Now it seems like a tiny section of the worlds various countries. And there is a very simple explanation for this. Only one or two countries have direct flights to the Canary Islands. Plus the runways are a little short for the bigger planes. But mainly its because only certain countries advertise these destinations.

It makes a lot of sense that countries with direct routes should push these locations, but it would be great of other countries approached the airline about routing into the Islands.

There is plenty of room for more airlines, plus the airports have been revamped in expectancy of a population boom for 2008.

But it never came to be. What DID happen was the horrible credit crunch hit airlines and the rest of the world very hard. The gas prices for airlines went through the roof, and this extra expense was passed onto the traveler. This has affected everyone, and now vacations seem to be a secondary consideration.

This is very sad as I live in the Canary Islands and to see the places low on tourists, empty seats on planes, and the tourist attractions simply not attracting tourists, is a crime.

I realize this is a global issue, but I guess it resonates somewhere as small as Fuerteventura that is so dependent on tourism. Its a visible and tangible thing, and when they don't come, the place is empty.

To see a place on its knees is a crying shame, and I feel for everyone around the world suffering a similar fate. It can be seen everywhere, but it's crystallized in this local microcosm.

But Fuerteventura are fantastic places to visit along with Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. They are clean and tidy, as well as safe. Plus the prices out here are incredible. The average meal for four can cost upto 40% less than it would in the UK.

Come and join me in the Canary Islands; it might be a little trickier to get here. But I promise you'll have a ball.