Smoking Volcanoes of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, Italy From the bottom of the sea, some one million years ago, the earth started to rumble deep below the Tyrrhenian Sea when three massive intersecting fractures collided deep in the earth's core. The formation of what we see now as Mount Etna and the cluster of islands off the coast of Sicily, the 'Y' configuration of the Aeolian Archipelago, has been shaping and re-shaping over thousands of years, creating the landscape for some of the world's most spectacular treks. Each of the volcanoes on the islands represents a unique experience to witness our planet's continual transformation.

Sailing the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Crystal clear waters and deserted beaches treat you to some of the most spectacular views where mountains meet sea and history is packed into every cove and tiny bay. The gullet, a traditional Turkish sailing vessel, will guide you back in time crossing through the waters where sunken cities hide beneath the sea and ancient Lycian ruins nestle amongst the rocky cliffs. Snorkelers and divers enjoy meters of visibility Canyons forge through the cliffs into the sea while gliders float through the sky fro Mt. Babadag. Opportunities to explore, in the air, on land or in the sea are endless.

Negotiating Elephant Traffic in the Golden Triangle of Thailand With a lack of traffic signs and rules, it seems the best choice is to give the right of way to the big guys, the elephants. After all, weighing anywhere from 2500 to 4000 kilos they do most of the heavy work around Ban Ruammit, in northern Thailand. Since early morning, we, a small group of international adventurers, left the calm serenity of our hotel on mountain bikes, challenging city chaos to get to the longtail boats. We will travel from Chiang Rai along the Mae Kok, mountain bikes on board, to visit these enormously graceful creatures, then cycle the hilly road back to Chiang Rai.

Trekking to the Hilltribes near Pai, Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand The town of Pai is laid back, a bit over-run with foreigners, yet emanates a sense of peace and contentment. It is a treasure chest of street stalls, live music, street buskers, plus a huge array of restaurants to choose from. It is easy to see why so many travellers decide to hang out in this little piece of paradise. Except for being a regular and often longer term stop on the backpackers trail, Pai is also a base for curious trekkers who have come to the region, venturing through the thick forests and tea plantations to visit and experience the lives and culture of the local hill tribes.

Catching the Early Birds in Khao Sok National Park of Thailand Khao Sok National Park is a natural and highly protected sanctuary for many species of endangered wildlife. Before the Ratcha Prapha Dam was built in 1980, the entire area was thick primary jungle. Now the park covers hundreds of square kilometres as a reserve, where Mother Nature is once again in charge. The park creates an ideal setting for kayaking deep into the heart of a jungle which was once completely impenetrable until the valleys flooded. Environmentalist Dave Williams of Paddle Asia will take us there where a floating bamboo hut becomes home for the duration of our adventure.

Kayaking the Salty Waters of Phang Nga Bay, Thailand At Koh Yao Noi (little long island) where traditional culture flourishes, the welcoming, "Sa wat dii kha" never seems to end, nor do the smiles. The local people are more than enthusiastic to welcome you into their homes and to arrange any sort of activity, from fishing for squid at midnight, crab netting, or a visit to the medicine man to see how tiger balm is made. Often the owner of a local 'home-stay' will also be the fisherman plus transport for you and your kayak to the perfect launch point. Here extraordinary rock formations, acres of mangroves and hidden caves are a kayaker's delight.

Snow Covered Magic in Fairyland, Cappadocia, Turkey Deep in Central Anatolia is the land of the 'Fairy Chimneys'. It's true! Well, partially true. The fairy part is up to each individual's imagination. Yet, once setting eyes on the chimneys and caves in this treasure land of beauty, mystery and history, it is easy to imagine it to be the perfect place for fairies to fly about granting wishes! The winter months bring sunshine and crystal reflections to the freshly coated white landscape, creating the perfect day for a hike on top of and through the valleys. We are surrounded by silence and an oddly natural beauty that renders us speechless.

