Travel and Leisure – Blog Scoop

I’ve been lucky enough to travel in many different continents and countries throughout my life. I’ve had the chance to admire many of nature’s beauties that some times made me wonder whether they were real or not. From the mighty Iguacu Waterfalls in the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguy to the breath taking site of Machu Pichu and from the solitude of Sahara to the deep blue of the Aegean Sea my eyes have seen so much and my senses have experienced even more.

When it comes to choosing one of all those moments, I would definitely recall my time in the river Nile as the most electrifying one. It’s not easy to explain the reasons for such a choice but I guess it has to do with the incredible energy that Nile transmits. Until that day I wasn’t keen on river cruises as I couldn’t see any point having a cruise in a river.

Being a typical sea-born person I wouldn’t expect to feel so good anywhere far from the sea. Rivers were not really appealing to me although I’ve lived in cities crossed by great rivers such as the Danube and the Amazon.

During my travel in Egypt I met a very interesting American guy that was an expert in cruise deals and convinced me that we should picked one up. As he said, you may have only one chance in life for some experiences which was enough to make me give in. There were so many tour operators selling Nile River Cruises at Aswan that buying one didn’t take us more than 10-15 minutes.

The hours we spent in the Nile were just unforgettable. Because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea there is a similar atmosphere. Just the thought that we were traversing the world’s longest river made me shiver and think of how many people’s lives were depending on that river which stretches all the way from Egypt to Ethiopia. Only after trying it once can realise why for the Ancient Egyptians Nile was a God and not just a river.

Time to start booking for your holiday, and here are your only choices (not really). Sometimes leaving it to the last minute isn’t the best idea. So why not book your holiday now, but here are two of the top contenders for the top holiday spot. Here is some information on the two of them that may help you to make up your mind which one you would prefer!

Egypt holidays have become one of the most popular holiday makers choice across the world. It’s large size means that it houses many great holiday locations with places like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada topping the list for most visited places in Egypt. For those that want to experience a mission or a more of an adventure of a holiday, then Egypt is going to be the one you want to try. The Camel is scary looking, but try to give it a go. Although you will probably only try it once, you have to give it a go if you go to Egypt. Obviously Egypt is home to one of the greatest wonders in the world, the Pyramids. If you think about it Egypt will be more appealing to you if you are an explorer, if you want to find out more about the past civilizations and delve into the bustling markets, where practically anything is available.

Now for something completely different, the Caribbean is a place for people to relax and chill out, maybe the occasional scuba dive. There are an inordinate amount of spa hotels and holiday locations here, with St Lucia topping the list. St Lucia holidays have become so well known for their spa treatments that they have become one of the most popular destinations to visit in the Caribbean. The Body Holiday hotel also known as the Le Sport is a hotel dedicated to pampering you and your body, giving you the best possible treatment available.

So deciding between these holidays does come down to the Egypt hotels and Caribbean hotels available, but mainly down to what you feel like doing on your holiday!

There do seem to be a lot of people out there that think that going on one of those Egypt holidays is a complete waste of time as you can see everything the country has to offer in any decent museum across the world. Well in all honest opinion these people are just plain mad, Egypt has far more on offer other than just the history that you can go and see.

Diving

The Red Sea is one of the most famous locations for diving in the world and this is because it is packed with marine life and the water is very clear and has a lot of coral.

Camel Trading

Although you shouldn’t take part in anything like this it is actually a very interesting thing to watch as people are always debating over the creatures. It is a unique experience that I would really suggest you take pleasure in watching.

Sport

Egypt is not a place that springs to many people’s minds when it comes to sport but golf is actually very popular here with many courses on offer for the public to play. This is because there are over 20 courses in the country and they range from playing in sight of the Pyramids to teeing off very close to the Red Sea itself.

Haggling

trying to barter with someone you have never met before is a pretty cool experience to take part in and I would say that it is well worth doing when you are out in Egypt. It is a truly great but yet strange experience to take part in and there are many establishments that have actually been around for over 100 years.

So there you have it, get off to Egypt and take a vacation. Failing this why not try one of those Dubai holidaysor Barbados holidays.

