Cyprus

Cyprus

While accommodation in some European countries doesn’t always live up to UK standards, Cyprus is a class act. Luxury spa resorts, boutique properties and upmarket villas with pools have replaced a glut of mid market hotels.

The island was recently awarded its highest ever number of Blue Flag beaches – 53 in total – and rated top spot in Europe for bathing in water by the European Commission and European Environmental Agency Commission.

Cyprus has always offered a quality product. In recent years, the choice of upmarket hotels has increased, both in the five-star category and with new boutique hotels. There is a continual programme of investment by hotels to improve their facilities, particularly with the introduction of state-of-the-art spas.

Cyprus is the home of meze, which means visitors can try a bit of everything in one meal. Dish after dish of tasty morsels will appear on the table – sometimes up to 30 of them – and then it’s time to start feasting.

Olives, salad and fresh bread are first to arrive, with dips such as taramasalata and garlicky skordalia. Then expect octopus in red wine, snails in tomato sauce, and pork delicacy zalatina, accompanied by pickled cauliflower and lemon-dressed greens. Leave room for kalamari, sardines, grilled halloumi cheese and meatballs, smoked sausage and moussaka. It’s not over – there are still souvlakia, kleftiko and grilled chicken to come. For anyone who miraculously still has room dessert is generally some fresh fruit and syrup-soaked pastries.

You can find meze in any local taverna, but for a whole holiday filled with typical Cypriot flavour, book into a traditional stone house.

There are few more distinctive backdrops than Paphos Castle. This imposing building sits at the edge of the harbour, its stout walls descending into the bay. Built, captured and rebuilt many times throughout history, it’s been used as a fortress, a prison and even as a salt warehouse during the British occupation. These days one of its more decorative purposes is as the backdrop to the annual open-air cultural festival.

This year, the Aphrodite Festival runs from September 4-6 and visitors can sit outside as dusk falls and listen to an opera. The National Opera of Sofia will perform Lakme by French composer Leo Delibes, which tells the story of the doomed 19th century love affair between and English army officer and the daughter of an Indian Brahmin. British listeners may recognise the melody of one of the most famous arias from British Airways’ advertisements.

Stretching across much of the southwest of inland Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains are a stunning range of peaks. Pine-scented paths meander through river valleys and past quiet villages. A trek along one of the many well-marked routes is a peaceful respite from the lively tourist areas on the coast, and the chance to visit some of the many Byzantine churches and monasteries that nestle on the mountains. Some are tiny, no more than four walls and a dome; others are large structures with ornate frescoes, glowing with gold leaf.

Four main trails cover the area: one following the slopes of Mount Olympus, the highest peak, another circling the Chionistra summit, the last two leading to a series of waterfalls, and the fourth up to a spectacular viewpoint.

Even those with no equestrian experience will enjoy a day at a donkey farm. Donkey rides are widely available across the island, but the tours bookable through Argonaftis come highly recommended. These are designed to be fun for all the family and operate out of two locations, one near Paphos, the other not far from Ayia Napa. The donkeys are well treated, so kids won’t be upset by skeletal creatures covered in mange.

The day begins with a few snacks and a tour of the animal park to meet the donkeys, alongside the other waifs and strays who’ve been taken in, including goats, pigs, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, turtles, ostriches, and monkeys. Then it’s time to saddle up and get riding. There’s a demonstration first, before everyone is allocated a donkey according to their size. Donkey’s have strong personalities, and the slow, sometimes tangential journey past countryside and churches is often full of hilarity.
Afterwards, adults can relax with a glass of wine as the kids rush off excitedly to groom the donkeys and put them to bed. After a boozy barbecue, it’s time for some traditional dancing – a real taste of Cypriot village life.

Archaeological evidence suggests the Cypriots have been making wine for the last 6,000 year, so they’ve had plenty of time to get it right. Vineyards are everywhere in the southwest, sitting on the sunny lower slopes of the Troodos massif. The island’s main red varieties are Ofthalmo, Maratheftiko and Mavro, plus a white grape called Xynisteri. The two latter are combined to make the famous Commandaria, a sweet wine that is one of the oldest in the world.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample Cypriot wines, from village shops where staff are happy to offer tastes, to wineries and the vineyards themselves. The Cypriot tourist board publishes a guide to wine routes, so visitors can hire a car and explore, with groups of wine villages easily accessible from the Paphos and Limassol areas. There’s a wine museum in Erimi, and visitors to the villages of Omodos and Laneia can see vast ancient wine presses, which fill entire rooms of the old stone houses.