Kicking ass! Muay Thai (Boxing) in Bangkok, Thailand Unlike 'tae kwon do', 'kung fu' and other Asian martial arts, Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is full contact and usually quite brutal. In Bangkok, where many of the world's international champions have been groomed, new trainees must be prepared to conform to all the rules from gruelling daily schedules, specific diet regimes, to the basic of accommodations. No pampering allowed! Intrigued and competitive, I give it a try. A trial session of three hours at the renowned Sor Vorapin Gym in Bangkok almost did me in; however, once in the ring it is amazing how the adrenalin rush keeps you kicking!

Lost on Nootka Island BC, Canada. If your dream and inspiration is to backpack through pristine rainforests and hike spectacular sandy beaches in a remote wilderness setting where wildlife sightings from wolves to whales, are not uncommon, then you'll want to check out the Nootka Trail on the west coast of Vancouver Island. This natural 35 kilometre trail is somewhat comparable to the better known West Coast Trail on the island, but has surpassed it in many other ways. A reservation is not necessary, no long waiting lists, no park rangers. In fact there is usually no one around at all. On Nootka Island you are on your own.

Wild, Wilderness Trekking, Wells Gray Park, BC, Canada Wells Gray Provincial Park is equal to any of the more readily visited Rocky Mountain National parks to the east. If anything, the wilderness is probably more extreme, more untamed than its larger more populated counterparts. In fact many of its peaks remain unclimbed and unnamed. Our trek takes us across high alpine passes where a roll in the snow is common, through densely forested valleys and flower filled meadows, to Myrtle Lake, where our canoe will give us access to some deep interior treks. To cool down from high altitude adventure, Clearwater Rafting (grade 4 river) caps it all off!

Canoeing the Golden Lakes of Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. It is early morning on Opeango, only one of the myriad of lakes throughout Algonquin Park. The sun warms the beginning of a new day as steam rises from the mirror flat lake. A surreal mystical atmosphere surrounds us. Every once in a while the golden curtain opens up to give a sneak preview of the day to come. Quietly the canoe cuts through the lake. The only sound is that of water lapping at the bow and the morning call of a loon in the distance. White pond lilies in the thousands open up to a new day, as we look around anxiously trying to spot a moose busy in search of breakfast.

Where Sky meets Trail, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada In the high alpine regions of Jasper National Park runs the Skyline Trail. This four day, 44 kilometre trek takes hikers over numerous passes, along ridges with 360 degree panoramas and through high alpine meadows, offering some of the most spectacular views of Canada's Rocky Mountains. Highly popular with the outdoor community one needs to make advance reservations for the campsites on the trail, which are all carefully monitored. The only creatures without reservations or park permits are Bears, Bighorn sheep, Moose, Ptarmigans and the odd Cougar, who also use the trail on a regular basis.

Wet & Wild Adventures, Borneo, Malaysia. Jungle, rafting, sea kayaking, diving. We've arrived. Thankful that all our gear has also arrived we work our way through the frigid airport air to that of the tropics. As we venture into the real world outside, the body immediately goes into shock. It is no wonder every pore, crease and wrinkle of skin becomes a trough of salty, sticky sweat as soon as we step into non-monsoon season. This is just the city and we haven't even reached the jungle yet. Our multi-activity adventure will take us from jungle to sea kayak, the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, to a taste of white water rafting and one of the world's top dive sites, Sipadan Island.

Achtung Lawine!!! On Patrol with Tirol Mountain Rescue, Austria Cold, colder, or dead cold! You may think you have the mountain under control. You may think you are clever and can ski or board it all. According to the experts in mountain rescue, you should think again. Snow is snow and on the mountain it is most definitely in control, 100% of the time. There are guidelines and most certainly courses which will train you, especially important for the maniacs racing after every virgin dump of the white stuff. The statistics are brutal though. If you have ever experienced an avalanche, you are now likely dead. Many think they can outrun one! Think again.

