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Seeing the polar bears in Churchill, Canada was an amazing experience. They look so sweet and cuddly you can forget how dangerous they are—particularly when hungry. The bears could smell the soup we were eating in our vehicle and, trying to get some for their cubs, put their large paws on the windows. It was awesome to get so many close-up photos of the polar bears as they surrounded our vehicle but I, like my fellow travelers, hoped the ice would arrive soon so they could survive. This photo reminds me of their need for ice to live and why it is so important for all of us to protect their existence.

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WHERE IS THE ICE?
by June Harper, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

June's Dream Trip
Mediterranean cruise

My dream trip would be to take my mother, who lives in England, on a Mediterranean cruise. She has never traveled by air in her life but loves ships and trains. She is an amazing "armchair traveler" and has a wide knowledge of foreign countries through reading books and magazines. How wonderful it would be to turn the travel pages and her dreams into reality.

Enjoying a cruise with fabulous food, attentive service, fresh sea air and views of sunrises, sunsets and the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean would just be the start of the dream. A cruise anywhere in the world is a relaxing way, in a short period of time, to experience diverse cultures, customs, different languages and climates, and unique festivals.

So why is the Mediterranean my dream? It evokes visions of warm, crystal blue water, beautiful scenery from sandy beaches to hillsides dotted with vines, and towns and villages steeped in history. I can imagine walking through tiny, cobbled backstreets with amazing buildings, churches and statues around every corner. Crossing flower-filled squares, plazas, and piazzas to the sound of water from fountains and the scent of olive and citrus groves filling the air.

In between sightseeing, which would include visiting magnificent museums and galleries, we would relax in the sun at outdoor cafes, sampling regional food and wine and taking the opportunity to meet and talk (with a phrase book!) to local people.

Finally, we would want to bring some souvenirs home so shopping in the local markets and the chic boutiques would be a must, as would taking my new camcorder so that I could record the memories of our dream trip and share them with family and friends.

June's Travel Tips

• Always take a copy of your passport details and keep them separate from your actual passport when you travel in case the original gets lost or stolen.

• Always take carry-on baggage regardless of trip length—you do not want to spend your vacation tracking lost luggage. You can always buy extra items when you arrive at your destination.

• Always take out travel insurance as you never know when you might need it. Go for annual multi-trip insurance as it is cheaper if you travel more than once a year.