For a really wine-soaked experience, travel during the annual Limassol wine festival. Staged in the municipal gardens along the seafront there are stalls, tavernas, fountains, music – and let’s not forget the free wine. This years’ festival runs from August 28 to September 6.

With 485 miles of coastline, the sea is never far away when you’re on the island of Cyprus. For those who want action and adventure, it’s possible to waterski, windsurf, snorkel, canoe, jet-ski and sail – or simply swim. Sea temperatures are in the 20Cs from April right through to November. For paddling with a panorama, swim off the coast by Aphrodite’s Rock where, legend has it, the goddess of love rose out of the sea.

The sea is central to more relaxing pursuits, too. Cyprus is noted for its luxury hotels, many of which have extensive spas. In among the wide range of treatments on offer, most offer thalassotherapy options, where mineral-rich seawater and seaweed are used to tone and revitalise body and skin, often improving circulation. From mud baths to hydro-massage and aromatherapy to algae wraps, there are sea-related treatments to suit just about anyone.

Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort features the only indoor / outdoor thalassotherapy spa in Europe. The spa at Aphrodite Hills offers Greco-Roman style thermae bathing rituals and a whole host of signature packages, from short, two-hour options up to five day programmes for spa-obsessives. At Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort, a mineral-rich spring running down the hillside is channelled into the spa and used for treatments.

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Philadelphia - Tax Free Shopping!

With daily non stop flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham and Summer departures from Glasgow, Philadelphia is a fantastic destination for a city break. Alternatively if you are travelling onwards, with flights to over 230 destinations including the popular holiday hotspots of Orlando and Las Vegas, Philadelphia is a great “gateway” to the USA and ideal for a few nights stay.

As the second largest city on the east coast of the United States, Philadelphia is dynamic and full of big city excitement and still maintains the small town charm and history that will capture your imagination.

Known throughout the world for the founding of the United States, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two of the most treasured monuments celebrating American freedom.

Philadelphia boasts a wealth of cultural and historic attractions and an abundance of exciting dining and nightlife options, making the city a must visit destination!

From South Street to Rittenhouse Row and Jewellers’ Row, Philadelphia is a shopper’s paradise. The city offers incredible shopping complexes and one-of-a-kind specialty stores. Get more than you bargained for in the historic heart of the USA and see how much you can save!
You’ll save hundreds of $$$ on tax-free clothing and shoes!

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The Balearics

The Balearics
With the spotlight firmly focused on up and coming non euro destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, it’s easy to forget the huge and enduring popularity of Spain.

The balmy climate and beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands are still a big draw and they remain some of the most popular destinations for the British market. Last year, nearly 3.4 million Brits visited the Balearics, and that level has remained stable over the last decade.

Hoteliers are dropping prices, there are fabulous special offers and customers can expect the same next year. It’s not just the hotels; restaurants also know they can’t expect Brits to pay too highly, so visitors will find plenty of meal deals.

Majorca
Package tourism on the largest of the Balearics started in 1952 and Brits have been flocking there ever since. Majorca is the most versatile destination you can think of, in terms of the different types of resort. There’s a constant investment, which keeps standards high.

It’s a year round destination with something for families, older couples, the young and lively, as well as the high end of the market. The classic beach break is still available; Alcudia is very family focused and Magaluf and Palma Nova are great for younger more boisterous groups.

The city of Palma has developed into a lovely city break location, with its sun-warmed sandstone offering a contrast to the dramatic Gothic architecture. Visitors can lose themselves wandering around the historic city centre, indulge in a spot of shopping, then retreat to a bar for a cocktail or some tapas as the sun sets over the bay.

The Tramuntanta mountain range that runs up Majorca’s backbone, provides great terrain for walkers and cyclists in the cooler shoulder season, and a quiet rural retreat in summer.

On the east coast the Arta Caves is a network of fascinating caverns nearly 50 metres above the sea. The island has 19 golf courses and a wealth of spa product, with a well-established tradition of luxury hotels. The first deluxe hotel, the Gran Hotel in Palma, opened in 1903, and is now a cultural centre.

