Relatively small, nestled in between México and Guatemala, Belize is the only English speaking Latin American country. It is fairly developed in relation to its neighbours, but in many places has a very backwater feel to it. Most of the main attractions are out at sea in the form of hundreds of cayes, many with beautiful beaches and the 184-mile long barrier reef (longest in the Northern hemisphere), complete with whale sharks, sting rays, multi-coloured fish and clear blue water. On the whole, the mainland is ignored. The main focus of activities away from the beaches are wildlife viewing and Mayan temples that are less grander than might be found in neighbouring nations. That does not mean the mainland is totally ignored. San Ignacio is a base for travellers, although this does have something to do with its position on route to Tikal, Guatemala, but is also a fantastic place. Other inland towns are less frequently visited and provide a great opportunity to get away from the Central American crowds and chill a little. The down-side however is that costs are much higher here than elsewhere in the region and considering this most travellers rush through and stay less than a week. The whole Caribbean atmosphere of the place, including the 'Bob Marley' variety of English spoken and (on the whole) friendly people makes Belize a great place when you are there - less so when you are counting the cost for excursions. Your time on the Cayes will come at a price.

Nine reasons why you should take a holiday in Belize:

1. Diving/snorkelling: Regardless of your level of ability or physical condition, there's a place and mask for you in Belize. Diving around the atolls is world-class, excellent on the reef off Stann Creek and Toledo districts, and not bad even around the more-visited parts of the barrier reef such as near Ambergris Caye. Snorkelling is also excellent, though except from the cayes directly on the reef such as Tobacco, Goff's, and English, it requires a short boat ride to the reef. A caution, though: The Caribbean here can see rough seas, making snorkelling iffy on windy or stormy days. Long dive boat rides can be a very queasy experience. 'Carlos Tours' on Caye Caulker has the best snorkelling tour in Belize. Don't let his relaxed attitude fool you into thinking there are better tours because there aren't. 

2. Mayan ruins: Between 250 AD and 900 AD, Belize became the centre of the ancient Mayan civilization. Beginning as far back as 1500 BC, the Mayan civilization spread throughout Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Today, the legacy of this ancient culture can still be found in Belize. Awe-inspiring palaces and temples are still being uncovered and their magnificence, standing stoically against the Belizean skyline, has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Xunantunich, about 130 kilometres west of Belize City in the Cayo District, is situated on a plot of land about three square kilometres and has more than 26 temples and palaces. But El Castillo is what really draws visitors. This pyramid is the second tallest structure in Belize, following a temple at Caracol, another Mayan ruin in Belize. Climb to the top for an impressive panoramic view of both Belize and Guatemala. NOTE: Wear proper shoes and take your time. The steps are worn and can be tricky to climb.

3. Ecotravel: Most of Belize remains lightly populated by humans and untouched by developers, so it's a paradise for wild critters and birds. More than 500 species of birds have been spotted in Belize. Animals rare or extinct elsewhere still thrive in Belize's bush. Nature is still natural here. A surprising number of Belizeans have a real commitment to protecting the environment.

4. Adventure: Belize is a great place for adventure, soft or otherwise. Come for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, and caving. Indeed, Belize offers some of the best spelunking anywhere, with huge cave systems, some yet unexplored, in the Maya Mountains and elsewhere.

5. Tropical Weather: The climate is hot and humid for most of the year; temperatures tend to cool slightly in the coastal areas, thanks to Caribbean breezes, and remain 5 to 10 degrees warmer in the interior. Temperatures typically peak around June, averaging about 29 degrees Celsius, but throughout the rest of the year, temperatures tend to hold steady at about 27 degrees Celsius. February to May  is known as the dry season (the least amount of rainfall compared to other months) and hurricane season is from June until the end of November.

6. Mosaic of Cultures: Belize is home to over 11 different ethnic groups that primarily include Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna, Creoles, Mennonites, and British (and a number of US expats). Belize offers the visitors a laboratory of human culture, all in a small and accessible space. Belize is a truly multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-lingual society. Far from perfect, with dangers as well as pleasures, a trip to Belize can be an education. Come with your eyes, and mind, open.

7. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Belize's Barrier Reef – the largest reef in western hemisphere – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the coral reef, warm waters, and beautiful atolls offer some of the world's best snorkelling and diving. Where else can you swim with and touch nurse sharks in open water? The "blue-hole" which can be best seen by air, is also an amazing site.

8. Communication: Being able to communicate easily since English is the official language makes your experience that much more rich and meaningful. It's the only Central or South American country whose official language is English.

9. Location and size: It's a quick 2-hour flight from Miami, USA or a 5-hour flight from Toronto, Canada. It's relatively a small country, about 110 km wide and 290 km long, making bordering countries such as Mexico and Guatemala within easy reach. You can easily travel to Guatemala's Tikal ruins, without having to spend countless hours on the road.

Things to consider before deciding to take a holiday in Belize:

1. Lack of good shopping:  While there are several modern supermarkets and stores in Belize City, and a few shops of visitor interest in San Pedro and Cayo, prices for almost everything but rum are high and selection is limited. Belize does not have the rich craft tradition of nearby Guatemala.

2. Lack of great beaches: Those coming to Belize expecting the wide white sandy beaches of Anguilla or parts of Mexico's Yucatán are likely to be disappointed. The barrier reef all along the coast of Belize provides for rich underwater life but also blocks the sand deposits of less-protected shores. Sea grass is common off most beaches. Ambergris Caye has some small, human-helped beaches, the small ribbons of sand at Hopkins/Sittee Point and Placencia/Seine Bight/Maya Beach can be pleasant, and a few of the remote cayes have postcard-style strips of sandy beach, but no beach in Belize would make the world's top 100 list.

