A place in my heart competition winner

©Hamish Smith

Hamish Smith, A place in my heart competition winner

Where? Batad, the Philippines

Why? Few people will ever go. It is a nine hour bus journey from Manila, two hour jeep ride then a two hour jungle trek. The 'Stairways to Heaven', as it is sometimes referred, are rice terraces carved from the mountainside more than 2000 years ago by the Ifuago tribesmen. They were created using primitive tools but with an understanding of irrigation that was way ahead of their time. Laid out flat, the rice terraces would stretch out more than 12,000 miles, end to end. This engineering feat makes Batad one of the man made must-sees of the world. For now, the rice terraces of Batad are overshadowed by the internationally celebrated Inca trail and Egyptian Pyramids. With better PR and improved access though, this millennium-old phenomenon would rank among the world’s most eminent sights.

Where would you stay? Our guest house Rosasna's afforded us meagre comforts; it was equipped with a bed, four walls and a ceiling. This of course was of little worry as the view provided an uninterrupted panorama of Batad's ancient amphitheatre-like rice terraces. In Batad, there are no complexes, hotels or motels - only rustic, hillside perches that offer you what you need: a place to sleep. We even got to meet Rosanna - a hunched woman in her 80s. After a 12 hour shift on the rice terraces she sat down with her four guests and spoke of her life and her toils. A charming lady; it struck me that our lives couldn't have been more different.

A place in my heart: Edinburgh, Scotland

Claire Edwards, A place in my heart competition runner-up

Where? Edinburgh, Scotland

Why? Edinburgh Castle lies in the centre of the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens and cobbled streets that lead to it. Victorian buildings stand boldly among a vast mixture of amazing architecture. Among the historical landmarks that make the city unique, carefully placed modern buildings add even more excitement. The famous Parliament building says something different to each of us. Museums, dungeons, theatres, and where else would you find an extinct volcano only a five minute walk from the centre of town. Venture to the outskirts of the city where you can experience some of Scotland’s gorgeous countryside - rolling hills and some spectacular beaches. In August the city comes alive during the Edinburgh festival. Comedy, music, drama and a variety of other acts means there is something for everyone.

Where would you stay? The heart of the city is near the Castle. There is a fine choice of hotels that offer the traditional Scottish feel. I recommend The Scotsman which sits on Princes Street, A 5 star hotel which promises not to disappoint. You are greeted on the door by a Scot in traditional highland dress and made to feel warm and relaxed.

A place in my heart: Mumbai, India

Alan Crabb, A place in my heart competition runner-up

Where? Mumbai, India

Why? The people - noisy, polite, intelligent, persistent, busy, chatty, always pushing or pulling something, or driving like crazy ('horn please' signs on the back of every vehicle mean what they say - "tell me you're there, or suffer the consequences"). The heat - midnight arrivals are usual, but be prepared to walk into a wall of deliciously smelly fug. The shopping - find the markets, or the newer shopping centres. If you want clubbing, that's what they do here. It's not a city full of tourist attractions - but it's a fantastic introduction to India.

Where would you stay? If you can afford it, the Renaissance Hotel on Lake Powai - five miles north of the main airport and about ten miles north of the city centre. Superbly located overlooking the lake, with the nearby new business and shopping centre beautifully reflected at dusk. Look out for the occasional Bollywood star. (Otherwise, in central Mumbai, lots of nice small hotels just off the harbour.)

Best meal? Five restaurants at the hotel, all to high international standards. If you can wangle the concierge service, help yourself to a buffet style range of dishes that will keep you occupied all evening - delicious fresh fruit and yoghurt. If you have a stainless steel constitution, try freshly roasted corn in the market followed by instant coconut-milk drunk straight from the nut ("stand well back sir....whack! One straw or two?").

A place in my heart: Pefkos, Greece

Debbie, A place in my heart competition runner-up

Where? Well it was a tough choice and really a toss-up between the friendliness of Gambia and, by complete comparison, the sheer gorgeousness of Greece. But I'm going with Pefkos on the island of Rhodes.