Menorca
Majorca’s quieter little sister has its own distinctive charm – not least its beaches, which number more than Majorca’s and Ibiza’s put together.

Perhaps surprisingly, considering an annual average of 2,712 hours of sunshine, the island is very green, with beautiful rolling fields. Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993, with the S’Albufera d’es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland, at its heart.

There’s plenty for history buffs, too, with the oldest preserved building in Europe, the Naveta des Tudons, among other archaeological treasures.

The capital, Mao, which has a large harbour popular with cruise ships, and the former capital, the small and picturesque Ciutadella, are both worth a visit for a spot of sightseeing and to indulge in the café culture.

Easy-going and laid-back, the island’s resorts tend to be low-rise, and the family market is particularly strong. However, it also has much to offer couples and groups looking for a more peaceful break. You won’t find big hotels in Menorca. Everything has a real Spanish feel. It’s great for chilling out.

Ibiza
The island’s reputation as superclub central isn’t unearned; it’s still one of the best places for those who want to dance all night. The south, particularly San Antonio, is the palce for those who yearn for the hedonistic party scene. Most of the large clubs are in San Antonio or Ibiza Town, or on the road that connects the two.

However, as many tourists are discovering, there’s much more to Ibiza. Hippy communities flocked here in the 1960s and there are still hippy markets and a general anything goes, tolerant, tie dyed sort of atmosphere.

Ibiza Town, though it has its fair share of party potential, is an absolutely stunning walled city, with winding streets inside the sun-kissed fortress walls and a glitzy marina, where millionaires’ yachts moor up. It’s a wonderful place to wander, or visit a museum or gallery, before hitting the restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of family-friendly areas, particularly Playa d’en Bossa, which has large family hotels and a theme park called Fiestaland.

The north of the island is much quieter, full of forested hills and secluded bays. There are plenty of accommodation options, or it’s easy to explore with a hire car from a busier resort.

For pretty beaches head to Benirras or Cala Xuclar, or turn inland and visit historic hamlets such as Balafia, where you can see the beautifully simple white-walled Ibizan houses and churches that inspired architects such as La Corbusier. Luxury is a developing market in Ibiza, which has a rash of chic, high-end hotels.

Formentera
The kind of expansive white beaches and warm, clean, azure sea you might expect from the Caribbean can be found much closer to home in Formentera. This small, tranquil island is just south of Ibiza, where visitors need to fly into before taking a boat across.

Formentera is a place to escape to – there aren’t many inhabitants and it’s easy to get around by bike. It’s great for those who want to do nothing in its quiet resorts, but also for those who like to explore unspoilt landscapes. The latter can visit La Mola, to see the dramatic cliff face and lighthouse, see ancient megalithic villages in the Barbaria area, or take a boat trip to Espalmador for a mud bath in the lagoon.

Castilla y Leon
Despite being the largest region in Spain, Castilla y Leon, which comprises the former kingdoms of Castilla (Old Castile) and Leon, is often overlooked by UK travellers.

The region, to the north of Madrid, is home to over half of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore more than 200 castles, almost 400 museums and 11 cathedrals, not to mention Salamanca’s charming Plaza Mayor, the Roman aqueduct in Sergovia and the historic walled city of Avila, while the food is so good it makes buttons pop off.

And if all that gastronomy and culture doesn’t sate your appetite, the region is also home to 21 ski resorts, 38 golf courses and wonderful walking trails.

Urban Delights / Green & Gothic

One of Europe’s greenest cities, by the River Arlanzon and overlooked by its castle, is the instantly appealing Burgos. After entering the impressive Gate of Santa Maria, the highlight is the steeple-strewn 13th century Gothic cathedral, also the final resting place of the medieval fighter El Cid.

In the perfectly preserved old quarter, it’s not unusual to see pilgrims on the Route to Santiago. The riverside Paseo del Espolon is a great way to soak up Burgos’ relaxed river town feel.

Hidden Gems
A couple of hours southwest, by the River Pisuerga in the Ribera del Duero wine region, is Valladolid. The highlights being the cathedral, Church of San Pablo and university façade. Spain aficionados may experience a sense of déjà vu upon entering Plaza Mayor, as its arcaded design has inspired many of the country’s other squares, most notably Madrid’s and Salamanca’s.

