Like a masterpiece composed in multiple mediums, Australia is a study in contrasting form. Lush green rainforest and deep-blue ocean confront the burnt red of desert Outback. Cosmopolitan metropolises thrive amidst some of the Earth's most inhospitable land. The world's oldest culture endures in one of the world's youngest nations. Travel to Australia reveals that this remarkable continent's size and abundance are at once its greatest allure and its most confounding challenge. Let us steer you through the bewildering and beautiful vastness that is Australia.

New Zealand is a land of spectacular scenic beauty. Its 5,700 miles of gorgeous coastline are punctuated by tree-lined bays and towering cliffs. Magnificent glacial mountains loom over fjords, and volcanoes tower above arid deserts. Dramatic, steaming geothermal regions contrast with wide-open golden plains, while intensely green subtropical forest covers miles of countryside. It's a small wonder New Zealand was chosen as the filming location for Tolkien's magical Middle-earth.

White sand, warm trade winds and blue water stretching to the horizon; Fiji keeps the South Pacific promise then goes beyond the languid allure. Its many islands offer a compelling melting pot of multiple cultures, with a strong current of traditional Melanesian. Take part in Fiji luxury tours and adventures ranging from sea kayaking to highland hikes,  and discover a highly developed eco-tourism infrastructure that emphasizes respect for its ecological treasures.

Indonesia's islands (17,000 at last count) are scattered across the Pacific, covering an area comparable to that of California to Maine. Rainforests, rice fields, ancient monuments, prolific wildlife and over 300 distinct traditional cultures compose the vast archipelago and make for wondrous explorations. Indonesia is one of the earth's most diverse destinations in every way, a cultural and natural jigsaw puzzle to challenge and intrigue on a monumental scale.

If breathtaking alabaster white sand, coconut palms, the clearest turquoise water and private island resorts sound like the perfect retreat, the idyllic beaches of the Maldives, often considered some of the best in the world, may be a destination with your name on it. Located in the warm seas of the Indian Ocean, this tiny South Asian nation is comprised of 1,200 postcard-worthy coral islands with a mere 200 that are inhabited.

Micronesia is composed of over 2,000 islands, of which only 125 are inhabited. It remains untouched by mass tourism and is a rare find for those looking to get out of the tourist ruts. Known as the "Cradle of Indo-Pacific Marine Life," Micronesia provides unsurpassed snorkeling. With water, water everywhere, 4.5 million square miles to be exact, its best sites lie in the Big Blue.