Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2006 has recently named the harbour city of Sydney, Australia as the top city in the world.

Let's find out why...

"It's laid-back, vibrant, gorgeous, and sunny-exactly as advertised."

Note that Australia is in the southern hemisphere. And that means that our Autumn is their Spring/Summer. Now, the season/weather alone should make vibrant Sydney the perfect getaway during these grey European Autumn months.

"You can surf and swim by day, and tuck into killer mod-Oz cuisine by night."

Enough said.

"The friendly, funny locals; even if you can't understand a word they say, you'll want to buy them a round of drinks."

It's low season for the rest of the world; time when they are all back home instead of traveling. This means that rather than the tourist crowds, you'd be rubbing elbows with the locals.

Oh yea... should you be thinking of the dates when you'd be booking your trip, take note that there are two events which you might want to coincide with your trip:

• November 2-19 - Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi's spectacular coastal walk. There will be 108 artists from 15 different countries.


• Dec 26 - Hobart Yacht Race, a great harbour spectacle and an incon of Australian summer sport.

What are you waiting for? Sydney is waiting for you!