Sue Johnson

If you like the thought of one of the long, lazy luxury vacation packages at some of the world's most pristine tropical playgrounds, wouldn't it be even better if you could continue being surrounded by the crystal clear water even while you are relaxing in your hotel room? In an over-water bungalow you can do just that.

Imagine complementing your holiday with the sensational experience of staying in an over-water bungalow, where you can look through the glass bottom floor to watch the colourful reef fish and sting rays playing below you.

Whether you dream of travelling to distant shores in the sumptuous grandeur of great ocean liner, or of drifting among tropical islands in the comfortable privacy of a sailing yacht, you will find your ideal holiday with one of these spectacular cruises.

Untouched wilderness in the Kimberley
Hidden in the remote Kimberley region, in the far northwest of Australia, is an intriguing world of extraordinary natural beauty.

On a continent so wide and diverse and with a culture so rich, it is little wonder that Africa is home to so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From desert plains and ancient ruins to tropical paradise and fierce natural wonders, Africa offers a plethora of sites for adventurers, nature lovers and history buffs alike.

To discover the secrets of antiquity, it is almost impossible not to start in Egypt.

In today's world, just because you are travelling by yourself doesn't mean you have to be alone. There are group holidays available for every age and every interest - from a gourmet tour of Italy, an indulgent golfing vacation or trekking through some of the lesser known wonders of the world.

For anyone who is spellbound by the many varied cultures of the world or fascinated by history, why not consider touring the Cambodian temples of Angkor.

Do you dream of escaping the rat race? If you're in need of a luxury vacation to rejuvenate body, mind and soul, imagine escaping to a five star resort where endless days lazing in glorious sunshine and feasting upon exquisite delicacies await.

Here are our pick of the top five islands to escape the rat race:

1. Santorini
A picture-postcard Greek island, Santorini's black beaches offer spectacular natural beauty and some of the most amazing sunsets you will ever see.

Luxury Ocean Cruises are a great means of luxury travel with some fantastic benefits. They make it easy to visit several places in a single trip without the hassle of packing and unpacking; they enable easy access to virtually every continent on earth; and they are the epitome of luxury travel.

For those who have not experienced the joys of luxury cruising, imagine your favourite five star resort.

Rail is one of the best ways to see the world - enabling the traveller to sit back in comfort, enjoy delicious cuisine, wine and company, while viewing the world's most magnificent scenery. A luxury rail tour allows the traveller to witness some of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth from the comfort and convenience of an air-conditioned carriage.

If you prefer to stay in a boutique hotel in London, then there are plenty of five star ones to choose from.

The K West Hotel and Spa is in Shepherds Bush, just a ten minute tube ride to Bond Street. Close to Harrods and the Natural History Museum, this modern hotel has strong clean lines and the lobby is glass fronted, filling it with natural light.

Women travelling alone no longer need to feel limited by where they can go by themselves - and safely. There are so many options available, with luxury tours to suit everyone, no matter what your interests. Imagine yourself enjoying a safari in Africa, indulging in the gourmet delights of Tuscany, trekking through Nepal or living in up in grand Paris.

If the thought of a holiday in a five star resort sounds boring or you just want to add a bit of adventure to your life, one of these top 10 trekking experiences from around the world may be just what you need.

1. Nepal
Trekking through Nepal is an ideal way to immerse yourself in culture. Spend some time trekking through the Langtang Valley, not far from the Tibetan border, where you can take in the superb views of the Himalayas.