3. Lack of good nightlife: If you like to party hard, consider going elsewhere. Even Belize City shuts down early, and only the animals walk at night. San Pedro has the most action, with the chicken drop at the Spindrift Hotel, and about 20 bars, some of which blast 'til the wee hours. At the jungle lodges and remote resorts, guests are usually in bed by nine or ten, tired from the day's activities. 

4. Tropical storms, including hurricanes: If you are planning a trip to Belize your first consideration is probably "the weather". Therefore, keep this one fact in mind: "The Atlantic Hurricane Season Starts On June 1st And Ends On November 30th." Now, that said, don't necessarily let this keep you from going to Belize during these months. For example, you get discount lodging rates during what is referred to as their "low" season (note: low season is typically between May 1 thru Dec. 15 while their high season is Dec. 15 thru May 1... check with individual resorts and lodging packages). Plus, for the most part, weather conditions in Belize are good throughout the year. Just keep yourself aware of any changing weather conditions, especially during the hurricane season.

Other information and our ratings:

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Cheap Vacation Packages to Belize: Try CheapCaribbean.com

Zanzibar is a panoramic and archetypically exotic African Island that is situated off the East Coast of Tanzania. Zanzibar is made up of Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, and several islets. Specifically, it's located in the Indian Ocean, about 40 kilometres from the Tanzanian coast, and 6° south of the equator. Zanzibar Island (known locally as Unguja) is about 100 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide. It is characterised by sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs, and the magic of historic Stone Town - said to be the only functioning ancient town in East Africa.  There are no large wild animals in Zanzibar but forest areas such as Jozani are inhabited by monkeys, bush-pigs and small antelopes. Various species of mongoose can also be found on the island. There is a wide variety of birdlife, and a large number of butterflies in rural areas. The coral reefs that surround the East Coast are rich in marine diversity, and make Zanzibar an ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving. Zanzibar's local people are an incredible mixture of ethnic backgrounds, indicative of its colourful history. Islam is the dominant religion, and practiced by most Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and Hinduism. Zanzibaris speak Swahili (known locally as Kiswahili), a language which is spoken extensively in East Africa.

Unfortunately, despite Zanzibar's worldwide popularity and appeal, we can't bring ourselves to say that Zanzibar's beaches are worth the trip. As alluring as the sand and water may be, there are better beaches in Central and South America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. If you are on a safari in Tanzania, Zanzibar is a worthy stop, but going to Zanzibar for its beaches, is a disappointment because there are better beaches around the world. Stone Town on the other hand is an amazing destination and shouldn't be missed if you are in Zanzibar. 

Six reasons why you should take a holiday in Zanzibar, Tanzania:

1. Stone Town: Stone Town is the old city and cultural heart of Zanzibar, little changed in the last 200 years. It is a place of winding alleys, bustling bazaars, mosques and grand Arab houses whose original owners vied with each other over the extravagance of their dwellings. It's worth spending a few days in Stone Town.

2. Relaxation: With little to see and do outside of Stone Town, you can easily spend a few days relaxing on a beach chair with a good book.

3. Indian Ocean and beaches: Zanzibar is known as one of the best pristine beach destinations in the world. It has beautiful soft white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters where the water temperatures are refreshingly warm.

4. Water Activities: You can go snorkelling, scuba diving or deep sea fishing at Pemba Island. The island is strewn with flourishing coral gardens and a stunningly beautiful oceanic backdrop with crystal clear waters and a pristine coast. This popular destination is forever bustling with high energy marine adventure activities. There are regular sessions on scuba diving conducted by expert PADI divers.

5. Ease of Travel: Since Zanzibar is small, you can explore the island by car over a few days. You can sample the beaches on all sides before you settle at your favourite. The roads are good and few, making car travel very simple. An international driving permit (IDP) is required though. There are multiple police check points on Zanzibar's roads, so make sure you have all the right documents, including a valid IDP.

6. Sunrise and Sunsets: If you love to watch the sun rise or set, they are spectacular on Zanzibar. You can watch the sun rise and set over the water if you are on the most southern or northern tip of the island.

Things to consider before deciding to take a holiday in Zanzibar:

1. Lack of good shopping: Shopping in Zanzibar may remind you of Hobbes' description of working class life in old England -- nasty, brutal and short. Outside of Stone Town there is very little to buy and  prices for almost everything are also high.

2. Lack of great and dependable beaches: Despite point #3 above, the beaches in Zanzibar are not as beautiful as in other parts of the world. Furthermore, the beaches are tide dependent, meaning that at certain times of the day, there may not be a beach at all, while at other times of the day you can't swim. There are a limited number of beaches in Zanzibar where you have a beach and can swim at all times of the day. This is the biggest drawback to its beaches.

3. Lack of good nightlife: If you like to party, consider going elsewhere. Even Stone Town shuts down early, and only the animals walk at night. Even on the liveliest beaches, mainly Nungwi, there is very little night life.

4. Location: Unless you are on a safari in Kenya or Tanzania, Zanzibar is fairly remote and expensive to get to. If you are going to go to such efforts, there are better places on Earth to visit.

5. Hassle factor: Tourist density and accompanying touts in Zanzibar can be annoying. To avoid the crowds and touts, travel at the end of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Dubai is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the south west corner of the Arabian Gulf.  Dubai came into existence in records as a town around 1799. It was originally a fishing settlement. However, modern Dubai is relatively new as the modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971. It's a large and fascinating city that offers many attractions to keep visitors to the city amused for days.