Why? Because it's so gorgeous, because the weather is perfect, the olive groves so beautiful, and did I mention that the entire island is just utterly gorgeous? The people are friendly, the beaches magnificent, it's just a virtual paradise on earth – I'd go back in a breath.

Where would you stay? It has to be the Thalassa Apartments and it has to be Block A, which has balconies overlooking the sea and is mere steps from the beach. A lovely, clean place to stay and the 'main street' with restaurants and bars is only a short walk (stagger) away.

A place in my heart: Tavira, Portugal

Elena Chong, Cheapflights intern

Where? Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Why? For beautiful deserted beaches that stretch on for miles, lively local nightlife and a feel of the ‘real’ Algarve, away from the concrete skyscraper hotels and overcrowded beaches. One aspect of Tavira that separates it from the rest of the Algarve is its diverse mix of architecture – Roman, Moorish and Portuguese features abound. There is a stunning Roman bridge that crosses the river, and the ruins of an old castle, which has panoramic views over the town. With 37 churches to visit, Tavira is not short on old buildings.

Where would you stay? There are a few lovely hotels but I would recommend renting a house in the town. You can choose from fine 18th-century houses to villas with their own swimming pools, or my favourite, a traditional Portuguese house. These have whitewashed walls, beautifully decorated chimneys, and if you’re lucky, a courtyard at the back where you can while away the summer evenings with friends and a bottle of wine.

A place in my heart: Olympos, Turkey

Paul Hecht, Global Product Director

Where? Olympos, Turkey

Why? It was like no other place I had visited. Spectacular, lush scenery that had everything one could want from a short break: beach, mountains, beautiful trees and ruins. This is a part of Turkey, and indeed Europe, that most people would not be aware of, and that is certainly one of its attractions.

A place in my heart: Berlin, Germany

© Romany Kebar

Romany Kebar, editor

Where? Berlin, Germany

Why? You can’t visit Berlin without being drawn into its history. Capital of Prussia, the roaring clubs of the twenties, divided by the wall after the War, and today a vibrant multicultural metropolis combining the best parts of Eastern and Western Europe. The extremely low cost of living makes it an excellent city for students and artists, and if you do travel there with money, even with a strong Euro you’ll get an awful lot for your pound.

Where would you stay? If you want to experience communist-era Berlin for yourself, then the Ostel in Mitte is a must – with bedrooms and bathrooms decorated in Ossi (East German) style, the only thing that’s missing is hidden cameras and listening devices.

A place in my heart: Banff, Canada

Abbi Ayers, editor

Where? Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Why? Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery you are ever likely to see. Majestic mountain peaks, mile high glaciers and the almost neon blue waters of Lake Louise offer picture postcard views at every turn. And if you tire of marvelling at Mother Nature, there is an impressive choice of recreational activities to keep you entertained, from hiking and bear-spotting trips to skiing, fishing and mountain biking.

Where would you stay? Depending on your cash flow situation, you can take your pick from exclusive mountain retreats and luxury cabins to simple chalets and friendly B&Bs. If you’re on a budget and brave/foolish enough, pitch a tent or rent a trailer on one of the Park’s many wilderness campsites, where you’ll find the best bedside views available. Two nights in a trailer near Lake Louise was an unforgettable experience although the relative luxury of a local B&B in Banff town offered us a welcomed (and much warmer) retreat once we’d run out of wood for the campfire.

A Place in My Heart: Salta, Argentina

© Seema Salaam

Seema Salaam, editor

Where? Salta. Northern Argentina.

Why? This charming colonial city is a great place to visit because of its close proximity to some of Argentina’s finest vineyards and ancient Andean provinces (including the Inca trails). The minute I arrived in Salta I knew it was a special place. Surrounded by mountains and canyons Salta’s landscape is truly breathtaking. And as you drive along the chain of dirt roads amidst acres of farmland watching hardy gauchos herding their cattle – you’re suddenly transported back in time.

