THE time has never been better to explore some of Tenerife's more remote regions.
The best way to do this is by hiring a vehicle and in terms of car rental Tenerife has many companies to choose from, so getting the right car for your perfect driving holiday should be a breeze.
It's best to start you travels in the north of the island by visiting Garachico. This small, incredibly picturesque town features winding cobbled streets and beautiful small churches around every corner. The town is also known for its stunning natural seawater pools. These are great to swim in and more than compensate for the town's lack of beach.
You could quite happily wile away many an afternoon wandering between the rocks, spotting tropical fish and other sea creatures in the hundreds of rock pools of various sizes that adorn the coastline of this part of the island.
After spending time in Garachico, drive up the coast past the larger town of San Cristobal de La Laguna to the area between the villages of Taganana and Benijo. It is here that you will find the island's best unspoilt pebble and shingle beaches.
Although, contra to its popular image, Tenerife does offer many wild areas for the adventurous tourist, if you have more time to travel you may feel like exploring somewhere a little further afield. Fortunately, then, there are many custom Vietnam tours available that will more than fulfil this ambition.
If you want something a bit further afield, though, Vietnam is the perfect option; the nation really does live up to its reputation as a vibrant and exciting holiday destination. Between its largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (formally known as Saigon), and its capital Hanoi, are some truly beautiful spots that will leave you plenty of fond memories. The cheapest flights into the country can be found online; there are some really great deals out there so it's worth having a good look.
Situated on the Perfume River, the city of Hue was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam, for 143 years. There are a number of attractions within the city, all of which unsurprisingly centre on the its imperial past, which represents a popular option for culture vulture newlyweds on Vietnam honeymoons.
The Imperial Citadel, a sprawling temple complex, is a peaceful and spectacular place to visit, although one that is still undergoing repair and restoration after the Vietnam War. Another place of great interest is the Tombs of the Emperors that feature exquisite examples of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, a popular option for those on Vietnam holidays.
In between Hue and Da Nang, the commercial capital of Vietnam, you can find the beautiful Lang Co Beach. This unspoilt sandy beach stretches along the shores of a calm lagoon and really is as close to paradise as you are ever likely to get. It is the perfect place to relax after experiencing the hustle and bustle of the Vietnamese cities. It also provides the perfect chance to try Vietnamese cooking, in particular delicious seafood specialties such as grilled baby squid.
Whether you are travelling closer to home or further afield, it is always worth trying to get off the beaten path and experience something a little different.
