Where do I start ... and hopefully never stop travelling to?

Bali has been a long time favourite of Australians, but unfortunately the local unrest several years ago had put many of us off travelling to this destination. However, I recently visited Bali, with my 3 kids and had a fun and relaxing time and would highly recommend taking a look.

This striking South East Asian island is popular for sunny, beach and water sports holidays or an indulgent experience. For the more adventurous there is white water rafting, kayaking, mountain cycling and trekking, where guides introduce flora and fauna throughout the tour, including King and Queen palm trees, ferns, wild orchids, hanging liana and a variety of birds such as the Java Kingfisher, Black Bali Starling and even squirrels. Surfing is also extremely popular on some of the outer islands.

From busy Kuta beach on the east coast, to quieter Seminyak just a little north, or more up market Sanur and Nusa Dua located on the west, there is something for everyone.

Secluded within the boundaries of the exclusive neighbourhood of Jimbaran Bay on Bali's southern coastline, InterContinental Bali Resort embraces 14 hectares of tropical landscape. Blessed with an endless stretch of white sandy beachfront as its stunning backdrop, the resort integrates ornamental ponds, a winding lagoon and aesthetic stonework. Pure indulgence – however you do not have to stay here to enjoy some of the best fish and sunsets.

Shopping is fantastic at the Kuta markets, where you can enjoy a bit of bargaining, but Kartika Plaza just south of Kuta beach has everything you need in air conditioned comfort – especially cheap electronic games for the kids! And speaking of kids, opposite this plaza is Bali's Water Park Waterbom, home to more than 17 world class waterslides and leisure facilities for all ages. It is literally an oasis surrounded by tropical Bali gardens. These exciting and adrenaline pumping water slides slice through 3.8 hectares of landscaped tropical parks providing hours of fun and entertainment for everyone.

The hospitable people of Bali welcome many visitors to its haven of stunning beaches, volcanoes, bargain shopping, day spas, restaurants and active nightlife. A traditional and leisurely island, Bali is a friendly and warm destination with something for everyone.

Visit St Ives Travel & Cruise Boutique today for travel created just for you or call 02 9983 1799. Located at Shop 86 on the Lower Level.

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For those who want to be active while on holiday there's a range of options available - cycling, walking, skiing, golfing, sea kayaking and more - in almost every corner of the globe. Walking and cycling tours allow you to immerse yourself deep into the heart and soul of a region; to experience what's genuinely authentic, alive and memorable.
Choose from guided or self-guided tours. Guided groups are small and generally a mix of couples and solo travellers, allowing you to get to know people easily. There are often different route options available, catering for varying levels of fitness, and if you're tired you can always hop in the support van. Some tours cater for families and others are exclusively for solo travellers. Here's a few to get your heart pumping!

Bryce & Zion Cycling
Riders love a challenge: long climbs, rugged descents, switchbacks. Cycling in Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks will certainly get the adrenaline flowing. Breathtaking canyons, incredible rock formations and a whole lot of downhill. Ride past whimsically shaped rock formations and Navajo sandstone cliffs.

Hike amid the hoodoos and spires in Bryce, and see the setting sun change the landscape before your eyes. Spin past intriguing Checkerboard Mesa, sculpted and etched by weathering and erosion, and marvel at how wind and water can produce such strange, beautiful places. Enjoy the long rides, warm dry air, brilliant sun and staggering natural grandeur around every corner in Utah's red-rock canyons.
Price $2,520 (single supplement $620) for 6 days, with departures Jun to Sep, staying at lodges within the National Parks.

Dingle Peninsula Walk
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland's West Coast. Moreover, it is steeped in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture. This mountainous finger of land, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, has supported various tribes and populations for at least 6,000 years and over 2,000 monuments have been preserved. It is impossible not to be impressed by its archaeological heritage, which ranges from Prehistoric times through the Early Christian period to the Middle Ages.

At almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved over the centuries by the pounding waves. And along the way you'll enjoy plenty of good Irish cheer!
Price $1,210 (single supplement $285) for 8 days, departures Apr to Sep, 3-star accom.

Sardinia & Corsica Walking
The isles of Sardinia and Corsica are ten kilometres and worlds apart. Corsica - part of France, but defiantly non-French - is blanketed in fragrant herbs and dotted with quaint villages. Sardinia is more rustic, mysterious, with a few thousand years of Phoenician, Spanish and Italian blood in its veins. Together, these two gorgeous islands are some of the least-touristed spots in Europe.

When you leave behind the yacht-studded harbours for the mountains, pastures and vineyards of the interior, you have the rarest of privileges - to see and experience countryside and culture that seem to have stood still in time. This tour offers a stimulating blend of easy walking and exposure to local culture and history.

Price $4,560 (single supplement $835) for 7 days, departures May to Oct, 4-star accom.

The World's Greatest Bike Ride
Tour de France. Prestigious, tough, legendary. It's THE race! Epic cycling, punishing climbs, screaming descents and nail-biting drama. Pros and fans alike dream of being there. To race, cheer, be part of the world's greatest cycling event. Now it's your turn to get up close to the action. You can be right where you need to be - on the best routes, amid the most stunning scenery, and in perfectly located hotels.

Pedal in the same rarefied environment as the world's top cyclists. Test your own mettle up the legendary Col du Tourmalet just ahead of the pros. Tackle the Col de Peyresourde and witness what may be the last decisive mountain stage of the 2012 race. Watch elite cyclists speed by just a metre away, and immerse yourself in the euphoric race atmosphere - unlike any other!

Price $4,165 (single supplement $1,535) for 6 days, departs 17 July, 4-star accom, race stages 16-20.

Further information on active tours is available from Inspired Travel, the small group tour specialists, on the upper level of St Ives Shopping Village. Phone 9449 8598 or visit www.inspiredtravel.com.au.

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