Where would you stay? There are many hotels and B&Bs in Salta but I would definitely recommend staying at an estancia instead. I stayed at the House of Jasmines, a charming estancia owned by actor Robert Duvall and set on 300 acres of lush farmland. The staff was friendly and the food was delicious; made with fresh ingredients from the garden.

Monument Valley, Utah

Hugo Burge, Non-Executive Vice Chairman

Where? Agony. I can’t choose one place – that’s like the hardest homework ever! Hmm. I will narrow it down and proffer my favourite place in the USA so far (where I have been working on and off for CF for two years): Monument Valley, Utah.

Why? Get there, wake up at the crack of sparrow fart and you will see why. When the sun rises you will see one of the most spectacular and memorable views of your life. The characteristic fingers of red sandstone start as dark and sinister silhouettes that gradually turn to a warm glowing orange. I heartily recommend a drive around the Indian National Park Reservation at first light with the roof down. Ties in nicely with a West Coast trip taking in the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, The Hoover Dam and the legendary route 1 up and beyond San Fran. For me it was the highlight.

New York

© Kirit Patel

Kirit Patel, visual designer

Where? New York

Why? Why not? It’s probably the easiest place in the world to visit and, although it’s a bit of an obvious choice, I'm always excited by its variety of offerings. Everybody says it looks like it does in the movies, only bigger, and it’s true! I love taking photographs in and around the city. I have thousands in my collection. For me, everything has that NY stamp on it. I’ll never get bored of photographing those unique street signs. Having been there every year for the last four years I can't see the excitement lessening…
It's something about NY that gets me every time, the atmosphere, the dirt, the sound. Perhaps it's the cab horns hooting? Once you hear them you know you’re in the Big Apple and yes, they do sound like they do in the movies!

Where would you stay? Despite all the ultra cool hipsters in Greenwich Village and the madness of Midtown Manhattan, I would opt for fashionable Brooklyn Heights. I really like the architecture there of the residential apartments. The brownstone buildings remind you of all the cool films that they've featured in. There’s a sense of quietness around these parts which is a refreshing contrast to the city buzz.

Puerto Rico

David Soskin, Non-Executive Vice Chairman

Where? Puerto Rico

Why? It’s an extremely beautiful Caribbean island that’s relatively easy to get to and has an amazing history: Puerto Rico was one of the places that Christopher Columbus stopped in at on his exploration of the New World. Its capital, San Juan, is a Unesco world heritage site and is one of the best preserved old cities in the whole world. So it has an extraordinary combination of a fascinating history along with the traditional wonderful beaches you associate with the Caribbean.
It’s not terribly well known by British tourists as it’s slightly off the beaten-track of the normal British Caribbean haunts.

Where would you stay? My favourite hotel is El Convento, right in the heart of old San Juan. It’s a Seventeenth Century convent which has been converted into a hotel. That might sound very ascetic and limited in the facilities it offers, but that’s not the case. It’s very comfortable with beautiful rooms, nearly all of which have fantastic views over the harbour of San Juan. It also has a wonderful tapas bar, very nice staff and it’s within easy walking distance of the excellent shopping in San Juan.

San Francisco

Guy Ettore, Designer

Where? San Francisco

Why? Some of my favourite people in the world call San Francisco home and - try as I might - I have never been able to lure them away for long. So I take every opportunity to visit. It's a beautiful city: I love the fresh Pacific Ocean breeze, the insanely steep zig-zag streets, the rich variety of the colourful architecture, the sunny Californian weather and the lingering beatnik vibe. I can spend hours hiking through the surrounding redwood forests or just sitting idly by pier 14 looking out over the bay and listening to the seagulls. Also, Amoeba (on Haight St.) is one of the best second hand record shops I've ever rifled through...it's a socially inept music anorak's paradise.

Where would you stay? Hey, if the Haight-Ashbury district was good enough for the Grateful Dead, it's good enough for me. The Red Victorian is worth a look: it's an affectionate, tongue-in-cheek shrine to the Summer of Love, with 60s-themed rooms and fantastically friendly staff who will bend over backwards to accommodate you. You might feel a bit silly, but it's unlike any other B&B you'll ever stay at.