Piece de Resistance
Salamanca is the liveliest, most cosmopolitan hub of Castilla y Leon, home to Europe’s oldest surviving university and the beautiful Baroque-style arcaded Plaza Mayor, lined with restaurant terraces.

There are two cathedrals, the old and new, which are joined to each other. Both are appropriately elaborate, but look closely at the 18th century façade and you’ll find an astronaut and a demon with an ice cream – added by 20th century restorers with a sense of humour. The distinctive golden hue of the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is best appreciated from atop the cathedral tower.

Castles & Aqueducts
The walled city of Segovia is a heart capturing sort of place, its Roman aqueduct towering over the entrance. At the other end is the Alcazar de Segovia, a turreted, blue-roofed castle fortress on a rocky hillock, supposedly inspiring Disney’s Cinderella castle (the resemblance is uncanny).

Walking through the historic Jewish quarter, past the majestic cathedral and Moorish architecture, is a reminder of how these culture, Jewish, Muslim and Christain, have shaped the city.

Just outside Segovia is the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The sumptuous interior is fascinating, but its gardens and fountains, commissioned by Philip V, the King of Spain in the 18th century, to recapture his childhood at the French court, are the real highlight.

Medieval Magic
Save the best until last? Perhaps. It’s like stepping back in time in Avila, the entire medieval walled city is a World Heritage Site. It’s 1.6 mile long walls, Spain’s best conserved, are the world’s largest floodlit monument.

From the Cuatro Postes (Four Posts) monument, views over the city and Gothic cathedral satisfy the appetite of even the most jaded traveller.

Gastro Giants
Castilla y Leon takes its food seriously. At Segovia’s family-run Meson de Candidio, situated by the aqueduct since 1786, dining is positively ceremonial. The speciality, cochinillo, legs splayed post-roasting, is “introduced” to the diners by the host who demonstrates its tenderness by slicing it using a plate edge. The restaurant also specialises in Castillian white bean and pork soup, and punch cake, a liqueur-soaked marzipan sponge.

At the Meson del Cid in Burgos, the speciality is lechazo, roast suckling lamb. Hanging hams are a familiar sight, especially in Salamanca, which produces 60% of Spain’s Iberian cured jamon. Other dishes worth a try include the spicy sausage, farinato, and hornazo Salmantino – a chorizo, pork, ham and egg pie.

Valladolid is home to the region’s newest Michelin-starred restaurants, Ramiro’s. Set in the Science Museum building, the 10th floor restaurant overlooks the River Pisuerga and serves up morsels of gourmet cuisine, such as mussel soup and ice cream made at the table.

Wine Growers
Nine of the region’s wines hold a Designation of Origin. Castilla y Leon is renowned for its fresh, fruity whites from the Verdejo grape. In Rueda, close to Valladolid, the Yllera family co-own the Grupo Yllera winery. Individual and group visits/tastings can be booked in advance. Nearby is their former winery, located above a 14th century underground cellar. The 0.6 mile tunnel is now used to store sparkling and reserve wines and there is a huge dining room for private parties.

Asian Adventures

Asian Adventures

From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal, Asia is packed with iconic sights. However, the wealth of different cultures and languages that make the continent so interesting can also render it a little daunting to some holidaymakers, making it suitable for the escorted tour market.

Operators suggest that this is a great time to book the Far East, with generous airline and hotel offers available in response to the economic problems affecting pricing for 2010.

Offers are incredible, especially for Thailand. We've never seen such good value for the Far East. Free nights are being offered in high season and these deals are following through in to 2010. The offers aren't only for the late bookers, but for those booking well in advance, too.

What's New?

Vietnam
Its programme includes a nine-night Highlights of Vietnam tour, and in Hanoi visitors can pass the silent sentries and enter the imposing Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, before moving on to the Halong Bay for a boat trip among the limestone islands.

Borneo
An eight-day Borneo Adventure tour includes a three-night stay at Kota Kinabalu and a tour around Sarawak, where visitors can take a longboat ride, trek in forests and learn to shoot a blowpipe.

China
A tour for 2010 based in Beijing. Despite staying in one hotel for the eight nights, there'll be plenty to do and see, including the Great Wall, Peking Opera, the pandas at Beijing Zoo and rickshaw tours.