Top 10 reasons why you should take a holiday in Dubai, UAE:

1. Dubai is upbeat and exciting: It has an energetic cosmopolitan lifestyle and an entrepreneurial spirit. Dubai has 100 vibrant nightspots with no prohibition on drinking alcohol. It stages frequent concerts and firework spectaculars. Dubai has a wide choice of restaurants serving food from dozens of countries.

2. Shopping Paradise: Dubai has long had a reputation as a leading shopping destination in the Middle East, and it just keeps getting better. You'll find traditional souqs (markets) in Old Dubai selling anything and everything you can think of, in addition to contrasting modern shopping malls. More and more shopping malls are appearing, and international flagship stores are moving in to every one.

3. Spectacular modern architecture: Leading architects from around the world consider Dubai's sprouting modern buildings to be remarkable. Design masterpieces include the sky scraping Burj Al Arab hotel, the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the twin Emirate Towers, and the Dubai Gulf & Yacht Club's clubhouse, just to mention a few.

4. Great beaches: Dubai has long stretches of beautiful, unspoiled white beaches. It also has upscale umbrella-dotted beaches. The best is Jumeirah Beach, located near the Burj Al Arab hotel.

5. Climate and Weather: In the summer, practically every day is sunny. In the winter, rainfall is usually modest and most days are sunny.

6. Hospitality: The inhabitants are well-known for their traditional Arabic hospitality. Visitors are treated as welcomed guests.

7. Luxurious hotels and resorts: The two best are the Burj Al Arab hotel and the Al Maha resort. The latter sits secluded in the middle of a desert wildlife reserve. Check Priceline Hotels to save up to 50%.

8. Safety: Dubai is safe for travelers. It is one of the world's safest travel destinations because street and hotel room crimes are practically non-existent.

9. Multi-cultural: Only about 20% of the inhabitants are considered "local." The remaining 80% come from over 100 countries (led by India, Pakistan and the Philippines). This has generated a vibrant fusion of cultures. However, distinct traditions of each culture remain, which lends character and produces vivid ethnic contrasts.

10. Contrasting sites: From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors. There are archaeological sites, deserts, nature areas, mosques, old markets, modern shopping malls, museums, golf courses, diving expeditions, year-round skiing possibilities, etc.., all in Dubai.

Other information and our ratings:

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet City Guides

Best Airline serving this destination: Fly Emirates

Cuba is unlike any other place on earth. Situated between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Cuba has a delightful tropical climate with year round sunshine. Cuba offers not only some of the world's finest beaches but also a rich cultural heritage and vibrant, passionate approach to life that has been enticing visitors throughout the ages. Unfortunately, many people are only drawn to this fascinating Caribbean island for its beaches, sun, and cheap drinks, since there are plenty of all three for those who want them, but Cuba has much more to offer. Cuba’s rich culture, unique political history, and continued economic hardship make it one of the most eye-opening countries that experienced travelers can still discover. Seeing the best of Cuba means grooving to its intoxicating music, marvelling at how Cubans improvise on a daily basis to make ends meet, and visiting a land in which the past 50 years seem to have crept by.

Top 10 reasons why you should take a holiday in Cuba:

1. Cuba is not like the other Caribbean islands: The intermingling of European and African peoples and cultures has made Cuba innovative, be it in music, art, politics, or religion. The attributes of traditional West African deities have been superimposed on Catholic saints to create a new religion, santería or Cuban voodoo. Cuba is a world of its own.

2. You can escape the 21st Century in Cuba: In Cuba you have the unique chance to revisit the 20th century history. Walk along any Cuban street and you'll feel you're back in the 1950s as long-tailed Chevys, Skodas and Buicks glide past. Glance at the billboards extolling the revolution or note the many busy schools and clinics and you'll see socialism in action. Cuba is the last true Communist country outside of Asia.

3. Havana: Havana is the largest and most remarkable city in the Caribbean. The Plaza de la Catedral dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, while the Paseo del Prado is a classical 19th century Spanish promenade. In the hotel district of Vedado, it's the 1950s all over again. Plaza de la Revolución is the heart of Fidel Castro's Cuba. The ambience of Cuba's second city, Santiago, is comparable.

4. Colonial Towns: Aside from Havana, the Spanish left a string of charming colonial towns along the length of the island. Of these the unquestioned jewel is Trinidad, unchanged in over a century. Many of Trinidad's stately colonial mansions have been converted into guesthouses or museums, and the music in the town's nightspots will move your feet.

5. Adventure: For active vacationers, the sports of choice are snorkelling, hiking and scuba diving, be it a dive on a black coral wall at Maria la Gorda or a hike across the Sierra Maestra via Cuba's highest peak.  

6. Beaches: Cuba’s coastline is approximately 8,000 kilometres long and it offers more than 300 beaches with all kinds of sand. Waters in Cuba are warm and transparent, and they ensure fantastic snorkelling and diving experiences.  

7. It hasn't been affected by America: There are still no Americans - The United States has said the embargo on travel to Cuba won't change, meaning there won't be a rush of tourists or Americanized products headed to the island anytime soon. This makes finding affordable vacation packages easy for the more than 600,000 Canadians who visit the island annually.

8. Casas Particulares:  "Private House" in Spanish, it's phrase meaning private accommodation or private home stays in Cuba. These are very inexpensive rooms rented by local Cubans in their homes and are a pleasure to stay in as you get to interact with a local Cuban family.

9. Weather: This is one thing that won't change, no matter who is in charge. The island has a warm, tropical climate with 330 sunny days a year. The temperature drops to 24 degrees from January through April.

