FEATURES

The Best Island Cruises
This year's cruising guide shares what it's like to set sail on a schooner through the lesser-known Caribbean islands. Then we tell you our favorite places in the world to drop anchor — from the South Pacific to the Mediterranean — and which expedition cruises not to miss.
Text By Susan Moynihan, Kelly Lack and Tim Jacob

Family Ties
A South Pacific outpost of frangipani and lava-lava-clad men, Samoa proved to be just what the author's family needed.
Text By Amanda Jones • Photos By R. Ian Lloyd

Into the Light
Arrive in Trinidad during the Hindu Divali celebration for a spiritual retreat, using both the festivities and this Caribbean island's natural wonders to find enlightenment.
Text By Ted Alan Stedman • Photos By Michael Grimm

The Art of Awakening
When you head to Tahiti, pack a paintbrush. The rainforests, grottoes and lagoons of this Polynesian paradise will inspire you.
Text By Mary Heebner • Photos By Macduff Everton

DISCOVER

Bonding over Betel Nut
Experience the tribal culture of PNG, one chew at a time.

Slack-Key Guitar Camp
Learn from a master at a restored Big Island plantation.

Tiwi Art 101
Explore for a day: two self-governed Aboriginal islands where life is art.

Sunday School
Getting to Australia's Whitsunday Island.

Splashy Sculpture
Grenada's newest gallery has an unusual dress code.

Mushrooms and the Monk
Search for 'shrooms on Vancouver Island.

Pure Caribbean
Novels set in the Caribbean by Caribbean authors. Plus Cuba's film masterworks on DVD.

ADVENTURES

Waka Power
Learn Maori culture and customs by sailing on a waka horua, a Polynesian canoe.
By Adam Skolnick

ISLAND LIFE

Pig Out
Learn the origin of luau food and find out the best places on Oahu to try it.
By Constance Hale

ACCESS

The World's 30 Best
Undiscovered Beaches: Our second annual list.

High Society
Romantic evenings in French Polynesia.

10 Worldly Trips
Explore Croatia by foot or Palau by kayak. Start packing — and working out.

Beyond Diwali
Find the party for you on Trinidad and Tobago; islands that celebrate the Indian holiday, Diwali.