Ok so you are preparing for your next holiday and you have decided on Egypt, or more specifically Sharm El Sheikh. So now that you have all of your packing almost finished, is there anything that you could have possibly forgotten. Just always make sure that you have your passport and some airline tickets, else your in trouble!

So what do we know about Sharm El Sheikh, well a couple of clearly stated points are:

• It is very warm and in most cases boiling hot.
• There is a shed load of sun, there is no escaping it.
• Never forget how much sand there will be, it is everywhere, everywhere I tell you.
• This is where you can indulge in all your diving loving, because your next to clear blue seas.

What does this information help us with? Well at least with all of this now we have some general ideas of what might help. This country may be very warm and quite dry, but it is important to remember the cultures. We all know that it can be very hot out there, but it is important to remember that some people from Egypt take offence to flesh being shown on public, so try to save sun bathing until you get back to the hotel. Make sure you have a hat, it is one of the most simple pieces of clothing to have with you, and it can be a life saver, especially saving your head from the heat.

If you are thinking of diving, then make sure that you pack your own diving wet suit, it can be very difficult or expensive to rent one for a day or a week. Don’t take a few pairs of High heels, ladies we all know that you like to look nice, but trainers are extremely important here, even hiking boots in some cases, there is a lot of sand, and soft roads.

Sharm El Sheikh holidays for all, this is such a popular holiday these days, now however people still seem more interested in Caribbean holidays and on the other side of Egypt, Hurghada holidays.

This isn’t your average holiday travel guide, it is much better – it’s different. You can find reams of lists about what you should do on your holiday, but nowhere can you find a vast amount of lists of what not to do. Now I am not a scare monger er, I just want to make sure that people realise what is actually out there sometimes.

Although looking different is nice, sometimes it can make you look like a target. You have to make sure that your money is in safe proximity and easily looked after. It becomes very easy for a criminal to make a target out of you if you can be easily spotted.

Make sure you DON’T drink the water. Do not drink the Tap water, always ask for bottled. The water isn’t very pleasant here; in fact it is quite a terrible and will not agree with your stomach at all. If you do try the tap water, be prepared to spend the majority of the holiday hovering over the toilet!

Don’t go for a wander away from your tour guide. Oh my god you wouldn’t believe how stupid some people are. Do not leave your guide when your in an unfamiliar place. This country does consist of several nasty little creatures.

Being rude isn’t going to get you very far. Things like treating people the right way are very important, all that stuff people mention about being treated the way you treat others, very true. Do your best not to “piss” anyone off, just be pleasant and friendly, some people can give exactly the same abuse and more back. If you can find a way to be a good person to all of these people, they will do the same for you.

Brazil holidays are becoming very popular, just keep in mid the above, even if you are on Luxury holidays. If this isn’t something that you are interested in then I can recommend more relaxing holidays like; Cuba holidays or Egypt holidays.

One thing that I definitely recommend that you go to India. There are so many different places in India that need to be visited that it would take about 6 months to visit every part and spend a couple of days there. Delhi and Mumbai are the real power-house cities of India, pushing everything along.

If food is your interest, then India is the place for you, some of the most exotic food in the world originates from India, including some of the hottest food as well. There are millions of tourists every year that visit Mumbai just so that they can try out the fantastic food and see some great cricket matches. You would be surprised at how advanced Mumbai really is, with some amazing technological advancements over the past two decades. Mumbai has now taken over a large portion of the economic gains in India, and is one of the most efficient cities in the world. Indian Ocean holidays have benefited much from the advancement in Mumbai.

Delhi is a place of great religious bearing and has the second largest populous in India. In the News and the limelight Delhi has taken over the world as the most popular city in India, with key points in a Trade Route. Delhi as well as Mumbai has greatly increased in its technological advancement, with a stable transport system and some very luxurious hotels. New Delhi is the capital of India, and it is quite a prospering capital too. Many business men and women reside around here, and the education is phenomenal. Rickshaws have been referred to as the backbone of cities and towns in India, the supply one of the fastest forms of travel, and it is something that every tourist wants to try, they are fast and dangerous, much like a roller coaster actually.

