But Why the Red Sea?

The Red Sea has for long been a favourite diving destination for many divers across the world. Join any conversation about great diving and the Red Sea just comes up automatically. Most UK divers have visited one of the six different diving regions at some point in their diving careers, returning year after year, and for a very good reason. They have accustomed themselves to such great diving that when attempting to visit a different destination they tend to compare it with their old time favourite.

But why the Red Sea? What is so good about it that divers just keep raving about its diving over and over?

Well, for a very good reason as you are about to find out when reading the next paragraphs about diving the different regions the Red Sea has to offer.

Taba

Still a developing tourist area, the diving in Taba is virtually unspoilt with pristine coral reefs very close to shore which is a massive bonus. This means you do not have to travel very far spending precious time on boats to experience the best dive sites.

What’s even greater about Taba is that the region is sometimes visited by one of the most amazing sea creatures, whale sharks. Yes that right, whale sharks! From around April through to May and again September and October divers have been privileged to spot, swim and interact with whale sharks as long as 12 metres.

Dahab

Dahab is just an old time favourite for divers with great shore diving available as its underwater topography is a continuation from Dahab’s jagged mountains forming seascape valleys, beautiful reefs, canyons and caves.

The beautiful “Blue Hole” is one of Dahab’s most famous dive sites with great colours ideal for photographers.  “The Canyon” is a narrow and beautiful canyon created by volcanic activity home to hard and soft corals as well as rich fauna. The region has something for everyone with a long promenade offering a full range of water-front restaurants and a carefree atmosphere complimenting its superb diving.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is a fully developed resort visited by many divers. The atmosphere here is the total opposite of Dahab’s, the resort is more commercialised and ideal for those looking to combine great diving with very good nightlife. The diving in this area is very famous for the array of dive sites in the Ras Mohammed National Park including Shark of Yolanda, a cargo ship that sank in less than 18 meters of water with a load of toilets.

The Straits of Tiran, 4 underwater islands with around 15 different dive sites is also very famous among divers as the currents in this area are responsible for the healthy corals and resident marine life.

Hurghada

Less developed than Sharm El Sheikh but at a growing stage to become more commercialised, this coastal area is the perfect base to catch a liveaboard and ideal for wreck divers. The huge variety of wrecks laying on the bottom sea, some with very interesting history will keep you busy for a few days during your visit.

With the main wreck location nearby, Abu Nuhas is a shipwreck graveyard and its four wrecks among which are the famous Ghiannis D and the Carnatic will offer great diving opportunities. But is not all about wrecks, Hurghada is also home to diverse marine life ranging from the tiniest nudibraches to the amazing whales hark encounters.

Marsa Alam

Are you looking for an exciting diving location with a myriad of pristine reefs home to stunning hard and soft corals and an astonishing abundance of marine life? Then look no further and book your next trip to Marsa Alam as you will get to experience the best reefs the Red Sea has to offer and if you are on one of your lucky days get a glimpse of the resident Dugong that feeds on the sea grass.

But that’s not all! Marsa Alam is also famous for an absolute must dive site. “Dolphin House”, a large, horseshoe-shaped reef is home to dozens of spinner dolphins, hiding eels, leopard groupers and much more.

Hamata

Last but by no means least; Hamata’s crystal clear water located to the south of the Red Sea is the ideal get away from it all.  Fury Shoals and St. Johns are some of the most southerly reef systems with a number of dive sites accessible only by liveaboard which just like Marsa Alam means you get to experience great reef dives.

If you are new to diving in the Red Sea I hope this article has given you a good insight to this diving destination and encouraged you to think about booking your next diving trip to one of the six regions in the Red Sea.

Author Bio

Keith Barrett is a keen diver and is able to mix business with pleasure: he works with UltimateDiving.co.uk and takes the opportunity to visit many great locations around the world. He also writes extensively about diving experiences.

Where is Bonifacio?

Bonifacio is an ancient and unique fortress town, located on the French island of Corsica in the beautiful Mediterranean sea. Bonifacio was one of the first cities in Corsica, founded in 830 by Boniface, Count of Lucca and its locals are known as Bonifaciens.

Bonifacio is one of Corsica’s biggest attractions with medieval houses teetering on the edge of vast cliffs. It also boasts a superb marina, a labyrinth of narrow streets and historic buildings, accompanied by many nearby pristine beaches. All this attracts visitors from all over.

Lonely Planet Corsica

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Bonifacio

One Great Reason to Visit Bonifacio

One great reason to visit this travel destination would be to have the opportunity to go boating below the cliffs to marvel at the medieval houses clinging on! The city of cliffs!

