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From stunning coast line to a generous smattering of tropical islands, Thailand has long been a behemoth contender in the exotic destinations arena. Many a backpacker has plodded their flip flop on a Thai sandy beach, revelling in the best the world can offer in cultural, lively and picturesque travel. It’s brilliant for backpackers from a budgetary angle, allowing you to find cheap holidays around a relatively large country, making the many attractions around Thailand easily accessible. But this presents a problem, with so much on offer you may find yourself a little swamped when it comes to planning your itinerary.

For the party and hedonistic scene, Ko Pha Ngan and its full moon party or Ko Samui will be pushing for your money, with Chiang Mai or Ayuthaya being contenders to satisfy your desire for experiencing a bit of culture. But if you really want to tap into the laid back, beach living lifestyle whilst still being spoilt for choice for beach front restaurants cafes and bars, Ko Tao is a fantastic option. The island manages to strike a happy medium between keeping you entertained at night without preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, whilst also creating a relaxing and picturesque scene during the day.

A lot of this is due to Ko Tao managing to maintain a low profile in terms of development. You won’t find the travelling grumblers moaning about it being ruined in the same ilk that other locations such as Phuket in Thailand have been. This is partly thanks to its small size, you can pretty much see the entire Island’s profile in the ferry approach, and there aren’t that many roads on the island. The infrastructure is all pretty basic, and the best way to get around is often strolling along the beach front at Sairee or hiring a mountain bike.

Location
Ko Tao is in the Gulf of Thailand and is well connected to the ferry routes servicing Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, two islands that feature in many travellers Thailand holidays. You can get here easily by bus, plane and train from Bangkok, and its proximity to the other two islands makes it incredibly easy to factor it into your trip.

Sitting in the shadows of Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui has actually worked wonders for Ko Tao, as these two islands more than satisfy the local need to party loud and late. Ko Tao therefore has resisted the urge to become just another party destination in Thailand, so if you’re looking to avoid this or nurse your resulting hangover, it’s a great place to head over to.

Claim to fame
The small island first became known as a mecca for diving enthusiasts and beginners with its shallow shores and nearby reefs. Learning to scuba dive may be out of many backpackers’ budgets, but it is worthwhile bearing in mind that this is one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your diving certificate. Because it started as a diving location, it isn’t awash with cheap food stalls or provisions for budget backpackers, but as it is now a popular location for this type of traveller you can easily find a cheap drink and place to stay.

Food and Nightlife
The lack of the nearby hustle and bustle on other islands has allowed a laid back beach front scene to develop. You will not be pushed to find a place on a sun warmed bit of decking where you can order typical delicious Thai food whilst gazing out to sea with the odd long boat spluttering about. This means that you never feel rushed in the restaurants by a demand for places, thus creating the perfect opportunity to order a long drink and chat or wile away the day and late afternoon. It’s also a great location for the sea foodie, as obviously being an island this is a particular specialty here.

As the day gives way to the night scene, there’s no apparent change in set up along the beaches apart from the appearance of fire dancers and extra cushions outside the bars on the beaches. This gives a slower more relaxed feel to the night, as it isn’t overrun by crushed buckets and swathes of dancing revellers. This does not make it entirely quiet though, the fire dancers create the excitement and there are still a few larger bars along Sairee and Mai Haad beaches offering the usual dance steps, beach area and late night tunes.

Beaches
Being so small Ko Tao keeps it simple when it comes to beaches. This size makes it perfect for hiring a long boat if you’re looking to pick out the smaller and more isolated bays which are mainly along the East coast. The West Coast is dominated by Sairee beach, which runs the majority of the length of the island. It is a beautiful crescent shape, offering views at both ends of headland jutting out. It’s also where you’ll find the majority of the islands restaurants and nightlife, as well as accommodation and dive schools. You can check out this all out in the view offered by the approaching ferry and jetty you offload onto.

The island of Ko Nang Yuan is very close to the shore and creates an interesting focal point on Ko Tao. It is a snorkelling and diving hotspot, as well as a unique beach location that can only be accessed by boat taxi from Ko Tao. If you’re looking for truly impressive photos, then this is the spot to head to!

Author Bio – Matthew has been travel blogging since the end of a RTW trip in 2011. Thailand was one of his favourites, and he has now booked his Flights to Australia to continue his travelling later this year.

Are you looking to treat your loved one by taking them away on holiday this year?

Going on a romantic sojourn for Valentine’s Day can certainly be a good way to show just how much you care about that special someone in your life and with so many places making fantastic destinations for this kind of break, you and your partner will certainly be spoilt for choice.

However, if you want to spend some time soaking up the sun then you may want to consider going on Seychelles holidays.

This set of African islands, situated off the continent’s west coast, can certainly be a fantastic destination for an amorous adventure and as it experiences pleasant temperatures all year round, you are sure to find there is plenty of opportunity for you to lie back and work on your tan, even in the middle of February.

Going on holidays to the Seychelles has long been popular among honeymooners but whether you’re newlywed or not, you and your loved one may be reminded of just how deeply you care for one another as you soak up the country’s magnificent scenery.

The islands contain some fascinating flora and fauna so you many want to get up close and personal to it by visiting the nature reserve on the island of Aride or stopping by the Seychelles National Museum of History on Mahe. And as Mahe contains many of the country’s other major tourist attractions, such as the Victoria Clock tower, you are sure to find that there are plenty of things for you to see and do during the course of your holiday.

