1. Going wild in the Peruvian jungle - William Gray visits the most biodiverse spot on earth to meet the creepy crawlies and bigger beasties you won't see anywhere else

2. Dangerous liaisons in the Galapagos - The islands that inspired Darwin are famous for their giant tortoises, but for Josephine Davies the reals gems are underwater

3. Dances with grizzlies - Tony Perrottet goes hiking alone in the wilds of Montana - despite all the advice to the contrary about bear attacks on lone hikers

4. A walk on the wild side of Kenya - On a four-day walking safari in Kenya, Will Hide enjoys unbeatable wildlife sightings under the guidance of an engaging local guide

5. Paddling around Florida - think Florida, and you usually think theme parks - which makes Matt Carroll's story about a gentle kayak encounter with manatees all the more enchanting

6.The weather and feathers of Fair Isle - The Times' Feather Report author, Derwent May, visits the windy outpost of shipping forecast fame and finds a twitchers' paradise

7. Tough monkey love in Borneo - They stole his lunch, but Simon Reeve still can't help falling for the endangered orang-utans of Borneo

8. The 20 best holidays with your dog - there's a holiday to suit every dog, and owner, in Ginny McGrath's round up of canine capers, from pampered pooch spas to Alpine walking

9. The monsters of Africa's islands - the largest fish on earth, the whale shark, meets Brian Schofield off the coast of Tanzania. It's terrifying but magical says the intrepid snorkeller

10. Vast birds, deer and boar in Spain’s Arizona - David Watts proves that you don't have to go exotic to see spectacular wildlife, when he journeys into the back country of La Rioja

Times recommends

• The Green Spaces Travel Awards, 2008 - the winners
• Britain's 12 best winter walks
• The insiders' guide to bohemian Paris