While Queen Elizabeth II is extremely well travelled having visited everywhere from the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu to Ghana, we’ve noticed a few places that she hasn’t got to yet. So, why not take a look at our list of popular holiday destinations Her Royal Majesty has missed and plan a visit yourself? Then you can claim you’re better travelled than The Queen… well, almost.

Egypt

Despite having been to the surrounding countries of Libya (1954), Jordan (1984) and Sudan (1965), The Queen has never paid an official visit to the holiday hotspot of Egypt.

A favourite destination among many Brits, Egypt holidays offer superb diving and snorkelling spots, white-sand beaches, world-famous sights and year-round sun.

Cape Verde

Her Royal Majesty visited the West African countries of The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Liberia in 1961 but didn’t make it to the beautiful Cape Verde archipelago.

Why not plan a trip there yourself? It offers an average 350 days of sunshine a year to laze on the stunning white-sand beaches, to windsurf and to soak up the islands’ unique atmosphere and culture – the islands bring together Caribbean, African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences.

Greece

Prince Philip was born in Greece, but Elizabeth II has never been to the country on an official visit (although she did actually go there in 1950 before she became Queen).

Greece may be hitting the headlines at the moment for all of the wrong reasons, but travel to the country is still safe – read more in our article ‘Should I go to Greece this year?’ – and Greek holidays are still extremely popular with British tourists.  In fact, searches for holidays to the country have actually gone up by 17.5% on TravelSupermarket so far in May, compared to April.

This is not surprising as Greece has so much to offer holidaymakers – more than 6,000 islands to hop between, mouth-wateringly fresh food, history and culture galore, and beautiful beaches to flop on in the sparkling sunshine.

Cuba

The Queen has visited much of the Caribbean – including Jamaica (in 1953, 1975, 1983, 1994 and 2002), the Bahamas (1966, 1977, 1985 and 1994) and the Cayman Islands (in 1983 and 1994) – but she has never been to Cuba.

However, Her Royal Majesty has lost out here. Holidaymakers in Cuba can enjoy stepping back in time and salsa dancing in the island’s capital Havana, soaking up the sun in the island’s beach resorts and sipping on mojitos as the sun goes down over the sea.

The Dominican Republic

Heading to the east of Cuba, Queen Elizabeth II hasn’t been to The Dominican Republic either – a popular destination in the Spanish Caribbean.

Dominican Republic holidays are ideal for those who want a long-haul break without blowing their budget and all-inclusive packages are popular here. The weather is hot year-round making the island a favourite winter sun retreat too.

Sardinia 

While Her Majesty has been a regular visitor to Italy having been to seven cities on the Italian mainland and Palermo in Sicily, she hasn’t ventured to the Italian island of Sardinia.

But The Queen has really missed a trick as stylish Sardinia knows how to pack a holiday punch. Visitors to the glitzy resorts on this island can relax on the beautiful white-sand beaches, admire the yachts in the island’s pristine harbours and sip good wine while tucking in to tasty fresh food in the evenings.

Bulgaria

The closest our Monarch has made it to the eastern European country of Bulgaria is Istanbul – she visited the city in 1971 and 2008. But Bulgaria really tempts British holidaymakers who want to keep costs down and the country recently came top of the Post Office’s Holiday Costs Barometer as the best option for a bargain mid-haul break.

As well as offering good value for money, holidaymakers can laze on the beach in sunny resorts along the Black Sea, take day trips to traditional villages in the mountains and learn all about the country’s rich history while looking around Roman and Byzantine ruins.

The Canary Islands

Our Queen ticked Madrid, Barcelona and Seville off her visited list in 1988 and took a trip to Majorca in the same year, but she’s never experienced the Canary Islands.

This cluster of islands off the West Coast of Africa keep Brits coming back year after year for a blast of much-needed sun, watersports in the Atlantic and to explore the wild volcanic landscapes. And, just because you’ve been to one of the islands, don’t assume you’ve ‘been there and done that’ as each one is unique – from fun-filled Tenerife and Fuerteventura with miles of unspoilt rolling sands and dunes, to  El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands which was once considered to be the end of the world.

So, why not count your countries on the BBC’s map to compare your globetrotting with The Queen’s – and if you don’t get close to the 116 countries Her Royal Majesty has visited, why not use our list of unvisited destinations as inspiration instead?

As millions of us head off on holiday, many going on city breaks, it’s a good time to consider how to keep our valuables safe from the pickpockets who target holidaymakers in busy destinations.

Our mobile phones are such an essential part of our travelling kit now, but these clever little techy friends are sadly easy to pinch, along with other easily grabbable items – digital cameras, wallets etc.  Extra care needs to be taken with all our valuables, especially as insurance claims can be disputed if you are judged not to have taken reasonable care.

