Globe Trekker

In the South Pacific, to the North of Australia, Zay Harding visits the so-called "island provinces" of Manus, New Ireland, and New Britain.

Megan McCormick visits Barcelona, the catalunian capital.

Brianna Barnes and Jonathan Atherton explore the capital of the netherlands.

Zoe Palmer and Matt Young explore the pacific.

.Join Brianna Barnes, as she visits two of the least known counties of latin america.

Zay Harding travels through the countries that fomed former Yugoslavia: Kosovo, Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Zoe Palmer journies from Dakkar to Fogo.

Megan McCormick, Ian Wright, Justine Shapiro, Alex Riley, and Sami Sabiti explore the world's most spectacular volcanoes.

Megan McCormick is joined by Ian Wright, Adela Ucar Innerarity, Justine Shapiro and Estelle Bingham visit places across europe's key world war II locations.

Foxy Megan McCormick spends a week in Southern California, USA, exploring one of the world’s most exciting and glamorous cities: Los Angeles. Like thousands of wannabe stars who over the years have flocked to L.A.'s most famous suburb Hollywood in the hope of finding fame and fortune in the movies, Megan starts her trip by displaying her new bob and signing on at the Central Casting agency with other hopefuls trying to land a part in a movie as an extra. After taking a tour around Paramount Studios, she heads to Beverly Hills to learn the tricks of the trade used by the paparazzi who follow the every move of the stars who frequent the area.

Globe Trekker travellers Adela Ucar Innerarity and Justine Shapiro explore the city of light, love and culture and enjoy a wonderful week of museums, romance, haute cuisine and superb entertainment.

Ian Wright island hops around the pristine coral atolls of the Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean. He begins his adventures on the most developed island, Providenciales, which is a real draw for tourists. After kicking back on iconic Grace Bay Beach, he enjoys a spectacular dive and then tries out the local food speciality - an aphrodisiac - conch! Heading east, Ian’s next stop is North Caicos, where he learns about the island's heritage at the Wade's Green Slave Plantation and in town meets some real island characters, who he teaches how to say Hooman Bean. He then takes a ferry to the neighbouring island of Middle Caicos, for a stunning trek along its wild and deserted north coast. On South Caicos, Ian helps out on an environmental study of the lemon shark before ending his journey on Grand Turk - renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture - in search of majestic humpback whales. MILFORD TRACK, NEW ZEALAND Zay Harding prepares to trek the Milford TrackWe then meet up with Zay Harding, who is hiking the Milford Track, the most famous and spectacular trekking route in New Zealand. To reach the remote trailhead on the southwestern tip of the South Island, Zay sails in a traditional wooden ketch across beautiful Lake Te Anau, where he starts the 3-day trek up and over the MacKinnon Pass en route to the Milford Sound. On day 1 of the trek, as Zay climbs up through the narrow Clinton River gorge, a continuous downpour of torrential rain creates hundreds of waterfalls which thunder down the towering cliffs of the gorge, causing a flood surge that forces Zay to wade up to his chest through fast-flowing waters in order to make it through to his overnight stop at the mountain lodge at the head of the gorge. On day 2 the weather transforms for Zay's climb up and over the mountains. Reaching the MacKinnon Pass in glorious sunshine, the summit of the trek at nearly 4,000 feet, Zay is rewarded with a magnificent 360 degree panorama of high mountain peaks surrounding him in every direction. On day 3, and after a long trek thousands of feet down the other side of the mountains, Zay reaches the ocean, and the end of his trek - the Milford Sound, a dramatic fjord enclosed by sheer peaks plunging thousands of feet straight down into the water, has been called the eighth wonder of the world, and is a fitting climax to one of the finest treks on earth.

