Ever since Eyjafjallajökull (pronounced "Eyja"-the Icelandic word for island, "Fjalla" mountain -"Jokull" glacier, easy no?) erupted two years ago leaving most of Europe coated in an ash cloud so thick planes were grounded for a week, the world has been fascinated by Iceland's volcanoes and their powerful, unpredictable raw energy. So much so that volcano tourism has become a hot (pun intended) topic. Sure, you can go to Hawaii or Costa Rica to admire volcanoes from afar, but Iceland's where it's at if you want to get up close and personal with these beasts.

If you're an adventure seeker, there's a new bucket list idea for you to test just how far you are willing to go for a thrill. Discover the World, a UK tour company created the first tour where you can actually climb inside a volcano to admire and explore their veracity from the inside-out. After hiking and domineering the lava fields with ATVS, descend into the gaping mouth of the volcano via a specially-constructed cable car straight into the magma center. Spend an hour or admiring the chamber walls, remains and ash before being pulled to safety.

Though not taking place in active Eyjafjallajökull or the center of the chaos, the tour is offered in the dormant Thrihnúkagigur (which last erupted over 4,000 years ago so your odds of surviving are pretty good) and is only open to the public a few weeks each summer. There is a strict maximum capacity per day to protect the delicate environment so get on the waitlist now because word on the street is there are already over 200 interested names. The company hopes to eventually build a tunnel from the volcano to a viewing platform, but the plans haven't been approved yet and are waiting to be assessed for environmental impact. If you're interested in volcano tourism, Discover the World set up a volcano hotline so you can signup to receive up to the minute info on what's erupting where.

As if you need another incentive, word on the street is Tom Cruise will be filming a new movie in Iceland this summer so you may get some star power to add to the heat. Oh, la la.

Australia is a vast country, but it's easily accessible. The Land Down Under is positively bursting at its seams with incredible adventure and nature experiences for discerning travelers to enjoy. Since its earliest times, this land has been known for its amazing landscapes, its gorgeous vistas, its rugged Outback and for a unique array of things that can't be experienced anywhere else on Earth. No matter where your sensibilities may lie, there's bound to be an exciting opportunity with your name on it here. From trying your hand on an Outback cattle drive to diving into its largest coral reef, Australia is brimming with excitement.

Coast Along The Great Ocean Road

Experiencing unbelievable sights in Oz doesn't have to mean strapping on a rucksack and hitting a punishing trail; just outside of Melbourne, for instance, the Great Ocean Road beckons to drivers who wish to see an impressive array of things without having to rough it in the slightest. Along the way, you'll pass through some quintessentially Australian sights; the Twelve Apostles rock formations are one particular favorite, while charming seaside towns are another. There's more than just pretty sights to drink in as you travel along this route, too: The Tower Hill Nature Reserve is a topnotch way to learn a bit more about the indigenous culture of this amazing land.

Herd Cattle Out On The Open Australian Range

For those who prefer to learn by doing, few opportunities are more compelling than the Great Australian Cattle Drive. During this unforgettable experience, you'll get to do your own part to help herd cattle along Australia's most famous stock trails, the Oodnadatta Track, in South Australia. The romance and excitement of herding cattle out on the rugged open fields of this breathtaking land will undoubtedly become one of the highlights of your Australian sojourn. There are few better ways to find out what the majesty of Australia's proud ranching tradition is all about than by trying it out for yourself.

Take A Dip In The World's Largest Glass-Bottomed Swimming Pool

Without a doubt, "quirky" is one adjective that Australians bear with pride. As large as this country is, it takes a lot to turn people's heads here; Melbourne's The Olsen, a new hotel, will boast the world's largest glass-bottomed pool when it opens in early 2010. Suspended over Chapel Street, this pool is bound to become a must-see attraction in this engaging city once it is opened to the public. Imagine the thrill of swimming to the bottom of the pool - and gazing at passersby on Chapel Street along the way. This is just one more example of a unique experience that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the planet - and it's right here in Australia.

Get A Whirlwind Tour Of Some Of The Country's Most Engaging Sights

Pinpointing just one part of the country to explore is not an easy endeavor. That being said, if you have to pick just one region to explore while in Oz, make it the Flinders Ranges. Tours of this awe-inspiring part of the country usually include:

• Flights over and around the rock basin of Wilpena Pound, whose splendor is largely unmatched in any other part of this rugged land
• Taking in genuine Aboriginal art at Arkaroo Rock; the impact of this amazing culture can be found throughout the country, but Arkaroo offers some of the most compelling examples of it
• Pub crawling through some of the most authentic watering holes in the region, sampling local brews and catching a glimpse of the locals at the same time
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Take In One Of The Top Natural Wonders Of The World: The Great Barrier Reef

If any one feature dominates the country of Australia and helps to make it more famous than anything else, it's the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching an incredible 1,200 along the northern coast of the country, this one-of-a-kind wonder offers up ample opportunities for scuba divers and snorkelers of all experience levels to see nature's majesty in an up close and personal kind of way. Day trip operators and dive schools are at the ready to introduce you to this unbelievable place.

Australia: Don't Sit This One Out!

Regardless of your level of fitness or your prowess when it comes to outdoor activities, there is sure to be something unforgettable for you to experience when in Australia. Whatever you do, don't just sit there! After all, where else on Earth can you herd cattle on the Oodnadatta Track, swim in a glass-bottomed pool that is suspended over a major thoroughfare or rub shoulders with sea creatures amid a wonderland of coral splendor? Come to Australia and be prepared to be swept away by its engaging, thrilling and all-around amazing experience.