Japan
Scenic Japan tour is a bite-sized six-day trip, visiting the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, Mount Fuji and cruising on Lake Ashi. It costs from £731 per person, excluding flights.

A 14-day Japan Unmasked tour encompassing traditional and hidden highlights. To keep costs down, the tour uses the bullet train and offers flexible dining options so visitors can pick up noodles, soups and bento boxes from as little as £3. The tour costs from £1,350, including accommodation, transport and guides, but excluding flights.

India
A trip to Dharamsala gain an audience with the Dalai Lama. Little Lhasa is home to the Tibetan government in exile and visitors can see a Tibetan opera, visit a school and explore the nearby mountains. The 16-day trip includes a visit to the Golden Temple at Amritsar and the Pragpur World Heritage Village, and costs £1,699, including flights

Alternatives to Thailand

When you are looking for a beach holiday in Southeast Asia, there's a lot more to it than suggesting the well-trodden sandy tracks and thatched bungalows of Thailand. Here are just a few of the many great options on offer in the region.

Bali, Indonesia
Why it's special: Bali is the only Hindu enclave in a large Muslim archipelago. The volcanic island brims with indigenous charm, from the hill town of Ubud and its stunning temples, to the palm-fringed beaches of Sanur. The destination has a long list of devotees, and it is not difficult to see why.

Bali is proving very popular this summer as it is the high season there and offers great value for money. It has shown huge growth in the past two years and is still going strong. Go to Bali this summer, as the resorts are increasing their rates massively next year.

Who should travel: Those willing to travel a long way from Heathrow - after all, it is south of the equator. So it works well for people who are into culture and surf lovers, while honeymooners will like Ubud. It is also excellent value for money.

Where to stay and why: For those who prefer a village atmosphere and a flavour of the 'old' Bali, choose Sanur, for more sophistication head for Nusa Dua. Visitors should visit the mountains with a side trip to Ubud and Candi Dasa for a taste of Balinese culture.

Sample package: The Griya Santrian hotel at Sanur. This friendly, unpretentious hotel is a collection of low-rise, Balinese-style cottages." A seven-night, room-only stay here in November costs £799 per person flights from Heathrow and transfers.

Langkawi, Malaysia
Why it's special: This destination - an island in the Andaman Sea - can compete with Thailand's Koh Samui in terms of exclusivity and sandy beaches. Some of the luxury hotels here are secluded hideaways with beautiful tropical gardens.

Who should travel: Sold as an exclusive destination, Langkawi works well with honeymooners and professional couples looking for an island that has a great seascape and top-notch hotels.

Where to stay and why: Many of Langkawi's properties have great beachfront locations and are close to thick mangrove forests. You can trek into these and see famous brown eagles soaring overhead or explore the vast caves and crashing waterfalls.

Sample package: Seven nights at the five-star Tanjung Rhu Resort from £1,749 per person. Price includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation, return flights from Heathrow and transfers.

Central Vietnam
Why is it special: An excellent mix of ancient culture in Hoi An and great beaches at Danang, combined with excellent properties offering cutting-edge luxury and spas, not to mention mouth-watering Vietnamese food.

The city of Hoi An has good weather during British summer months so it works well for late departures.

Who should travel: Visitors who love culture and who want to be pampered, as well as spa lovers. The Vietnamese culture is as exotic as Thailand's.

Where to stay and why: The Nam Hai for its beaches and proximity to Hoi An, or the Six Senses Ana Mandara for its secluded, rustic beauty.

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Why it's special: Tropical, abundant rainforest soaring up to the craggy heights of Mount Kinabulu - the scenery here is breathtaking, not to mention the wildlife with orangutan sanctuaries, turtles and tropical fish - the diving off the east coast is some of the best in the world. Borneo offers even more than Thailand in terms of wildlife.

Who should travel: Those who love wildlife and scenery but also want a bit of pampering. A three-hour flight east of Kuala Lumpur, Sabah has superb beaches, a few high-quality resorts and tremendous soft adventure appeal. Weather-wise, it's a lush mountainous island so rainfall can be short and heavy year round, although the months May to September will usually see mainly bright sunny days.

Where to stay and why: The Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort or the Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. A serene beachside retreat just minutes from busy Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Resort offers a range of engaging activities.

Cebu, Philippines
Why it's special: The Philippines and especially Cebu provides a natural treasure chest of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, bustling towns, spectacular scenery and an exotic mix of Eastern, American and European cultures, with some of the friendliest people in the region.

