A jaguar thinks it over.

START THE JOURNEY HERE This site is designed to let your imagination fly. It will introduce you to some unusual travel experiences. It doesn't suggest the best hotels or restaurants, but it will lay out the territory where you might be able to find one interesting adventure and link up with some of the finest travel companies on the planet and others like yourself who want to know more about where you are. So dream a lot, plan a little. Then go. Enjoy!

AN ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC, THE AZORES. (PHOTO © BJORN EHRLICH/Wikimedia)   ISLAND GEMS OF THE EASTERN ATLANTIC      Pirates and explorers knew these places very well, as will you, on this 17-day voyage of exploration aboard the small ship Clipper Odyssey. Designed by Zegrahm Expeditions to help you understand the culture, history, and natural history of the people and places you will visit, and the habits of the many whales you will probably sail past, this trip promises a different port everyday.      Begin in Granada, Spain and the Alhambra, which sets the North African tone for what follows. From the port of Malaga, a few miles south, board the Odyssey and sail west through the straits of Gibraltar. From there, the trip gets more exotic. Casablanca is next, with a possible trip through the desert to Marrakech. After Agadir the ship heads out to the archipelago of the Canary Islands, where you hike and visit botanical gardens; and yes, you will have some Madeira, my dear,      From the Canaries, you head north to the fascinating islands that comprise the Azores. Because they are worth exploring for their unique plants and animals, Portuguese cuisine and wines, and people, you spend five days here. Expect to hike volcanoes and probe deep into mysterious caves.       About $11,000.  See:  http://www.zeco.com/expeditions/europe/azores-spain-gibraltar-morocco-canary-islands-and-madeira?departure=AZOR1201

Some of the signature baobabs in Madagascar.   BOTANTICAL EXPEDITIONS    MADAGASCAR  has more than 12,000 species of plants, a huge number unique to the fourth largest island in the world. Of palmtrees alone, 98 percent are unique. Here's your chance to roam the Reserves and Parks of this idiosyncratic island nation with members of Pacific Horticulture.    In Madagascar there are always lots of extras, notably lemurs of all stripes and lizards.   Start in Antananarivo on September 23, travel until Octiber 10.  About $4,000 lodging, food, transport. Airfare extra. Botanical Expditions is a part of Betchart Expeditions. Please see: www.botanicalexpeditions.com.

Cunard, Best in Class.      CUNARD INSIGHTS Crossing the Atlantic is pretty cool if you just sign on to the iconic glamour, fine food and wines, and  sheer luxury of the Queen Mary II, Cunard's newest ship. Now you can do it with the added excitement of their "Enrichment Program," a host of offerings from a huge variety of interesting people from the U.S. and the U.K.  For example, in August listen to the accumulated wisdom of Steve Rivellino, TV producer and former vice president of Radio City Music Hall; and Jeffrey Hoffman, former astronaut. In June, travel with William Fowler, maritime author; Simon Newman, professor of American Studies at Glasgow University; and the famous Dr. Ruth, sex advisor and therapist. Their musical offerings are equally engaging: listen to the Julliard School Jazz Series; and the London National Symphony Orchestra. This is included, by the way, in the price of your trip which depends on your berth: 7-day crossings, special fares, $1,000 to $3,000; 9-days, $1,800 to $4,000. See: www.cunard.com/enrichment.

Santa Fe Opera House. TWO AMERICAN CITIES CELEBRATE THE ARTS   SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO, known as the center for spiritual seekers, is also famous for its opera company. Join opera writer/lecturer Arthur Kaplan on a trip this summer to hear the Santa Fe Opera Company perform Puccini's Tosca, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, Strauss's Arabella, and Rossini's Maometto II. Mr Kaplan will take you behind the curtain before and after performances to meet the cast and talk with some of the many hard-working souls who contribute to staging an opera.  Santa Fe will not disappoint, either: lots of sightseeing, shopping, fine food, trips to surrounding red-rock country. Four days:  July 30 to August 3, about $2,800; $3,400 single occupancy. Please see www.smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/santa-fe-opera   CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA is another magical city in the United States, long a port city and sailing destination, and also known for its refined cultural tastes. Take part in this summer's SPOLETO FESTIVAL of music, dance and the theatre. Guided by music expert Stan Engebretson, participants on this tour will have prime seats at eight events: The Symphony, Noel Coward's Hay Fever, the Rebirth Brass Band, jazz singer Mavis Staples, plus modern dance performances, chamber and choral music, and Canadian circus, 7 doigts a la main.  Charleston is so rich in history and good food, you will be busy for the five days in June that you're there. Horse-drawn carriages set the tone, June 5 to 10, about $2,300; $3,600 single occupancy.  Please see: smithsonianjourneys.org/tours/spoleto-festival

The parachuting motor cart in question, in flight   YOU MAY THINK YOU'VE DONE EVERYTHING, BUT... you probably have not sailed over the Arizona desert at sunrise in a motor cart with a parachute attached.  Imagine a very primitive-looking cart for two passengers with a propeller and wheels, which are the steering mechanism. You tear down the runway (20 mph) to catch the wind in the parachute, when suddenly you are up, up, up, and away, sailing breathlessly above the splendor of the Arizona desert made more magical by the rising sun. Instructor Randy Long makes it all seem like a piece of cake. It is subject to FAA-approved inspections. About $200 for 30 minutes. Call 480-502-7640 to reserve a spot. And see www.arizonapowerchutes.com for lots more.