What's it all about, we hear you ask? We humans, it seems, will collect anything. Stamps, coins, pins, dolls – you name it, someone's hoarding it somewhere. The prospect of collecting hotel keycards might sound baffling to some, but we assure you that it can be just as, if not more satisfying than collecting the more conventional things, such as stamps.

For a start, if you regularly stay in hotels, then this hobby is pretty much self-funding. Travelling around for work or pleasure can lead to the accumulation of dozens of keycards in a relatively short space of time if you're busy, or like to stay in lots of different places. And then there is the fact that many of the keycards are fairly attractive, usually carrying idyllic photos of the hotels themselves, or a swanky company logo. These are a work of art in themselves, as some of the designs are truly beautiful and inspiring.

The hobby also has something to behold for people who tend to stay in the same hotel, and thus rack up large numbers of the same keycard. Like anything collectable, keycards can be traded with other people interested in the hobby. This allows practically anyone to expand their collection, and more importantly, discuss the topic with others interested in the subject. In fact, some hotels have cottoned onto the hobby and now produce lines of keycards under the same theme or series.

If you are planning to travel abroad, then it is a wise decision to get travel insurance—especially before you leave your country. Getting travel insurance should be one of the first things you should do. It is easy to overlook the value of travel insurance, but it is helpful and useful in times of need.

Travel insurance policies generally give you financial aid for an unexpected accident on your trip including: a travel cancellation, illness, injury or death. Travel insurance also offers financial assistance for medical services offered in a foreign country. In case of lost or stolen baggage, your travel insurance may also reimburse you.

Travel insurance policies vary depending on the agency. The add-ons also vary from offer to offer, and additional coverage for accidents that happen while you are participating in extreme sports or other activities is common. However, it would be safe to assume that these insurance policies do not cover everything. Natural disaster and war impose additional expenses on travelers and tourists that are not covered by travel insurance.

It is fairly understandable for people to doubt the importance of travel insurance. Some actually think they do not need it because there are other options. For instance, credit cards commonly include a form of basic travel cancellation insurance. Some of the functions of travel insurance are already covered by law. One example is bankruptcy of the airline company. The law obliges the airline company to reimburse unused plane tickets affected by non-operation of the airline. In this case, there would be no need for the intervention of a travel insurance agency.

Such insurance policies for travelers have various offers. The packages depend on the frequency of travels. Multi-trip insurance policies may be fine for families that do take frequent trips. If you are certain that you will be frequently traveling this year, then you may consider purchasing multi-trip insurance, as it would be more cost-effective than purchasing individual insurance.

Travel insurance cost varies according to the duration of your travel and the extent of coverage you need. Expect that you would pay up to 8% of the total cost of the travel for substantial insurance. The cost of this insurance climbs if you go to remote places or countries with high safety risks.

Many do not mind purchasing travel insurance because it is for their own safety. It makes them feel safe whilst they are traveling outside of their country. Travel insurance gives tourists a feeling of security when they are in an unfamiliar place.

Cycling holidays are the ideal way to see things which are often bypassed when in a car, such as stunning landscapes, historic buildings, out of the way restaurants and secluded waterfalls. Another benefit is that you keep fit and healthy, and biking is also environmentally friendly.

Planning a cycling holiday may be a little daunting at first but if you follow the guidelines your holiday will be so much more enjoyable.

• Map out your entire route and calculate how long you have and plan your daily routes accordingly.

• Check from which direction the prevailing winds come. Heading into the wind can slow you down considerably.

• If you plan to camp, ensure that there are no restrictions to setting up a tent and that the area is safe.

• Service your bicycle thoroughly before the trip. You will have quite a load in terms of luggage so ensure that your brakes can handle the extra weight. The best way to check is do a few trial rides with the bicycle fully laden some weeks before the holiday commences.

• Your luggage shouldn’t exceed 15 kilograms. Distribute the weight between two or four cycle bags. Cycling with a pack on your back is not advisable as it affects your balance.

