The Isle of Wight is ideal for those who can’t afford to go abroad. Only a few kilometres from the mainland, it’s reachable by the ports of Southampton or Portsmouth. You don’t need your passport, any foreign currency or any vaccinations! It’s ideal for families who want to go exploring.

There’s a huge variety of camping grounds and holiday parks to choose from. Newport is the tiny capital. Sandown has the best beach and its neighbour Shanklin is home to the wax museum and arts and crafts. For the kids, head into Sandown, which has amusements, slides and a zoo boasting a variety of lions and tigers. Blackgang Chine is a favourite and you could stop off at the Needles Lighthouse on the way.

There’s a great coastal road that is accessible by car. You can hire bikes on the island but it can be a distance from town to town. A visit to the island isn’t complete without sampling one of their cream teas. Only a few hours from Ryde and you’ll be back in the comfort of your own home!

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the safest places in the world. Famous for the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz, it’s a wonderful place to stop for a few nights. The city is quite hilly, so jump on one of the many trams which are the city’s trademark.
There’s a huge range of shops and diners but if you fancy some entertainment, why not go to Pier 49 on Fisherman’s Wharf. Here you will find mime artists, comedians and plenty of activities to brighten your day. The Pier is home to a large colony of seals which can be very noisy but are a great tourist attraction. Trips out to the famous prison of Alcatraz operate daily in high season. The story says the waters surrounding the prison are shark-infested so tread carefully.
Once you’ve exhausted your stay here, hire a car along Highway one, which will take you to Los Angeles via Monterey and other picturesque villages. Stop off in Danish village to sample the local cheese and admire the windmill. San Fran is a great place to stay as part of a multi-centre stopover.

The Rockies

Canada is a vast country, from the snow capped glaciers to the crystal lakes, high mountain ranges and unique wildlife. Driving through the Rocky Mountains is the best way to see the wonderful scenery. Banff, a ski-resort in the national park is the gateway to the Rockies. Ideal for winter activities, the picturesque town is brimming with bars and restaurants. The gondola is the ideal way to see the town and it's surroundings. Sit and enjoy a coffee whilst learning the history of the town. Here you can arrange day trips to experience quad-biking, off-road mountain biking, fishing, trekking and for the more adventurous: white water rafting and rock climbing.

Drive four hours North through scenic landscapes to discover Lake Louise on your way to Jasper, where you can hire kayaks. This is an ideal route to see the splendour of the glacier. Climb aboard a snow-monster truck for an experience you'll never forget. Why not try mountain trekking or moose-spotting?

Leave behind the tourist route, along highways to the ranch town of Clearwater - a unique Canadian outback town with friendly locals. Enjoy a stop-off here and unwind in a traditional log cabin whilst listening to the sounds of country music, enjoying the barbecued delights of buffalo. Here you can go fishing or horse-riding and hunt for the brown and grizzly bear. The Clearwater river is famous for it's grade four waves where you can sail through the Sabre-Tooth canyon down to the famous Kettle where many have tried to conquer its powerful current.

After Clearwater, make your way to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. A city brimming with shops, coffee houses, bars and clubs. Spend at least four nights here as there's plenty to do, before disembarking on your trip home.

Web 2.0 the new phenomena

The web is now becoming more important than ever, from social networking to researching. The concept of web 2.0 began after the dot.com crash in 2001 but there is a huge disagreement over what it really means. Is it a new convention or a meaningless market?
The term basically refers to a new brand of websites such as: Napster and Wikipedia.
Web 2.0 is a set of principals and practices that tie together a veritable solar system of sites. Doubleclick and Akamai were the pioneers., with Google being the standard bearer.
So if you haven't yet joined the rest of the cyber world and signed up to Facebook or Myspace then what are you waiting for...

New Zealand

Home to Lord of the Rings and the All Blacks, New Zealand is blessed with beautiful landscapes, snowy peaks and glorious beaches. The people are friendly and the food and wine divine. New Zealand is a haven for adrenalin seekers with its numerous hair-shocking activities. Choose from jet-boating, bungee-jumping, white-water rafting or for the modestly adventurous, snow-boarding or skiing. The best way to get around the country is to hire a motorhome. You don't have to stick to designated holiday parks either as you have the freedom to park wherever you like. The North Island is full of tourist activities but go further north to the Bay of Islands, which is the tropical part of the country. Here you can go on boat trips to see the dolphins or just learn about the Maori culture. Auckland, the capital is built on a volcanic crater. The sky-tower is a must see and gives a unique overview of the city. Visit Waitomo caves for a chance to marvel at the glowworms.

