Halfway down a dusty dirt road in the surf town of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, you’ll find the gates of Latitude 10. Enter through them and be ready to unplug and forget all about your inbox. And pretty much everything else.

The air is thin and misty up here, hanging in droplets from the hood of my raincoat. Edging forward to the sparse barrier of the mountaintop it feels as though I am standing right above the clouds – and, at an elevation of 3,000m, I suppose I am.

I grew up in east London. When I was at school, the playground was split into two clear demographics, posh kids who went to Spain or Greece on their holidays and the rest of us who travelled to the English coast for a seaside visit in Nan’s caravan. My fondest childhood memories include simple holiday pleasures. Devouring still hot freshly made doughnuts while walking along the pier or begging my mum to buy me a brightly coloured whirly gig to stick in the top of my sandcastle.

Walking around the terrace and underground chambers of the ancient Roman baths, it's easy to imagine how it would have looked to those bathers who relaxed here and worshipped the goddess, Sulis Minerva, back in AD 70. The steam still rises from the Sacred Springs like an inviting bubble bath at a temperature of 46°C. I waited my turn patiently lining up behind an excited school group to peek out from the old stone windows and feel the warmth of the water on my face.

Animals and adventure, log off and go! Where in the world can you recommit to valuing the most precious commodity any of us have — our time? I traveled to Santa Teresa in Costa Rica and found a place where the grumble of your tummy announced it was time to eat, and where the swaths of color across the sky and darkening sand beneath your feet announced that the day had come to an end.

A kids' guide to visiting Costa Rica. Costa Rica is home to four native species of monkey, so you will probably see some during your trip. Look out for these characteristics to identify each one. White-Headed Capuchin These monkeys are very intelligent, but be careful because they can also bite! They have mostly black fur with white patches around their face, and they often coil their tail when they move around...

Parc Omega has long been a favourite attraction — especially for safari lovers — in Montebello, Québec, located about an hour’s drive from Ottawa, the Laurentians and Mont Tremblant. Operating since 1991, it’s become home to a large range of animals native to the northern hemisphere. And you can see them all from your car.

Looking for a luxurious, high-end vacation spot where you'll be treated like royalty? When only the best will do, head to North America's Pacific Coast for stunning natural vistas, outdoor adventure pursuits, world-class dining and high-end accommodations. All are delivered with the friendly, laid-back charm synonymous with West Coast living.

Sometimes you just need to get away from the craziness of daily life and head somewhere a little more low key. The ultimate relaxing trip could be lying on a beach, chilling out in spas or just exploring a new town. For the best vacations that won't make a big dent on your wallet or leave you with a huge credit card bill to come home to, check out these cheap trips that will cost you a budget-friendly $100 or less, one way.

Just twenty minutes from the packed beaches of the Puerta Plata resorts and the all-inclusive specialty hangover, Tubagua Ecolodge sits perched on rubble mountain roads, prone to the old mudslide or two. Tim, the owner, a former journalist, employs local people to round out his dream of a self-sufficient and ecologically conscious guesthouse. Like the local women who prepared us a delicious dinner of pork, peppers, and potatoes, with an amazing crunchy slaw, all enjoyed with mountain views of S

Traveling can be an expensive passion. Flights, hotels, dining, excursions and transfers can all add up — as well as the unexpected or hidden costs such as lost earnings while you're away, travel insurance and the expenses of new clothes or baggage for your trip. However, with a little forward planning and tips from travel professionals, you can save money on some life-changing trips just like these experts did. Click through to see how you can snag one-of-a-kind travel deals.

From a day hike to towering Gocta Falls to a multi-day expedition to sacred Ausangate, there's a hiking adventure for everyone.

Travelers gravitate towards Peru for wildlife, trekking, and other outdoor pursuits, but it’s not just an adventure destination. In every part of this varied country, you’ll find remnants of the past, archaeological secrets, and some of the best cultural festivals in South America.

Hiking in the cloud forests of Peru may seem like an extreme vacation option that is not suitable for children, but in fact, you can (and definitely should!) include your kids in an epic tour of Northern Peru.

Massachusetts might not be the first place you think of when booking a skiing trip, but with 11 high-quality ski resorts, the state offers a variety of mountains to challenge both the novice and the experienced skier. During January, take part in the “Learn To Ski And Snowboard Month," which has lessons, activities and events that will help get even the beginners moving down the mountain.

Considered Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is home to some of the most diverse culinary neighborhoods that delight visitors' taste buds from cheap street food to fine dining. It also has a thriving art scene, a laid-back bohemian vibe (especially around Brunswick Street), numerous rooftop bars and an enthusiastic sports scene.

From the iconic opera house to the sparkling harbor, Bondi Beach, world-class restaurants and the natural rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline, Sydney has it all. Sometimes described as loud and gaudy, Sydney isn’t shy, that’s for sure, but with a huge variety of attractions, this city of just over five million residents, which has double that number of annual visitors, is an exciting and vibrant metropolis.

The golden triangle of Malaysia's capital city covers several streets and encompasses the best shopping and entertainment spots in the downtown hub. Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC are huge malls where shoppers can score the best deals on fashion, electronics and designer brands. As evening falls, this area transforms into a bustling nightspot with al fresco dining, bars and live music.

French cuisine is world renowned, but in Quebec, the best of traditional French food merges with Canadian influences to produce unique flavors. One cheap and delicious staple is poutine (French fries with gravy and cheese curds). At Chez La Morasse, you can sample the recipe that has been served here for the last 49 years, starting from only CAN$4.39 (or $3.52 USD).

When packing your suitcase for an exciting trip, there are some essential items you should include to save money and make your travels a little less stressful. There are also some things that are best left at home. Click through to see what to bring — and what to skip — so you can travel lighter and save money on baggage fees.