What are the special experiences every New Zealander - or every visitor who comes here, for that matter - should have?

The scene of tropical holiday bliss is picture-perfect and, incredibly, it's real, writes Graham Reid.

The second-best thing to do when the icy winds howl from the south and the rain pours down is to turn up the heating, make yourself a pina colada and settle down to a book set in the tropics.

What would worldwide airport security have done if certain plastic bag manufacturers hadn't already invented the resealable bag?

For about four years, from when I was maybe 10, I carried a photograph of Innsbruck in my wallet.

Knowing a few words of the local language can definitely help you to avoid many problems during a trip to foreign parts.

I wish I could remember the name of the place so I could recommend it - but then again, maybe it's best I can't.

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are walking across Europe on the medieval Way of St James, for instance, or travelling to India in search of ancient wisdom.

One of the best things about going overseas - for me anyway - is the chance to try different foods.

The Solomon Islands was once paradise on Earth, but to some it now feels like a trap.

Misunderstandings between people of different nationalities can be the result of culture as well as language.

If there's one foreign term we all seem to know it's faux pas - perhaps because it's a good term to apply to many efforts to communicate in a foreign language.

Pride may be one of the seven deadly sins but it's interesting to ponder how many of the amazing places we travel around the world to see would never have been built if it wasn't for rampant egotism.

Adventure travel is all the rage these days, but what exactly is it?

Getting caught short is funny - if it's not happening to you. Readers recount their experiences.

What are the secret sanctuaries you feel embody the magic of New Zealand?

In the second of our two-part series, Lonely Planet's Tony Wheeler explains how to reduce travel risks.

Skiing in New Zealand is cheaper than anywhere else in the world unless you want to hit the snow in Bulgaria.