• Ascertain what problems you may encounter and pack the necessary tools in your luggage. You should also include sun cream, first aid kit, rain-cape, insulating tape, string and water bottles.

Other important considerations include the following:

• Every member of the group MUST wear a helmet at all times during the trip.

• Ensure that each member of the group is able to do basic bicycle repairs such has fixing punctures, adjusting brakes or saddles etc.

• Calculating short breaks into your trip – the average cyclist cycles approx. 10 km an hour.

• Identify the weakest cyclist in the group and plan the length of each leg according to his or her pace.

• Never plan sections that are too long and make time to enjoy the unexpected on the way.

• Keep a check on your tyre pressure as you will have fewer punctures if the tyres are fully inflated.

• Layer your clothing so that you can remove layers as the weather changes but your rain cape should be packed where it is easily accessible.

• Heavy meals will make you sluggish so keep your food packs light and remember to drink lots of fluid at regular intervals.

• Most churches will allow you to use their amenities.

You needn't be a connoisseur or a sommelier to appreciate a wine-tasting holiday. Most vineyard tours cater to both experts and novices. Part and parcel of vineyard tours include beautiful scenery and fine cuisine.

You needn't be a connoisseur or a sommelier to appreciate a wine-tasting holiday. Most vineyard tours cater to both experts and novices. Part and parcel of vineyard tours include beautiful scenery and fine cuisine.

One automatically thinks of France when thinking of wine and rightly so. France produces some of the world's finest wines and the obvious place to start is the Champagne region. Champagne is synonymous with celebration, glitz and glamour. There are several vineyards in this small area so you will have the opportunity to try a great deal of champagne and gain a better understanding of the champagne process.

The Loire region of France is a slightly longer trip but it is home to some excellent wines, such as the crisp, citrus-scented Sancerre, or the lightly fruited Vouvray. However there are 67 different appellations - that is, distinct traditional wines from grapes that grow in particular areas.

Spain is going through a wine revolution and new skills are being introduced to traditional methods. There are many wine-producing regions in Spain, but topping the list is La Rioja, which is considered to be Spain's finest wine. Here the wine variations are many, from primitive to elegant and stylish

Italian food must be enjoyed with Italian wine. Grapes grow all over Italy so you will need to be selective when choosing a region. There is the relatively unknown but richly varied Puglia in the far south or Piedmont in the north, which gave birth to Barolo wine and is truly one of the world's best reds. It is one of the few things in the world that actually improves with age.

These days, new world wines grace most people's dinner tables as they offer great value and flavour.

If you fancy exploring further afield, South Africa is a good choice, producing a good variety of wines such as sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, pinot noir, merlot and the native Pinotage.

Australian wines have taken the world by storm. Australia grows an enviable range of grapes and the lusciously dark Barossa Valley shiraz or the lemony Clare Valley Riesling can make one forget that old world wines exist.

New Zealand is a relative newcomer to wine production, but a few small producers started selling their sauvignon Blanc wines and suddenly the wine world stood up and took notice. Today, New Zealand's sauvignon Blancs are famous for their almost tropical taste.

Ever done Bobbin’ for Pig’s Feet on your holiday? If you like the wacky and weird, the Redneck Games could be perfect for you. It is one day of fun, comprising of a mud pit belly-flop contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, armpit serenade and Redneck Horseshoes, using toilet seats. Winners get to take home a half crushed, empty, mounted beer can.

If you love potatoes, you will love this annual celebration. While you are feasting on potato produce, you can watch mashed potato wrestling, a potato peeling competition, mashed potato eating and a potato sculpturing contest. Are you looking for a perfect little number to wear to your next party? Then be sure to check out some of the designs in the potato sack fashion show.