Who should travel: The Philippines is great for diving and Manila for shopping. English is one of the official languages so it is easy to be understood wherever you go. In that respect it is suited to older couples who don't mind travelling the long distance and those with a family.

Where to stay and why: Shangri-La's Mactan Resort is the country's premier five-star beach resort set in vast tropical gardens, on its own sandy spot by the Visayan Sea. The entire Ocean Wing has been refurbished; there is also the Signature CHI spa. It is one of the largest appointed spas in Asia - each treatment takes place in a private villa.

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Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii is enjoying a surge of popularity, thanks to its status as Barack Obama's birthplace. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit.

America's 50th state has never been popular with British tourists. Perhaps "the British are just wary after what happened to Captain James Cook", says Chris Ayres in Condé Nast Traveller (he was killed on his second visit, then disembowelled and roasted according to the funerary rituals in practice at the time). More likely it's because there are no direct flights, pushing the total travel time to over 12 hours. But don't let that put you off – Hawaii is well worth making the effort for.

What you will get from your holiday very much depends on where you stay. Surf lovers should head to the North Shore of Oahu, which plays host to the 'Triple Crown of Surfing'. Every December the world's best surfers gather to ride waves that "arrive unbroken from Alaska and tower up to 50 feet", says Ayres. If you would prefer a beach with gentler waves, then holiday on Kailua Beach. President Obama, Justin Timberlake and Harrison Ford have all rented houses here.

Those who want to combine beautiful beaches with top-notch shopping will love Waikiki, on the other side of Oahu. Here you will find Prada, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, and the Ala Moana Centre, the world's largest open-air mall. Waikiki is also home to one of Hawaii's best hotels – the Halekulani. The hotel dates from 1883 and is well worth paying a bit extra for. "Full marks for the white-on-white décor, the faultless service, the luxurious touches (such as a packed breakfast-to-go for early flights) and the widescreen ocean views," says Ayres.

If you prefer your holidays to have a slight air of danger to them, then a stay at Volcano House should fit the bill. This hotel is situated within the Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii island – known locally as the Big Island. The park is also home to two of Hawaii's main active volcanoes – Mauna Loa, which last erupted in 1984, and Kilauea, which has been spewing lava continuously since 1983. This is nature made easy, you can drive around the crater of Kilauea and see it from the comfort of your room at Volcano House.

If you want to see the stomping grounds of America's 44th president, then it's back to Oahu and the city of Honolulu where Obama spent his early years. Resident Obama expert Mitch Berger (www.hikingoahuhawaii.com) runs Obama tours (for $40 per person), showing you where his school basketball team ate, the Baskin Robbins where he had his first high-school job, and the hospital where he was born.

Whatever you've done with your Hawaiian holiday, though, end it on Maui. The paradise isle is perfect for a few days lounging around on the beach before you fly home. The Grand Wailea Resort on Maui has enough swimming pools and sun loungers to keep any lazy holiday-maker happy.

Bridging the Gap Year

Australia and New Zealand are seeing an increase in Brits arriving on gap years. School-leavers and graduates are travelling or taking working holidays while they wait for job prospects to improve back home, and they’re being joined by credit crunch casualties with redundancy payouts large enough to backpack in style. Other gapers have been encouraged, and even incentivised, by cash-strapped employers to delay starting new jobs or take sabbaticals.

Most travellers will be dreading the long flight Down Under so it’s always worth suggesting a stopover to break the journey in Asia, the Middle East, the US, South Africa or South America. The average stopover is just a few days but if someone is going away for a year they might want to do a South East Asia tour, which can be very reasonable. For brief stopovers remember the time saved by pre-booking city tours and experiences. You can even book different stopovers for outbound and return journeys.

Gappers are often reluctant to pre book accommodation but hostel hunting is the last thing you’ll feel like when you arrive, jet-lagged in an unfamiliar city. At least book the first two nights for example en-suite rooms in Sydney and Auckland start from £28 per person. Hotel or apartment vouchers like go Koala, Go Kiwi, Choice and Golden Chain are great for travellers wanting flexibility they cover a range of gradings. Remember, at peak times like New Year in Sydney and in some remote locations, pre-booked accommodation is a must.