10. Safety & costs: Cuba is one of the safest places in the world to visit and inexpensive for the Caribbean (though rather expensive for Latin America). Tourism is Cuba's largest source of income and foreign visitors are carefully sheltered from all evil, perhaps sheltered too much. The experienced traveler will find it easy to escape the resorts, and the Cuban people are sincerely friendly. It only takes one visit to realize that.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

If you want us to tell you that Colombia is perfectly safe to visit, we can't. Although we felt perfectly safe while travelling around Colombia, even when we visited the more remote parts of the country, the fact remains that 70% of the world's kidnappings do take place in Colombia. What we will tell you is that Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries on earth and fairly vacant of tourists. Most travellers debate long and hard about visiting Colombia, finding only negative comments on the internet, posted by those who have not visited the country. Some do make the decision to go and more often than not their appraisal is: Colombia should not be missed!  By flying into Cartagena or Santa Marta and staying out of the danger zones, with common sense, it is unlikely you will have any problems. We actually found that Colombians were much nicer to us, especially when they found out that we were tourists, because they wanted to show us that the bad reputation Colombia has is undeserved. After our trip, we tend to agree. In fact, the country has dramatically improved its safety issues for tourists. 2008 was one of the best years for internal and external tourism! The truth remains that there are only some parts of the country that are dangerous and if you avoid those, Colombia is simply a better destination choice.

Top 10 reasons why you should take a holiday in Colombia:

1. Colonial Cities: For small perfectly preserved whitewashed and cobblestoned oases of calm, make your way to Popayan, Mompos, Villa de Leyva, and San Gil. Cartagena is a little more frenetic and plagued with street vendors but then again it’s been receiving tourists for decades.

2. Colombian people: War weary and decidedly unhappy with their NARCO-fueled image as perceived by those only glued to Fox News will have you believe – are arguably the friendliest bunch in the World.

3. Price: Colombia is cheaper but better than other similar destinations: An important thing is that tourism in Colombia has a high quality and is more affordable than other destinations in the Caribbean, Central and South America, which makes Colombia a very competitive destination.

4. Beaches: There are many beaches to choose from in Colombia, including Providencia Island (wonderful scenery, nice and quiet beaches, great for relaxing, crystal clear, calm waters, great snorkelling, great scuba diving); Tayrona National Park (wonderful scenery, nice and quiet beaches); Santa Marta (easily accessed, good tourist infrastructure, great nightlife); Cartagena (excellent culture and history, good beaches, excellent hotels, excellent nightlife, great restaurants); Rosario Islands (easily accessed from Cartagena, crystal clear sea, relaxing); La Guajira (nice and quiet beaches, great scenery); and so on...

5. Nature: For example, Parque Nacional Tayrona is set on the jungle-covered coast at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The scenery varies from sandy beaches along the coast in the north to rainforest at an altitude of 600m on the southern limits of the park. It's simply stunning and fairly vacant of tourists. This is only one example of what Colombia has to offer to nature lovers.

6. Cartagena: Cartagena is situated in splendid isolation on the Caribbean coast and it offers a cultural and culinary experience par excellence. Historically rich and diverse, Colombia's second oldest city boasts the only walled city in South America. Beautiful islands are only a quick 30-minute boat ride from Cartagena if you need a break from Cartagena's city beach.

7. Food: Colombian food is characterized by its blending of European cuisine with aspects of African and indigenous cuisine...a blend that produces some delicious dishes. We loved freshly caught fried fish with coconut rice, with arepa (bread made of corn) on the side. Also don't forget that Colombian coffee is amazing.

8. Adventure: With a varied landscape, your range of activities also expand. You can white-water raft, paraglide, rock-climb...and that's only in San Gil!

9. Music and Dance: The Music of Colombia contains different genres, traditional and modern in consistent with the features of each region. The diversity in musical expressions found in Colombia is the result of a mixture of African, European (especially Spanish) influences, as well as more modern American and Caribbean musical forms, such as Trinidadian, Cuban and Jamaican and is a big part of their culture which you can witness in the evenings on their beaches and streets.

10. It's undiscovered: If you like a destination with relatively few non-local tourists, Colombia will provided that. We loved seeing examples of their unique culture throughout our trip in Colombia.

Suggested Travel Resources: Download Lonely Planet South America Chapters Here.

Flights: Try discounted Airfares from the US to Central and South America at EconomyTravel.com.

Travel Insurance: Free Travel Insurance Quotes from Travel Guard.

The Republic of Turkey is located in the northern hemisphere where the two continents, Europe and Asia meet. The majority of its territory extends over the Anatolian peninsula, whereas the rest lies on the Thrace, the edge of the Balkan peninsula. Three sides of the country is surrounded by sea; the Mediterranean Sea is to the south; the Aegean Sea and Archipelago are to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. Turkey is surrounded by Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq and Syria. There are many reasons why Turkey ranks high on our list of places that you should visit. For example, did you know that Turkey lies on the ruins of many civilizations including Hittites, Trojans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine Empire, Seljuks and Ottomans?

... this is Turkey ...

...You can explore the wealth of history everywhere you go in Turkey. Are you aware that Turks have great cuisine, infamous baths, rich traditions associated with tea and coffee, evil eye pendants, high quality towels and bathrobes, traditional rugs, whirling dervishes, nargile (Turkish water pipe) and of course Turkish delights? There are so many activities that you can involve yourself in, including river rafting, skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, sunbathing, shopping, parasailing, hot air ballooning and so on.  Whether you want to travel thousands of years back in time at the historical sites or enjoy the works of nature, Turkey has it.  It is truly one of the most beautiful countries we visited (and we've been to a lot) which we feel is a well-hidden treasure of Eastern Mediterranean. With a rich history, sandy beaches, wide variety of climate and landscapes, and several activities to do.