The Good Samaritan Scam

This successful strategy used by pickpockets preys on the goodwill of strangers.  Working in teams of two or three, pickpockets will stage a diversion, such as a crying child, or someone who appears to be injured, or even a fake robbery.  While passers-by are distracted, they will quickly pick up bags, cameras, phones and wallets, from behind people’s backs, or from restaurant tables.

Without being too paranoid, do be on alert for this type of behaviour, which has been reported happening in large cities across Europe, apparently carried out by organised gangs.

If you think someone is in genuine distress, do try and contact the emergency services, or alert a local to help you, rather than being led into a potentially vulnerable situation.  Don’t lend anyone your mobile phone to make a call, or follow them anywhere to try and help them out.

Working the tables

One of the best things about summer, especially when you’re abroad where the weather is so much better than it is back home, is eating out at an open air restaurant or street café. And most of us will use the time waiting for our meals to be served to browse through recent holiday pictures taken with our digital cameras or mobiles.

At this point you are vulnerable to pickpockets. Don’t leave any valuables on the edges of tables (where someone walking past can quickly grab them) and be on alert for fake waiting staff, who sometimes pretend to be clearing dirty tables to grab what they can.

If possible, pay with cash rather than a card, unless the waiter brings the payment machine to your table without taking the card off somewhere you can’t see.

Don’t leave your bag on the back of your chair, keep it safe and sound next to your feet under the table.

And when you’re not using your camera or phone, it’s best to put it away straight away, at the very least then you can then avoid the “oh no, where’s my phone?” panics.

Safe sight-seeing

Trying not to look so obviously like a tourist isn’t that easy, after all most of us are clutching maps and cameras, as well as looking a little lost as we try to read street signs and directions in foreign languages.  Nevertheless, it’s worth trying to blend into the background as much as possible.  So don’t talk at the top of your voice! Also you could try using mobile maps, which are less obvious than bulky guide books.

Also, do try not to be too “bling”! We all want to look good on our holiday snaps, but obvious displays of wealth on show (jewellery, designer watches & handbags etc.) are adverts to thieves that you are someone it will be profitable to rob.

As crowds are good hiding places for pickpockets (and who wants to be peering over other people’s shoulders to catch a glimpse of a famous view anyway?) do try to arrange your itinerary to avoid visiting popular locations at the busiest times of day.  This mostly means being out and about in the early morning, as you can guarantee that most tourists are still strolling around at siesta time, even if the locals are more sensible about staying out of the afternoon sun.

Travelling around

Keep travel documents in a default folder so you can easily find them and not have to up-end your bags searching for the items you need.  Where possible, purchase tickets online through your mobile, so that you can simply scan your phone to use them (these schemes are growing in popularity since being introduced in Japan several years ago – train tickets are routinely purchased by mobile in Japan).

Keep valuables in a money belt, or bag that is worn with the handle across the chest at the front, so you can always see it or grab onto it in crowded areas.

If you’re backpacking, you simply can’t avoid having your luggage in the most vulnerable place (where you can’t see it), so do keep phones, money and so forth separate.

Never keep cards, cash or phones in your back pocket!

Insurance and dealing with pickpockets

Even if you’ve taken sensible precautions you could be unlucky enough to fall victim to a scam or thief.  Keep a record of useful numbers, such as your bank, Credit Card Company and mobile phone provider in a safe place, to use in the light of any losses.

Even if you are travelling in the European Union, which offers some basic protection against illness and crime, don’t take your level of insurance for granted.  You should always take out some holiday insurance before travelling.  You can get some good deals, covering you for a full 12 months of travel, from many of the high street banks; often for a minimal charge, or no charge at all as long as you open a specific type of account.

If you do have any valuables stolen, you must report the matter to the local police as soon as possible, otherwise your insurance provider may decide your claim is invalid.

Well, I hope this wasn’t too alarming; happily the vast majority of us never encounter a pickpocket, whether at home or abroad, but it is best to be cautious.

Bon voyage!

This guest post was written by Jenny Simpson of Envirofone.co.uk.

Image Credit

Don’t forget to tune in to BBC2 at 8pm this Sunday and, to get you in the mood, read our five reasons to visit Sri Lanka below.

For the wildlife

Whether you want to watch the baby elephants being bottle fed or taking a dip in the river at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, or go on a safari in Yala National Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice by wildlife-watching opportunities in Sri Lanka.

For the history and culture

From the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy where a tooth of the Buddha is housed, to the fortified city of Galle where you can find out about the island’s colonial history, you’ll be fascinated by the historic sights on this tear-drop shaped island.

