What's hot right now: January's top 10

Tackle the ascent of the Hon Giao Pass by bike, topping out at 1,700m, on this epic ride through the mountains. You’ll be rewarded with 30km of almost completely uninterrupted descent through pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery. This exhilarating experience is sure to stay with you well beyond the end of your Vietnam cycling holiday.

Explore the spectacular high dunes of Morocco in Erg Chebbi. Discover the haunting V-shape dunes that creep across the surface of the Sahara on camel back. Take a 4WD or climb to the top and gaze at one on of Morocco’s most mesmerising landscapes. After a day’s exploration settle down for the night in a Berber-style tent beneath the stars.

On the expedition train to Aguas Calientes, grab a seat on the left-hand side of your carriage, relax with a hot cup of coffee and take in spectacular panoramic views of valleys, cloud forests and the Andes as you wind your way up the tracks to Machu Picchu. The tantalising views are just a taster of what's to come, as you climb skywards and the valley floor falls further and further away.

Visit watering holes, vast savannahs and vivid forests on a trip through South Africa and Swaziland. Spot white and black rhino in Umfolozi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve, see hippo out of the water in St Lucia and walk amongst zebra, wildebeest and warthog in Swaziland’s Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

Discover the secluded islands and pristine beaches of the Maldives in the most authentic way – aboard a traditional dhoni boat. Jump into turquoise waters and snorkel amid vibrant corals and colourful fish. Top all off with a fresh barbecued dinner on the secluded beach of an uninhabited island.