Category Archives: International Features

Travellers is search of adventure and extreme sports may find more than they bargained for in New Zealand. It is a country of dramatic contrasts with spectacular coastline and beautiful beaches on the North Island to the volcanic and alpine scenery of the South Island. A diversity of water based sports include black water rafting, rapelling waterfalls, jetboating and cruising through the fjord-like Milford Sound; while land-based sports include challenging Bungee jumps, hiking, mountain-climbing and the more sedentary sport of golf.

Geographically, Israel is a long, narrow stretch of land at the south-eastern corner of the Mediterranean, situated between Africa and Asia and on the edge of Europe. Its history is fascinating. It’s been a Roman province, a Crusader kingdom, a domain of Egypt and Turkey and a British protectorate. Birthplace of Christianity, the country has a human history that goes back thousands of years. In this introductory feature we explore Jerusalem and the Holy sites, visit Masada and a Dead Sea spa, and travel to the port city of Caesarea and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Akko and Bet She’an. try. Check the International category and “read more” for info on this feature (episode #10) and travel tips. See also the article on Akko: The Underground Crusader Capital in our Destinations category.

Our search for Alexander the Great takes us to northern Greece where we meet with foremost archaeologists who give insight to his life. Alexander was a Greek king of Macedon, and by the age of thirty had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalayas. We explore the archaeological sites of Aigai (modern Vergina) the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Pella where he was born and educated; and the sacred city of Dion where he assembled his armies. Check the International category and “read more” for info on this feature (episode #9) and travel tips.

An all-inclusive vacation at La Toc Bay on the volcanic island of St. Lucia offers sun, sea and sand, all your food and drink, private plunge pools, golf, scuba diving, a wide variety of water activities and trips to the capital city, Castries and local markets.  What makes this Caribbean island special? Saint Lucia, one of the Windward Islands, is part of the Lesser Antilles and lies in the eastern Caribbean Sea.  One of the more mountainous islands, it boasts a drive-in volcano, and spectacular scenery including views of The Pitons, two mountains that form the island’s most famous landmark. Check the International category and “read more” for info on this feature (episode #8) and travel tips.

Deep in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between North America and Europe, nine Portuguese islands make up the Azores archipelago. One of these, the volcanic island of Faial, is a favourite stop-over with yachtsman when they sail from Bermuda and the Caribbean. We explore volcanic cones, the marina, local markets and the capital city of Horta. Check the International category and click on “read more” for info on this feature (episode #7) and travel tips.

High overlooking Vimy Ridge in France, land has been dedicated to Canada and a huge war memorial built as a tribute to the gallantry of Canadian soldiers who gave their lives at the Battle of Arras. Even though Germany also sustained a great loss of life during World War 1, barely 20 years later Adolf Hitler was on the move again. “Wartime Memories” is taken from the archives of On Top of the World with a visit made by Anne Martin to Kent, England and Nord Pas de Calais, France during Remembrance ceremonies. Check the International category and click on “read more” for info on this feature (episode #6) and travel tips.

Stingray City is a unique underwater attraction in the Caribbean. Originally attracted to the shallow waters off the Cayman Islands where fishermen cleaned their catches, stingrays now seek scuba divers and snorkelers as a food source.    Read Anne’s article here

High in the Andes, an archaeological site reveals how the Incas affected the lives of the native peoples of north western Argentina and what happened to the culture when the Spanish invaded. Check the International category and “read more” for info on this feature (episode #4) and travel tips.

A visit to the awesome Iguazu Falls, one of South America’s, and the world’s, greatest natural wonders. They lie in the heart of the jungle and comprise 275 falls cascading over a giant horseshoe which borders Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Christopher Columbus famously described the island’s topography by crumpling a piece of paper. Visitors will be enchanted by dense jungle greenery, wildflowers, rainforests, historic forts, French and British heritage, and the indigenous Carib Indians.  For more information click here.