For the beaches

If exploring temples and spotting wildlife becomes too tiring, Sri Lanka’s white-sand palm tree lined beaches are the perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach resorts along the south-west coast are particularly popular with holidaymakers.

For the food and drink

From sampling fiery plates of curry in Sri Lanka’s restaurants and trying the island’s colourful exotic fruit, to learning about the tea trade in the hilltop tea plantations, the food and drink on this island is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

For the weather

Sri Lanka’s driest season for the beaches on the south west coast is between December and March making the island the perfect location for a blast of winter sun.

However, there are currently no restrictions in place from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on travel to Greece, and the vast majority of holidaymakers who have already visited the country in 2012 have experienced no disruption to their trip.

In fact, with the pound currently at a three-and-a-half year high against the euro and with the price of many Greek holidays being slashed, British holidaymakers could actually benefit from the eurozone turmoil and get more for their holiday money in summer 2012.

To help you decide whether Greece should be on your travel radar, and to explain the situation if you’ve already booked a trip, we’ve answered some common Greece holiday questions below.

Is it still safe to book a holiday to Greece this year?

Yes, and searches for Greece holidays have actually increased by 17.5% on TravelSupermarket so far in May compared to April.

However, as with any holiday you book to any destination, ensure you are covered should something go wrong while you are away.

If you can, book a package holiday protected by the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) ATOL scheme. If you do this and any part of your break were to collapse, you would be covered by the scheme and wouldn’t lose any money. If you were away at the time of a collapse, the CAA would arrange for you to be brought home at the end of your arranged holiday period.

If you aren’t buying a package holiday, but are booking a flight plus car hire or accommodation through the same travel provider, you could still be protected by ATOL through the CAA’s new Flight-Plus scheme. To be covered you have to book the two elements of your trip within 24 hours of each other. Read more about the Flight-Plus scheme and whether your holiday will be covered by it here.

All holidaymakers should also ensure that they have adequate travel insurance before they go away, but if you are going to Greece, you should check your policy carefully to make sure you would be covered if your travel plans were affected by a strike.

For even more protection – and especially if your holiday is not covered by ATOL – look for an insurance policy that covers ‘end supplier failure’. This will protect you should any part of your holiday collapse and will allow you to rebook the failed element without incurring an extra charge. 

Finally, for a belt and braces approach, pay for your holiday using any credit card or a Mastercard or Visa debit card. You will then be protected under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act or the Chargeback scheme respectively.

I’ve already booked a holiday to Greece – what should I do?

As mentioned above, you should make sure that any holidays to Greece are fully protected by either the ATOL scheme or travel insurance. If you have these measures in place, all you need to do is look forward to your break.

Our travel expert, Bob Atkinson, recently returned from a trip to the country and has not been put off from travelling to Greece at all.

Bob said: “Not having been to the country for a number of years, I found my recent trip really inspirational. I am now planning more Greek breaks to make the most of the good food, the walking opportunities and the glorious weather which will allow me to laze about on the beach and cool off in the clear waters.”

I want to cancel my holiday to Greece – can I do this?

As there are currently no restrictions in place from the FCO for travel to Greece, if you were to cancel, you would be charged a cancellation fee from the company you booked with. For example, if you were to cancel a package holiday booked through Thomson 15-21 days before your departure date, you would have to pay a cancellation charge of 90% of the value of your holiday.

Will I be affected by strikes or political unrest?

The vast majority of holidaymakers have not been affected by any political unrest while on holiday in the country – especially those travelling to the Greek islands.

The Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE) is also keen to stress that, despite all the press coverage, the number of strikes and demonstrations in the country in April-May 2012 actually reduced compared to the same period last year, and the association said that the chance of strikes in the country this summer is “lower than in most other European countries”.

However, as mentioned above, for peace of mind check that your travel insurance would cover you should any strikes take place and affect your plans. And, if you are aware that any strikes are planned during your trip, it is worth calling your insurance provider to check that the cover still stands.

What about my travel money?

While now is a good time to buy euros generally due to the favourable exchange rate (read more in Clare Walsh’s article ‘Should I buy my euros now?’), if you are heading to Greece, you may be a little less sure about buying your currency in advance.

While we would normally advise shopping around online in advance for your travel money and opting for a pre-paid card for the bulk of your currency, this method may not be suitable for Greece.

Instead, keep an eye on the situation in the country in the run up to your break and buy your currency the week before you travel. If there is no talk of an imminent exit from the euro, we would advise taking your currency in a mixture of euros and sterling in low denominations, as well as a credit card which is suitable for overseas use. This way, if anything did change, you would have access to cash should ATMs be out of action.

