Globe
Wildlife
Animal lovers who want to help out during their holidays can click onto a web-based program which links paying volunteers with wildlife research, conservation and rescue projects around the globe. Ecovolunteers lists 27 working vacations, including studying belugas on the Solovetski Islands in Arctic Russia, fitting protective collars on painted hunting dogs in Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park and helping victims of Thailand's illegal monkey trade at the Lopburi Wild Animal Rescue Center. Participants must be over 18 years old, in good physical condition and are expected to organize their own flights, transport and insurance-and work for around 10 hours a day. For details, see .
North America
Philadelphia
It took sub-machine guns, exploding cars and a boat to steal Rembrandt and Renoir paintings worth $30 million from Stockholm's National Museum last December. Wannabe art thieves looking for an easier heist should visit Philadelphia's Vox Populi gallery where viewers are being encouraged to swipe works from the walls. "Steal This Show" aims to break museum taboos and give anyone the chance to own a piece of art. The exhibition rules are simple: take a painting, print, photograph or sculpture, write a "confession" on the postcard on the back of the piece and mail it to the curators. Through February 23.
Asia
Home Stays
Staying with local families can be a good way to learn about foreign cultures. But it can also be a potential source of embarrassment for visitors unfamiliar with local customs. The Korea National Tourist Association wants travelers to avoid such pitfalls. Its free guide, Home-Stay in Korea, includes etiquette tips such as: don't wear shoes in the house, never blow your nose during a meal, and make sure you don't grip too hard when shaking hands. The guide also features information on seven home stay agencies. For details, see .
Europe
Weddings
It's been almost 20 years since she launched her music career, but Madonna is still setting trends. The Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board has been inundated with inquiries from couples since the pop star married film director Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle in Dornoch last December. To capitalize on the interest, it has launched a website, which contains links to wedding venues, organizers, photographers-and "the incoherent ramblings of a biased supporter" of the Inverness Caledonian Thistle football team. See .