... Turkey is an amazing destination to have a remarkable vacation without straining your budget.

Top 10 reasons why you should take a holiday in Turkey:

1. Affordability & luxury: You can travel in style by staying in luxury boutique hotels that will be half the price (or less) than they would be in Greece, Cyprus or other European destinations. Clothing, food and other items are still cheaper than in Europe.

2. Historical sites: Turkey has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites (whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/tr), 2 Ancient World Wonders (The Temple of Artemis and The Halicarnassus Mausoleum) , 1 World Wonder of the Medieval Mind (Hagia Sophia) and several other sites that will rival the sites of Delphi, Greece and Paphos, Cyprus.

3. The food and cuisine: We've heard the saying that there are three major kinds of cuisine in the world; Turkish, Chinese and French. Rightfully so, Turkish Cuisine is always a pleasant surprise for the visitor. In addition to being the refined product of centuries of experience, Turkish Cuisine has a very pure quality. The variety and simplicity of the recipes and the quality of the ingredients are guarantees of delicious meals. Doner Kebab, Börek, Pilaf, köftes are just a few specialties that you should try. Among other treats in Turkey are the fish, soups and desserts.

4. Climate and weather: Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal regions enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolia plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall. As a result, you can enjoy Turkey all year long, depending on your interests.

5.  Adventure: The best way to describe this topic is to list some things that you can do: fly over Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon, take a blue cruise, raft the Koprulu Canyon, catch the sunrise over Mount Nemrut, horseback ride through Cappadocia, cruise through Istanbul, walk the Ihlara Gorge, explore the Gallipoli battlefields, paraglide at Oludeniz, explore Ancient Ephesus, trek the Lycian Way, climb Mount Ararat, kayak Ocer Kekova, ski Mount Uludag, raft the Raging Coruh, trek the Krackar Mountains, spot flamingos in the Sultan Marshes, snowshoe through Cappadocia, go canyoning in the Saklikent Gorge, hike the Georgian Valleys...should we go on?

6. Beaches: As of 2009, Turkey boasts an impressive 279 Blue Flag beaches. In this category, Turkey is ahead of other Mediterranean countries such as France (263), Malta (1) and Italy (225).  The Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to safe, clean beaches from all around the world. It signifies high environmental quality. It is currently in use in more than 40 countries.

7. The people: Kind, friendly, helpful, welcoming. Do you need to know anything else?

8. Ease of travel: Great roads. It's really easy and enjoyable to drive around Turkey, but if you prefer to travel by other means, they really do have great coach buses to get you around the country.

9. Shopping: Leave some room in your suitcase when coming to Turkey. With that many great quality knock-offs, I am sure you will buy something...and yes, we do feel that Turkey's know-offs are better quality than products made elsewhere. Purses, watches, clothes...everything we bought seems to last forever.

10. Oludeniz, Fethiye: Oludeniz, Fethiye is a major paraglider destination with beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and amazing scenery. We ended up staying here a lot longer than we originally intended and if you ever go here, you will understand why.

Ooops...did we say only 10 reasons? We could easily come up with 100+ reasons.

11. Cappadocia: Cappadocia is unique in the world and is a miraculous natural wonder that is often compared to the surface on Mars.

12. Whirling Dervishes: These can be defined as mystical dancers. Their dance is part of a sacred ceremony in which the dervish rotates in a precise rhythm. He represents the earth revolving on its axis while orbiting the sun. The purpose of the ritual whirling is for the dervish to empty himself of all distracting thoughts, placing him in a trance; released from his body he conquers dizziness. It's something that you must see to believe.

13. Istanbul: Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands on two continents, Europe and Asia. It's a beautiful city with history, culture, historical sites, shopping and many more attractions that you can easily spend 4 days here and find yourself wishing you had more time.

14. Pammukale: Pammukale is sometimes considered as one of the forgotten world wonders. Pammukale is actually an area made up of terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Right around the corner from these terraces are hot springs that have healing powers where you can bathe in. We spent a few hours there as part of a tour, but we can tell you it wasn't enough time. It's an incredible site.

Some interesting facts that you probably did not know about Turkey:

1. World's second greatest mosaic museum is found in Antakya (Antioch), Turkey.

2. Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia.

3. Two of the world's seven wonders are located in Turkey; The Temple of Artemis and The Halicarnassus Mausoleum.

4. The word "turquoise" comes from "Turk", meaning Turkish, and was derived from the perfect blue of the Mediterranean Sea on the southern Turkish coast.

5. Tulips were in fact introduced to Holland from Turkey by Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq who was Charles V's ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in the era of Süleyman the Lawmaker.

6. The most valuable silk carpet in the world is in the Mevlana (Rumi) Museum in Konya, Turkey.

7. St. Nicholas, rather known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara and served as the Bishop of Myra on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

8. Many important events surrounding the birth of Christianity occurred in Turkey. St. John, St. Paul and St. Peter all lived and prayed in southern Anatolia. Tradition has it that St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the Crucifixion, where she spent her last days in a small stone house (Meryem Ana Evi) on what is now Bülbüldağı (Mount Koressos). It is a very popular pilgrimage site for Christians today.

9. The seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation - Ephesos, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea - are all found in Turkey.

