Britons who want to take a holiday that is a little closer to home this year may wish to make a visit to Belfast, after it was listed as one of the hot but budget-friendly places to visit in 2009.

And there is certainly a lot to take in when visiting the Northern Irish city, with August seeing the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge taking place as part of the Belfast Maritime Festival.

As many Britons may already be aware, Ibiza is a top destination when it comes to world-famous nightclubs that attract some of the globe's biggest named DJs to their decks and a general party atmosphere.

However, according to one source, the island has a whole lot more on offer than clubbing alone.

One sector commentator who decided to go on a holistic retreat recently stated that the perfect answer to modern day spirituality may lie in the Italian hills.

Writing on the online pages of the Guardian, Ian Belcher visited The Hill That Breathes resort, situated near the Renaissance walled city of Urbino in the Marche region and found it to be popular.

One Guardian reader has told of her experience cycling from Caen in Normandy all the way to the Mediterranean, which may offer inspiration to people hoping to have a European holiday with a difference in 2009.

Frances Philcher spent three days cycling through the rural countryside and managed to put in some 50 miles a day to reach her destination.

Britons who are planning to jet off for a little winter shopping excursion in Italy have been reminded that if the shops get too much they can always escape to the beach for a spot of relaxation.

Guardian reader Sissi writes that situated just 30 to 40 minutes outside of Rome is the Ostia beach where holidaymakers are offered the chance to wind down with a frosty beverage and an ice-cream and soak up a little sun.

Although the Greek island of Rhodes has in the past been seen as a traditional mass-market holiday destination, according to one sector commentator it is now due for a five-star makeover.

A writer for the online pages of the Observer explained that several luxury five-star rated hotels are due to open next year, which may see the island re-branding itself as a top-end of the market choice.

Holidaymakers looking for an Italian getaway with a spooky twist may enjoy a tour with a difference around Rome when they visit the city.

In a post on the Guardian Travel website, Sissi explains that tourists may wish to go on a night-time ghosts and mystery walk around the famous capital.

Paris still has a bohemian soul as portrayed in the hit musical Moulin Rouge, according to one sector commentator; the key is knowing where to find it.

Writing on the online pages of the Times, Vincent Crump acknowledges that the Eiffel Tower is "riveting" to look at, but there are still many hidden gems located within the French capital that Britons may wish to explore.

Many Britons may now be looking forward to their 2009 annual holiday and may already have begun planning their trip.

In light of this, the Telegraph has outlined a few tips that people may wish to follow to ensure that they get the best possible deal on their trip.

Lanzarote is set apart when it comes to vacation destinations as it has a good climate all year round and a dramatic volcanic landscape, one sector commentator has claimed.

Amanda Ellis, contracts manager for alpharooms.com, said that the island had plenty of tourist attractions that holidaymakers may wish to visit and was only 20 minutes from neighbouring Fuerteventura, meaning travellers could explore both in one visit.

New York is the ultimate city for Britons looking for a unique way to banish the winter blues, one sector commentator has claimed.

Tom Hall, travel editor at Lonely Planet, said that the Big Apple had far more to offer travellers than shopping alone and should not simply be seen as the domain of the super rich.

Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, may be the perfect location to enjoy a relaxing Christmas with a twist this year.

The Mirror has compiled a list of the top destinations to visit this festive season and claims that the island offers the chance for relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun, away from the grey skies of a traditional British Christmas.

Holidaymakers who have had to cut down on their travel plans during the ongoing credit crunch are more likely to go to "touristy" destinations, as they believe they will get their money's worth in such a location, according to one industry commentator.

A spokesperson for the Association of Independent Tour Operators claimed that Europe in particular was still popular and Britons planning such a vacation may be interested to know that Jet2.com offers cheap flights from Manchester, Newcastle, Belfast, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Leeds and Bradford airports.

America is still a value-for-money destination for Britons wishing to hop over the pond for a break, despite the current strength of the dollar against the pound, one sector commentator has claimed.

Sean Tipton, spokesperson for the Travel Association, said in terms of dining out and shopping, the US was still a lot cheaper than the UK on the whole.

Truffle enthusiasts have been told to head to the continent now before the season ends for the prized delicacy.

Writing for the Times, Tony Dawe explains that there is about a month left to hunt down truffles before they go out of season.

While many holidaymakers might take photographs to remember their journey, Michael Hughes' snaps are a little different, reports the Metro.

The traveller holds objects in front of famous landmarks, making for a unique perspective on some of the world's most famous structures.

The history of Corfu is a list of smart dynasties, one travel writer notes.

Victoria Mather writes for the Guardian of the origins of the island, which she points out are formed in mythology.

Its history stretches back to when Poseidon abducted Korkyra and took her to the island, she claims.

After hopping on cheap flights to Budapest, travellers could find they have plenty of choices about what to do.

Josey Walker writes on Article Street of the plethora of activities available to groups of men heading to Budapest.

Travellers stepping off of cheap flights to Barcelona can expect to be faced with a city which basks in a well-earned reputation, it has been asserted.

Niagara Falls Review reports that Barcelona is one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers in Spain.