Editor's letter: the world's great escapes

EARLIER this year, when I was looking for ideas for a family holiday, one word kept popping up. Voluntourism.

EARLIER this year, when I was looking for ideas for a family holiday, one word kept popping up. Voluntourism.

I must admit I am tempted. With two primary school-aged children, the challenge is to find something active and interesting for all of us. So a sea turtle preservation project in Cancun caught my eye, as did a school project for rescued children in India, or working at an elephant nature park in Thailand.

Voluntourism is one of the fastest-growing travel sectors in the world.

Of course, it's not for everyone, which is why this international travel issue is packed with stories about exotic escapes, jaw-dropping views and family-friendly resorts. Susan Kurosawa, travel editor of The Australian, names her seven all-time wonders of the world.