Rototura is a unique experience, see the geysers and colourful lakes but you don't want to stay for longer than a day as the area constantly smells of sulphur. Sky-dive in Lake Taupo then make your way to the windy city of Wellington. From here, take the ferry to Picton then explore the Abel Tasman, famous for it's walks and kayaking. Christchurch is a quaint town, known as the most English town away from England. Enjoy a ride on the Gondola or go punting on the river. It's a great place to be if you're feeling homesick. On the east coast is the fishing town of Kaikoura which is ideal for whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. Make sure it's the right time of year before you travel so you won't be disappointed.
Queenstown is the liveliest place in the South Island and is ideal for those looking for a party atmosphere. If you fancy hiking a glacier, go for a day trip at Fox Glacier . Milford Sound has one of the most famous walks in the world. You have to book up before you go due to its popularity. If you don't fancy hiking, join the rest of the tourists in one of the many boat trips where waterfalls cascade around you.

A month is the desired stay in New Zealand as there is so much to do. If you don't get a Chance to experience everything on your first visit, come back for a second...

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city equivalent to the UK for cost of food, accommodation and transport. The local currency is Hong Kong Dollar. Hong Kong Island is approx one hour from the airport. The easiest way to get there is using the local bus service which operates from outside the airport. Fares are £4 and are comfortable with air-conditioning and cushioned seats. You have to purchase your ticket before boarding. Hong Kong City is just like any other with its high rise buildings, shops galore and pick of fast-food restaurants. If you prefer to experience the real Hong Kong, explore the back streets hidden in the heart of the city. These run adjacent to the shops and show you what life is really like. Full of Chinese lanterns hanging from every stall, they're full of unique gifts. The smell of local delicacies fill the streets with plenty of cafes offering fresh meat hanging from their display and when you've exhausted the lanes, just one street away is back to reality. There's plenty of small picturesque parks to sit and watch the world go by and plenty of buses to hop back onto when you want to go back to your hotel. Half an hour away from the city is Kowloon, an alternative place to stay. Guest Houses start from £30 including breakfast. These are more like a hotel with en-suite bathrooms. Streets and streets of shops come alive at night with shoppers in the night bazaar in Kowloon. You can pick up a snack from a mere 50 pence from outside food stalls. If you're looking for culture, Kowloon is the place to go but don't be forgiven for thinking you're the only westerner. In Hong Kong itself, there aren't many tourist attractions so I recommend touring by bus which will take you to the bays on the island. If you have any recommendations for sight seeing, please let me know...

Bangkok

Bangkok has one of the worst traffic problems in the world. It is also one of the most polluted. Once you depart the airport, it's like entering a blanket of smog. The heat is very heavy so an air-conditioned taxi to your accommodation is a must. The airport is a 15 minute ride from the city, so transport is essential.

We stayed at the Asia Hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of the city. You are welcomed at the entrance by the porters who escort your luggage for you. The Thais are well-known for their hospitality and can make you feel like royalty. The hotel costs from £25 a night which includes a buffet breakfast served between 7-10am. Twin rooms are available with en suite and are very comfortable for the price. There is an inside and outdoor pool with jacuzzi and towel hire. The hotel itself could be a mini-complex. There's a selection a restaurants from Chinese to Thai with live entertainment. See the Thai Elvis impersonator or pay to watch a cabaret show on the ground level. Upstairs you'll find gift shops and even an art gallery. The service is faultless and you can arrange tours or transport for you to take the worry out of your hands.

A unique feature to Bangkok is the sky city where you can escape the pollution and browse around the air-conditioned shops. Escalators take you up to the hoards of department feet away from the ground. There's a multiplex cinema which shows alternative plus the latest releases with subtitles. Clothes are very cheap so take the opportunity to shop until you drop. The only difficulty you may find are the clothes sizes, which are smaller as the Thais are a tiny race. If you fancy some indulgence, treat yourself to Thai massage. Beauty parlours are everywhere as it appears to be one of their favourite pastimes. Salons are clean and treatments range from bikini-waxing to cosmetic tattooing. Fake goods are everywhere so its ideal for that last minute gift before you go home.

There is also a sky-train that takes you to various parts of the city. It is colour co-ordinated and very simple to use. It's also a great way to see the city from above. Bangkok is a large city so walking isn't really an option if you're staying in the centre. Taxis are reasonable and accessible but the best way to get around is by the local transport: tuk tuk. These are motorised rickshaws that weave in and out of the traffic. They're the best mode of transport and also the cheapest but do hold on tight! You can even hire them for an hour to take you around the local temples. It's like having your own tour guide and is easier than walking around with a map. They can also tell you the local history. If you visit Bangkok on a 'Government Holiday' the drivers are entitled to free fuel for taking tourists to the jewelry and silk shops. So be firm on where you want to go, otherwise you could find yourself buying a necklace that you didn't want. However, if you do want a tailor-made suit then this is the place to buy one. For £60 you can have your own personal three-piece suit.

Khao San Road is the place to pick up statues, sarongs or have your hair braided for £5.00. It's popular with backpackers and has budget accommodation. It's a busy area with a few English style pubs serving western food. The cheapest way to eat is buying from road stalls that sell noodles or rice and cook it in front of you. You can choose from a snack for about 80 pence or a meal for £1.00 and it's acceptable to eat on the streets. It's a good way to try new dishes, some stalls offer the English translation but others you'll just have to use guess work. Squid is very popular, you can even buy dried squid and cuttle fish in stores. Convenience stores 7/11 are open late and offer hot dog or pies. Drinking tap water is not advisable, bottled water is cheap though.
Bangkok is a lively city that has great shops, bars and nightly entertainment. You can be forgiven for feeling vulnerable when you first arrive as the city is very busy but once you're acclimatised you're be rushing around like one of the Thais...

Bali

Bali is the Aussie's version of our Costa Del Sol. A huge island in Indonesia, it's the closest island to Australia which makes it popular with the Aussies. With its warm climate, hospitable locals and plenty of places to see, it's the ideal location for that fortnight away. The Balinese are Hindus unlike the majority of the Indonesians who are Muslims. Bali depends on tourism for a lot of its trade and because the island is so large, each place has a unique feel.

Sanur is a haven for honeymooners, with a beach that stretches for miles. Restaurants and shops align the promenade in a romantic setting. Hotels run alongside the beach and range from mid to expensive. Sanur is an ideal setting for wedding packages. You can hire a Balinese band to play local music as you drink out of coconut shells. Food is reasonably cheap and and local seafood is plentiful. You can have your own spacious bungalow with a pool for the sum of $25. Kuta is the lively area and is packed with shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. My recommendation is Macaroni' a funky, Italian style cafe where meals are approx $3 - they serve a selection of pasta and various salads. Take advantage of happy hours in bars where you can buy one and get one free. Jungle juice is a popular combination and is served in pints! It's very cheap to drink and fun trying the various selection of cocktails.

The Bounty Ship is a karaoke bar which also has live bands and they offer a goldfish bowl to drink from! It's a wonderful idea for a bar where you have to climb the stairs to get onto the deck. After 12pm a disco opens downstairs. The Bounty Ship is open 24 hours. The Sari club is most popular with the Aussie's and gets busy early so make sure you beat the crowds.
For those wanting to relax on the island, try the quieter resorts of Nusa Dua or travel further north where you can climb a volcano or take boat trips to see dolphins. There is a monkey forest in Ubud where you can explore temples and enjoy the wildlife. Bali is a wonderful place to visit so make it a stopover when you're heading to Australia.

Cambodia

Cambodia - a quiet un-touristy place to chill out and hang out with the locals right? Well not exactly. My preconception was that of remoteness, travelling for hours amongst wilderness and nothingness - people so glad to see a western face, their hospitality would be most welcoming. Being picked up on a motorbike and taken to a large double decker bus, we proceeded through Thailand to Poipet , the land border of Cambodia. Children rush over to you once you step off the bus, sheltering you from the heat with umbrellas, walking alongside you, matching you pace for pace. Motorbikes with families ride past, pick-up trucks overflow with locals sitting on the roof and all this is everyday life. A minibus takes you on the seven hour drive to the small town of Siem Reap. There are no cemented roads, only dirt tracks with craters. Covered in dust and aching from limb to limb from the bumpy ride, you're swamped with children approaching you from every angle, pleading with you to buy drinks and food. Their English puts you to shame as they ask your age, then quote facts about your country. The journey takes you past small villages with huts on stilts where chickens, goats and buffalo are roaming around. Children abandon their push bikes for a swim in the nearby river and happily play.

