White sand and warm waters are closer than you think. When winter's chill sets in, escape to one of these laid-back, sun-drenched spots—no passport needed.

Lanikai Beach

Translated into English Lanikai means “heavenly sea,” which is exactly what it is. Locals and visitors alike marvel at the picture perfect white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Vehicles of transport have long been celebrated in Pakistan, adorned with elaborate decorations to keep good spirits with the journey. A fleet of particularly vibrant mini-buses ply the Karachi route called W-11, characterized by stainless-steel panels, brightly colored plastic collages, flashing light patterns, music beats and exuberant conductors. As part of the Commonwealth Games, a group of Pakistani bus decorators transformed a Melbourne Tram into what you would expect to see on a Karachi bus routes.

Decorated trams are nothing new to the people of Melbourne, but this tram is different, it's not about advertising, it's about celebrating life. As the words written in Urdu and translated in English emblazoned down the side read "Love is Life". A ride on this tram is not about getting somewhere; it's about really being moved.

Sailors hail the good ship 'Plastiki': Boat made from 12,500 plastic bottles completes 8,000-mile Pacific journey
A boat made out of 12,500 recycled plastic bottles docked in Sydney Harbour today after four difficult months crossing the Pacific Ocean on a journey meant to raise awareness about the perils of plastic waste.
The crew of the Plastiki, a 60ft (18m) catamaran which weathered fierce storms during its 8,000 nautical miles at sea, left San Francisco on March 20, stopping at various South Pacific island nations including Kiribati and Samoa along the way.
'This is the hardest part of the journey so far - getting it in!' expedition leader David de Rothschild yelled from the boat as the crew struggled to manoeuvre the difficult-to-steer vessel into port outside the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Creature comfort: the British 'safari jet' that transforms into a plush viewing platform

There are some people who want the comforts of home with them - even when 'roughing it' on safari in Africa. For these five-star campers, BAE Systems and Design Q have come up with the ultimate in travel luxury. The four-engined Avro Business Jet Explorer Four has been designed to land on short runways and uneven landing strips, delivering its wealthy passengers directly into wildlife areas.

Then, with the flick of a switch, a door on the side of the jet opens and a viewing platform extends from the fuselage - offering spectacular open-air views.

Solo sailor Jessica Watson, 16, completes globe-circling feat
Watson sails into Sydney Harbor after her seven-month voyage, and is feted by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who calls her 'Australia's newest hero.'

Watson with her mother during a reception with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Sydney, Australia.

If you ever wonder which race is the fastest, than here is your answer. This remarkable photos has been taken during the season 2009. If you like this photos, than go and grab some nascar tickets and enjoy in the smell of gas and burned tires ;)