If you flick to page 25 of December's Aspire magazine, you'll find professional photographer Sarah Coghill recommending some of the best places in the world to take a camera. We couldn't fit enough of her in, so here's a longer, illustrated version...

You'll never forget the smiles in this predominantly Buddhist kingdom. Tourist numbers are limited, and photographic opportunities abound: unique dzong architecture, monks in crimson robes and hand-painted houses. No trip is complete without a visit to the Tigers Nest monastery, perched on a cliff edge in the Upper Paro valley.

The people live at 12,000 feet above sea level, and have permanent red cheeks from sun and wind exposure. The women's distinctive hats identify their village, and they're expert weavers, making colourful textiles from alpaca wool. The children love to have their photo taken, squealing with delight when they see their image on screen.

Rainfall turns these salt flats into a huge mirror. The sky and clouds are reflected and the horizon disappears - you feel as if you're driving into a tunnel of sky. Use the situation to play tricks with perspective and take amazing reflection shots.I t looks like heaven on earth, and may, as in my case, reduce you to tears.

Tokyo has it all: centuries-old tradition meets cutting-edge tech, neon-lit streets meet Shito shrines. Visit Mount Fuji and Hakone national park for landscapes, or take the bullet train to Kyoto for temples and geishas. A flight to Hokkaido brings you to unspoilt countryside and that most popular of Japanese wildlife shots: red-faced snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.