Winter Adventure Snowshoeing in the Italian Dolomites The sky is deep blue, but the cold bites at my nose as we approach the frozen waterfall. The sun does not reach this part of the valley in winter, leaving the snow as it fell, deep powder. We plough through it with the snowshoes, sinking almost to our knees with each step. Surrounding us are the towering rock walls of the Dolomiti Friulane. From the romantic village of Forni di Sopra, we go out daily to explore another of the dozens of treks in the region. The end of each day, exhausted yet exhilarated, we indulge in the exquisite local Italian cuisine, accompanied by the best of local wines.

Peak Performance in the Savoie. Snowshoeing in the French Alps Snow crunches under our snowshoes as we leave the tree line. The deep snow has frozen over during the night leaving a soft crust on top. We will soon be warmed by the rays of the sun. Behind us the Mont Blanc and Aguille du Midi are duelling for our attention with their jagged peaks and blue glaciers bathing in the early winter light. Below, the valley of Vallorcine will remain under a cloud in the grip of cold until the sun reaches its height above the peaks. Outside, villagers rush about their daily business in attempts to stay warm, while high above we are already enjoying a clear blue sky.

On the Wings of the Eagle, Trekking the Adlerweg, Austria. Take a deep breath, then go for it, I say to myself. With cables to assist I reach the top of yet another pass, only to look straight down on the other side. It's here at the top though where I truly feel the expanse and freedom these mountains have to offer. On the wings of an eagle? Almost. We are in the north eastern part of the Adlerweg which in total spans 280 kilometres from St. Johann near Kitzbuhel in the west to St. Anton in the east. Though there are many routes to choose from, the original high alpine route is considered to be the most challenging, requiring some experience.

High Altitude Performance, Trekking the Silvretta Glaciers, Austria The Silvretta Mountains are a spectacular range. Though not really suited for regular trekking, the Silvretta offer glacier crossings, alpine climbing and, a favourite for many (including myself) high alpine adventures. Together with a mountain guide we set off to climb the Dreilanderspitze on our way to the Wiesbadener Hutte. There are dozens of rope teams on the glacier. On the way to the Piz Buin we end up in a traffic jam at 'the chimney', which is a scramble through a windy and cold crack in the rocks just below the summit. Should all go as planned, some 100 will reach the summit today.

In Pursuit of Prosciuto, Grappa & the Good Life, Trekking in Toscane, Italy Rain continues to hammer my window while the wind howls around the ancient Tuscan farm house when I fall asleep. With no expectations following the storm, I open the curtains next morning to find a pristine autumn landscape. The sun is out in all its brilliance as we trot through the soaked grass, heading for higher ground. Below us the clouds cover the valley, leaving the rolling hills floating on top of the mist. The landscape is dotted with evergreen olive trees and acres of vineyards, drying in the sun after a thirst quenching down pour. Soon a hearty farmer's lunch will be in order.

Trekking the Cinque (5)Terre, Italy's Ligurian Coast Our first evening in the village of Riomaggiore is a delight. Walking along the cobbled streets, the multi-coloured stone houses with shuddered windows are a playground of local culture. With inviting restaurants every few meters and shops fancying everything from the purest of pure olive oils (local of course), to every '5 Terre' liqueur you could imagine. It is a treasure chest of that in which the people of Cinque Terre take great pride. For five days we will hike the famous hills, visit the five terraced villages and indulge in all that represents the hard work of these proud people.

Sun, Sea & So Much More, Trekking and Cycling in Corfu, Greece Corfu must mean beaches and more beaches, plus sunny cafes and lazy days with an iced coffee in hand, or perhaps a charming restaurant terrace underneath the stars after a day of shopping. It is all here in the city of Corfu and for that matter all over the island with its 300 kilometers of exquisite coastline. But stop for a moment. Is it really what you want to do for your entire two weeks of vacation? Yikes no. We are here to discover the history of this island, the hospitality of the local farmers, travel the ancient donkey paths and find that secluded beach where few others have ventured.

Diving with the Great White Sharks, Gansbaai, South Africa A dark shadow becomes visible then turns away again into the deep ocean waters. I can feel my heart pounding in my ears as I try to hold my breath in the frigid waters of the Atlantic. Just as I surface Brian screams "Go back down, on the right!" Back underwater I look straight into the gaping mouth of a four meter long great white shark. This is not a bad dream, just the experience of a lifetime! This is all part of the Shark Cage Diving Tours with Brian MacFarlane, Gansbaai, South Africa, and the best place in the world to see the great whites in their natural habitat from the safety of a cage.