Bonifacio Corsica

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Website

With the whole world to choose from, deciding where to go on your only summer holiday can feel impossible – how do you decide between Morocco, Majorca, Malmö or Miami? This is especially true if you have a strict budget, but don’t fancy heading to Lanzarote.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three of the best value holiday spots for summer and autumn 2013, focusing on destinations that offer sunshine and sand without high costs and crowds. There are plenty of cheap holiday deals to these fabulous destinations, whether you’re looking for a last minute getaway or a well-planned autumn sunshine jaunt… so have a look online, and start planning!

Montenegro

When you’re trying to stick to a strict financial plan, it’s best to avoid the most well-known places. Montenegro was almost totally unknown as a holiday spot until recently, and 2013 is looking to be its breakout year – so go before the prices jump next year.

Just south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts fantastic weather during the summer months, with highs of around 30°C. With a mix of rock, pebble and sand beaches spread over 73km of coastline, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to your liking. The beach at Kotor, towards the north of the country, is a beautifully secluded spot that plays host to the deepest fjord in the Mediterranean. There are two small islands a short way from the bay, Sveti Djordje and Gospa od Skrpijela, that are well worth seeing – if you want a break from the beach, hire a boat and head out to explore. Fly into Tivat airport and take a taxi to Kotor for around €7, and accommodation near the beach costs between €7 and €15 per night per person. Now that the secret is getting out, prices won’t stay so reasonable for long.

Croatia

North of Montenegro, Split, Croatia is also home to some daydream-worthy beaches. Split is slightly bigger and cheaper than the capital Dubrovnik, with loads to explore besides the incredible Adriatic coastline. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Roman ruins in the city centre; the Bronze Gate is also a must-see, with exhibitions and craft stalls at this stunning heritage site. There are a number of museums, and restaurants serving delicious Croatian specialities with fairly reasonable price tags. The fish here is a particular treat.

The Azores

If you want to get as far away as possible without blowing your budget on flights, head to Santa Maria Island in the Atlantic. Located in the Azores, about 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago is an absolute haven for both adventure types and those looking to get away from it all. With a population of just 6,000 people, Santa Maria is also known as the Island of the Sun, thanks to its dry climate and yellow wildflowers. Formosa Beach is intensely sunny, with bright white sands and crystalline waters, and there are a number of nature reserves around the island with hiking trails. Incredible Giant’s Causeway-style rock formations (complete with a waterfall) and red earth are great outings, and a powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic past.

Package holidays are the family sunshine break godsend. Quick, easy and usually cheap, there are many destinations that embody everything a package sunshine break should, and one of those is summer favourite, Lloret De Mar. When combined with a night at one of the great selection of airport hotels, your package break becomes something even more special.

I put this idea to the test last year, and booked a night pre-flight at one of the Gatwick hotels. I combined this with airport parking and saved money, whilst adding convenience and comfort to my travel plans. As a result, my two weeks in the sun not only started earlier, but began with me calm and rested, not tired and grumpy. This is also a fantastic idea when travelling with young children.

Flights head regularly over to the Costa Brava, and a great idea is to combine your Lloret De Mar holiday with a few days in bustling and dramatic Barcelona. Flights head either into Barcelona, or Girona, which is the nearer airport, with buses from either plentiful. Once you’re based in resort, getting around is easier, and most things are within walking distance.

Of course, family sunshine breaks generally centre around the beach, and Lloret de Mar is the main beach in resort, with a range of water-sports. There are smaller beaches dotted around, but for the best in the way of facilities, this is where you need to be. For splashing away from the beach, the kids will love WaterWorld, and a day here is fun for all the family.

When splashing, be it on the beach or at the water-park, gets a little tiresome, get out and explore. Sant Joan Castle is a good one for history and architecture fans, with great views too, so remember that camera! Fancy a bit of retail therapy? The Tuesday market at Carrer dels Mestres is a good choice.

Bright, varied and plentiful – that sums up Lloret De Mar’s nightlife, and with something for every taste, nobody will be bored. Food-wise, similarly there’s something for everyone too, with many international dishes on most menus, and most restaurants catering for British guests.

When your dinner has digested, you can choose to chat and have a few drinks, sing a spot of karaoke, watch the football, or party on down. If you choose the latter, head to the Avinguda Just Marles, and take your pick of bars and clubs for your evening’s entertainment.

As far as package holidays go, Lloret De Mar sums it up perfectly, with the sun shining down in the background. Take my advice and pre-book an airport hotel prior to travelling, especially useful if you have an early flight, and your holiday will be that little bit extra special. Combine your hotel with airport parking and you save even more – what could be better?! Check out the large range of hotels Manchester Airport, if you’re flying from the north, and look forward to your holiday starting even sooner than planned!