The Indian Ocean Islands, off the east coast of Africa, are a paradise on earth. With superb resorts, sun-kissed beaches, and sparkling turquoise seas - countless Africans, Indians, Europeans, and even pirates, have all settled in this timeless, tropical location. From horse racing to hedgehog hunting and swimming with whale sharks, to the sheer indulgence of 6-star luxury hotels, traveller Ian Wright samples slow-paced island life at its best with a whole lot of action thrown in! Ian starts his trip in the Republic of Mauritius and the capital city Port-Louis, where he samples some delicious local fare at a street market and learns all about the Dodo in the place where these now extinct, flightless birds once made their home. Then it’s off to the Champ de Mars, the second oldest racecourse in the world, for 'a flutter' on the horses. Next stop is the Flacq region, where Ian stops off at the 6-star Touessrok Hotel to enjoy his racecourse winnings and indulge in a spot of pampering at one of the most luxurious hotels in the whole of the Indian Ocean. Never one to miss a trend, Ian discovers a lot of couples get married in Mauritius, and… just happens to bump into a couple who not only plan to hold their wedding ceremony 20 feet under the sea, but also invite Ian to be their best man! Leaving the underwater world behind, and the newly-weds to enjoy their honeymoon, Ian decides to get back to nature and go in for a spot of hedgehog hunting. He gets to tuck into his first tasty mouthful of a local delicacy called ‘tang’, otherwise known as hedgehog meat. He also makes the acquaintance of a 90-year old giant tortoise, not to mention a whole bunch of hungry crocodiles. And, as if that wasn’t adventurous enough, he heads to Reunion, the ‘Island of Adventure’ and takes to the hills to try his hand at canyoneering - an extreme adventure sport which involves abseiling, sliding, jumping, swimming and climbing down waterfalls and steep canyons. Then it’s time for a visit to one of the most active volcanoes on earth, Piton de la Fournaise. The next island Ian visits is Mahe in the Seychelles where big game fishing is big business. He sets off into the ocean with a group of locals in search of the perfect catch - they return to dry land, triumphant. After all the exuberance of the trip thus far, Ian makes off for for the tranquillity of idyllic La Digue, the most photographed beach in the world. What could be better than sitting on a beautiful beach, we ask ourselves? Owning one? Or maybe owning a whole tropical island, just like Yorkshire man, Brendon, who gives us a guided tour of the one he bought over 30 years ago for only US$14,000. A bargain. Last stop on the trip is another underwater adventure when Ian helps the local Marine Conservation Society seek out and tag whale sharks. Now under the watchful eye of a team of volunteers and marine biologists, these enormous animals are an endangered species. Ian spends a contented few hours splashing around with his new best friend, a seven metre long whale shark. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it's amazing marine life, spouting volcanoes, extreme adventure sports, luxurious relaxation, or picture postcard beaches - it’s all to be found in the Indian Ocean Islands. A real paradise on Earth.

Traveller Justine Shapiro explores what is arguably the world's most stunning city, Venice. Situated in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea off mainland Italy, this city built on water is a maze of over 100 tiny islands linked together by a network of bridges. The way to explore Venice is either by boat or on foot - there are no cars in the city. Justine hops aboard a public waterbus, or vaporetto, that takes her along the Grand Canal to her evening's accommodation, an elegant palazzo with amazing views over the city. Justine begins her sight-seeing at the epicentre of Venice, St. Mark's Square. Napoleon described it as the 'the finest drawing room in Europe' but Justine finds it full of tourists and pigeons today. She marvels at the basilica, and its ornate mosaics that tell of how daring Venetians stole St. Mark's body from the Orient and brought it to the city for prestige and honour. As Justine leaves the main sights behind and explores Venice's backstreets she finds that it's all too easy to become lost in the labyrinthine alleyways, although she also discovers this is a perfect way to stumble upon hidden treasures. No visit to Venice would be complete without a ride in a gondola; Justine gets a romantic ride and a cheeky insider's view on the city from pin-up gondolier Gianbattista. Justine takes a ten-minute boat ride from Venice across the lagoon to the island of The Lido for some glamour. It is the setting for the annual Venice Film Festival and she lines up with other tourists along the red carpet hoping for a glimpse and a chat with some of Hollywood's hottest stars. Next stop is Burano, a complete contrast to The Lido. This sleepy fishing village is famous for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making. Justine tries her hand at the intricate needlework with the help of an octogenarian islander. Back in Venice, Justine mingles with young Venetians at a popular bar and tries the local seafood tapas before taking an unusual night tour with the romantic city's most infamous lover and libertine, Casanova. The following day, Justine heads to Doge's Palace. This palace, resplendent in gold and sumptuous oil paintings, was the political heart of the Republic of Venice. It was home to the city's elected leader, the Doge, and its Bridge of Sighs leads to the city's incarcerated. Venice's unique status of being built on water also means that it faces a precarious future, as the city is regularly prone to flooding. Justine takes a boat ride with a local scientist who explains how heavy water traffic and industry are threatening the equilibrium of the lagoon, and what counter-steps are being taken. Back on a boat on the Grand Canal, Justine completes her Venetian adventure - by taking part in one of the city's most colourful and joyful festivals - the annual Rowing Regatta. A flotilla of historic boats is followed by fast and furious racing to determine the city's speediest gondoliers.