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. At the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant the spotlight shines on a different type of beauty altogether. Hermit crabs compete in various categories including the Friendliest Crab, Most Unique Crab Display, Shyest Crab and more. If that doesn’t get your juices flowing then check out the racing scene at the Crustacean 500 race-track, in which hundreds of crabs “race” on an eight-foot track

Life wouldn’t be the same without chickens. The fine folk of Wayne, Nebraska recognise this and so they celebrate our feathered friends during a three day festival in July. Visitors to the festival are invited to indulge in all things poultry. There are events including: the National Cluck Off, the world’s largest chicken dance and the best chicken legs competition. There is some “chicken’s revenge” for those who bravely participate in the saucy hot wing eating contest or its hardboiled egg counterpart. Fashionistas can show off their designing talents by creating the best looking chicken hat.

As more and more people are looking for adventurous and sporty holidays, hiking trails provide a unique experience where one can get up close and personal with the local nature. Three hiking trails stand out in this respect:

New Zealand’s South Island is arguably the one of the most stunning trails, taking you through Fiordland National Park, which has been classified as a World Heritage site in the south-west of South Island.

Hikers can expect to see and experience spectacular lakes, awe-inspiring mountain peaks and huge valleys. And rain won’t dampen your spirits or spoil your holiday. This is one of the few places where rain actually improves the scenery. To witness the torrents of waterfalls cascading down the towering mountains is a sight that is not easily forgotten.

The first two days cover flat ground while the last involves a 245m climb and descent. But even novices – as long as they are fit and healthy – should be able to manage the walk. There have been people in their seventies who have managed it. As with any endurance activity it is advisable to obtain medical clearance before commencing.

Uganda in Africa is considered to be the pearl of Africa, a special place where the West African jungle meets the East African desert.

The most popular hiking trail is in the mountain rainforests of Bwindi National Park where gorillas can be seen in their natural habitat. The starting point is the Sanctuary Gorilla Forest camp and the walking distance is dictated by which gorilla family is being visited. This can vary from a half an hour to nine hours, so be prepared to be flexible and accommodating.

The West Coast Trail in British Colombia is a 75 kilometre hike. The trail stretches along the west coast of Vancouver Island, from Port Renfrew in the south to Bamfield in the north. This is considered to be a physically demanding trail so you need to be well prepared and fit. The weather is changeable, but if you’re fortunate and have sunny days during the hike then you will get maximum enjoyment out of the rain forests and the beautiful beaches of Canada’s west coast.

South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries to visit in the world. It is a popular tourist destination and, should you be planning a holiday there, it is advisable to consider your trip carefully and make all your travel arrangements as far in advance to avoid disappointment.

Peak season in South Africa is during the summer months of November to March. South African schools close for the summer early in December, so popular destinations like seaside resorts are particularly busy with families and children. Other holiday periods which are popular for tourists are over Easter and during the local mid-year school holidays in June and July. Some areas in South Africa have a moderate climate in winter, particularly during April/May or September/October and if you prefer cooler temperatures, fewer tourists and crowds its worth considering visiting during these off-peak months. There may also be the option of seasonal discounts at these times.

Summers are generally hot to very hot so pack lightweight clothing. However, on the coast the evenings can get cool so light jackets are advisable. As in any hot and sunny climate, remember to use sun cream liberally and wear a hat when outside as the sun can burn even in overcast weather. Afternoon rain showers occur frequently in the inner regions during the summer months. Cape Town is famous for experiencing four seasons in one day, so prepare for all eventualities.

Oliver Tambo Airport in Johannesburg is the major international airport in South Africa, with frequent flights to and from all five continents.

To make the most of your holiday and to enjoy as much of the South African scenery as possible, it is advisable to hire a vehicle as public transport is not reliable. The long distance bus companies such as Intercape or Greyhound are reliable and safe and the affordable Baz Bus is a hop-on-hop-off option for backpackers. Enquire at your travel agent for information on organised tours.

