The Secrets of Low Cost Travel

Spring is upon us here in the UK and while the weather is still quite cool now, there's no doubt that summer is on its way and it's time to start planning those summer holidays if you haven't started already. First thing to decide is location, location, location. Where are you going to go? If you're like most of the nation you'll be heading to the beach but it's up to you whether that beach will be in the UK or abroad. For a little beach location inspiration, we've collected five fantastic beaches aroun the world so it doesn't matter if you're on a budget and hoping to stay close to home or in it for the big one and willing to fly across the world to find the perfect beach for your holiday.

Without further ado, let's hit the beach!

First up we have a beach on the island of Palawan in the Philippines. There is a very high chance of finding your very own oasis in the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands and a lot less tourists than Thailand you could find yourself in your very own version of The Beach.

If you thought the UK didn't have amazing beaches, you thought wrong. Here we have a summery oasis in Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck. The beach is protected by the National Trust, and thankfully has keep it largely undevelopped. While the isle is actually just a peninsula, you'll definitely have the feeling you're on an island here.

One Foot Island is part of the Cook Islands archipelago. It takes quite an effort to reach the best beaches, Aroa for example but it's well worth it because the snorkelling and scuba diving make up for it. It is considered among the best beaches in the entire South Pacific!

If you've only seen Spain's beaches that face the Mediterranean then you're really missing out. Spain's more wild coastline in Galicia is home to some of the best beaches in the country on the Atlantic Ocean. Galicia is located just north of Portugal and one not to miss is Las Islas Cies.

It may take you almost an hour bush-waking your way through a jungle to reach this beach, but it's worth every minute. Tayrona National Park is a jewel in Colombia. Think calm blue waters, fit for a postcard. A very cool feature are the larger-than-life boulders laying haphazardly on the beach.

Now we've shared our favourite beache with you, time for you to share yours! Which of these beaches would you choose?

Images: andeloisa, iknow_uk, carydunn, pablokdc, eliduke  / Flickr cc.

...or are they?

We've got the round-up but we want to know if you agree with the rankings. From our very own English capital to holiday classics like Rome and a few surprises along the way. Here are the top 10 travel destinations in the world.

1. London (UK)

It's no surprise that London made it to the top of the list this year. With the Queen's Jubilee and the Olympics coming to the city this year, it's a great summer to visit the capital city.

2. New York (USA)

We love NYC because it's like five cities in one. Each borough has its own style and feel. After you've seen the major sights in Manhattan, check out the other boroughs like the Lower East Side and Harlem.

3. Rome (Italy)

The architecture alone will fill your holiday itinerary. But don't miss out on the amazing food. Pizza, fresh pasta, rich red wines and of course there's the gelato! 

4. Paris (France)

An essential on every European tour. What can you say about this city? It's classic in every way. Don't you dare leave town without seeing the Eiffel Tower and touring the Louvre.

5. San Francisco (USA)

Swinging bay-side, there's so much to love about this city (except the fog). Top sights? Fisherman's Wharf, Aquarium of the Bay, riding the cable cars and checking out the Presidio.

6. Marrakech (Morocco)

Marrakech is like a world on its own. Getting lost in the exotic medina will be a highlight of your trip. Shop the markets, get duped into buying a carpet and sip mint tea well into the evening.

7. Istanbul (Turkey)

Europe meets Asia in Istanbul, the Turkish capital has a ton to offer history buffs. Don't miss the Hagia Sophia which has been a church, mosque and museum in its lifetime. The architecture is something to feast your eyes on.

8. Barcelona (Spain)

We love Barcelona. Excellent wine, the most delicious tapas, the beach, fine art museums... With some great museums on offer and a great city beach, you can combine culture with your beach holiday so easily here.

9. Siem Reap (Cambodia)

This is the best spot to base yourself if you want to explore the incredible Angkor Archaeological Park. What more can we say? It's absolutely epic.

10. Berlin (Germany)

Finally Berlin is getting the attention it deserves. It's got a lot going for it, super modern meets Baroque. Berlin is home to one of the best zoos in the world. While there's a ton of WWII sights to see, Berlin is pushing some exciting borders on the arts front.

Will you be heading to any of these cities this summer?

Images: pipiten, sean clover, moyan_brenn / Flickr cc.

Welcome to the crown jewel of French Polynesia... Tahiti!

Tahiti is the largest island of French Polynesia, which comprises of over 100 different islands. This island, made up of two volcanic mountain ranges is one of the most sought after tropical islands for holiday escapes. Most will arrive via Faa'a, where the island's international airport is located but Papeete is the real heart of the island, the capital.

It's easy to drift into the local way of life, taking up "don't worry, be happy" as your daily mantra. The island is one of the most beautiful in this part of the world. It's tropical climate couldn't get any more perfect!

You know Tahiti is an island paradise but do you know much more? Before you take-off on an island escape here are some things you should know about this magical place beforehand.

Languages

Officially, Tahitian and French are the two main languages of the island but don't go pulling out your high school French textbooks yet. English is widely spoken all around the island thanks to the booming international tourism of the island. It's only polite though to learn a few words of the local language!

Did you know that the Tahitian alphabet only contains 13 letters?

Culture

You know those adorable over-water bungalows you see in the photos of many tropical island resorts? Those were invented here in Tahiti 45 years ago and are not only practical but very chic looking as well! Many hotels on the island has adopted them as stand-alone rooms or villas for families to share.

Tahiti also happens to be the only country in the world whose government owns and runs a winery, called Vin du Tahiti (wine of Tahiti). It's located on a coral atoll and is worth trying while you're dining out.

Sights

If you can manage to peel yourself away from the beautiful beaches, there is one sight you must see while visiting Tahiti. That's the church of Jean de la Croix on Fakarava. It's made completely out of coral and is a sight to behold!

Have you ever been to Tahiti? Are you dreaming of taking a holiday here?

Image: john rawlison, underwatertourist / Flickr cc.