When I saw the airplane for the first time at close range, I was awed by the fact that such a huge thing could fly so high over such great distances without coming down in a great tumble. Then as I approached it with other passengers, I could not just imagine such a great number of people in that thing with me up in the sky. My fears increased. Then came the time to board! At this stage I felt I was boarding a bus about embark on a long journey, something I'm so used to that all my previous fears melted away.

Time to take off. The plane moved first slowly on the ground as we were taken through the safety procedures on board: seat belts, gas masks, live jackets, etc. It was like the bus moving slowly out of the station. Then the flight captain announced that we were about to take off. I could feel the speed below, and before I could imagine we were tilted up in the sky. I looked through the window and saw below, the ocean with objects that I believe were boats. For the next couple of minutes, I could not say what happened. When I came to, we were several feet above. Looking down, I could still see houses look like boxes, and roads look like lines.

Then came the time to move through the clouds. I should say that looking at the clouds from the airplane makes them appear as mountains in a different world. I felt like getting down for a walk on them. I imagine how spacewalk would be very interesting. But the rumbling noise that woke me up felt like we were on a bad road. I turned to the one sitting by me and said: “Potholes in the air”. He was surprised but agreed to it, since he shared the same background of travelling on very bad roads with me. All along I was praying that we land as soon as possible as the thought of 9/11 came up. But other passengers apparently used to this were not perturbed. I could see some sleep. What amazed me most was the confidence and ease with which the flight attendants walked around. It was a great relief when we touched ground.

If you ever travelled by air, how was your first experience? If you have not yet, then imagine how your first experience will be and get prepared. But I guarantee; after the first, you will certainly cry for more.

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Gamirasu Troglodyte Hotel is located in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey near Urgup. The hotel boasts 18 rooms that have been completely restored and reopened in 1999. The hotel is situated in a retreat that has been there for over thousands of years. This hotel is a perfect honeymoon and wedding destination.

Marqués De Riscal

This luxury hotel located in Elciego, Spain is nestled in the "City of Wine". There are 43 guest rooms, including 11 suites that overlook the spectacular views of the country. There are fantastic restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, indoor Jacuzzi, and 14 spa rooms specializing in "wine therapy" treatments.

Blue Lagoon in Iceland

This lagoon is one of Iceland's most inimitable attractions. The lagoon uses geothermal seawater that is scientifically known to clear the complexion and aid in healthy skin. The trip will be a purely spiritual one filled with nature, scenery, and air that is clean and fresh.

Daintree Ecolodge

Located in Queens land, Australia, this resort is nestled in one the oldest living rain forests boasting 15 lovely villas in a tree house setting. It perfectly secluded for romantic honeymoons and secret rendezvous'.

Magic Mountain Hotel

Located in Panguipulli, Chile this lovely secluded hotel contains 13 rooms, and 11 cabins that can easily accommodate 4-6 guests. The name of the hotel was derived from Commander Pepe who called this hotel his home in the 70's and 80's.

Machu Pichu Sanctuary

This ancient hotel boasts some of the most spectacular views of this historical Inca settlement in Cusco, Peru. The lodge is the only hotel located within the sanctuary of the Manchu Picchu Ruins. It has 29 rooms and 2 suites which have the most spectacular views of this sacred place.

Woodland Park: The Hobbit Motel

Located in Otorohanga, New Zealand, Woodland Park is more like a motel for the more modest traveler. Woodland Park has 3 amazing options for sleeping quarters that include a "1950's Bristol Freighter Plane fully refurbished into 2 beautiful self contained motel units." A 1950's Rail Carriage spectacularly redesigned into a completely self enclosed unit.The last sleeping quarter is an underground motel known as the "First Hobbit Underground Motel" with spherical glass windows.

Quinta Real Zacatecas

A part of history is reborn in Zacatecas, Mexico where the 17th Century San Pedro bullring has been converted into a luxurious hotel. The hotel faces the city's primeval vaulted suspension bridge.

Hotel Puerta América

Located in Madrid, Spain this hotel boasts a different design on every floor depending on the taste of the guest. There are 12 floors and each and every room was created by a different designer so make sure you do your research before visiting. The front desk will provide a list of different floor plans when you check-in if you are unsatisfied with the room you were assigned to.

Kakslauttanen Hotel and Igloo Village

Located in Lapland, Finland these glass globes are offered for guests that would prefer a cold or warm night sleep. There are 31 cabins that are situated quite close to the Arctic Ocean and the Urho Kekkonen National Park

Propeller Island City Lodge

Located in Berlin, Germany this hotel is packed full of amazingly designed architectural rooms. There are 30 rooms that are all instinctively unique. Depending on your idiosyncratic and adventurous taste, you will choose your ability to have a one of kind stay.

Check out 10 Spectacular Resorts around the Globe for some more Travel destinations.