Imagine a team of the world's greatest architects and city planners brought together to create a dream city, in a beautiful location, with great year round weather.  The picture in your head should be of Singapore, where such great care was put into the development it is illegal even to chew gum for fear of dirtying the city. Perfectly organized by shopping districts, financial districts, and entertainment/nightlife areas all in dedicated sections, it is an urban feng shui masterpiece.

World Class Dining

Singapore has a renowned reputation for phenomenal cuisine and a fusion of delicacies from around the globe. Savor foods from different parts of the world at a truly authentic restaurant themed from a far away country or spend the night tickling your taste buds somewhere that blends many flavors together. Perched on the top floor of the Shangri-La, over looking the city skyline is one of the jewels of Singapore cuisine, The Blu. With a top rated chef, Kevin Cherkas creates a unique menu with modern European Cuisine, blended with Asian ingredients and exciting twists. 

Restaurant le Nicolas is tucked away in China Town and entering the cozy restaurant you know you will have the most excellent personal service as you watch the Chef (Nicolas) pour his heart into every dish. The French wonder continually draws in foodies with his attention to detail and love affair with cuisine.

A large influence from Chinese heritage is apparent as they certainly know how to do Chinese fine-dining right.  Min Jiang in The Goodwood Park Hotel, boasts top notch Chinese cuisine in this significant Singapore landmark. Built in the early 1900's when tigers still roamed the streets, The Goodwood Park Hotel, started as an elite club and has retained it's 5-star status over the years.

Activities

With less than 800 square km in the entire country, Singapore has utilized their land well and been ingenious in developing attractions that draw people from all over Asia. The Singapore Flyer is the world's largest Ferris wheel reaching 42 stories high. This 'observation wheel' has pods that can hold 28 people for a 45-minute ride to gain some the city's best views.  

On the Southern tip of Singapore is "Asia's Favorite Playground," Sentosa. The park continues to grow in popularity and in size as the original island was enlarged and six more artificial islands created. Artificial wave pools, indoor skydiving, beach bars, golf courses and amusement parks, all serve to make Sentosa an extremely lively place.

The Never Ending Party

The party never stops in this bustling city. Enjoy a truly Asian night out and party to Canto Pop, or hit up the mainstream world-class clubs. Zouk constantly has big name DJs and performers coming through several times a week. With several sections of the club, anyone can find their niche here.

Much of Singapore's nightlife is clustered around the river that snakes through the city. Overlooking the water (and a giant Mere-Lion fountain) the walls of The Butter Factory are always pulsing with popular tunes and packed with beautiful people from around the world partying late into the morning.

Pampered Nights

When the music finally fads, it is easy to find a feather bed to snuggle into at one of Singapore's many 5 star hotels. Stay near the heart of the shopping district at the Marriott, and pamper yourself in their exquisite spa. Enjoy the lavish and enormous breakfast buffet, famous among frequent hotel visitors who pass through the city.

The Mandarin Oriental is the picture of class and elegance and boasts the most interesting interior architecture. The staff is painfully tutored to pay the upmost attention to the guests and in a world of corporate hotels, you appreciate their personal care.  The newly remodeled pool lets guests bask in the sun amongst a posh setting overlooking the splendor of the city as a backdrop.

The jetsetting vacationers gallivanting through South East Asia too often miss Singapore.  It is truly an international city that makes traveler's jaws drop at the majesty and beauty found within its streets.

by Jonathan Jenkins, Contributing Author

Your college years may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't get a little crazy every once in awhile.  Full moon parties take place once a month throughout southeast Asia, but one of the hottest spots to get in on the action is Koh Phangan, Thailand. Full moon parties occur on the night of the full moon, but don't fret, if you miss it, there are also half moon, quarter moon and black moon parties.  Basically, if you are staying Koh Phangan, you will not be getting much sleep.

It All Started When...

Once upon a time, a group of tourists discovered the magic of the full moon on the beaches of Koh Phangan, Thailand.  They decided to celebrate their birthday under the stars, and it has now grown into an international tradition that attracts people from all over the world. In fact, when the movie, The Beach came out in 2000, it was partially inspired by the growing popularity of the full moon party.

Party Until the Sun Comes Up

Most say it is the best party atmosphere they have ever seen, and is a truly once in a lifetime experience. Beginning at dusk, 20,000-30,000 people gather each month as the yellow moon begins to rise. Several booths are set up selling glow sticks and face paint and fire dancers light up the beach. All types of music--reggae, dance, techno, drums and bass break out along the beach causing an outburst of dancing among the crowd. After awhile, partygoers enjoy a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Set Stereotypes Aside

Don't let the image of thousands of obnoxious young people wreaking havoc deter you from being part of the fun. Most people who go are just out to have a good time, and it is rare to have conflict during the full moon party.

Accommodation

Because the full moon party is a worldwide known event, it is important to plan in advance where to stay. It is advised that you arrive four days prior to find accommodations for a decent price.  If you want to be in the middle of the action, stay in Haad Rin. For a regular room, it is about 500-800 baht per night (approx. $17-30). The closer you get to the full moon party, the higher the prices are.

Party Safe

The point of the Full Moon Party is to let loose and have a good time, but make sure you party smart.  Wear solid shoes because it would ruin your trip if you stepped on a broken bottle. Also, drink lots of water throughout the night since the climate is hot and humid and you don't want to get dehydrated.  Stay out of the ocean because the waves are strong. Finally, make sure to bring as little as possible because theft is quite common. But don't let the bad stuff deter you, if you come to have a good time and plan well, the night will be a success!

by Molly Nelson, Contributing Author