You don't have to die to go to Heaven. Just visit New Zealand. Set on the edge of the glacial Lake Wakatipu, with stunning views of the sawtooth peaks of the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown is the most popular tourist stop in the South Island. And rightly so. With its clean air, blue skys, and Switzerland like feel encapsulated in a small village town, it continues to the be highlight of many New Zealand visitors.

Queenstown is considered the 'adventure capitol of the world' by many.  Extreme, is this town's middle name. Queenstown has given birth to many great sports, one of which is Bungy-jumping. This is the ultimate place to lay aside your fear and try such exciting activities such as: Skydiving, jetboating, white water rafting, Hang & Para gliding, Mountaineering, Heli-skiing, snowbording and much more.

New Zealand is also a haven for relaxation as well. Long strolls on lakefronts, visiting world renowned wineries (they're everywhere), slow boat rides through islands on large lakes, and with a respite found at the numerous cafes and coffees shops where people-watching morphs into friendships, make New Zealand an easy place to take in.

Did I mention New Zealanders might be the friendliest people on the planet? Every Kiwi seems to represents their country with a smile. Locals will extend themselves to the strangers around them to a degree that you don't, unfortunate find here at home. Crime is almost absent in this country. My theory on this subject being that the encountered scenery itself, is of such loveliness, that peace pervades and overshadows would be offenders.

Nonstop flights to New Zealand from Los Angeles take just over 12-hours. For a special treat, add the Cook Islands your New Zealand itinerary, taking in all the pleasures of the peaceful, picturesque South Pacific.

Prague has, most majestically, stood the test of time.

While Prague's rich collection of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance buildings have stood stoically through all the strife, the streets and squares fronting the grand halls have often been the stages for tragedy. The well-worn cobblestones have felt the hooves of king's horses, the jackboots of Hitler's armies, the heaving wheels of Soviet tanks, and the shuffling feet of students in passive revolt. Though you wouldn't know from looking at the city, as its preservation is truly remarkable.
 

The Czech lands offer many historic and cultural monuments. Castles and chateaux dominating the picturesque natural landscape represent the most important part of Czech attractions. Travel west to Karlovy Vary (seen in the the latest James Bond flick - Casino Royal) and you'll find spa heaven, in hotels that resemble castles.

The city of Prague, itself, is compact, colorful and the obvious choice of residency for may of last century's writers, poets, and artists. It's compact streets, make it very pedestrian friendly and an ideal destination for discovery.

The Old Town has a great range of attractions and sights. Visitors can tour the historic rooms of Old Town Hall and view the city from atop its tower. On the hour, crowds gather to watch the Astronomical Clock display a revolving show of apostles. Other attractions on the square include many al fresco dining spots, statue of martyr Jan Huss and the National Art Gallery. Several Jewish sites are clustered together near the Old Town; these include synagogues and a cemetery, and are some of the most powerful sites travelers are likely to see. And if Prague visitors are up for a bit of a hike, a 15-minute walk from Old Town will reach Charles Bridge, lined with Hapsburg-era Catholic statues. A walk across the bridge leads into yet another charming section of town, the Little Quarter.

Prague easily deserves a minimum of 3-nights/3-days stay. Although having accommodations in the Old Town district is idyllic, the many Prague street trams means that access to all parts of the city is effortless. The best times to visit are May through mid-June, Sept & early October. As this is a popular destination in Europe, the last 10 years, don't be disappointed - book early

9-night Escorted imperial cities tour from $2285
Includes airfare from NYC, 3-nights each in Prague, Vienna and Budapest, breakfast daily, several sightseeing tours, airport transfers. Departure dates: Apr 19; May 03, 17, 31; Jun 14, 28; Jul 12, 26; Apr 09, 23; Sep 06, 20; Oct 04, 18

7-day Prague, Vienna, Budapest by rail from $1299
Includes airfare from NYC, 2-nights in each city, your choice of 3, 4, or 5-star hotels,  breakfast daily, 2nd class rail between cities, hotel taxes. Airport trnasfers & sightseeing tour are extra. Trip can be extended or modified.

There are so many ways you can make a difference in the world, and one unique opportunity is by participating in a volunteering program abroad (or within the U.S.). Collectively referred to a "volunteer vacations".
 

You don't need a specific skills or to be able to speak another language -- what you do need is a desire to help people and the open mindedness to learn about new cultures and ways of life. There has been an incredible surge in agencies offering short-term volunteer programs that has kept pace with the continued growth in the number of people who choose this new breed of travel. Opportunities exist throughout the world, but predominantly in developing nations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Central and South America where the need is the greatest.
 

With several reputable not-for-profit organizations offering opportunities, you certainly won't be starved for choice, project or destination. Here are a few ideas to inspire or at the very least, get you motivated.
 

Global Vision International (tel. 888/653-6028; www.gviusa.com) has worldwide programs where volunteers assist on critical conservation and education projects ranging from teaching English to indigenous communities in Latin America to wildlife research and conservation in Africa.
 

Globe Aware (tel. 877/588-4562; www.globeaware.org) develops short-term volunteer programs in international environments that use activities to promote cultural awareness and/or sustainability.
 

Responsible Travel (tel. +44/1273-600-030; www.responsibletravel.com) specializes in a combination of environmentally and eco-friendly travel options as well as volunteer opportunities overseas.