The Girl suggested we hit up the Niagara region, specifically the tiny village of Niagara-On-The-Lake. This is a part of Southern Ontario known famously for its wineries, antiques, and of course the popular Shaw Festival: a theatrical festival celebrating the works of playwright George Bernard Shaw. At first I was hesitant, hearing largely that the area attracted an older crowd. Regardless, The Girl marched on making preparations for the day in spite of my fears of this generation gap. “It won't matter after going wine tasting,” I thought to myself.

It was decided that both of us would take Friday off and start on our little journey to the Niagara Region around 11 AM, life moves at a slower pace down there for the better, so why not start the day off with a relaxing little sleep in! Heading down the Q.E.W. we slowly saw the city fade into suburban bliss, developments dotted alongside the highway turned into bungalows with spacious lawns, and finally rows of grape trees neatly lined up one after the other as far as the eye could see.

Our lineup of activities consisted of grabbing a bite to eat, some wine tasting, and then taking in the matinee performance of “Mrs Warren's Profession”. The area itself is pleasing to the eye; large trees and lush lawns engulf the area as you head down winding roads into the main strip of town on Queen Street. It is here where most of the action takes place. Unique gift shops, restaurants, old historic buildings, horse drawn carriages, hotels, and two of the Shaw theatres neatly file down the large street as people leisurely stroll up and down.

After taking a short drive down the main strip, parking and paying a mere dollar for an hours worth of time (a dollar!), we headed into the “Stagecoach Family Restaurant”, a bustling diner with fast and courteous service. I ordered a BLT and The Girl opted for a very authentic Greek salad in a place that seemed like it wouldn't serve one. Our meals came and went quickly, the staff gets the throngs of people in and out in a timely fashion (with no push to rush) in order to cater to their consistently full house.

The Niagara region is well known for its numerous vineyards, providing the country and the world with award winning wines. After driving around and scoping out the scene, we settled on Pellar Estates Winery, a sprawling vineyard with a beautiful building which houses the wine tasting and event areas for those special occasions. The place literally transports you to the wine tasting centres of the world like the Nappa Valley, especially when that trip to California isn't exactly in your budget at the moment.

Our sommelier Mike greets us with a warm welcome, something that we've grown accustomed to since arriving in the area - everyone is friendly! Over the next hour he educates us on the different methods of wine tasting, all the while making us feel like he is totally not selling anything. We learn about the proper tasting techniques, how to enjoy your wine, and how the glass makes a difference when tasting. We make sure not to take in too much of the tasting; we still have to go see a play! After some recommendations from Mike, we proceed to the exit - with a couple of bottles for later on at home of course!

Finally we arrive at the last destination of our fun little day trip away from the city, a performance of Bernard Shaw's “Mrs Warren's Profession”. One of Shaw's raciest plays (the house programme tells me that it was banned practically everywhere when it was first produced) it focuses on Mrs. Kitty Warren, a hard working mother providing for her daughter Vivie. Upon learning of how her mother obtained such wealth, scandal breaks loose and mother and daughter battle each other over love, sex, money, and morality.

The play is housed in the large “Festival Theatre”, the Shaw's flagship theatre that can seat up to 856 people and is used for large-scale productions. With a café and outdoor patio, we decide to enjoy another drink before the show starts and also take in a stroll around the surrounding garden. The production is as racy as it was described to be. I will admit that Shaw's “Pygmalion” is one of my all time favourite plays, so I have nothing but glowing things to say about this playwright.

With our day at an end, we lazily made our way back to the car and headed back to the grind and noise of the city. On a whole the trip was a great change of pace, and we're thinking of going back for a weekend to try out some one of the lovely bed and breakfast's or inns around the area. For a fun, interesting, and relatively inexpensive trip, the Shaw Festival along with the village of Niagara-On-The-Lake is a great place to head to relax the soul and stimulate the mind!

1. Hosts

   You ask, they serve. Isn't it a nice break to not have to go and fetch some apple juice yourself? And to have your meals delivered right to you, without having to move at all. Can't complain.

2. Entertainment

   Music, movies, games, radio, television shows and dramas. There's something for everyone when you're flying long-haul. You can watch a recent blockbuster, before listening to some calm, relaxing music, followed by an episode of your favourite drama.

3. Neighbours

   If the people sitting next to you are wide awake, and if you are too, perhaps a little conversation wouldn't hurt. You never know, you may find that you're sitting next to the most interesting person in the world!

4. View

   Looking out at the clouds... aren't they pretty? You can just imagine a city up there, with creatures light enough to stand on the clouds... or maybe it's just me who can imagine that. Anyhow, the view is often spectacular, and you can't miss the city and country views during takeoff and landing.

5. Food

   Although it may not always be great, there's always at least 1 item of food that's delicious, no matter how your appetite is. And best of all, it's made and served straight to you! 6. Relax: Flying long-haul is the perfect time to relax and ponder things over. All you have to do is sit down, and think. (You can also even listen to music on demand while you do this)

6. Travelling

   Last, but certainly not least, you're travelling! You have a new location to enjoy once you land. Often this is something to look forward to, after the long (and fun!) flight.