Headed to Europe? Go East.

If you're headed towards the Northern Hemisphere, why not take a detour and head East? Eastern Europe has equally captivating charms of cathedrals and monuments that Western Europe has been famous for. The only drawback is that many tourist facilities are less established. Keep on smilin' because prices are lower too! For example, chowing down on a Big Mac will set you back USD$4.20 (~S$7) in Paris but only USD$2.76 (~S$4.50) in the Hungarian capital.

Cambodia

Think your only chance to ever visit this charming country is for yet another YEP project? Its unspoilt landscape, and world-class attraction aka the 'lost city' of Angkor' makes Camboda one of the hottest places to visit in Southeast Asia. Though it ain't a place to live it up like in NYC, you'll definitely be "lovin' it" with their simple lifestyles, friendly conversations, soothing riverboat trips and a journey of fascinating histories.

Dubai

Considered one of the most modern cities with first-class tourist infrastructure, world-class man-made attractions, a humongous free trade zone, and hailed as the airport with the best duty free in the world: Shop-a-holics, breathe. It is often assumed that Dubai is in a state of unrest, much like the rest of the Middle East. You are SO wrong, dude. Newsflash: David Beckham and Michael Owen are among 11England footballers who have bought holiday homes at The Palm Jumeirah, a billion dollar palm-shaped resort. There're more reasons to visit now.

Mongolia

Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia has come a long way to gain the independence it now savours. As more travellers seek to backpack across Central Asia (from Russia to Beijing), the Mongolian capital of Ulaan Baatar is beginning to reap the benefits of a booming tourism sector as more flights are making their way there. You could relive the Genghis Khan days of riding on a yak, or the Jurassic times of trodding through the Gobi desert. When night falls, you can get down on the dancefloor, bopping to the hottest pop music at the clubs. Yes, they go clubbing too. You should see it for yourself.

South Africa

No, it's not just animal safaris and bushmen with grass skirts. South Africa is giving justice to their gorgeous landscape by offering everything you can imagine to attract adventure junkies worldwide. Head up to the Table Mountains and snap a polaroid with grandma before taking the bungee leap or abseil down the magnificient rocks. Move on to Garden route and soak up the sun on the superbly white beaches where the waters are warm all year round or go sand-boarding on the vast golden dunes. Keep a lookout for the hottest international DJs spinning at the local clubs as Cape Town is rapidly overtaking Ibiza as the top clubbing hotspot.