Hidden Holiday Spots

If you want to get away from it all and avoid the crowds, or soak in the culture of your destination rather than dining on ex pat fish and chip shop fare during your exotic get-away, then it pays to avoid the mass tourism packaged holidays and do a bit of research. There are still hidden hotspots and remote locations to be enjoyed by the savvy traveller.

If total relaxation is just what the doctor has ordered then a few weeks on the beautiful and pristine Tioman Island is the solution. There are only six chalets in this beach resort in Malaysia, of which only two chalets can accommodate families. The chalets are private and offer magnificent views, through floor-to-ceiling windows, of the picturesque beach-front setting. Between the clear waters and lush jungle Tioman Island truly is an unspoiled paradise. Outdoor activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, trekking and diving are on offer, or choose to curl up with a good book on a beach front lounger. There are direct flights to Tioman from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur then grab a speed boat to transfer from the airport to the resort.

For a truly remote and unique experience, Antarctica is increasing in popularity as a cruise holiday destination. Officially, no-one lives here with the exception of penguins and the occasional transient researcher. The scenery is dramatic and the opportunity to view wildlife is fantastic. While the cruise ships are not as luxurious as those that can be found sailing around the Med due to fact that they need to be steel-hulled ice-strengthened vessels, the groups are far smaller and the experience is unparalleled. Itineraries are flexible and will vary depending on weather, wildlife positions, safety issues and seasonal changes. This holiday is far more expensive than your usual cruise around the Greek Isles - for obvious reasons; however it will provide a never to be forgotten holiday.

Although we are not all super-adventurous or especially flush with cash, it is still possible to have a holiday away from the hordes without having to step on an aeroplane. Taking a self-catering holiday cottage in a remote part of the United Kingdom is a wonderful way to escape without having to take a second mortgage on your home. There are still plenty of little-explored locations to be found and using an online holiday cottage provider, such as Sykes Cottages, it is so easy to find a cottage in a suitable destination and at an affordable price. The Scottish Highlands and Islands are a great option for remote and rural holidays, while Wales also offers some off-the-beaten-track locations. Even some of the destinations that are considered to be tourist hotspots, such as Cornwall and Devon, offer peaceful out-of-season havens for those that are willing to look.
 

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