The ‘noughties’ was a landmark decade for the travel industry. New, far flung destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Mexico exploded onto the mainstream and previously exclusive destinations such as the Maldives and Caribbean became more accessible to the masses. Budget airlines changed the way that people think about their weekends, opened up a whole host of destinations in the former Eastern Bloc, and made second home ownership possible for millions. Right at the start of the decade, the events of 9/11 changed flights forever and ultimately made many middle-eastern destinations no-go zones in the eyes of many.