10. Coffee was first brought from Yemen to Istanbul in the sixteenth century. Prepared in a specific method peculiar to Turks, and always in a ceremonial attitude, the delicious reputation of the Turkish coffee spread all around Europe in the seventeenth century.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Hotel Reservations: Turkey Discount Hotel Reservations

Flight deals: Save on flights to TURKEY, plus take $10 off using promo code TURKEY10 at CheapOair.com.

Cheapest Place to rent cars: EasyCar

Greece, Hellas, officially known as the "Hellenic Republic" is the south-eastern most country in Europe, occupying the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula. Surrounded by water, (from the east by the Aegean Sea, from the south by the Mediterranean Sea, and from the west the Ionian Sea), containing diverse landscapes, pulsing party scenes, great history, excellent climate and so on, it's not difficult to see why Greece is such a popular travel destination. Greece mainland and the Greek islands are one of the favourite holiday destinations in Europe. In fact, Greece comes in 15th place in the world rating of tourist destinations, since, according to the National Statistical Service of Greece, it receives more than 15 million tourists every year, after countries such as the USA, China, Spain and Great Britain. If you haven't been to Greece, here are some reasons why you should go:

 Eight reasons why you should take a holiday in Greece:

1. World-famous Archaeological Sites: The Acropolis, Monasteries of Meteora, Delphi and so on are world famous and rightfully so.

2. Beaches: With 6,000 islands in Greece you're sure to find at least one beach to your liking: red sand, black sand, white sand, crowded, desolate, nude...

3. Athens: Despite having a bad rap for being dirty and dull, it’s actually a very interesting and enjoyably city to spend 3 days. You can see the Acropolis and museums and enjoy being immersed in ancient history.

4. Food: Amazing fish, gyros, Greek salad, feta cheese, kalamata olives, bread, olive oil, meze, tziziki, saganaki, spanakopita, mousaka, dolmades, souvlaki, free ouzo with dinner, Greek yogurt and honey, gelato, nutella crepes… you can eat quite well for very little in Greece.

5. Affordability: If you travel during the shoulder season, (spring or fall), you will find that Greece is actually affordable. Check out the hotels in Greece from £9 per night for example.

6. Ease of Travel: Whether you are visiting mainland Greece or its islands, it's very easy to get around Greece by car, bus, train, ferry or plane.

7. Shopping: People, especially from Athens (Ateniese), are very fashionable. In fact, not only does Athens have a lot of clothing and shoe boutiques, but it also has lots of tacky shops and lots of real gems selling unique items. And, please don't forget the open-air markets.

8. Greek Islands: From tourist destinations to party islands to uninhabited islands, with over 6000 to choose from, you will find some that you love.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Travel Insurance: Free Travel Insurance Quotes from Travel Guard.

Most people think of Costa Rica as the perfect "resort" destination, but we couldn't disagree more. Costa Rica is much more than a "resort" destination and not spending some time exploring the country would simply be criminal. Costa Rica is simply paradise. Besides the well developed tourism infrastructure, Costa Rica offers a well established system of protected areas for nature lovers, a great variety of adventures for everyone, active volcanoes, contrasting landscapes, untamed rivers, impressive places of scenic beauty and two oceans with hundreds of exotic and pristine beaches. In Costa Rica, you can snorkel through tropical reefs with sea turtles, surf the most incredible breaks, do some sport fishing, golf, kayak, hike in the rainforest, horseback ride through picturesque trails, mountain bike the country side, white water raft the wild and untamed rivers, and so on. With it's location in the Central American isthmus, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, it is a privileged destination. Its varied landscapes and mild climate make this small country the perfect getaway for a spectacular vacation. Costa Rica offers a lot of activities and it would be a shame to only visit one part of the country by taking an all-inclusive resort package.

Top 10 reasons why you should take a holiday in Costa Rica:

1. Beaches: You can find isolated beaches that you can have to yourself or you can party with the best of them at more populated beaches. Whatever type of beach you like, Costa Rica will have it.

2. Wildlife: One of the 20 most biologically diverse countries in the world, Costa Rica boasts only 0.03% of the earth's total land mass. It's home to more than 500,000 animal species, which represent an incredible 4% of the world's total species.

3. Nature: Costa Rica nature is pristine and diverse. It has jungles, beaches, cloud volcanoes and so on. Whatever you like, Costa Rica will have.

4. Adventure: Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a number of activities such as rafting, canopying, snorkelling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, hiking and lot's more.

5. The food and cuisine: Casados, Gallo Pinto, Ceviches, and many more local specialties will satisfy your taste buds.

6. Culture: Costa Rica has a rich culture stemming from the culture diversity of its people. Throughout history, waves of immigrants have added to the pre-Hispanic native populations that have settled in Costa Rica.

7. Great Coffee: Soil in volcanic areas, mountain ranges produce amazing coffee tastes.

8. Climate: Costa Rica is mild to hot all year round and really only has two seasons: dry and rainy.

9. Accessibility: Costa Rica is within quick flight time from North America. There are numerous direct flight to Liberia or San Jose from the United States and Canada.

10. Ease of travel: It's extremely easy to get around with your own rental car. With a car, you can explore areas that you would otherwise miss out on. 

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Country Guide

Travel Insurance: Free Travel Insurance Quotes from Travel Guard.