However, taking more currency away than normal with you has its risks too, so check the limit on your travel insurance policy for lost or stolen cash. Think carefully about where you will store your cash when it isn’t on you, as many policies won’t cover lost unattended cash unless it is kept in a secure place such as a safe.

What happens if Greece stops using the euro while I am in the country? 

It is important to remember that, even if Greece exits the euro while you are on holiday, the change to another currency such as the drachma is unlikely to be immediate, and there will probably be a transition period to bed the new currency in.

While you may suffer some disruption – for example, cash machines and electronic banking might be frozen while the country processes the change – if you are prepared with notes in a low denomination and a credit card suitable for overseas use, you should be able to carry on with your holiday as normal.

And, in the long run, a return to the drachma could actually benefit holidaymakers as trips to Greece are likely to become even better value.

These extra days out of the office offer the perfect opportunity to plan a short break, and if you want to get away but are stuck for inspiration, read on to find out what the TravelSupermarket team are up to.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert

I am going all ABBA on a return visit to Sweden, one of my favourite European destinations. I am sure the Queen won’t notice my absence over the Jubilee weekend as I head off on my five-night break to Stockholm and the many islands of the archipelago in which the city is situated.

There will be a spot of high-end shopping and eating in Södermalm, a walk around Gamla Stan and some fabulous history at the VASA Museum – all to the soundtrack of Benny and Bjorn. I am also spending some time out on the islands enjoying the walking trails and boating opportunities. I’m really looking forward to it.  

Graeme Delap, community manager

We often look abroad for our getaways but in these austere times, I’ll be soaking in vistas of hills, mountains and lakes with my wife and son in the UK’s very own Lake District and Pennines. Relaxing in a cottage on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, a short drive away from Keswick, Ullswater, Penrith and Carlisle, I’ll also be within touching distance of Hadrian’s Wall Country and a landscape largely untouched since the Roman Empire patrolled and defended its borders.

I’ve always thought Northumberland is the UK’s best kept secret – and although it may bring to mind Lindisfarne, castles, stately homes and a simply stunning coastline, there’s plenty to discover inland too including Hexham, Corbridge and the hidden gems of Alston, Allendale and High Force in Teesdale. So, there will be plenty of walking, scenery, relaxation and history for the family this week.

Even if the weather doesn’t hold, there’s shopping, retail therapy and the warmth of a Tyneside welcome to look forward to in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Anthony Haslam, search executive

I’m going to the races at Haydock over the Jubilee weekend and then out for a meal afterwards – although I’m not sure where yet as that depends on if I win or lose on the horses! Other than that I’ve got nothing planned for the rest of the time off as I’m saving up for the summer holidays. I’m going to Barbados in less than three months, so I am saving money to go on a few trips while I’m there.

 David Holcroft, SEO manager

I’ll be taking a cheap break to Seville with my wife and another couple (we’ve managed to find a babysitter for three days). We’ve booked pretty central accommodation, which means everything is well within walking distance. It’s also ideal for partaking in the drinking of Agua de Sevilla on a night out – a potent concoction of alcohol and pineapple juice topped with cream. Apparently, it’s very popular!

I’ve always wanted to visit Seville because of the city’s cultural mix – there is so much history fusing Spanish Christian, Catholic and Islamic Moorish influences that the ‘streetscape’ is very unique indeed. I think I’ll also earn some brownie points with my wife and take her to the Alcazar; a spectacular palace with ornate gardens, lanterns, fountains and famed for being a romantic hang-out.

Charlotte McCulloch, search executive

I will be heading to Blackpool over the Jubilee weekend to visit my boyfriend’s family. Weather permitting we hope to take in some of the sights including the Blackpool Tower and the Pleasure Beach and no traditional British seaside holiday would be complete without an ice cream on the pier! We will also be attending a street party which will no doubt involve all things quintessentially British and more than a couple of glasses of bubbly to toast the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee!

Emma Morris, PR manager

I don’t have any travel plan for the Jubilee weekend as I have recently returned from a four-day trip to Barcelona. As well as enjoying some warmer weather I particularly enjoyed seeing the Sagrada Familia, the city’s cathedral. We spent a good half day exploring the incomplete, iconic building learning about Gaudi’s vision of the masterpiece.

 An unexpected highlight of the trip was hearing Bruce Springsteen doing a sound check at the Olympic stadium ahead of a gig the same night! Quite a surprise as we wandered around a nearby park.

Overall we had a great time and I would definitely recommend Barcelona as a great spring city break destination.

Gareth Morris, search associate

The weekend of the Jubilee also happens to be my birthday weekend. The same thing happened ten years ago on my 19^th birthday and I spent the weekend in a Sex Pistols T-Shirt mumbling about how my birthday had been hijacked.