Experienced travellers choose to pre-book organised tours for a number of very good reasons, whether it be safety, companionship, convenience, or they realise that there is no way they would ever be able to see and do so much on their own. Remember that the price includes accommodation, food, entry fees and activities. While tours of classic highlights are popular, group travel can most benefit those heading off the beaten track. Western Australia, for instance, particularly the route from Broome to Darwin is almost impossible to do effectively and affordably by yourself.

Experiences and excursions can help make your trip special. Advance booking avoids disappointment; highlights like Sydney Bridge Climb fill up early, while excursions may only depart on certain days. Pre-booking can also save cash, the best prices are often found at home pre-departure. Flexible options include Sightsee “n” Save gives you tokens you can redeem against any of their day tours. Each excursion has a value in tokens so you can use them however you choose. Experiences, excursions and even learn-to-dive packages make good presents.

Itinerary planning for Australasia can be daunting. For instance, operators’ self-drive tours have been planned to give the best travel/sightseeing balance. Availability is also an issue and it is recommend pre-booking motorhomes and campervans for New Zealand’s high season. Internal flight passes offer both value and flexibility and, if plans change, the end date can often be altered cheaply. Coach passes such as Greyhound Australia’s (priced in kilometres or days) and New Zealand’s Inter-City Coachlines’ (priced by hours) are good value. All passes allow a lot of flexibility, with as little as 12 hours notice required for onward reservations. Iconic train routes such as Australia’s Ghan or New Zealand’s TranzAlpine are best pre-booked.

Voluntourism can give a great focus to a gap year. Hands Up Holidays’ Australasia options include helping Aboriginal rangers to conserve turtles in Queensland and protecting penguins in New Zealand’s Catlins. It is important to pre-book volunteering because, to maximise its effectiveness, considerable planning and preparation has to be done, especially in matching skills and interests, so that volunteers can truly make a positive impact.

Australia’s Got It All

With some of the biggest airfare bargains for years and Australia just released on DVD, there’s never been a better time for travellers to experience the exciting possibilities waiting for them in Oz.

Made by acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann, the epic romance Australia has become the second-highest grossing Australian film of all time – after Crocodile Dundee - and is now available for the small screen. So it’s only natural that it will tempt some travellers into going on a journey of their own, discovering some of Australia’s natural, romantic, adventure and Aboriginal heritage on an outback adventure.

Where To Go:

Travellers can experience Australia’s outback and its most famous landmark with a stay at Longitude 131°, the tented camp in the shadow of Uluru.

Also in the Northern Territory, travellers can escape the world at Peppers Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge in Garig Gunak Barlu national park on the Cobourg Peninsula in Arnhem Land.

For an experience of a lifetime, they can take the legendary Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide, or just drift across the outback in a hot-air balloon to appreciate its beauty.

For a romantic twist on Melbourne, couples can stay overnight on a luxury yacht with Nautical B&B’s. Or Melbourne Wine Tours can whisk couples away in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce to the cellar doors of boutique wineries.

For something more rustic, check out the new purpose-built walking lodge(complete with soothing foot spas) from tour operator Bothfeet a specialist in the Great Ocean Road.

In New South Wales, check out Boutique Wildlife Tours to create exciting personalised tours to the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and beyond, or try a walking tour with The Coast Track, offering journeys through Royal National Park, staying in comfy tents with gourmet cuisine along the way. Book ahead now for one of the country’s most anticipated new openings, Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa set in 4,000 acres of the Blue Mountains, later this year.

Beach-lovers will find all they need in Queensland, but to see it from on high, you can’t beat a trip with GBR Helicopters over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and on to a tropical breakfast in a rainforest setting near Cairns. For travellers who want to forget about the outside world then stay at Double Island in Tropical North Queensland, a desert island near palm Cove, or the authentic island paradise at Wilson Island, where there are just six tents, all looking out at pristine reef.

Award winning Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia is an amazing experience, rooted in nature and modern luxury. The island is Australia’s answer to the Galapagos so the 21 architecturally outstanding rooms at Southern Ocean Lodge are highly sought after. Unique South Australia experiences are also on offer at The Louise, a little vineyard retreat in the Barossa Valley; guests can even head to the Penfolds winery to blend their own wine. To see the state from above air safaris are available from Chinta Tours. Another must is the Flinders Ranges, where Bookabee Tours offers indigenous cultural experiences.