If you are interested in maybe trying something else instead of India, I recommened Egypt for great Luxury holidays, Hurghada holidays have really taken off, and so have the Sharm El Sheikh holidays, now becoming the number 1 holiday in Egypt!

I thought i would provide what the tour operators expect to be the top holidays of this year in the luxury department!

Sri Lanka has been announced by the New York Times that it could well be the number 1 holiday destination for 2010; however some have disagreed with this. This is an expensive country to get too; although once you’re there you won’t be spending much at all. The views that surround this luxurious and extremely relaxing location are perfect for anyone that just wants to “Chill”.

Next on the list is the Maldives, this is classed as one of the most luxurious places on the planet to go on holiday. All of the islands that have hotels on are very small, and in essence own those very islands, they almost cover them. If you want to do something, the best option is just to walk down to the health spa. If you do actually want to do something that involves movement, then you can always try the diving with whale sharks!

Next up and of course is the island of St Lucia. The Caribbean is the choice of the celebrities, so of course it is going to be luxurious. There are many places that you can stay, where the accommodation is a little cheaper and lower star rating. St Lucia is best known for relaxing by the seaside and enjoying the clear seas and constant sun!

Sharm El Sheikh. Now this does have some mixed reviews, some people really like it, and some people don’t, but many people visit every year. Luxury is something that is not over looked in Egypt, they do their best to make everything perfect. This one of the cheapest possible luxury locations to visit, and the hotels are truly amazing, the living standards are just as good as anywhere else. Wreck Diving, wall diving, free diving and shark diving, if you like diving, this might be a good place for you!

There are some others that are close to the top like Cuba holidays, any Caribbean holidays for that matter, and you never know you might find yourself indulging in Weddings abroad, suggest it to the Boyfriend, and see what happens!

If you’re making a decision to spend your holiday in Egypt, generally you have a choice of two sea resorts – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.  both are extremely popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula. 

About 30 years gone Hurghada was simply a simple fishing hamlet.  But now, with it’s a resort with wonderfully clear water, untouched reefs.  It’s become one of the finest Egyptian visitor destinations.  A big part of its celebrity Hurghada gained as one of the finest diving centers of the Earth.  Like all oriental towns Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sellers, meriting to make you buy their souvenirs.  There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada.  You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin’s hamlet there ; you can see corals and some natural preserves.  Hurghada is also has aqua-park.  Fishing is one of the well-liked visitor’s activities in Hurghada too.  Today, Hurghada is understood as a party town, especially among europeans.  Neighbors and others will tell you that life starts at night in Hurghada, with the many clubs.  The most suitable time to visit Hurghada is October-November.  In winter there are robust winds and it becomes dark awfully early. 

when you are in Hurghada do not miss the opportunity to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history – Luxor and the Valley of the King.  Pharaoh’s crypts and traditional temples are worth visiting. 

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula.  All around are Bedouins, colourful tents, mountains and sea.  Na’ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities.  Found just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own.  For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books.  Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very agreeable souvenirs.  Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is feted for diving too, but it has more variety in corals. 

Those, who choose Sharm el-Sheikh also has chance to watch the attraction of Sinai cape – The monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai ( or Mountain of Moses ), Pharaoh’s Island and Salah El Din citadel, Nabq national Park, Ras Abu Galum national Park and so -called ‘Coloured ravine’. 

The last but not the least of the Egypt must-sees is Cairo with its pyramids.  From either Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh it will be a long trip, but you may never regret it! 

When you going to Egypt, be advised that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe.  So, it’s better to choose four or five star hotel.  Probably it protects you from many concerns.  Often , the giant hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even little theaters.  So, might be you’ll to need to leave your hotel.  Anyhow, a visit to Egypt guarantees to be exotic and fascinating expierence.

Enjoy traveling around the world? If you love to travel, check out famouswonders.com to see the most famous places around the world and also have a look at Edfu Temple Egypt.

When you start practicing scuba diving it will be hard for you to give up this sport.  You’ll certainly decide to get better and better and you’ll start looking for pretty places for scuba diving.  The current assortment of destinations for scuba diving is practically unending and you will have a tricky time taking a call.  You will find that many places provide you with clear water, great visibility and interesting things for you to see.  One of the most beautiful destinations when it comes to scuba diving is the Red Sea in Egypt. 