Maximum Adrenalin!!! Adventure in South Africa Do you have that 'thrill seeking' adventure spirit? Are you looking for that next adrenalin rush to top the last? Then once you have managed your way to the wilds of South Africa you are definitely in for your next adventure. Whether abseiling from Table Mountain or Kamikaze Canyon, rap jumping off the Knysna Heads or taking the 216m bungy jump off Bloukrans Bridge above Storms River, you will definitely find your element when experiencing what this great land has to offer. Perhaps a gorge swing,Tarzan style, or a flying fox ride, Superman style. Whatever, that dopamine fix is there for you!

Walking on the Wild Side - Stalking the 'Big Five', South Africa The bush in front of us moves as giant feet trample the branches. The earth pounds beneath our feet. Slowly but surely whole branches disappear out of sight, followed by crunching, chomping sounds. We are very close now. Together with wildlife guide Gary Freeman, we have been stalking the elephant for the last half hour. Cautiously sneaking up on him and closing in, we take care not to make noise and to stay downwind. Suddenly the bush opens up and we stand trunk to trunk with a big old grumpy male who is not impressed with our presence. We are exposed, walking openly in the wilds of Africa.

The 'Great Five' of Victoria Falls, Zambia Whether you decide to dive off, step off, fly about, or paddle your way around Victoria Falls, almost anything is possible in this playground of adventure. Vic Falls, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, offers adrenalin sports in, under and over the Zambezi River and is considered to be the outdoor capital of Africa. If rafting the mighty Zambezi or swinging like Tarzan through the Batoka gorge sounds a bit too extreme, you can also hop aboard and joggle about on an elephant back safari or take the Zambezi sunset cruise to visit the hippos and crocks! It is all possible at Vic Falls.

Conquering the Jagged Spears, Dolomiti Friulane, Italy There are pearls of sweat on our foreheads. The legs feel like lead. This is the revenge of the Dolomiti Friulani, the eastern most mountains in Italy's northern Dolomities. A landscape of towering rock formations encloses us on all sides. The steep gravel path takes us to the Passo del Inferno which in literal translation, means we are on the road from hell! Nonetheless the effort is rewarded (as most hellish climbs are) with a beautiful vista over valleys and the surrounding mountains. We will continue on to our first refugio, where more rewards await; rest, good food and stories to tell.

Trekking from Hut to Hut in the Verwall, Austria The air is filled with the scent of pine in the midst of the Silvretta and Verwall ranges which wrap themselves round the small pristine villages in the valley below. The trail to the Darmstadter Hutte, at 2384 meters, is normally a four to five hour trek depending on how fast you walk. "Don't worry. The speed is of no importance to me," says Gottfried, who is fit as a fiddle. "Besides, if I go slow for you then I get to see more!" As we zig zag our way through the first handful of kilometres, we quickly pass the tree line, carrying on up through the higher meadows of green and wild blossoms.

Trekking from Hut to Hut, Berchtesgadener Land, Germany. Mt Watzmann (Mr.), at 2713 meters, is the second highest mountain in Germany. It consists of three peaks all of which are connected by a narrow ridge. Next to this ridge is a second peak called the Watzmann Frau (Mrs). In between are the smaller pinnacles, known as the children. Early in the morning at 0500, after a terrifying thunderstorm, we find that just above the low ceiling of clouds the sky is clear. As we get higher I see the Watzmann hut floating far above a sea of clouds. It appears so close but, experience tells us, we still have quite some distance to travel.

Bear Hugging in the Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada "Do you have bear bells?" asks the salesman in the Canmore outdoor shop. I know cow bells and goat bells but I have never heard of bear bells. In my mind I see a Grizzly with a bell around his neck. After some explanation from the salesman I buy two bells and the adventure begins. The Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rockies is known for its rugged nature and wildlife. Just south of Banff National Park, in the province of Alberta, lies Kananaskis Provincial Park. Not yet touched by mass tourism, it is an oasis of peace, with unlimited possibilities for outdoor adventures.

