If you are an American – or not – you’ve got to visit Miami’s South Beach at least once in your lifetime. There’s no other place quite like it on earth. Miami Beach is the sun-drenched narrow string of barrier islands that just east of downtown Miami.

One of our very favorite authors has a great new book out! And we're so excited to share it with you. We've shared the work of Mark Hicks before, and I have to say, we play on his websites often (try the Halloween one! Love the cyclops!).

At this time of year many of us are planning holidays, short breaks, trips and big adventures for the coming year. Here, in reverse order, are my Top Ten suggestions to intrigue and inspire you to get out and explore more of our quirkilicious planet.