Image courtesy of mariasbohol101

With over 6000 inhabited and uninhabited spots to choose from, it can be a little intimidating finding your way through the Greek islands. However, don’t be afraid to shy away from the big names. With holidays in Crete starting from only £279 per person with Thomas Cook, the benefits need little argument or introduction.

Crete, as the southernmost island in Europe, and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, as well as a significant place in mythological and current history, Crete is a bonafide hotspot – literally!

And the islands surrounding it are also tourist destinations in their own rights – from Corfu to the gorgeous Kefalonia, the Aegean corner of the Mediterranean is studded with some of the UK’s favourite places to relax, grab some sun, soak up culture, eat great food and enjoy stunning landscape. If it’s a bargain break you’re after then Thomas Cook’s cheap holidays to Corfu represent excellent value for money.

There’s more to these islands than resorts and luxury hotels though. If you’re travelling to Crete try renting bicycles for the day and making a journey along the coast. The cluster of villages under the Agios Ioannis municipality are a delight – just east of Ierapetra you’ll find beautiful villages such as Ferma and Agia Fotia.

Ferma is an ideal ‘secret spot’ – that’s not quite off the beaten track. Unlike neighbouring villages like Koutsounari, Ferma has shrugged off the tourist trap status, and instead remains committed to harvesting the land and sea.

It’s constellation of hidden coves and pebbly beaches make it a great backpacker retreat or couples hideaway – throw in some incredible seafood and you’ll struggle to keep cycling past.

Further along is the gorgeous Agia Fotia – famous as the home of the biggest Minoan cemetery found in Crete to date. It also has a lovely bay with delightful views of the sunset, plus a few tavernas to slow you down and soak up the sun a little longer.

When it comes to travelling between the smaller Greek islands, those on a time limit should plan ahead. Backpackers can take their time picking and choosing where to stay for how long – however locations such as Kefalonia and Santorini get extremely busy in the summer. Our advice is to choose a late spring or early autumn date.

For a hundred pesos, you get to enjoy this infinity saltwater pool whose water is naturally heated by the earth. To get to Maquinit, you can catch a tricycle ride from Coron.

Image courtesy of Malvado.net

Mount Tapyas features a gigantic cross perched on one of its peak. The hike to cross requires one to take some 700 steps, though you will be handsomely rewarded with the serene view of Coron Bay especially during sunsets.

Image courtesy of Onlyyoutrust.com

The trends and tastes of tourism are changing. As the worldwide credit crunch takes its effects – and those effects vary from country to country, currency to currency – UK travelers are demonstrating an eagerness to holiday close to home.

Another habit which has emerged in recent years – and is no doubt also thanks to alterations in flight tax and the increasingly flexible hours or many modern careers – is that of buying last minute holidays at reduced prices.

Travel operators such as Thomas Cook offer last minute options to resorts and hotels that, for various reasons, are soon to ‘expire’. Groups or single travelers with the right dates free can find themselves in the Middle East, the Caribbean or the Mediterranean come next week.

Particularly hot this year is Canary Islands – both as a beach destination and last minute holiday destination. Its strength lies not only in its superbly mild weather – but also in the islands’ location, just off the coast of Morocco and only a few hours by air.

The Canaries

Indeed, closer-to-home classic European beach destinations such as the Balearics and Canaries – as well as the Greek islands such as Corfu, Crete, Santorini and Kefalonia – have proven to be some of the most popular choices for UK holidaymakers in 2011.

Whilst there are also some really hot new beach destinations emerging further afield – particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh has long been a popular destination for its sandy beaches, great diving and ancient architecture and culture.

But it has competition now with Gulf countries such as Oman entering the fold. Oman has recently launched a marketing campaign driving tourism to the country’s beaches and bustling cities: whilst Egypt and Dubai remain the most frequented Middle Eastern destinations in 2011, Oman may be a destination to look out for in coming years.

As for Africa, destinations such as Gambia are beginning to catch the attention of beach holiday fans who are looking to travel somewhere a little different from their regular Mediterranean holiday.

Batanes used to be one of the most isolated provinces in the Philippines. Situated in the northernmost tip of the archipelago, most Filipinos hear about it in weather reports in reference to the exit and entrance path of typhoons. With regular flights made much more available to ordinary Filipinos, anyone can get a chance to experience this province that is definitely much more than a typhoon gateway with its rolling hills, friendly locals, unique huts, lighthouses and beaches.

Photos courtesy of bestphilippineattractions.com, frondaeric.com, noelizm.blogspot.com

Not known to many, the Cagayan de Oro river has been hosting adrenaline junkies with whitewater rafting tours. A good thirty-minute ride from the city center of Cagayan de Oro, adventure seekers are led by whitewater rafting guides to the raging river. After brief orientation to ensure safety, tourists are equipped with safety helmets, life jackets and paddles and are led onboard a rubber raft. As the raft traverses the river downstream, it braves rapids that no amusement park ride cannot simulate -as they say, nothing beats the real thing.

Images courtesy of transporters.ph and carloyescravings.com

Support Philippine Tourism by voting for the Puerto Princesa Underground River for the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Voting ends at 7:11PM (Manila Time) today. To vote through SMS, just text PPUR and send to 2861. Alternatively, votes can also be cast at www.new7wonders.com. Tourists have flocked to the renowned subterranean river since it was included among the nominees and its inclusion to the list guarantees arrivals to double, bringing in much needed jobs and income to our fellow countrymen, so please vote before the 7PM deadline. Go Pilipinas!

Taytay is a sleepy town in the northern part of Palawan. Tagged as “La Estrella del Norte,” due to the historical fort located in the town. The Fuerza Santa Isabel was built in the 17th century when the town was formally dedicated to Spain. The grounds of the fort are well-kept and offers views of the surrounding seas and mountains of Taytay. The fort is open during weekdays, Mondays through Fridays from 8AM to 5PM.

To get to Taytay, from Puerto Princesa, catch a bus or van to El Nido and disembark at the Taytay terminal. The ride takes about four hours.

One of the vestiges of the Marcos Regime, the Calauit Safari Park is tagged as “A Slice of Africa in Busuanga.” The park is situated on 3,700 hectares of plains, fields, forests and bodies of water. It is home to endemic plants and animals and the translocated species of animals from Kenya such as Zebras, Giraffes and Gazelles, which are the main features of the Safari Park. The Safari park can be reached through land transportation, some 2 hours from Coron town or also by sea which takes 3 hours from Coron port to Calauit port. The park charges 250 pesos for Filipino tourists and 300 pesos for Foreign tourists.