Paragliding over the Blue Lagoon, Turkey "Ready? Now run, then sit and fly!" After three steps we are airborne. Looking between my feet I see where Brook Shields once starred in the 'Blue Lagoon'. In the world of paragliding Olu Deniz, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, is one of the most spectacular locations to experience the thrill of flying. Both pilots and tandem passengers truly find a challenge here. Take-off is either at 900 or almost 2000 meters from Mt. Babadag, depending on the weather. But the challenge does not start at the top. First, those wanting to fly, must still conquer the 4x4 ride up the mountain to take-off!

The Monasteries of Meteora, Greece As the wind rustles the autumn leaves, we hear what seems to be the faint sound of elves in the forest. Last night we arrived in Meteora searching for a campsite in thick fog. We finally settled in for the night not knowing exactly where we were. In the early morning we discover that the only flat spot we could find just so happens to be a place of worship for pilgrims. The clouds have lifted and we find ourselves on a viewpoint overlooking the monastery of Rousanou, visible on a high rocky outcrop. Our elves were a choir of pilgrims from Korea who came to worship in this sacred place.

Kayaking over the Sunken City, Kekova, Turkey At sunrise we begin our journey through the pristine mirror flat waters of Kekova lagoon. Surrounding us are small islands with traces of Lycian civilisation. This is Turkey at its most beautiful. At night we camp out on tiny beaches nestled amidst ancient ruins and lush forest. During the day we continue to paddle, breaking to lunch on fresh fish and gozleme, a traditional stuffed pancake, in one of the many quiet family restaurants dotted along the coastline. Our mode of transport is sea kayak, one of the best ways to discover the history and secret beauties of the Turkish Mediterranean.

Climbing Mount Ararat, Turkey Just before the sun appears over the horizon we leave our base camp at 4200 meters to make our last efforts to reach the summit of Mount Ararat. On the borders with Armenia and Iran, Ararat has always been a very strategic mountain location, that which only recently opened up for foreign climbers. This ancient volcano towers high over the surrounding landscape, giving good reason to the stories of why Noah is believed to have landed here with his Arc. Mountaineers from around the world come to Ararat to climb the highest peak in Turkey. This will be my personal best, and I intend to make it!

The Lycian Way. Turkey's first long distance hiking trail. On the Turkish Mediterranean coast, running between the cities of Fethiye and Antalya, the Lycian way offers spectacular hiking over a distance of approximately 550 kilometres. The landscape varies from cosy coves, through rugged limestone cliffs to high snow-capped mountains. Shepherds roam the meadows and every so often we pass picturesque villages and remnants of ancient Lycia. We have put aside a six week period in order to attempt the full route which will be rugged, considering the huge variants in elevation let alone distance. With expert Kate Clow, we should be able to manage.

Canyoning in the Wilds of Turkey Wet, wild and absolutely unforgettable. That is what the brochure said and that is what I want. A waterfall gushes deep into Kibris canyon and I have just been told that I am next in line for my harness to be attached to my life line. No problem, it is only a 33 meter vertical drop down into a pool of water! Adrenaline rushes through my veins. This is my first time canyoning, my first time ever abseiling, and they want me to go straight off the edge, through the waterfall, then land in the middle of nowhere. No problem! I take a last gulp of air and plunge into the falls. What a rush!

The High Tauern Trail and Mt Grossvenediger, Austria. The Austrian High Tauern National Park is extraordinarily well preserved. We, as humans, are allowed, as long as we strictly conform to what the Austrians have been doing for thousands of years....walking. This protected region has Austria's highest and most famous mountains and offers countless opportunities for spectacular hikes and other outdoor sports. Photographer Frits Meyst and writer Roel van den Eijnde indulge in a five day hike from hut to hut, climbing the 3667meters to the summit of Mount Grossvenediger, and indulging in the warm hospitality of the mountain hut people.