There are many people all over the world who make it a point to save some amount of money so they can go on vacations during their holiday breaks. Because of the cultural diversity, natural wonders and beauties and deep-seated history that they can find in a great number of places across the globe, these people do not mind spending their hard-earned money on these holiday trips. Based on data presented by the World Tourism Organization, here are the top 7 destinations worldwide that tourists visit.

The Taj Mahal:

The Taj Mahal is the pride of India. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the North Indian city of Agra. This marvelous marble structure is considered to be the jewel of Muslim art in the Indian sub-continent.

The Taj Mahal provides the much needed foreign exchange earnings to India and it is estimated some 4 million visitors experience the beauty of the Taj annually.

Whitsunday Islands:

These wonderful islands are part of Australia. The place is a spectacular sight to the human eye as imagine the thought of lovely rainforests and the spectacular coral reefs. Besides, the islands are famous the world over for their warm ocean waters, which are ideal for a dip.

Majorca:

Alternatively referred to as Mallorca, this beach holiday destination is an ideal Spanish holiday destination. Majorca is all about white sandy beaches and the perfect place to experience the point where the sun, sea and sand meet.

Miami:

Miami is a wonderful travel destination in the US. The city has so much to offer its visitors and in order to experience the beauty of Miami in total you need to be there at least for a week. Some of the talking points of the city are the Miami Sky-lift, the Miami Art Museum, the Homestead Miami Speedway, the Dolphin Stadium and much more.

Honolulu- Hawaii

This is the most searched for vacation. People like that Hawaii is a tropical island and the weather is always beautiful. If you happen to see bad weather, it passes as fast as it came.

Cancun- Mexico

Young and old want to visit Cancun. They offer tons of hotels and something for everyone. You can find parties of every flavor and quiet times on the beach. The weather here is normally warm just like many other tropical islands.

Las Vegas- Nevada

If the night life and gambling are your type of vacation, then Las Vegas is the spot. Known for their parties, gambling and many shows, you will find something that you love here.

Visas

If you are a British passport holder you will need a visa to travel to China. You can obtain one from the Chinese Embassy in London, and should enclose one passport-sized photograph and the applicable fee of around 30. Please ensure you have a full empty page in your passport and that it is valid for at least six months after the date you are due to exit China. British passport holders visiting Hong Kong for less than six months do not require a Hong Kong visa. On arrival in China you will be given 3 forms to complete, a Health Declaration Form, an Entry Card and a Customs Declaration Form.

Money

When you travel to China you will need Chinese currency, the Renminbi (RMB), which is also called the Yuan or the Kwai.

Sterling cash can be exchanged for RMB throughout China except in very rural areas where US dollars may be more popular - if you have some already bring them just in case. Make sure that when you take foreign currency into China that the notes are clean, unmarked and untorn, or they may not be accepted. Scottish banknotes are not accepted. Travellers cheques are accepted in China, sometimes for a slightly better rate of exchange than cash.

You can buy RMB before you arrive in China, from the airport on arrival, and probably also from your hotel reception as well as banks and exchange bureaux in all towns and cities. The exchange rate is regulated so rates are virtually the same everywhere. Ask for notes in small denominations as large notes for 50 or 100 RMB may be awkward for people to give change from.

Keep your receipts when you change money so that if you do have any RMB left over when you depart China, you can convert up to half of what is shown on your receipts back into sterling.

American Express, Diners Club, Master Card and Visa are widely accepted in the major cities and tourist centres, and there are cash machines to withdraw RMB using your PIN as at home. Cash however is the preferred method of payment.

In Hong Kong the currency is the Hong Kong dollar, and the rate is similar to RMB. Hong Kong dollars cannot be used in mainland China

Tipping

In mainland China tipping is not usually expected, although your guide or driver may deserve a token thanks. Low salaries are supplemented by tips for many workers.

In Hong Kong however, tips are expected. Restaurants there will usually add a 10% service charge, hotel bellboys should be tipped $5-$10 per piece of luggage, and taxi drivers will round the fare up to the nearest dollar as their tip.

Climate

When is the best time to travel to China? Generally speaking, spring and autumn are quite mild and so April, May, September and October are good times to travel to China. However, it is a good idea to avoid ravelling on the 1st May or 1st October as these are National Holidays, and also Chinese New Year - you may find hotels and planes full, the streets and attractions crowded as the Chinese are all on holiday. Beijing and the north - hot summers with rain in June and July, temperatures can reach 38 degrees C or 100 F. Winters are bitterly cold, rarely above freezing, and windy but often dry and sunny nevertheless. Spring and autumn are good times to travel, with temperatures around 20-30 degrees C or 68-86 F during the day, cooler at night.

Shanghai and central China - hot, humid, rainy summers, cold winters below freezing and often wet.

Guilin, Hong Kong and the south - hot, humid, rainy summers, with typhoons along the coast. Cool winters

Harbin and the north east - very very cold winters of -40 degrees - this is the home of snow and ice festivals! Mild summers.

Shopping

If you want to bring home some interesting momentous from your China travels, there are great-value and good quality objects produced all over the country. Beijing is noted for cloisonne enamel and fresh water pearls; Shanghai is renowned for jade; Xian is celebrated for antiques and rugs, while Guilin is famous for scroll paintings and bijouterie. Particularly, Suzhou and Hangzhou are well known for silk and tea.

Bargaining is common except in large stores and government-run shops, but make sure you and the seller understand the price correctly, and that you compare prices for similar goods on other stalls first. Be careful if buying jewellery or antiques unless you thoroughly understand the quality of what you are buying.