savor the moment as this is the only place where the "rocks" are older than the scotch. For more info: http://www.hieloyaventura.com

JAWS

If you can't swim, why would you ever get into a shark cage? As a fan of Discovery Show's "Shark Week," I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get up close to a great white at Seal Island, South Africa. Being separated from a 20 ft predator by a metal cage may seem unnerving to some, but the feeling you get when the shark approaches is unmeasurable. Pure excitement is rushing through your veins and you can't decide if you want the shark to linger or swim away. If you're lucky, you may also get to see a shark breach. Unfortunately, that didn't happen for us. Regardless, this trip was worth getting up at the crack of dawn. For more info: http://www.ultimate-animals.com/

Adour Alain Ducasse

Had the pleasure of dining at Adour Alain Ducasse at the St. Regis in New York last night. The dining room is intimate and elegant. The meal and service were fantastic from start to finish. We started with a cucumber granite amuse bouche to cleanse the palate. For an appetizer, we had the Tender Ricotta Gnocchi with wild mushrooms, sauteed lettuce and crispy proscuitto and the Sweetbread "Meuniere," Egg Purse with wild mushrooms and brioche. The gnocchi was so light and airy. The sweetbread was tender and flavorful. For entrees, we had the Roasted Atlantic Halibut with razor clams, calamari and a green vegetable condiment (above pic) and the Grenadin of Milk Fed Veal with carrot contrast, "Laitue Farcie," and veal jus. The halibut was cooked perfectly and the sauce was divine. The veal would have been better if it was more rare, but overall it was tasty. We ended the evening with the Contemporary Exotic Vacherin (mango marmalade, coconut, and passionfruit emulsion), which was refreshing and tart with a hint of sweetness. We also had complimentary macaroons and chocolates, which were a nice touch. There is no recession special here so I would highly recommend Adour for a special occasion or if you just have plenty of cash to burn. To make a reservation: http://www.adour-stregis.com/

Survived a Lightning Strike

I'm lucky to be alive after lightning struck the nose of our plane in mid air. A bolt of light flashed through the plane and the plane jerked sideways after take off. It was pretty frightening but knowing that planes are built to withstand lightning, I fell back asleep to my husband's surprise. It was only after we returned back to Reykjavik airport when I saw the damage that I realized what had happened. Thank God for the airport bar.

The Way to See Victoria Falls

Why get in a helicopter when you can strap yourself in a plastic chair with only a tiny motor and the wind to guide you? I'm a chicken so I chose the helicopter first. Poor choice -- it was fun for a minute and a waste of $100. A microlight brings you much closer to the Falls (and possibly death). Live a little -- the wind, the silence, and the sheer fear cannot be beat. Don't miss this while in Zambia. For more info: http://www.batokasky.com

Time to Add Sandboarding to Your To-Do-List

For only $25, you can sandboard down the black slopes of Cerro Negro, an active volcano in Nicaragua. You don't need to snowboard to look like a pro. You do, however, need to have a taste for adventure and be able to hike an hour up the 728 meters (2,388 ft) volcano while carrying a wooden board. Or you can do what I did, beg the guide to hold your board and give him a good tip. With only garden gloves and plastic goggles to protect you from the ash, you'll be speeding down the volcano in no time. Want more of an adrenaline rush? Try sandboarding with only the light of the full moon to guide you. Tierra Tour in Leon can take you on the half-day tour. For more info: http://tierratour.com

Brave Enough to Ride an Ostrich?

So long as you weigh less than 75kg (165 lbs), you can straddle one of these birds in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. This is not the most comfortable ride (and some people may find it a bit cruel) but it sure is fun. There is no saddle or harness to keep you in place. Rather, you keep from falling by holding on to the bird's feathered wings. Once the handlers pull off the ostrich's hood, you will be sprinting across the dirt field in no time. Just when you get the hang of it, the ride is over. You can experience this strange ride at one of the many ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn, including the Cango Ostrich Show Farm. For more info: http://www.cangoostrich.co.za

Get Dirty in a Mud Volcano

A short drive from Cartagena, Colombia, brings you to El Totumo, an active 2300 meter (7,500 ft) deep mud volcano. Upon arrival, you walk up some wooden stairs and plunge into the cool mud. You are constantly reminded that you are sitting in an active volcano as mud bubbles surround you. Perhaps you think you are at some strange spa as there are plenty of masseurs on hand. I'll admit it was a little strange having local men "massage" me while I was floating in the so-called therapeutic mud. My husband sure wasn't a fan of getting a rub-down. What's better (or worse) is having the local women scrub the mud off of us in the nearby river. Yes, they do strip you naked. Many hotels and tour companies in Cartagena can set you up on the half-day tour.