This time around I thank our glorious Queen for the long weekend and I shall be using it to visit Amsterdam for the first time. Yep, that’s right, I’ve never travelled to one of the most popular and easily visited areas of Europe. I’ll be taking plenty of photos, enjoying the sights, dodging cyclists and indulging in all the art, history and good times the city is known for.

Cathy Toogood, content editor

I’m taking advantage of the long Jubilee weekend and am going to Paris with my husband. He has never been to the city before so we will be taking in all of the tourist favourites – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Sacré Coeur Basilica – as well as saving some time to stroll down the River Seine and to sample some French pastries from a shop such as Fauchon.

I’ve been looking forward to the trip since we booked our flights last year and hope that I can covert my countryside-loving husband into a fan of one of my favourite cities.

David Wilcox, senior search executive

I will be spending the long weekend in Newcastle on a stag do – there are about 30 of us heading up on the Friday morning for two nights, so it should be a pretty non-stop couple of days. We’re travelling back on Sunday afternoon and I imagine I’ll be in bed early on Sunday night!

I’m going to a housewarming party on Monday, which should be good fun. We’re hoping the weather will be nice so we can have a barbeque and a few drinks in the sun.

I’m also planning on getting a round of golf in with a few friends, but that will again depend on the weather.

Not a million miles away lies the scenic coastline of North Devon. Here you will find an alternative, less obtrusive and certainly more unique version of the surf capital. Centred around a small village called Braunton, the area has become the place which I now call ‘home’. I decided to relocate here after years exploring the British Isles on the quest for waves. Why, you may ask? Because, for the eager surfer, it has it all; low-tide barrels at Croyde, mellow rights at Saunton, shelter from the winter storms at Putsborough, and even world-class point breaks, if you know where to look! Here, I am going to outline for you a few of the local, great spots, which you can then check-out for yourself. Depending on your ability and the experience you are looking for, you will be sure to find a wave that is just right for you.

1. Saunton (The Cave)

If you want to learn to surf, this is where you go. If you want a mellow wave to perfect your manoeuvres, this is where you go. If you are a world-tour longboarder, this is, again, where you go. Saunton is a vast expanse of sand that absorbs the crowds, offering a peak for everyone. Endless corduroy lines pour into this beach, making the most of any swell.

On the right(Northern End) waves wedge up off the rocks and can produce excellent rights. This area has been dubbed ‘The Cave’ by the talented group of locals, as it sits adjacent to a hollowed cave, which also indicates the preferred stage of tide. Here you will find many world class longboarders, hustling for waves, so please give respect and wait your turn.

Local Knowledge

Saunton can be found on the road between Braunton and Croyde. Arrive before 8:30am or after 5:30pm to avoid the expensive car parking charges. Around 9am during the week and term time, the ‘Work Crew’ will vacate the spot, allowing you and your friends to snag a few waves for yourselves. Great on a pushing tide and it can also offer shelter from biting, Northerly winds.

2. Croyde

Croyde is a ‘surfing mecca’. Renowned as one of the UK’s best beach breaks, it has become a summer retreat for beach-goers and surf hunters alike. Therefore, during the school holidays it can become frustrating due to the sheer number of people in the water. If you can sneak off work and get down here during the week, or the winter months, you can be rewarded with the surf session of your life!

As the tide drains out, thumping, low-tide barrels present themselves on the right peak. However, one must approach these with care due to the shallowness of the water and the ferocity of the breaking wave.

Croyde becomes more beginner-friendly as the tide fills in, however, this also has the effect of condensing the crowds into a ‘bottleneck’ of surfboards and bodies so make sure that you are aware of those around you at all times.

Local Knowledge

An hour or so after low-tide is your best bet at snagging a shady tube. Park in the National Trust car park at the northern end of Croyde and help support an organisation taking care of our beautiful countryside. Head to ‘The Thatch’ when the surfs flat and enjoy a pint of ‘Thatchers’ and a legendary plate of Nachos!

3. Putsborough

Putsborough is a godsend. Due to its North Westerly facing direction, it can allow you a ’clean’ surf when everywhere else is blown out. When the South Westerly storms batter our coastline, the locals know it’s time to head around to Puts. Due to our swell window being predominantly from the West/South-West, the swell must be of a certain size to wrap around into the bay where Putsborough is nestled.

Often overlooked by its neighbouring breaks Croyde and Woolacombe, Puts can allow you a more intimate surf amongst a stunning backdrop. Waves tend to peak in size the further north you go, with the Southern corner near the cliff, offering an aided paddle out, thanks to the rip-current (be careful).

Local Knowledge

In huge swells, or Southerly wind, check Puts for shelter. Head for Croyde, exiting the village via the Northern end, drive for two miles on winding, narrow, dangerous country roads and you will find this stunning beach scheduled amongst the cliffs.

When Dale isn’t tearing up the North Devon coast, you’ll find him working at Nucleus Surf, Ski & Skate Clothing Store.

Just as it happens when you are visiting new country, it can be hard to decide which areas are the best.

After traveling to Belize a couple of times I came up with a great list of suggestions on the areas you can visit and where you can stay in each area.

1. Ambergris Caye

One of Belize’s most noticeable beauties is its beaches and islands on the Caribbean Sea. Ambergris Caye is the largest of the Belizean islands. The place is filled with hotels, rentals, family friendly resorts and restaurants.

Here are some great lodging suggestions for Ambergris Caye:

A. Belizean Cove States – This is a great choice for those looking for a luxury, private beach condo.

B. Blue Tang Hotel – this is a small hotel located on the beach and away from all the noise of the San Pedro town.

2. Caye Caulker

This is another island, but this time it is smaller and much less busy. It is perfect for those travelers looking for a more private and relaxed experience with all the amenities and beauties of the Caribbean.

If you decide to visit this island I know of a hotel you might like:

Caye Reef – this is a gorgeous hotel where you can choose between rooms and apartments. You also get some options for water sports and the most amazing views.

3. Hopkins Village

This is a small garifuna, beach town on the mainland. It is known among travelers as “The Friendliest Village in Belize”.

I know of a couple of hotels you might want to check out if you visit this village:

A. All Season’s Guest House – this is a beach front building that offers 3 fully furnished apartments for the whole family.

B. Beaches and Dreams – this is a cute, tiny, beachfront hotel with wooden cabins where you can do some sea kayaking for free.

4. Placencia

If you want to see some animals in the nearby mangroves, do water sports, visit art galleries and try the local cuisine, the beach town of Belize is your best option. This is also the place with the narrowest main street in the world.

My family’s favorite hotel in Placencia was:

Laru Beya Resort - This is a beachfront hotel with a kid friendly swimming pool. They have a great two bedroom fully furnished condo with amazing ocean views.

5. San Ignacio

Now for a change, let’s move to a town in the middle of the tropical forest. San Ignacio is located next to a river, so it attracts all sorts of animals. It is also close to a couple of Mayan archaeological sites.

For this area I found a great hotel that offers two options:

Chaa Creek – this is a beautiful, luxurious eco jungle lodge that offers private cabins and a great restaurant.

For those adventurous souls it also offers rustic cabins in the middle of the forest where you can enjoy some camping. I recommend spending a night in each of these sites, you get completely different experiences.

I hope this was helpfull for all of those travelers considering Belize for their next trip.

Marina K. Villatoro is an expat living and traveling in Central America with her family for over 10 years. She blogs all about her family’s adventures and life at TravelExperta.com. With all the miles under their belts, she’s written useful Family Travel Guides for these parts all tested and approved by her family!

Join Marina on Facebook and Twitter for more fun Central and Latin American fun!

And there’s some good news if you are looking for a sunny break in the run up to summer even if your budget is tight, as we’ve seen some great last-minute deals on TravelSupermarket to destinations from Spain to Bulgaria.

Here we detail five destinations offering great value for money at the moment and explain why they should be on your must-visit list…

Bulgaria

This month, Bulgaria came top of the Post Office’s Holiday Costs Barometer as the best option for a bargain mid-haul break as it was the cheapest destination for 10 tourist essentials including a three-course meal with wine, a cup of coffee – and even a postcard complete with stamp.

And the country has a lot to offer holidaymakers. Bulgaria’s popular Black Sea resorts such as Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are starting to hot up at the moment with temperatures into the early 20s, while holidaymakers can learn all about the destination’s fascinating history at sights such as the Aladzha rock monastery or amble among Roman and Byzantine ruins.

If you are tempted to try Bulgaria, there are some great deals up for grabs with up to 30% off package holidays at the moment and trips on offer for as little as £150 per person.

For example, we found a seven-night holiday in Sunny Beach including a stay at a four-star hotel and flights from London Gatwick for just £214 per person. Take a look at our Bulgaria holidays page for more deals like this one.

Turkey

Turkey came in at number two in the Post Office’s holiday costs chart and, like Bulgaria, it offers great value for money to holidaymakers.

And as well as the stunning beaches in resorts such as Antayla and Olu Deniz where you can lounge in temperatures in the mid to late 20s, there’s a huge range of accommodation to suit every taste and budget including five-star spas , family-friendly hotels and self-catering apartments.

If you can peel yourself off your sun lounger to look around the country’s sights, you will be rewarded by impressive mosques, world heritage sites and can even take some time out in traditional Turkish baths.

We’ve seen some great deals on TravelSupermarket with many holiday prices in the next few weeks being slashed by as much as 50%. For example, if you could have your suitcases packed to leave on May 24, we found a tempting Turkey bed and breakfast deal in a three-star hotel with flights from Gatwick for £173 per person.

Spain

According to TravelSupermarket research, Spain is the most popular overseas destination among Brits planning a holiday abroad in 2012. And with short flight times of two to three hours to mainland destinations and some of the best weather in the Mediterranean in the Balearics, it’s no surprise that the country has holidaymakers coming back for more every year.

Whether your idea of holiday heaven is seeking out hidden coves in Menorca or posing in Marbella; splashing in Benidorm’s waterparks or taking in culture in Barcelona, Spain will have something up its sleeve for you.

So why not take a look for a Spanish bargain today? We’ve seen offers including 50% off breaks in Majorca and a third off holidays to the Canary Islands. Take a look at our Spain holidays page to find packages to Majorca for as little as £131 per person in May and Costa Blanca holidays for a tempting £151 in June.

The Algarve

It is currently 25C in the Algarve and Portugal claimed the third spot for low holiday costs in the Post Office’s Barometer this month, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of low prices and high temperatures.

Look into Algarve holidays and you’ll find a range of resorts offering everything from fun in the sun to a peaceful retreat, and activities from swinging your clubs on a sun-dappled golf course to being pampered in a spa.

There are some last-minute package holidays with reductions of 50% on TravelSupermarket at the moment and offers from as little as £130 for seven days in the sun. We found a package including return flights from Manchester and a seven-night stay in a four-star hotel in Albufeira for £179 per person departing on May 27.

Greek islands

Greece has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks due to the Eurozone crisis, but don’t let that put you off as those travelling to the Greek islands have experienced little, if any, trouble and there are currently no restrictions in place from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). There are also a huge number of bargains springing up at the moment to tempt holidaymakers to visit the country.

If you love the beach and a quieter break, you’ll be in heaven on islands such as Kefalonia, Skiathos or Santorini while if you want historical sites and culture galore, Crete might be more up your street. And you can keep it simple by staying in a self-catering apartment or sleep in style in a boutique hotel.

We’ve seen some package holidays being slashed to a third of the original price over the next month and breaks from as little as £150 per person. If you can’t get away until June, we found a holiday departing on June 4 in a four-star hotel with flights from Luton for just £199 per person.

Top tips for finding a last-minute break for less

• Travel off-peak – on weekdays, at anti-social times and outside of the school holidays.
• Shop around using a price-comparison site to make sure you have found the lowest possible price.
• Compare the price of package holidays with buying a flight and hotel separately.
• Consider all-inclusive holidays to really help you to budget.
• Or, consider self-catering breaks so you can control what you spend on food and drink.
• Pre-book your travel extras such as travel insurance, car hire and travel money to prevent paying over the odds. Find out why being organised can save you more than £500 here.

* Please note: All rates and deals were correct as of May 16, 2012.

Ahead of Sunday’s episode, we’ve come up with five reasons to visit the Maldives to whet your appetite.

For the luxury

From top-class accommodation such as stilted water villas and suites on the beach to fine dining and top-notch spas; if you want luxury, you’ll certainly find it in this group of islands in the Indian Ocean.

For the beaches

It’s possible to completely relax on the Maldives’ beautiful white-sand beaches. There’s no fighting for a spot of sand on these secluded islands and the picture-perfect clear seas and palm-fringed sands really have to be seen to be believed.

For the romance

These tropical coral islands tick all of the boxes for a romantic break – seclusion, luxury, beautiful scenery, the wow factor and spas – and are a popular choice for honeymoons and weddings. So, if you are looking for a destination to impress that someone special, look no further.

For the brightly-coloured underwater life

Whether you are a seasoned diver or want to learn, or if you love to snorkel, the varied and colourful underwater world in the Maldives is breath-taking. Look for manta rays, barracuda, turtles and sharks – and thousands of other brightly-coloured fish.

For the weather

Temperatures remain between 25 and 30C throughout the year in the Maldives so the islands are a great destination for some much-needed sun. April tends to be the hottest month and, if you want to avoid the chance of rain, visit between December and April.

As with any city of such scale, the tourists are easily spotted as the ones with their necks arched skywards. Upon entering the hotel where I would be staying, my manners escaped me. I found myself distracted by the unfamiliar surroundings and completely unprepared for the hand pumping displays of hospitality and welcome I was greeted with.

This was not to be the last time I would be humbled by the manners of Chicago’s residents. Sure I had read that the people of Chicago more than any other US city are renowned for their high service, but isn’t “friendly locals” just a mandatory phrase of any tourist brochure? Apparently in Chicago, manners really do count.