Travelling to South Africa is not complicated. As in any country, foreign nationals must be in possession of a valid passport and you should get in touch with your travel agent regarding visa requirements.

As the local currency the Rand is weaker than many European currencies, making travelling to South Africa affordable by international standards. Most local banks will exchange foreign currency at any Bureaux de Change. Most of the big cities and town will accept credit cards.

Take a trip to a cultural hotspot like nowhere else in the world by discovering one of the mysterious lost cities. These locations have been the host to entire civilisations – peaceful civilians and warriors, harvesters and tradesmen. Have a look at these five lost cities:

Squished between the high foothills of the Andes Mountains is the legendary stoned-stepped Machu Picchu. One of Latin America's ancient indigenous homes to the Incas, information about this place is scarce as there were no written documents left behind.

The not-so-mysterious Troy is a remarkable ancient European lost city. Make those famous Hollywood sword fights come to life as you walk over white stones where nine cities were constructed on top of one another. Troy was a strategic city and site for many of Europe's ancient conflicts throughout the years.

Taking the trek further East, you can discover the site of the one of the Indus Valley civilisations at Mohejo Daro. Over 4500 years ago a whole city cultivated and traded by the Indus River. This flat city is constructed with earthy-toned materials, capturing a nice Pakistani breeze.

In what is known today as the modern Middle East, hear the echoes of ferocity from where the ancient Assyrians dominated. In Nimrud, Iraq, you can gaze at the powerful stone portraits of the Assyrian warriors who were defeated by the Babylonians.

Road tripping is a great idea for a family holiday for a number of reasons. It is helpful on your bank balance, you can visit places you would not normally go, and you needn’t stick to a strict time schedule, but the most rewarding factor is that parents and kids get to spend time together.

One down side is that younger children and long hours in cars do not particularly mix well. Car rides to far away destinations seem to last forever for young children. Here are a few simple hints to make the ride easier and hear less moans and groans:

Games. Make sure they bring a pen and paper because they are going to help you navigate. First, have them look for upcoming road signs. This keeps them attentive, alert and they feel like part of the team. As they do this, have them write down license plates with the aim of finding more cities and counties than each other.

Sing. Singing with your family is not just something that takes place in the movies. It can also be a fun way to practise your vocal range. Use a Kids sing-along CD or practise some oldies from your childhood.

Switch drivers. This reduces repetitiveness and gives the illusion that the trip is shorter.

Be cosy. A long journey is different from a trip down to the shops. Make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring pillows and blankets for the children so they have opportunity to rest, therefore making them less cranky and resulting in a pleasanter journey for the grownups.

The sole purpose of going on holiday is to have fun, so it is worth making sure your trip is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. You don’t want to worry about anything, so it is important that you pack everything sensibly. Here’s a handy check-list:

Keep it down to one bag. This will force you to limit what you can and cannot pack. Purses, jackets and baby bags are fine as extras, but too many bags and you could easily leave something behind and, if flying, you will not have to worry about extra checking-in fees. This process will be fast, not to mention a hassle-free walk through security and customs. Even hopping off the plane is faster and you needn’t groan at ‘Susie Suitcase’ in the front holding up the line.

Check your weight and size standards first. If flying or taking a bus, check the regulations. If one bag happens to be heavy, you may be required to pay an extra fee. Check to see if your bag will go in an overhead compartment or under the seat.

Liquids, small. Make sure all toiletries are stored in small containers. As well as making the load much lighter, security regulations on flights do not permit liquid that is any larger than 3 ounces. Place all basic toiletries in a small zip-tight see-through container.

Wear your favourite jeans twice. Clothing like jeans or dresses can be worn more than once, if kept relatively clean. Also bring a pair of shoes that compliments all garments, so that you leave the bag with more room.

Light entertainment. This is the beauty of reading. Take one book and set yourself a goal to finish it. If there are no other alternatives besides gazing out a window, you will happily complete that last chapter of Jane Austin.