Business travellers heading for India will find themselves entering an evolving state. Ancient traditions strive to combine with western sensibilities creating a hodge-podge of mixed morals, attitudes and behaviour.

The sensational headlines about troubles in Bangkok have made this a lean year for tourism in Thailand. Bangkok is bouncing back to its normal levels of friendly chaos, and the locals are keen to welcome back all travellers.

The Tasmanian Central Highlands offer a spectacular backdrop for anyone wanting to learn the finer aspects of fly-fishing. For a complete beginner this complex combination of lures and casting looks more like fantasy than fishing.

There's a war of chocolate happening in Strasbourg between the best of German and French culinary styles, and the family run Pâtisserie Christian Meyer seems to be winning. Their secret is to combine the best of both to produce a uniquely Alsatian approach to chocolate. And have fun doing it.

Vanuatu's Tanna Island combines an active volcano with an active cult, a strange combination on an otherworldly island far from everywhere.

The Taj Mahal is singularly stunning and you'd have to be made of marble to remain unmoved by its beauty. The same cannot always be said of Agra's rickshaw drivers, but they do add colour to the experience.

The sun-soaked landscape of Provence is a feast for the eyes, but the tourist trail doesn't always prove a gourmet delight. For the good oil on fine dining you need to ask a local.

Luxury is not just about a fancy hotel room, it's about leaving behind your working world and entering a space where your needs are put first. As a guest at Soneva Kiri Resort you get a Man or Girl Friday for the duration of the stay. What you do with your Friday is your own business.