1. Ibiza, Spain
The tiny island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean has long been Europe’s favourite party destination. Famous for its sandy beaches and night long parties, Ibiza is the perfect summer destination. Combining airlines like Cathay Pacific and BA can getyou to the island. One can even avail the travel privileges of the Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club like priority check-in and boarding to take the pain out of air travel.

2. Venice, Italy
Venice is often called the most romantic city in the world, and for good reason. There are few experiences more memorable than spending an evening on a gently swaying gondola under a starlit sky with Renaissance era buildings all around you. The city comes alive in summers as the famous canal markets flourish and tourists take to the streets to wander through Venice’s famous historical streets.

3. Jamaica
Each year, millions of tourists descend upon Jamaica in the Caribbeans for a taste of laid back island life. Jamaica is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and promises stunning natural beauty, a variety of cuisine options, and a truly relaxing atmosphere. Jamaica is a melting pot of different cultures – Indian, European, American and Latin American that have made the island nation one of the top summer holiday spots in the world.

4. Las Vegas, USA
When you think of ‘party’, you think of Las Vegas. America’s favourite party destination is the perfect place to enjoy a memorable weekend. From the dozens of casinos on the ‘Strip’ to the world-class entertainment options, there is something for everyone in this desert city. Of course, Las Vegas is a long flight, but you can always save the hassles on air travel with Marco Polo Club membership. The best part, of course, is that you can get save on tickets through the American Express credit card.

5. Crete, Greece
Crete is often called the birthplace of western civilization. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is the perfect holiday spot for culture buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Take a ‘history trek’ around the islands which will introduce you to some of the oldest man-made structures in the world, or book a villa by the beach and gorge on fresh seafood washed with traditional Greek ‘ouzo’. Crete’s laid back ‘village’ lifestyle has made it especially popular with tourists who want to relax, soak in the sun, and watch the white sails of fishing ships gently disappear into the horizon.

Another option that is safe, reliable, easy to carry, and just downright cool are gift card auctions. With this method, it is possible to obtain gift cards at a cost which is below the face value of the cards through a bidding process. Merchants such as Ukash and Amazon offer these cards at auction for a stated period of time. During this time, participants can electronically bid on the card(s) of their choice. Once the bidding has closed, the winners will receive a digital code in their inbox. This code can be used as cash internationally with no restrictions, taxes, or other encumbrances.

This means that you can carry valuables as you travel, simply with any device such as smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. Imagine the ease of using your Ukash card through your smartphone to purchase anything you wish while shopping in London, Paris, or Vienna. No need to carry a lot of cash or worry about being robbed. Even if your smartphone is lost or stolen, once you have a replacement phone, and can access your inbox again, your money is right there, safe and sound.

Digital commerce is making the world smaller, and easier to navigate. As gift cards gain momentum as an alternative to cash while traveling, gift card auctions can actually save money by allowing the cards to be purchased at a price that is significantly lower than the face value of the card.

And isn’t it nice to know that while biking through the mountains in Spain, or relaxing on the beach in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy the scenery without having to worry about the location of your money?