Tokyo is a fascinating city of extremities, blending the old traditions with visions of the future and an extraordinary pace of life. A shock of skyscrapers and neon, it's a gleaming example of Japan's post World War II success. Traveler Ian Wright begins his stay by experiencing the spiritual side of Tokyo at the peace loving Senso-ji temple. After a gentle introduction he throws himself into the pace of the city and discovers some incredible technology and fashion! He then heads to Mount Fuji for a crowded climb to the summit, before ending his trip experiencing the infamous Tokyo nightlife. Along the Way... · Enjoy a volcanic spa at the base of Mount Fuji · Eat a sushi breakfast in the Tsukiji Fish Market · Explore the hi-tech world of Odaiba's technology centers · Marvel at the colorful floats of the Aomori Nebuta festival · Learn about the Bushido philosophy of the Samurai warriors

London with Jonathan Atherton & Megan McCormick

Megan McCormick visits Hong Kong and travels from there to the remote Orchid Island.

Situated on the West Coast, California is the most populous state in America. From the gold rushes of the 1800's to the Hollywood of today, California has long been the land of dreams. Traveler Justine Shapiro begins her journey in Palm Springs, a sparkling oasis in the middle of the desert. From there she travels to sprawling Los Angeles and tours the Hollywood Hills. Heading north she continues to beautiful Big Sur before heading inland to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She ends her journey in Humboldt County - home of the Giant Redwoods.

Estelle Bingham explores Goolwa's boat festival; food and wine festival in Adelaide; making wine in the Barossa Valley; opal mining; Karjini Gorges.

The lively markets of Tunis; hunting with desert greyhounds; cave dwelling in Matmata; the souks of Tripoli; Roman ruins at Leptis Magna.

Ian Wright presents an independent travel guide to Venezuela, including paragliding from the Andes and sampling a traditional drink made from fruit, milk and bulls' eyes

Traveler Megan McCormick visits Egypt. She goes to Gizeh to admire the millennial Pyramids and the Sphinx, she goes on a 5-days journey through the desert and she finally discovers the secrets of the temple of Abu Simbel

Neil GibsonThe Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and as well Finland are this time the target of Neil Gibson.

Justine Shapiro explores the heart of South East Asia: modern Malaysia, with its ancient forests and vibrant mix of cultures, and the beaches of Southern Thailand just across the border.

Traveller Shilpa Mehta Sixty million visitors come to Spain each year but most head for the tourist resorts in the south. Shilpa Mehta's journey takes her through the less travelled north of the country. Shilpa Mehta at the Running of the Bulls in PamplonaStarting in Barcelona, Shilpa explores the city's rich architecture and discovers Flamenco dancing in the street. Just outside Barcelona is the small town of Terrassa, where Shilpa watches a Catalan traditional event of building human castles. From Terrassa Shilpa heads for Pamplona in the province of Navarra, where the annual Bull Run known as 'El Encierro' is taking place. Running alongside the bulls whilst they are herded through the streets is seen as a test of machismo, but participants risk serious injury and even death. Shilpa hitches a lift north to San Sebastian, where she samples the tapas dish unique to the Basque region, known as pintxos. She then continues her journey to Asturias, where she explores the Somiedo National Reserve by mountain bike. The next leg of Shilpa's journey takes her to the heart of the country, Madrid. Just outside the city, she visits a school for young bullfighters, and picks up some of the skills required for the job. From Madrid, Shilpa's road trip takes her northwest through the cities of Segova, Avila, Salamanca and finally Zamora. On this journey she glimpses a spectacular aqueduct, visits a farm that raises bulls for the ring, and finally witnesses a bull fight with a famous female matador. In the north west of the country Shilpa joins the Pilgrim Trail, staying in refugios along this famous religious route. The trail ends in Santiago, and Shilpa arrives in the picturesque city just in time to celebrate the anniversary of the death of Spain's patron saint, St James. After attending a service in Santiago cathedral, Shilpa watches a spectacular fire work display, symbolising the turning of the Moslems out of Spain and victory for the Catholic faith. In contrast to the lively festival in Santiago, Shilpa ends her journey further west on the Atlantic coast. This is a vast expanse of virtually unpopulated country, stretching to the edge of Europe. This destination is known as Cabo Finisterre, which means ëthe end of the world'. A fitting place to end an incredible journey through one of Europe's most enticing countries.