The Red Sea in Egypt presents a superb variety of creatures to the ones that choose to practice scuba diving there.  After you see the unique life that lies beneath these waters you may surely want to do scuba diving again.  A fun and threatening creature that can be found in debt Sea in Egypt is the tiger shark.  This species of sharks is very dangerous to humans.  When scuba diving in Egypt you have to watch out with this shark, you have got to take care not to attract its presence near you.  Keep away from making gestures that might signs that might attract deadly creatures like the tiger sharks. 

When you’ll dive in debt Sea in Egypt, you may certainly would like to see Thistlegorm.  This vessel is now a famous wreck close to Ras Muhammad, really visited by the divers.  You don’t need to be a pro diver to get to see such beautiful things.  But if you’re a beginner you should always ask for help.  Scuba diving on your own can be fascinating and exciting but your safety is more critical.  In plus, if you dive encircled by people who can offer you lots of info during the trip you may easily learn all you need to grasp.  The experience you gain by scuba diving along a pro diver can be quite unique. 

when you’re going on a scuba diving vacation you should choose the best crews you’ll be able to find there, whatever if you are a newb or a professional diver.  In what concerns the Red Sea in Egypt, their school could be the best choice for you.  When it comes to where you’re going to stay during your scuba diving trip in Egypt you don’t have to worry.  You will find many hotels that offer great services to their customers and are near to the Red Sea. 

if you are curious about scuba diving, from the extraordinary things that may be seen underwater you should opt to visit at least once the Red Sea in Egypt.  Take time for planning your scuba diving holiday in Egypt and you will certainly have lots of fun.  Decide on what things you wish to see and where you are going to stay after you get there and enjoy a gorgeous holiday.  The visibility of the Red Sea’s water is good so your eyes will be shocked of the spectacular colours and creatures that exist there.

Do you love to see the world? Want to see some of the best places in the world? Visit famouswonders.com to get an idea of where to go for your next vacation. Make sure to also check out Sinai Peninsula facts.

In my capacity as the UK director of operations for One World Tours Limited, over time, it came to my attention as to what a minefield in can be booking a holiday in a destination like Egypt through the myriad of’internet’ based travel corporations ; especially local Egyptian companies

I therefore though it may be helpful to suggest a sort of’checklist’ of things to look for and questions you should ask’prospective’ vacation providers. 

1.  Are they a travel agent or a Tour operator ? 

particularly at a local level, service from a tour operator is often higher than that of an agent as tour booked thru local agents’can’ risk the incontrovertible fact that the agent is solely passing on your booking to a third party.  This is not always the case, but it is’s something to think about.  Comeback if you have Problems is also to be considered as an agent can blame the 3rd party and vice versa. 

two.  Do they require a deposit or are they offering payment in full on arrival ? 

If the company you are most likely booking thru accept payment in full on arrival, it implies one thing – your are not booked.  While will a company risk booking hotels, tour guides, drivers etc on the of chance you’ll basically turn up ? 

three.  Do they accept mastercards as payment ? 

This is critical whether you are planning on paying that way.  Accepting mastercards ( especially in travel fields ) will probably mean the Corporation has been pretty well vetted and definitely will offer you some added assurances ( and of course protection )

four.  Do they offer Testimonials…  ? 

The second half this query maybe the most important part,’Do they offer Testimonials…and are you able to contact them’ ?  If their testimonials are real then surely there is no reason why they can not be contacted. 

5.  Have they got a recognized complaint mechanism ? 

Any forward thinking and truthful company will know that there’ll always be the strange problem.  Having a dispute procedure in place shows the company won’t just try and fob you off, but from the ground up, they’ll try to fairly take care of any problems you may have. 

Hopefully these 5 things may help you with regards to your future plans when thinking about a visit to a country such as Egypt.

Enjoy traveling around the world? If you love to travel, check out famouswonders.com to see the most famous places around the world and also have a look at tourist attractions of Egypt.