Kenya is a fairly large country at 583, 000 sq km, but  for its size, Kenya offers a lot: mountains, deserts, tribal culture, beaches and some of Africa’s best wildlife attractions. Stunning landscapes set the scene, from Kakamega’s rainforests to Indian Ocean beaches by way of Mt Kenya National Park; the rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara to searing deserts on the shores of the Jade Sea; with The Rift Valley, home to Hell's Gate National Park, cleaving a massive gash through it all. Wildlife safaris have been the mainstay of Kenya’s tourism for decades, and several Kenyan parks, like Tsavo National Park, are among the best places in Africa to see lions, elephants, leopards and the famous wildebeest migration. Kenya rates as one of the top five bird-watching destinations in the world; other activities for outdoor enthusiasts include trekking the glacial ridges of Mt Kenya, ballooning over the Masai Mara, snorkelling at the Marine National Park in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast, and much more. Despite all of these attractions, we feel that Kenya's neighbours make for better vacation spots. Although on paper Kenya offers a lot, in reality it's lacking the "authenticity" and attractions that its neighbours to the south and west provide. Long car rides and great hotel food in Kenya will certainly add a few pounds to your waist and leave your bum sore for days. Kenya's biggest city, Nairobi, with the worst of reputations, is sidestepped by many visitors, but, in fairness, has an interesting urban appeal with its cafes and nightlife. Stepping into Nairobi does not automatically mean you will be mugged. There are many tourists that walk around Nairobi and feel safe, including us. Keep your valuables at the hotel and you should be just fine. The people, too, represent a wide cross-section of everything that is contemporary Africa, and everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families; ancient customs and modern sensibilities. Swapping the latest political gossip with the switched-on locals is just one more small pleasure that comes with the culture. The tourist industry is by far the largest single export earner in Kenya. Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlighted by it's most unique feature: wildlife.  A decent infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.

Five reasons why you should take a holiday in Kenya:

1. The wildlife: From the “big five” (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) to the most fantastic birds with their colourful plumage from the thousands of flamingos lining the shores of Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria, to the quintessential African bird – the Lilac-breasted Roller. The proximity is awe-inspiring – looking a lion in the eye quite close-by, without barriers, and knowing that you’re completely safe.

2. The landscapes : Endless savannahs dotted by acacia trees; lakes such as Lake Victoria – the source of the River Nile, and lakes Nakuru and Naivasha among others; the breathtaking Great Rift Valley visible from outer space; the rugged peaks of Mt. Kenya; the snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro best viewed from Amboseli; the sand beaches of the Indian Ocean and the many parks and reserves set aside for the preservation of animals for future generations – more than 65 national parks and reserves.

3. The Great Migration: The greatest show on earth – up to two million wildebeest and zebras, followed by the magnificent predators that feed on them (lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog, jackal) – as they migrate between Tanzania's Serengeti and the Kenya's Maasai Mara.

4. The accommodations: Some of the most beautiful and varied lodges, from tented camps to thatched cottages, to cosmopolitan hotels and resorts, all with beautiful decorations, good food, and friendly and attentive staff. You are privileged while being pampered every step of the way. Sleep to the sounds of nature all around you – the roaring lion, the lullaby of birds, the laughing hyena... Wake up with a friendly "jambo" as your waiter knocks on your door and brings you coffee/tea and biscuits!

5. The people and culture: The authentic Kenyan hospitality begins with the first person welcoming you, your naturalist guide and driver, and continues straight through with every person you meet on your trip.  The cultures are unique and offer a rich contrast and appreciation of lifestyles. There are 42 unique cultures and 75 native languages beside English and Swahili. The pride in their cultures is obvious in dress, decoration, dance, and music.

Five things to consider before taking a holiday in Kenya:

1. Kenya's East African neighbours offer a better value: Uganda offers better scenery, similar wildlife, choice of accommodation ranges, and so on at a lower price. Independent travel is also possible in Uganda making the ease of travel easier, not to mention that it's safer. Finally, people are friendlier in Uganda. When it comes to beaches, Tanzania's Zanzibar is simply better. Why settle?

2. Independent Travel is difficult: Most people travel to Kenya for the safaris. Before arriving to Kenya, most people arrange a car and driver (and guide in many cases) to take you around. We can't imagine a safari without a car and driver. Having a driver and/or guide with you for your entire trip can be draining. Sometimes you do want some privacy as you are enjoying your holiday. Even when you try to hike, they will insist you take a guide with you in case of wild elephants.

3. Kenya can wait until you are retired: Unless you are climbing Mount Kenya, most of your time spent in Kenya will be in a safari vehicle. Safaris in the Maasai Mara can be long (i.e., 10 hours or so). Unless you love to spend your holiday in a safari vehicle, this isn't your ideal destination. There are very few activities in Kenya that will keep you active. Although we tried to incorporate as many as we can while in Kenya, we found that the driving distances were far too long and the hikes way too short to really enjoy them. Neighbouring countries make for better "active" travel destinations.

4. Costs: Kenya can be really expensive. Unless you are on a camping safari, the costs will quickly get out of hand in Kenya. Kenya is a "resort" destination. Beautiful lodges and resorts, all inclusive meals, etc. cater to the wealthier traveler.

5. Safety: Most tourists travel in tour groups with a driver and possibly a naturalist guide while in Kenya which does not pose any threat. However, if you are like us and like to see and want the "authentic" travel experience by venturing into less touristy parts of a country, you will have to be a little more careful doing that in Kenya. The beautiful hills of Ngong Hills on the outskirts of Nairobi is one area where you should hire an armed ranger to hike with you as the threat of muggings in this area is real. Although we do recommend a visit to this area, just make sure you have an armed ranger with you and you will be fine. The armed rangers can be hired at the entrance of the park for a nominal fee. There were many places in Kenya were our guide did not recommend we go to due to possible dangers.  Other dangers include those from wild elephants. Hotels, (or resorts), don't like when you leave their grounds (and often forbid it) because of dangers from wild elephants. There were many times when hotel staff told me not to go for a jog in the morning due to the threat of wild elephants. Of course, we were the only people that did it anyway. There were also several hikes that got cut short (in Abadare National Park and Mt. Kenya region) because of wild elephants near our route. It seemed like we could not even enjoy the little action that we found during our walks.

