Adventure

When you say Bosnia, most people will think of war, ethnic cleansing and massacre, as seen on the news in the early nineties. But I didn't come here for a dose of shock tourism. I'm here because travel junkies have dubbed Bosnia one of the world's most exciting undiscovered destinations. Its rugged landscapes, clear rivers and rich East-meets-West history under the Romans and Ottomans are the drawcards.

A twig snaps in the distance and birds begin to circle ominously overhead. I hold my breath, keeping my eyes peeled for a flash of fur. We are in prime brown bear territory in Kainnu, Finland's northern-most region, just 2km from the Russian border.  There are only two inhabitants per square kilometre in Kainnu, which is the size Belgium. The plan is to spot more bears than people.

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

Travelling responsibly is easy in Belize, due to the country's goal to become a world leader in sustainable tourism. With eco-lodges scattered across the pristine rainforest and along the unspoilt Caribbean coast, the highest population of jaguars on the planet and a whopping 28% of territory set aside to ensure the preservation of the flora and fauna, you're in for a wild and responsible adventure. Here's how to best enjoy all that bountiful Belize has to offer.

Leave all your preconceptions about southern Italy at the departure gate - Naples is a hidden gem of culture, history and, of course, food. Nestled in the shadow of an active volcano and infamous as a mafia hot-spot, it's safe to say that this is a city with an edge.  For decades considered little more than northern Italy's crime-ridden junkyard, Naples has cleaned itself up and is now enjoying a second renaissance, but hasn't yet had its authenticity beaten out of it by gentrification and tourism. 

Florida's beaches are among the best in the world. But when it comes to award-winning stretches of sand, St. Pete/Clearwater knows how to make a splash. Not only was Clearwater Beach voted America's Best Beach by TripAdvisor for 2019, but St. Pete Beach wasn't far behind, coming in fourth place.  Both beaches make up the long stretch of barriers island that hug this part of the Florida Gulf coastline, where white sands stretch for 35 miles and an exciting foodie and craft beer scene has emerged, you can take your pick between amazing art and awe-inspiring nature.  The area has a variety of different resorts available across St.Pete/Clearwater with Orlando is only 90 minutes away. 

Offering everything from meat-topped flatbreads to flavoursome cheese, Armenia's divers and exciting cuisine deserves a place on the on the global gastronomic map. This country draws on culinary influences from all over Europe, the Middle East and the Levant to serve up a menu of mouth-watering dishes - think harissa, a savoury chicken porridge; manti, a delicious baked dumpling; or ghapama, a pumpkin stuffed with boiled rice, dried fruits and nuts. A nation of food-lovers, Armenians attach great value to ancestral recipes and home cooking, so travellers should make sure to come with open minds and empty stomachs.

Life in Bergen has always been defined by the sea. Lying on the southern part of Norway's fjord-speckled western coast, the city descends from the seven mountains that frame it to meet a dramatic, fractured coastline of inlets and islands.  It's impossible to detach Bergen's existence from its seafaring past and present. Today, visitors flock to see the medieval harbour front, Bryggen, which sprung up in response to a flourishing codfish industry - one that saw Bergen become Scandinavia's largest city in the 1600s.

The Welsh capital is dominated by Cardiff Castle, which sprawls out into the city centre. At the entrance of the 2000-year-old estate, the masonry joins clearly show where Roman and Norman styles butted heads.  We laugh out loud at the interior when we step inside, as it is dripping in Victorian bling. The rooms are heavily decorated with marble, polished wood, chandeliers and the astrological whirl of black and gold. The many rooms eventually lead out to the castle grounds, where peacocks wander around, and we feel like we are in Alice's Wonderland.

The water's two degrees and my mouth, the only part of me exposed, is now numb. It's of no mind, though; the extreme environment is too beautiful to be worrying about small discomforts. I lie still, occasional wafts of my flippers my only movement, drifting in a current through the thin beginning of Iceland's Silfra Fissure in Thingvellir National Park, as I prepare to glide between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It's a tranquil time, silent and pure.