The Tortoise and Me

You may be tempted to ride a tortoise but too bad you're not at a zoo. You do get so close to it that you can smell its breath (not sure if that's really a good thing). When going to the Galapagos, don't just stay on the main island and take day trips. You will be wasting your time and not going very far. Instead, you must board an overnight boat for at least five days and deal with the likelihood of getting seasick. A small yacht with a handful of passengers is your best bet so you won't have to fight the hordes of tourists flocking to each island. Everyday you travel from island to island in search of different species and fauna. An advantage of being on a small boat is that you and your fellow travelers can ask the guide to let you off so you can snorkel among penguins, marine iguanas, sharks, and the "dogs" of the sea (sea lions). A disadvantage is that you may be stuck on a small boat with annoying people and have nowhere to hide. You'll have to outweigh the pros and cons. To plan a trip, pick up: "The Traveler's Guide to the Galapagos" by Barry Boyce, which offers great detail on various tour companies and yachts operating in the Galapagos.

Bhutan's Lucky Charm

Ireland has its four leaf clover. Turkey has its evil eye amulet. Some countries believe in the rabbit's foot. Bhutan's version of a good luck charm is none of the above. Rather, it is the penis. For a country that is so conservative and religious, I was shocked to see paintings of penises (mostly in red) adorning houses, restaurants and shops everywhere. What's so lucky about a penis? Our guide said that Bhutanese people believe that the symbol protects them in their home and wards off the evil eye. I don't really see how that can be, but then again I don't really believe in the other lucky charms either. Be sure to pick up a penis key chain for the trip home. To book a trip:  www.bhutanscenictours.com

Forget Maine Lobster

Hotel Suyapa in Las Penitas, Nicaragua not only offers a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean, it also serves one of the best grilled lobster I have ever tasted (and I have eaten more than my fair share of lobster). For less than $10, you can eat barefoot on the beach while watching the sunset. Start your meal off with a frozen Macua, a refreshing Nicaraguan cocktail made from Flor de Cana aged white rum, guava nectar, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and orange juice. The food, the view, the drinks, and the few, if any, tourists -- what could be better? To find Hotel Suyapa: http://www.suyapabeach.com

Don't Forget the Lamb in Argentina!

With all the talk about the beef in Argentina, don't miss out on the lamb. One of our best meals in Patagonia was cooked over a fire pit in the parking lot of our hotel in Puerto Piramides (a town famous for viewing the southern right whales). After waiting patiently for two hours, the rancher finally said the magic words, "it's ready." It was worth the wait! The lamb was succulent, juicy and fell off the bone. A bottle of Malbec and Patagonian lamb hit the spot. To taste this for yourself, head over to the parking lot of Hosteria Paradise. For more info: http://www.hosteriaparadise.com.ar/

Hiking to Find Gorillas

After a grueling 5 hour hike through the thick bush of Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans, we finally found what we were looking for - the Susa group of gorillas. We were able to get within a few feet of these enormous animals and observe them in their natural habitat. The baby gorillas tugged at us as if they were inviting us to play. The whole experience is surreal. Imagine hanging out with a silverback? We could have spent the whole day watching them, but unfortunately our park permits limited us to only an hour. Better to book the permits in advance with a tour company as there are only a handful of permits available per day. Hanging out with gorillas is not cheap. The permits cost approx. $500 per person, per day, but it is more than worth it. Better bite the bullet now as prices are just going to increase as more people discover Rwanda as a vacation spot. You may be asking, "Is Rwanda safe?" I'd say that these days it's safer than parts of New York. For more info: http://www.rwandatourism.com