For those of you planning a holiday this year it’s not all doom and gloom, the places are still very much alive and kicking with many tour operators getting into price wars, there are still great holiday deals to be found this year. Below are some of our top picks for 2009.

northern thailand. One could spend a lifetime in Thailand and still find more things to do. The northern provinces, particularly remote Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, here you can ride an elephant or raft through spectacular scenery. Get involved in one of the oldest civilizations and travel through 3,000 years of history.

Greek islands. The island waiting through the Greek islands is a unique experience that everyone should experience at some point in their lives. Cycle around the amazing island of Santorini, eat a Gyros in Paros, laze in the Ios sun, what better way to spend the summer in Europe.

Cape Town. For those looking for a little bit of everything, South Africa has something for everyone: wildlife, history, culture and active sports. The city of Cape Town is the perfect place to start. Not many cities can boast a 1 km high mountain overlooking the city, but Table Mountain with some of the most impressive views on the planet. Cape Point or Cape of Good Hope, located at the southwestern tip of Africa, is a place well known for the treacherous seas where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meet. Take a ferry to Robben Island and walk through nearly 400 years of banishment, exile, isolation, and imprisonment. For those seeking excitement, go skydiving or shark diving. Be sure to enjoy a drink on one of Cape Town’s many white sandy beaches.

Barcelona. Undoubtedly one of the most glorious and unique cities on the planet. A bustling cosmopolitan city, there is much to see and do. From the infamous Sagrada, this is a giant building designed by the architect Antonio Gaudí, along with many other treasures such as the incredible Park Güell. Be sure to take a stroll down La Rambus and drink sangria on the beachfront.

NY. Everything from shopping, museums, theaters, restaurants, skyscrapers, parks and did we mention more shopping? Be sure to see Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center, and the list goes on!

Turkey. Nestled between Asia and Europe, Turkey offers a cultural mix to satisfy even the most inveterate traveler. Walk on a magic carpet, relax in a Turkish bath, barter for almost anything in the Grand Bazaar, watch a traditional Turkish dance, see amazing Ephesus and of course Pamukkale, go ballooning in Goreme (Cappadocia) – oh , the options in Turkey are endless.

Paris. The city of Paris, perfect for good wine and romance. We don’t need to spend a lot of time talking about Paris, we all know the attractions; The Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Sacré-Coeur. Paris speaks for itself, now go see it!

Australia. Leave the cradle of the northern hemisphere and go to a place where time seems to have stopped. The cares of the world will leave you behind when you meet some of the friendliest people the world has to offer. Australia is like no other, from big cities like Sydney to the western hinterland and the marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.

dubai. A place that offers a preview of what the cities of the future will be like; a place where Western and Middle Eastern cultures come together almost seamlessly. Only in Dubai could a 5-star hotel be built in 2 months and only in Dubai could it be affordable for even the most discerning traveler! When it comes to buildings, the crazier the idea, the more likely it is to get built, which is why Dubai is full of amazing feats of engineering.

tokyo. Sitting on a pole opposite a beach in the Greek islands. One of the most dynamic and dynamic cities in the world (and probably the most expensive). The neon lights of central Tokyo will take your breath away, and at the other end of the spectrum, the Imperial Palace, several hundred square kilometers of parks and history, is an oasis in one of the most densely populated and congested areas on the planet. Tokyo has plenty of museums and temples to keep you busy for a week.

That’s our top 10 for 2009. Now that you’ve seen a sample of what’s on offer, you’re probably in need of hosting. There are many websites offering great deals on all types of hotels, be sure to check out the cheap hotels that have a great selection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 star accommodation.