The Globe Trotter: 21 September

According to Mayan tradition, the world will end of 21 December. But three months is plenty of time to fit in my top 10 places to see...

1 Taj Mahal, India

Don’t let anyone tell you this monument to love – built from white marble and semi-precious gemstones by Emperor Shah Jahan in honour of his late wife – isn’t anything but wonderful. Go at dawn when there are fewer crowds.

Cox & Kings: 0845-564 1977, www.coxandkings.co.uk

2 Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

I’ve been a few times to see this natural phenomenon: massive, coinshaped stones piled one on top of another, forming huge rock towers on the coastline. It does indeed look like the work of a giant, just like the myth attests – and I still find it utterly fascinating.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays: 01707- 331133, www.ramblersholidays.co.uk

3 Painted monasteries, Romania

Exactly what it says on the tin – in the Middle Ages, monasteries in the Moldavia region of Romania were painted with Biblical scenes on the outside, so stinky peasants could be instantly reminded about hell without having to be able to read – or enter the building. Amazing.

Sunvil: 020-8568 4499, www.sunvil.co.uk

4 Nile cruise, Egypt

This is absolutely the best way to see Egypt’s tombs and temples. Choose the classic seven-night itinerary or the 10-night Cairo to Aswan cruise, which has been reintroduced after an 18-year break and can include extra days to see the Pyramids.

Discover Egypt: 0844-880 0462, www.discoveregypt.co.uk

5 Petra, Jordan

The awesome ancient city of Petra, carved out of the dusky-pink rock of the desert mountains by Nabataean Arabs around the 2nd century BC, is unmissable. Stay at the gorgeous Kempinski Hotel Ishtar and combine a day’s outing to Petra with a relaxing break by the Dead Sea.

Bales Worldwide: 0844-488 1143, www.balesworldwide.com

6 Okavango Delta, Botswana

It’s been called the most beautiful place on Earth – I don’t disagree. Zebras, elephants and antelopes graze peacefully on lush green wetlands as far as the eye can see. Stay at the Orient- Express Eagle Island Camp, Sanctuary Baines’ Camp or Stanley’s Camp.

Abercrombie & Kent: 0845-485 1548, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk

7 Terracotta warriors, Xian, China

Row after row of ancient, full-size soldiers made of clay stand in deep pits, guarding the tomb of China’s notorious Emperor Qin. It’s the sight that kicked off my wanderlust: my first long-haul trip was to see this archaeological wonder.

Voyages Jules Verne: 0845-166 7003, www.vjv.com

8 British Columbia, Canada

See nature at her very best, with whales, salmon, glorious birds and fabulous bears of all variety. Splash out on the ultra-luxurious, 17-room floating heaven in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, called King Pacific Lodge.

Carrier: 0161-492 1356, www.carrier.co.uk

9 Walt Disney World Florida, USA

It’s a pain these days to get into the States, but if you have children, bite the bullet and faff around with all the stupid forms and questions and take them to this prince among theme parks.

Complete Orlando: 0800-294 8844, www.completeorlando.co.uk

10 The Maldives

The brochures do not lie – the water really is that blue, the sand is white and pristine, and the resorts are beautiful and luxurious. You can’t take it with you, so empty your bank account and take off to the sublime Conrad Rangali Island. It’s heaven on earth.

Kuoni: 0844-488 0367, www.kuoni.co.uk

Contact Wendy on wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk