As we continue to reel from the effects of the recession and dig deep as our travel budgets have moved from minted to skinted, we ask ourselves some difficult questions.

• Should we shorten our holiday?
• Should we become more cost savvy and consider an all inclusive option?
• Should we even consider staying in the UK with the horrific thought of cowering against the relentless rain?
• Or are there ways to cheat the bad Euro while cashing in on a totally different travel experience?

Most of us are willing to travel further to escape the eurozone, so we have compiled our Top 10 Destinations by researching destinations outside the eurozone that offer a totally different travel experience, in some of the most amazing corners of our planet.

Turkey

Similar to Egypt, Turkey has emerged in recent years as a very popular tourist destination that falls into a price category that almost anyone can afford. Istanbul is the 2010 European City of Culture, and known by many as the 'Capital of Cool' with the arrival of trendy bars, top class restaurants and beautiful boutique hotels. But Turkey offers more than a famous city; it is surrounded by seas and covered by magnificent landscapes making it a perfect holiday destination. Two recently opened hotels that are certainly worthy of consideration are The Four Seasons at the Bosphorus, which has recently opened in a stunning location overlooking the water, and the Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa, on Dalaman Peninsula with its beautiful panoramic views of the Dalaman River, the Mediterranean Sea and the breathtaking backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.

South America

South America offers it all. Mexico has brilliant diving, great beaches and amazing historic sites, and with the twin effects of recession and swine flu, you will find some discounts in an attempt to win back holidaymakers. For something different try the Yucatan Peninsula in South Eastern Mexico. It is a natural paradise, with beautiful beach resorts that boast incredible boutique hotels restored from haciendas and colonial buildings. Brazil offers partying in Rio, the stunning Iguacu Falls and gorgeous boutique beach hotels. And then there is Colombia, whose highlights include the reef and rainforest of Tayrona National Park, and the increasingly stylish UNESCO city of Cartagena and Begota, which has emerged as a role model of urban reinvention. Columbia is, without doubt, South America's fastest emerging country and the next affordable hot spot.

Morocco

Morocco is a country that offers real diversity. It stimulates the senses with the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of Marrakech, the snow capped Atlas mountains, the sandy Sahara Desert, and the gorgeous beaches found in the coastal towns like Essouira. You can understand why Morocco has been wooing travellers for years and promises to be the next Turkey! Historically Morocco has been considered more as an adult-only destination, but we think that this will change with the opening of a family-friendly five star resort, the Mazagan Beach Resort. This resort has a very wide range of activities and at present, offers excellent value for money. For a new retreat in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, the eco-friendly Kasbah Bab Ourika could be just what you are looking for. This hotel can be combined with a couple of nights in Marrakech, and offers amazing views, great trekking and fabulous food.
 
China
 
China has been hidden for so long, but it has now been fast-tracked on the world’s stage as the second largest economy, and been catapulted to fame on the world travel stage. It has much to offer, from the frozen north to the tropical south, the gorgeous terraced rice fields in the Yunnan province to the limestone formations in Guilin, as well as the manmade testaments to China's past, like the Forbidden City, The Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors. China is a country that has changed beyond compare over the past thirty years and the contrast beyond old and new makes for a fascinating trip.
 
Syria

Syria has endured a turbulent recent past, however it is now recognised as an emerging destination. Syria is a truly fascinating country, and boasts some of the world’s most precious and fascinating ancient ruins. Damascus, which lays claim to being the oldest inhabited city in the world, is an extraordinary city with its medieval souks and bathhouses and stunning landscapes. It is time to cast aside any preconceptions and pay a visit to Syria.
 
Thailand

Thailand continues to offer some amazing deals, and has to be the great value long haul holiday destination for 2010. It offers superb beaches, island hideaways, jungle treks, Buddhist retreats, amazing cuisine and the buzz and fun of Bangkok. Here is a country full of adventure, culture and exotic customs that has something for everyone.

Nepal

Nepal is a county that cowers in the shadow of India, yet boasts the highest point on earth, the summit of Mt Everest. Nepal is a land of spectacular mountain scenery, incredible flora and fauna, and exotic culture. It presents a myriad of attractions from its scenic beauty, Himalayan treks, elephant back-safaris and wild rivers running to its peaceful temples. Over the last decade, Nepal has seen its share of trouble, but 2008 was a watershed year with the fall of the monarchy, so peace has once again returned to this country.

Egypt

When you think of Egypt, you probably think of the Sphinx and the Pyramids, but Egypt is also a fabulous winter sun destination, offering warm sea, fabulous beaches and excellent diving. Egypt still represents excellent value for money, even though the prices have risen since last year. The influx of all-inclusive resorts means excellent value can be found, and it's within easy reach of Europe.

Iceland

Iceland offers boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, glaciers and waterfalls, as well as being the home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon and the largest National Park in Europe. In the evening, the blackness of the sky may be suddenly disturbed by dancing, flickering veils of light, in green, white or red, for the northern lights are often visible in cold clear weather. Iceland is a country of magic that offers sights, sounds and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And predictably, as a result of the financial crisis, Iceland will be even more reasonably priced in 2010.

Tunisia

Tunisia offers a comfortable first taste of Africa with its year round sunshine and great beaches spread along a beautiful coastline. It has a long and varied history, so is an ideal destination for sightseeing. Tunisia sits outside the eurozone, but this year, is even more attractive and affordable.
 

If you would like more information on the holidays suggested or would like further inspiration please get in touch with Bespoke Vacations. We will do our utmost to ensure that you have a great holiday experience that also offers great value for money.

TODAY

• Cake in the City
• Hi, How Are You?
• Credit Crunch Sparkle

THIS WEEK

• Summer Slacking
• Why Life in Singapore is Good
• 25% of Men Travel With...Teddy Bears?