However, if you want to be a little active during a Valentine’s Day vacation, you’ll be glad to know the Seychelles offers a fantastic range of watersports virtually all year round. During your trip you may want to go snorkeling, diving or sailing.

But if you and your partner fancy going somewhere a little closer to home, you could well find that Paris is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

The French capital is widely regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, so you may want to consider taking your partner up the Eiffel Tower on February 14th to take in the city’s panoramic vistas. And to make the break extra-special why not go for a walk along the Seine before indulging in a candlelit dinner at one of the city’s world-famous restaurants?

Amsterdam can also be a great place to head to on a short city break. Taking a trip to the Dutch capital offers you and your partner the chance to see world-class museums and art galleries, while you may also want to stop by one the city’s flower markets to buy your beau a rose.

You may also want wish to consider taking your other half to Venice. The Italian destination is home to some stunning architecture, including the Piazza San Marco and St Mark’s Basilica, so you may want to spend time walking through the city’s streets before going on a gondola ride through its world-famous canals.

If you’re really looking to impress, New York can be a great place to visit for Valentine’s Day. You can take your loved one for a stroll through Central Park, before heading to a Broadway show. And for a particularly memorable break, why not take them to the top of the Empire State Building before you get down one knee and propose?

With so many romantic destinations to choose from, you will be not short of fantastic places to head to for a Valentine’s Day getaway.

Barefoot Caye offers 20% off Low Season rates for the period of the 15th of July till the 11th of September 2009 instead of the High Season rates!

Barefoot Caye is situated on the island of Roatan just 15mins from the International airport but in a tranquil and private area away from other developments or towns. The Accommodation is a small and personalized hotel with on-site owners/managers and stylish 1 and 2 bedroom villas complete with kitchens. There is a lovely pool area and small restaurant as well as a safe snorkel area and free snorkel equipment and kayaks. They also have an on-site Dive shop where you can organize diving and snorkel trips further afield.

Palmetto Bay at Roatan – 20% Off Oceanfront Villas

Palmetto Bay is located in a very secluded position only reached by a dirt road and offers guests a huge stretch of private beach. The hotel is actually made up of a number of privately owned 1 and 2 bedroom villas set in beautiful gardens full of tropical flowers which attract butterflies, parrots and humming birds. All windows are slats which can be opened for 360 degree views of these gardens. From the beach you can walk out to the reef which is ideal for snorkeling however swimming is difficult as reef is everywhere but the hotel does have a lovely pool & surrounding terrace with open air restaurant.

Mayoka Lodge at Roatan – 25% discount on regular rates

Mayoka Lodge is a luxurious 6 bedroom villa (AC) offering an all inclusive package with all details taken care of with the best in quality and style. Guests are greeted with a champagne reception upon arrival with canapés and throughout the stay meals all cooked for you by private chef and there is un-limited wine and soft drinks. The property comprises of 6 bedrooms, lounge, dining, kitchen, movie theatre, pool table and bar complete with unlimited spirits. There is also a wet room for diving equipment and just a short walk down steps to Sandy beach. There is also a small infinity pool with views out to the ocean. A chauffer driven minibus is also included in the package should guests want to venture out to West End for nightlife or to tour the island.

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Lamanai ruins, Belize

Orange Walk District and its principal town of the same name, are situated north of Belize City. Orange Walk Town is about 55 miles from Belize City. The main tourist attractions are the New River and the famous Mayan ruins of Lamanai. Mexican influence is evident and there are some Mennonite communities in the area.

Located in the Cayo District, San Ignacio features cathedral-like forests, shimmering emerald rivers, caves, mountains, cascading falls, and mighty ruins. It is here where the Mountain Pine Ridge and the Mopan and Macal rivers are located. The various lodges in the area offer diverse activities including hiking, trekking, kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and bird watching. It is also in this area where the Mayan ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich are located.

Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize’s nearly 200 offshore cayes . Commuter planes (15- minute ride) and water taxis (1-hour ride) link it to Belize City. The airstrip is in the heart of town, so most resorts are just a jump away. This is the capital of carefree and casual: there are no paved roads, traffic lights, and no high-rise buildings. Although most resorts are beach-front, Ambergris is not a beach destination in the traditional sense.

10 Nights from $1625* $1699 w/tax
Departure from Houston All Airports, TX
Itinerary Includes:

* International round-trip airfare
* All transfers between cities
* 3 nights in Orange Walk
* 3 nights in San Ignacio
* 4 nights in Ambergris Caye
* Daily breakfast (most hotels)
* Hotel Taxes

Price history for this itinerary (past 14 days):
From Chicago Ohare Intl, IL for 10 nights $1,816 $1,935 w/tax
From Dallas Ft Worth, TX for 10 nights $1,699 $1,767 w/tax
From Hartford, CT for 10 nights $1,736 $1,811 w/tax
From Houston G.Bush Intercont, TX for 10 nights $1,624 $1,697 w/tax
From Los Angeles Intl, CA for 10 nights $1,662 $1,737 w/tax
From Miami, FL for 10 nights $1,804 $1,865 w/tax

The itinerary can be customized per your preferences — Book / Inquire / Contact Us