Suggested Travel Resources: Lonely Planet Guidebook

The Kingdom of Thailand is a great holiday destination with a wide variety of activities to suits everyone's travel desires. You can take a visit to Thailand's islands and beaches, for instance. You can get straight into diving and snorkelling, whatever level of experience you have. Of course, in most places these activities are on offer there are a number of related water sports available. Thailand does though attract the adventurous, and as well as water sports there are a number of activities that are 'xtreme' in nature as well as bungee jumping and paintball. There are though numerous activities that you can get involved in that are more sedate… if a quick round of golf is more your scene, Thailand has numerous courses, many designed by top-level international golfers. Thailand is also a great place for hiking. Whether you are a serious hiker, or just out for a stroll, there are numerous trekking options open to visitors, particularly in northern Thailand. These days, however, many visitors want to leave Thailand with more than a suntan. Over the last 10 years the kingdom of Thailand has become a haven for people interested in alternative approaches to health and well-being. Thailand's Spas incorporate its ancient tradition of natural healing and medicine to provide unsurpassable service and an unforgettable Spa experience. You can also take meditation courses in Thailand and train your mind and body to be restful and peaceful. However, if you also want some changes that are only surface deep, you can go home with a new look to complement your new attitude. Thailand has become a hub for 'Medical Tourism' - travel that incorporates medical surgery and other treatments with restful stays on beaches or Thailand's exquisite countryside. Cosmetic surgery, laser sight correction and cosmetic dentistry are all on offer, utilizing the experience of internationally trained experts who carry out procedures utilizing the wonderful facilities of international-standard hospitals. Of course, one activity Thailand is ultimately famous for is shopping - a couple of weeks in Thailand makes a shopper from even the staunchest macho man! The price of goods is obviously one draw, but it's also the quality of what's on offer that seals the deal. Local goods are excellent, and Thailand's markets and shopping areas are full of novelties and items to give the folks back home. If you have kids in tow there are plenty of theme parks, shows and zoos to see, alongside some genuinely great parks to visit. Whatever the time of year there are festivals to attend which kids generally enjoy participating in. Whatever sort of activities you enjoy, as you can see, there's plenty to do Thailand. Make the most of this fact - be active and engage as much as you can. Do this and you will have one your best travel experiences ever!

Ten reasons why you should take a holiday in Thailand:

1. The weather. The holiday season coincides with the best weather in Thailand.

2. Shopping. Thailand has some of the best shopping in the world. From ritzy shopping malls to large markets, you can find anything in Thailand and often for much less than you would pay at home.

3. The people. Thais are arguably the friendliest people in the world. They are always smiling and maintain a wonderful “never mind” or “why do it today when I can do it tomorrow” attitude. We love going to rarely visited parts of Thailand because people are the friendliest.

4. The food. Hot and spicy sums up most Thai food although you can also find sweet or sour, rice and noodles and excellent seafood. From local vendors serving chocolate-banana pancakes to 5-star restaurants, anyone can satisfy their taste buds.

5. Massages. Massages are notoriously inexpensive in Thailand. An hour-long, full-body massage can cost as little as $5 for an hour. Massage parlours abound (make sure you find one that's offering legit massages and not those "other" kind) and your options are plentiful, from traditional Thai massages to reflexology and foot massages.

6. Beautiful beaches. Thailand's beautiful beaches are one of the country's main draws, luring sun- and sand-seeking travelers from all points of the globe. One of our favourite beach areas is in Krabi. Although Krabi is not an island, it certainly has the same feel to it since it's only accessible by boat. Here, the water warm and the view ... well, let's just say you'll be dreaming about it for months afterwards.

7. Cultural attractions. There is no shortage of cultural attractions to see in Thailand. Bangkok, in particular, is full of things to do and see. Temples, palaces, museums ... take your pick. Ayutthaya reminded of us of Angkor Wat, Cambodia and was just as impressive on a much smaller scale.

8. National Parks. Thailand has beautiful national parks within easy reach of the islands, Bangkok or pretty much from anywhere in the country. These parks offer a great alternative to the beautiful beaches once you had your fill of sunshine. We loved Khao Sok for it's secluded hikes and Khao Yai for meeting Thai people on the weekend on hikes.

9. Great Fun – Thai people are always ready to have a good time, it is one of their best characteristics. You don’t have to wait for the weekend for a night out in Thailand, Thais are always ready for a party. Places like Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket are famous for their nightlife catering to foreigners but it is also really fun to find a nightlife venue usually only frequented by Thais; you will be made welcome and often will be the centre of attention and fun. Apart from organised nightlife there are lots of fun things to see and do, things that are just a bit different to life at home. From riding around in a tuk-tuk to just seeing people driving around three to a motorcycle, life is never boring in Bangkok.

10. It's cheap. For example, a night at a luxury hotel in Bangkok might run you $80 a night. It's seriously cheap – you can find any items for much less than you would at your home country and a satisfying meal of more food than you can probably manage for $5. Don't bring too many sunglasses, underwear, t-shirts or bath products because they are much cheaper here and you will buy them whether you need them or not. We don't even bring a watch anymore because for $30-$50 we will have a new beautiful, relatively high-quality Tag or Breitling knock-off. We stay away from the Rolex watches because they tend to be worst in quality.

Other information and our ratings:

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