Traveller Shilpa Mehta Shilpa visits some of the Philippines' 7000 islands. She begins her journey in the town of Baguio on the island of Luzon, where she visits the giant statue of Marcos and finds out what life was like in the Philippines during his rule. She also visits a faith healer renowned for his ability to perform surgery without the use of tools or incisions. From here, Shilpa takes the bus and journeys south to Sagada through the beautiful Filipino countryside, where she visits the famous Hanging Coffins and the amazing rice terraces, often considered to be the eighth Wonder of the World. Next stop San Fernando, where every year on Good Friday incredible real-life crucifixions take place as a form of penance. Shilpa travels south to Manila to witness one of the Philippines' most popular sports, cockfighting. She meets a karaoke singing taxi driver and goes to one of the busy ballroom dancing nightclubs, as well as seeing evidence of the darker side of Manila - child prostitution. A local outrigger boat takes Shilpa to the island of Boracay and its stunning beaches. She explores the old part of Boracay on horseback and goes diving around the corals off its exotic shores. Shilpa's next stop is the island of Negros, the sugarland of the Philippines, and the town of Bacolod. She travels on the vintage steam engines still used on this plantation, the largest in the world, and visits the beautiful but controversial Saint Joseph's Chapel. From Negros Shilpa travels to Davao on the island of Mindanao, where she samples local delicacies such as roast pig, the Durian fruit that 'tastes like heaven and smells like hell' and a popular aphrodisiac - a duck embryo. She also visits the Sea Gypsies and the amazing Tiboli people that live on Lake Sebu, as well as attending a horsefight. Next, Shilpa travels west to the island of Palawan and the city of Puerta Princesa, where she visits the open prison. North from here in El Nido, cavers risk their lives collecting swallow saliva, a key ingredient in the local delicacy, bird's nest soup. Finally, Shilpa visits the last discovered tribe of the Philippines, the Tau't Batu who live in the caves in the jungle near El Nido.

Traveller Justine Shapiro Justine explores the world's eighth largest country, Argentina. Her journey begins in Iguazu where she visits the incredible Iguazu Falls, which are almost a mile wide. From Iguazu Justine travels west to Jujuy, the most traditional region of Argentina and the first part of the country to be colonised by the Spanish. She buys a bracelet made from goat's toenails and drinks mate with the locals. Her journey then takes her to Salta to catch the train known as The Train to the Clouds, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the whole of South America. The journey takes three days and rises to 15000 feet in places. Back in Salta, after a late night with an English bar owner and his singing customers, she travels south to Catamarca. Justine spends a day with the Gauchos, the Argentinian cowboys and feeds bread to the alligators. She also attends a religious festival in honour of the Virgin of the Valley. From Catamarca, Justine heads to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, with it's 20 lane roads and European atmosphere. She visits Eva Peron's grave, learns to Tango and parties the night away in the city which is arguably one of the most exciting in the world. For a welcome break from the hectic lifestyle of the capital, Justine travels to south Argentina's lake district and El Bolson. Here she samples the simple life and visits a fellow American who left the rat race behind to build his own house here, living on just $2000 a year. From El Bolson Justine hitches east to Trelew where she visits the largest penguin colony in the South Atlantic. In Gaiman she visits a theme park made entirely of garbage. The final leg of her journey takes Justine to the southern most extremes of Argentina, to El Calafate. She visits the mystic caves, beautiful scenery and the Parque Nacional Los Glaciales, a spectacular sight, where glaciers meet green grass.

Traveller Justine Shapiro Justine Shapiro's journey through south west United States begins in Gallup on the New Mexico border, where she visits a Native American intertribal ceremonial. The event lasts for six days and whilst there, Justine attends an Indian Rodeo, checks out Native American cuisine and watches some amazing tribal dances. From Gallup, Justine takes a spectacular train journey north east to Santa Fe, where she acquires a motorbike and cruises along to Taos. She stops in Taos to investigate the Earthships - homes constructed entirely with recycled materials. Justine heads south from Taos to Roswell, the site of a reported UFO crash in 1947. Justine investigates the incident, which has become shrouded in secrecy, and hears some convincing evidence about the case. Justine continues her journey by bike, stopping next at the small town of Deming, where she takes part in the Great American Duck Race. She then heads north west to Tucson, in the state of Arizona. Here she meets some cowboys and takes a horse ride through the desert. She also trades in the motorbike for a car and finds a fellow traveller to share costs on the way North to Sedona. When they reach the New Age capital of Sedona, Justine has a physic reading, and is told that her new car will break down in six to eight months time. The next day the car gets towed to the nearest garage, and Justine gets a lift to Peach Springs at the West rim of the Grand Canyon. She goes on a white water rafting trip, then takes to the skies in a helicopter to view this awesome natural beauty. After picking up her car again, it's an eighteen hour drive north-west via the bright lights of Vegas, to the Black Rock Desert. Here, Justine ends her journey at the Burning Man festival. All that is weird and wonderful can be found here, as Justine discovers, when she visits the smut shack, is offered frozen bugs, and joins the Pagan revellers for the burning of a forty foot neon man.