A big focus of the Australia movie was life in Western Australia, a state that’s packed with diverse ways to escape, from rugged outback to gentle beach life and spa retreats. The hot topic this month is the opening of Pinctada at Cable Beach, which is set to be an idyllically-located five-star resort. For something more low-key, it’s worth a visit to lovely little Injidup Spa Retreat, which offers just 10 rooms on Injidup Bay. To see more of that coastline, a cruise with Orion Expedition Cruises of the Kimberley is a must and to really rejuvenate and have the surfing experience of a lifetime, what about Samudra Yoga and Surf Retreats.

Tasmania is Australia’s wild and wonderful island state, packed with adventure and scenery to knock the socks off. One way to experience it is to hire out Eagle’s Nest II (near Cradle Mountain) with its eight, individually decorated rooms. Tasmania has plenty of ideas for combining luxury accommodation with activities, from fly fishing to private air charters. But in Tassie, it all comes back to scenery, such as the spectacular Tarkine, the largest temperate rainforest in the southern hemisphere, and the three passionate guys behind Tarkine Trails know how to put together an unforgettable experience.

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Caribbean Islands ideal for weddings on a budget

As average UK wedding costs soar to £20,000, Caribbean resorts are bending over backwards to appeal to cash-strapped couples. Here’s a guide to the best freebies on offer.

Almond Resorts in St Lucia and Barbados
Free “Wedding in Paradise” package on bookings of seven nights in a deluxe or higher room. Includes government and registrar fees, ceremony, cake and champagne. A superior “Wedding in Heaven” package is free on 10 night stays in a deluxe room. Weddings otherwise cost £399.

Coconut Bay, St Lucia
A “luxury wedding package” costing $695 is free on stays of 10+ nights in an upgraded room. The “bride stays free” when 10 adults book in May/June or November until 15 December. Other dates are eligible when more adults book.

Couples Resort, Jamaica. A complimentary wedding package includes wedding coordinator, minister, wine, cake, massages and “Just Married” t-shirts.

Elegant Hotels, Barbados
At Colony Club Hotel, a $901 “Ultimate Wedding” package is free when three or more rooms are booked for a week. At Turtle Beach, a $850 Ultimate Wedding is free on stays of 10 plus nights in an Ocean View Junior Suite or higher. Tamarind Cove offers free wedding packages on seven-night bookings in a Deluxe Ocean Front Room or higher.

Elite Island Resorts
Galley Bay in Antigua offers a free wedding on stays of 12 nights in a deluxe room or above. Palm Island Resort in The Grenadines offers a free wedding on stays of 13 nights.

LaSource, Grenada
Offers free weddings year-round on seven night stays. Includes licence, legal fees, reception and a special table at dinner. Wedding guests get 10% discount on accommodation when staying seven nights. Honeymooners receive sparkling wine, fresh fruit and flowers and a couples massage.

Occidental Hotels & Resorts
Free weddings at various Allegro and Occidental properties when a minimum number of rooms are booked. At Royal Hideaway Playacar, weddings are free on bookings of a duplex suite for seven nights. Many wedding bookings qualify the bride and groom for a free anniversary return trip.

Rex Resorts
Offers free “Hibiscus” weddings at all properties when a group of 10 people book a seven night stay. Couples staying 14 nights are also eligible for Hibiscus package. The package includes wedding coordinator; flowers, legal fees and cake.

Ritz-Carlton
Free weddings when 25 rooms are booked on a “Reconnect” package (accommodation plus breakfast and resort credit) for three nights. Valid between May 1 and December 20 at Ritz-Carlton properties in Cancun, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, St Thomas and San Juan.

Rose Hall, Jamaica
The Rose Hall Resort and Spa – A Hilton Resort is offering free weddings to guests booking 14 nights in an Oceanview room with most UK tour operators.

Sandals Resorts
Complimentary “WeddingMoons” on stays of six nights in a concierge or butler service category. Includes location, dinner for the couple, photograph, cake and consultant.

SuperclubsGrand Lido resorts offer a complimentary Lido Nuptials package with wedding planner, cake, minister, license, and flowers. Breezes Resorts offer a complimentary “Dream Wedding”. Brides receive a 20% discount on any other bookings if travelling within six months of their wedding day.

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