On my first night in the city I was keen to sample the increased measures of an American style cocktail. I betrayed my location and opted for a Manhattan, an uncomplicated whiskey based welcome. The Signature Rooms’ cocktail bar on the 9th floor of the John Hancock Tower showed the city at midnight in all its glory. In contrast to the ancient, disorganised, organically formed street plans of UK cities, the US style block system spans out in neat, ordered bolts of straight golden light in every direction like a circuit board across the flat planes of the mid-west landscape.

Surrounded by many examples of Chicago’s gift to the wider world (the mighty skyscraper) there is only one tower that really threatens our vantage point’s dominance, America’s tallest building, the Willis Tower (formally The Sears Tower).

We moved on, through Buddy Guy’s and then to Kingston Mines to get our fix of real Chicago blues. Featuring a stream of acts rotating across two stages I got a brief feel for how commonplace genuinely tight, fluent and tasteful blues playing must be in Chicago, I was floored by some of the musicianship on display in this city.

Where to stay?

Situated in the recently erected Aqua Tower on North Columbus Drive, I made my base in the newly opened Radisson Blu. Its exterior has attracted awards and plaudits for its distinctive scaly casing while the inside theme of the hotel combines elegant and uncomplicated style with the striking steel and exposed brick décor of the lobby, reflecting the ‘city that works’ industrial heritage.

My room had a stylish and classic feel with great views over Lake Michigan. From my window I could see the garden area built into the skyscraper, with its running track for those who don’t want to jog through unfamiliar streets. I mostly ate in the hotel’s excellent restaurant and noted how it manages to attract outside custom from locals, as well as guests of the hotel.

What to see?

As with many galleries of such scope and quality, you will never have enough time to do the Art Institute of Chicago justice in one visit, such is the array of work on display. Even harder to believe is that what you see is only a small percentage of the total collection owned and continually rotated by the institute.

Iconic pieces by Van Gogh sit alongside Monet and Picasso, only slightly diminished by the sight of those attempting to capture the moment with flash photography. Despite the big names on display, the gallery throws up surprises at every turn, an unexpected highlight for me being a suitably grotesque painting of Dorian Gray from the 1945 movie.

However, I would advise planning your route a little, to make sure you leave time for everything you really want to see.

The Shedd Aquarium on Chicago’s Museum Campus will melt the heart of even the most hardened sceptic. Wetsuit up and step alongside the magnificent Beluga whales, feed them fresh fish, stroke their soft, bulbous foreheads and play well practised games with these gentle giants. Quite how a 2,000 pound chunk of grinning whale can be so adorable may become clear.

If like me you’re short of time, one of the best ways I found to see a great amount of the city is by riding on the back of a two-wheeled improbably balanced Segway. We spent the morning with the Absolutely Chicago Segway Tour, racing along the wide sidewalks, passing the ice skaters in Millennium Park, past the football grounds of Solider Field, learning the names of the city’s most prominent skyscrapers and listening to tales of Chicago gangsters of the 1920s as we looped endlessly around Buckingham Fountain.

My favourite part

This won’t be for everyone, but just 15 minutes northwest off the central “L” loop of the city, the bohemian district of Bucktown offers a side to this great city that may be welcome to those not attracted to the spectacle and scale of Bloomingdales or Macys on State Street.

Running alongside Milwaukee Street I found a close community of small galleries, independent bars and vintage shops with scruffy names like Buffalo and Recycle. Shopping in the area was easy and relaxed, with every shop owner open to haggling and reaching a selling price that left both of us feeling satisfied. I stopped for a coffee and relived my childhood in the 80s themed Wormhole Café, unashamedly marvelling at the replica Delorean parked in the front window.

I found great conversation and even better tacos in the aptly named Big Star Mexican restaurant on North Damen Street before a whistle-stop tour of some of the area’s bars as I struggled to follow the Chicago Bears NFL game. Chicago may already be singled out for its manners, but this area in particular had a comfortable, approachable community, the feel of a town within a city.

As I headed to the airport with the skyline behind me growing smaller in the distance, I bemoaned the short length of my stay. But three nights was more than enough to whet my appetite, I lapped up the last remaining touches of American hospitality in the departure lounge and vowed to return as soon as is realistically possible. How could I not? As one local described the city one morning “New York with a smile”.

Gaz was a guest of the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel (0800 374 411/www.radissonblu.com) offers doubles from £128 per night (two sharing), room only, or £151 per night (two sharing), B&B.  http://www.radissonblu.com/aquahotel-chicago

Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau: 0207 367 0944/ www.choosechicago.com