Pigs tied on the back of motorbikes are being transported along, and oncoming traffic heads towards you as you marvel at the skill of the driver. A local from a privately-owned guest house who has been travelling on the bus, takes you to her abode. It's clean and welcoming. From there, you can visit the temples of Angkor, only 15km away by moto. To hire a driver for the day costs $6 USD, although entry to the temples is costly at $20 for a day pass and $40 for two or three days. A visit to Siem Reap is not complete without seeing this mystical place. You can go elephant trekking around the temples or buy authentic gifts such as paintings or handmade bracelets. From here you can catch the boat to the capital Phnom Penh. The express boat is expensive at $25 but only takes 6 hours compared to the slow boat which has a leisurely pace. The express boat is very overcrowded so be prepared to sit on the top deck in the baking sun, as only Cambodians have tickets for indoors. You have to scale the edge of the boat to climb on. Herds of local people greet you when you arrive, waving pictures of their hostels at you. As there are so many to choose from, I recommend escaping the noise and pace of the city and staying by the lake. Phnom Penh is very busy and full of motorbikes which seems to be the preferred transport in the city. Riding in the traffic is an experience, moto's take you from place to place for a small fee. You can use the local currency - Riel or American dollars. Guest houses are very cheap, starting at $3 for a double room with a fan. Between December and February it is worth paying the extra for air-conditioning. Guest houses also have a range of tours and act as travel agents so you can book your onward travel. Highlights in the capital are: the Killing Fields: which were discovered only 25 years previous during the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Prisoners from S21 prison were brought here starved and forced to work on the rice fields. There is a huge memorial containing the skulls of the deceased. The S21 prison used to be a school until 1975 when the Khmer Rouge began their reign. The central market is a busy hub of gifts from fake rolex's to local cuisine. Sample the local fried locus or maggots. Beware of all the sellers who bombard you with their gifts. Beggars follow you and disabled locals try to sell you postcards. It's hard not to wither under their persuasion. A six hour boat journey takes you north to the unspoilt town of Kratie, a place off the beaten track. From here you can travel further to witness the hill tribes. We stayed at Star Guest House $3 a room. Bottle nose dolphins are the major attraction here, you can hire a small long-tail boat with a captain to take you onto the muddy waters of the Mekong River, when the engines are off, you can watch the dolphins surface.

Cambodia is my favourite country, full of history, culture and friendly locals, who are so pleased to see you - you won't stop beaming during the whole time you're there.

Sydney

Sydney is one of the most popular cities in the world. Famous for it's opera house and harbour bridge, it is the must-see place to visit in Australia. From Bondi beach to the blue mountains, there is almost too much to see for a first visit.
Darling Harbour is a jewel in the city, with its funky bars and fusion restaurants, it's the place to be seen when the lights go down in the city.
The APT tower gives a panoramic view of the city, great for getting your bearings if you've just arrived. The best time to go is at dusk or dawn.
From Sydney you can hire a car and drive one of Australia's most popular coastline, the Pacific Coast Touring Route from Sydney to Brisbane. The country is so vast, make sure you're aware of the distances involved.
There are many restaurants to dine at but for those on a cheaper budget, the food markets provide a selection of different cuisines at a fraction of the cost. Of course Sydney prides itself in it's seafood, so don't miss the delicacy of barramundi. For the beach lovers, you can jump on a bus tour of all the beaches, I recommend Coogee which isn't as touristy as Bondi beach.
If you have money to spare, you could conquer your fear of heights on the bridgeclimb over Harbour bridge. If you fancy seeing some wildlife then catch a ferry to Tarronga Zoo, where you can take scenic pictures of animals with the city outline in the background. Oxford street is the gay area of the city and has eye-opening entertainment - not one for the faint hearted.
The best time to go to Sydney is December - February, although temperatures in the winter don't generally fall below 16 degrees. The Blue Mountains is only two hours from Sydney, easily accessible for a day trip or if you have more time, why not stay in one of the local hotels. Sydney is a very cosmopolitan city and is a gateway to other places in Oz. A tourist visa is required for up to a three-month stay.

Guernsey

Just a short hop away from England are the Channel Islands. Guernsey is the second largest of the islands and is accessible from regional airports. If you don't fancy flying, why not get the catamaran from Poole Harbour.
Once you arrive on the small island, you'll feel like you've been transported back into time. The island is so relaxed with the main activities being cycling, walking and eating out. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, and as there's so much competition, you can treat yourself to a three course meal for only £10! Guernsey has a lower VAT than England, so make the most of buying alcohol and clothes.
It only takes 30 minutes to drive around the island. Hire a car or jump aboard one of the buses to explore the coastal route. There are so many beaches you'll be spoilt for choice. There are day trips from here to the islands of Herm and Sark. Both islands have no transport except bicycles, so escape the traffic and enjoy the tranquillity or hop on a horse and cart if you don't fancy going on foot.
The main town is St Peter Port. Here you can visit the bars and nightclubs or just take a leisurely stroll along the harbour after sampling the local seafood (freshly caught by the local fishermen).
Other attractions are: bird walking, cycling, the Strawberry Farm, underground military museum and the Oatlands craft centre.
A break in Guernsey will leave you feeling refreshed and longing to return to the peaceful island.