by Holly Russell

Created on: September 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

The world is a big and wondrous place. From the towering skyscrapers of the eastern seaboard to the soaring magnificence of the Jungfrau, there are more places to explore than time to get there. Being well traveled offers an education of its own and is about being at home in this world wherever you are and appreciating what it has to offer. In choosing these five favorites, I think there is something for everyone, and yet it is only the tip of the iceberg.

The Canadian Rockies

Towering snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and forests teeming with wildlife. If you have any outdoorsy bones in your body, then The Canadian Rockies are for you. The towns of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise comprise most of the population of this area and in addition to hosting premier skiing, and some world class hot springs, they are charming towns with some lovely shops and lots of tourist options for all ages.

Try your hand at dog-sledding, ice climbing, or if you are after something more spectator oriented go for a sleigh ride and cuddle up by the fire with a good wine. There is lots of wildlife viewing including Grizzly Bears, Moose, Elk, Deer, waterfowl, and small mammals.

The Red Centre of Australia

The Red Centre of Australia has so much to offer including, but certainly not limited to Ayers Rock.

Ayers Rock, the Olgas and Kings Canyon are all located in reasonably close proximity and are definitely worth the effort. There are fantastic facilities available and as much information as you can absorb if you visit the Cultural Centre at Ayers Rock. It is best to visit here in the winter months as this is a very hot and dry climate and most days in the summer exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alice Springs is the population hub for the lower Northern Territory of Australia and is a wonderful place to visit in its own right. Whether you are interested in Aboriginal Arts and traditional living, or would like to stay in the comfort of a 4 star resort and sample some extraordinary restaurants....Alice Springs has it all. Museums and art galleries abound, with the Old Telegraph Station at the top of the list.

There are several gorges, gaps, waterholes and canyons within easy driving distance of Alice Springs. It is worth seeing, Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Big Hole, Chambers Pillar, Standley Chasm, Trephina Gorge and Palm Valley just to name a few. The red dirt and native flora and fauna are truly incredible and simply not found anywhere else in the world.

Seattle

While the weather does

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