TIP #1 Book before everybody else does

A twenty year civil war ruined Sri Lanka's once-booming tourism industry, but since peace was decreed in 2009, locals got to work revamping their non-existent tourism industry. Today it’s rapidly becoming one of the world’s largest untapped travel destinations, but if you want the resorts, buzzing restaurants and picturesque locations without hoards of tourists and a serious price hike - we reccomend booking sooner rather than later.

TIP #2 Try the local take on "street food"

Street food hasn’t taken off in the country yet, but “quick eats,” - take-away eateries out the front of cafes and restaurants are a thriving industry.Green Lands Hotel is considered one of the best spots in Colombo (the capital) – don’t leave without a wadai, spicy doughnuts made with deep fried lentils.

TIP #3 Know this strang local custom

In Sri Lanka, shaking your head actually means “Yes” or “I understand”. To communicate “No”, hold up your palm or just walk away - weird, but true.

TIP #4 Visit the Ceylon Tea Trails

The Ceylon Tea Trails are often overlooked for their practical value - they produce some of the best tea in the world - when they in fact offer some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Catch an 18th century steam train from Colombo to Kandy, and cross through the lush green fields from above, or take a pit-stop and learn how the tea is made.

TIP #5 Enjoy the beach life

A small, diamond-shaped island off the coast of India, Sri Lanka offers beaches that hold their own against the neighbouring Maldives. Be sure to research which beach will suit your vibe - for example Hikkaduwa, on the southwest coast, offers the best beach parties, while Arugam Bay, on the east coast, offers the best surf (and best chance of spotting good-looking surfer types).