Traveller Neil Gibson Pakistan was formed by the division of India half a century ago, and founded in the name of Islam. Few Western people venture here but as traveller Neil Gibson discovers it offers some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, a kaleidoscope of cultures and a deeply generous people. His journey begins in Karachi, a bustling port town. He comes across a film crew making a movie on the life of Jinnah, and takes the opportunity to find out more about the founder of Pakistan. Leprosy is still a massive problem amongst the poor in Karachi and Neil visits one of the hospitals that treats lepers. Neil then takes a horse and cart to the Saddar Bazaar, Karachi's main shopping area, and gets himself kitted out in a shalwar kamiz, Pakistan's native dress. From Karachi, it's a 17 hour train ride north to the sufi city of Multan, inhabited by the ancient Indus valley civilisation. The 4000 year old city is home to the mystical side of Islam and Neil arrives in time for the Urs festival, where every year the holy men come to chill out and trance out. Neil has his fortune told by a bird, has his turban stuffed with onions and rides a camel to the spectacular Derawar Fort in the midst of the Cholistan desert. Neil's next stop is Lahore, once the centre of the Mogul empire and considered to be Pakistan's cultural and artistic capital. Here Neil visits the last bastion of British colonialism, Aitchinson College where Imran Khan was once a pupil, and visits the incredible Badshahi mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Neil learns about the strict lifestyle required by the Koran and takes part in some Kushti wrestling. A bus journey 440 kilometres north-west takes Neil to the frontier town of Peshawar. Due to it's proximity to Afghanistan, the town is full of smuggled goods and as Neil discovers, it is possible to buy almost anything in the markets. Neil then visits the legendary Khyber Pass and looks out at the real-life 'Gateway to India'. Neil takes a short flight to the north-western extremity of Pakistan and the exotic valley of Chitral. This is where the game of Polo originated and Neil is invited to take part in a game. He stays with the Kalash people, believed to have descended from Alexander the Great. From here Neil journeys north to Gilgit for the incredible Ashura festival, a Shiite festival which commemorates the death of Iman Hussein, grandson of the prophet Mohammed who was murdered in the desert. During this festival, the Shiites whip themselves with knives to show their grief, until they are completely exhausted. From Gilgit Neil heads up to the Hunza valley to the start point of a three day trek, crossing two incredible glaciers and ending his journey looking out at the stunning views from Rush Peak.

Traveller Ian Wright Ian begins his exploration of Ethiopia in the northern highlands of Axum. He visits the oldest church in Ethiopia, which is supposedly the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, and also attends a native wedding. An 8-hour bus journey takes Ian south to Lalibela in time to attend the most important festival on the Ethiopian calendar, Timkat. After the celebrations Ian visits the 11 churches hewn out of rock, which the locals believe were built by angels. He also finds out how aid donated by the West has helped Ethiopia since the famine of 1984. Ian's journey takes him to Bahar Dar, where he visits the spectacular Blue Nile Falls and samples some of the local cuisine with a couple of fellow British travellers. From Bahar Dar, Ian travels to the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. After drinking coffee with the locals, he goes bargain-hunting in Mercato, the biggest outdoor market in the whole of Africa and is pampered in a local hydrotherapy centre. The town of Harar is Ian's next stop, where he takes part in the popular pass-time of chewing a plant known as chat. He visits the Hyena Man, who is famous for feeding hyenas with his bare hands - surely one of the world's most bizarre tourist attractions. Flying via Addis Ababa once again, Ian travels south to Shashemane, passing through Lake Langano, one of several giant lakes in the heart of Ethiopia's great Rift Valley. A local Rastafarian community invites him to attend a coffee ceremony. The final leg of the journey takes Ian to the very south of Ethiopia, to the town of Arba Minch and the Mago National Park. He has his fortune told from a goat's intestine by the Hamar tribe, takes part in the bizarre macho ritual of cow jumping and is challenged to a stick fight by a member of one of Africa's fiercest tribes, the Mursi.

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Andrew Daddo

Traveller Justine Shapiro

Traveller Megan McCormick

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Ian Wright

Traveller Justine Shapiro