When you think New York, you imagine a city, full of taxis and blaring horns, right? Besides all of the skyscrapers, clubs and people in a giant city, New York has a whole other part to the state. New York is full of small towns, farmland and beautiful scenery that are often overlooked.

New York is home to many unique attractions, without having to load the kids up on the subway to tour. Here are some fun stops outside of the big city:

North Pole No, you read that right. There is a North Pole in New York. It may seem like the North Pole since it is so close to the Canadian border, but it is in the New York boundaries. What is the North Pole without Santas Workshop? An amusement park by that name was built and opened in 1949 for kids to enjoy all year long. There are shows, gift shops, an arcade and costumed characters and a parade for all to see.

Albany A giant statue of a white dog sits atop the RCA Building. He was placed there in 1954 and is named Nipper. Nipper has appeared as a real dog in versions of commercials for RCA on television. RCA has offices in Albany.

Oneida Need a quick prayer to help get you through a family road trip? Stop in to Oneida, where the Worlds smallest church is located. The church is actually a chapel, and sits on a small platform in a pond. It was built in 1989 and seats two people and a minister.

Jamestown Lucille Balls hometown. There is a museum full of memories from her and Desi Arnazs life together. Her wedding dress, a hairbrush, TV set items and other personal effects are on display for the public. There is also a gift shop to take home little bits of Lucy history as souvenirs.

LeRoy Whats that wiggling on your spoon? J-E-L-L-O? A museum dedicated to the history of Jell-O sits in LeRoy New York. It is full of all the promotions used by Jell-O in the past, as well as TVs that constantly air commercials. Jell-O happened to be manufactured in the town of LeRoy for sixty four years.

Lake George – Does Uncle Sam have an overwhelming presence in your life? In Lake George, a 36 foot tall statue of Uncle Sam will make that feat a reality. The statue was built in honor of Samuel Wilson, who became known as Uncle Sam. He spent his adult life in Troy New York, and is buried there.

Cherry Valley What is a vacation without buying a bunch of rubber tomahawks for the kids? Rubber tomahawks, in case you need a definition, is a term for cheesy, easily-falls-apart, memorabilia that the kids must have before going home. The TePee in Cherry Hill is full of such trinkets for every age. The fifty foot metal teepee replica signals to those highway bound pull over! We have what you need to remember this vacation!

If you are planning a vacation trip to Cancun, hop the ferry across the bay to the small finger-shaped Isla Mujeres. The name means Island of Women and there are a number of theories as to how the name came to be but its not because of the topless beach. The important thing is that its a great place to vacation in the sun.

On Isla Mujeres the atmosphere is much more relaxed and relatively quiet compared to Cancun or Cozumel. The number of tourists is much less than on the mainland.

The city is only about 10 blocks long and five blocks wide so dont expect a whole lot besides the supermarket and cinema. But the natural sights are what you came for anyway.

There are accommodations to fit all budgets. Most are downtown and near the oceanfront. One of the better hotels is Posada del Mar with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the waterfront. The Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club is south of town has a great beach, pool and modern facilities. There are a number of budget hotels but be careful because the conditions and service vary greatly from day to day.

The outlying reefs are great for diving and snorkeling. The windward side is best but only when the seas are calm. The coral rocks are quite dangerous when the water is rough. Local dive shops provide day trips out to the farther reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Charter a local boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. Grouper, barracuda, tuna and red snapper are in abundance year round while in the spring you can catch the bigger fish like dorado, marlin and sailfish.

Every year the Club de Yates of Isla Mujeres puts on a sailing regatta near the end of April. Also, the Regatta Amigos takes place several times throughout the year. These events turn into one big party for the whole island with costumes, dancing, music, food and tequila.

At Playa Norte Beach (the previously referred to topless beach) is on the north edge of town. The water is shallow, blue and calm with cafes close by. Sailboarding and water skiing are popular as is the local three-wheeled floating bike. Not far away is another beautiful and quiet beach, Playa Lancheros.

On the south end of the small island is a reconstructed ancient Mayan temple. It sits on a cliff with a wonderful view over the ocean. This makes a good excuse to take a walk and see the island.

Garrafon Beach is the one spot that seems to draw the most tourists. Probably because its such a good spot for snorkeling. Avoid the crowds by going early. The beach has a coral reef that is perfect for beginner snorkeling and children. You can have fun actually feeding the fish. Not too far out you can get a look at some sunken cannon, an anchor and the resident angelfish.

If you go in October, dont miss the Isla Mujeres International Music Festival. It starts on the second weekend of the month and goes for 12 days of music and dancing.

Maxed Out Your Credit Cards Over the Holidays? Learn How to Get the Balance Back Down

The holidays can be a very financially stressful time. We all know Christmas is not about the gifts or how much money we spend, but its hard not to buy those perfect gifts for our loved ones even if we really cant afford it. In some cases, credit cards can be great especially around the holidays; it means even though we currently dont have the money, it wont stop us from being able to get those gifts. But now the holidays are over and youre looking at your credit card statements saying, did I really spend that much?

Instead of putting your head under a pillow and avoiding the whole subject, why not take this time to start learning about your finances, your financial situation and your credit cards. Lets make it a News Years resolution to get your finances under control. Repeat after me, This year I will take control of my finances; I will no longer allow my credit cards to control me.

Start by making a list of all your credit cards, if you have more then one. Get out your credit card statements, and write down the balances and the percentage of interest that is charged on purchases and cash advances. Many people forget that credit card companies tend to charge more interest on those cash advances as well as withdrawal fee. These charges can add up quickly, so if you have to take out a cash advance from your credit card know which card is best to use will not only save you money but will also remind you that you are taking control. Remember that your finances and money is just a game and once you know the rules, you will become a much better player.

Now that you have your list see if it is possible to transfer any balances over to a lower interest rate credit card. If it is, go do that right now, the sooner you do, the more money you will save. You want to start paying more off on the highest interest rate credit cards first, just pay the minimum on the other ones.

If you do have a few credit cards with balances, another option is to see about getting a consolidation loan. Consolidation loans normally come with much lower interest rates and you save banking fees as you only have one payment to make.

The hardest part for most people when it comes to their finances is admitting that they will never have control if they dont start educating themselves. Many of us tend to be avoiders when it comes to money and unfortunately, most things only get worse, when we avoid them. Finances, credit cards, banks, loans all these things really are not that complicated when we site down and take the time to learn. Try scheduling thirty minutes three or four times a week to read and learn about your finances. Once the thirty minutes is done give yourself a reward, and congratulate yourself on moving closer to your financial freedom.

Vacations are for getting away; getting away from work, stress, and for you over-worked parents: the kids. So this next vacation, leave the kids at home and take an inexpensive romantic getaway on the island known as The Island of Romance: Catalina Island. This exclusive island off the coast of California is offering visitors packages and discount rates from April 1 to June 15, 2006.

Romance Getaway packages include round trip boat transportation, accommodations, and include other bonus gifts such as free champagne and chocolates, spa treatments, sightseeing tours and complimentary breakfast. The room rates start as low as $154 per person.

Catalina Island is located just 22 miles off of the coast of Los Angeles. It has been inhabited for nearly 7,000 years beginning with the Gabrielio Indians. The Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to visit the island in 1542, and since then the tiny island has changed ownership several times and is now owned privately

In the late 1880s, George Shatto, the owner at the time decided to turn Catalina Island into a notable tourist destination. It was he who had the idea to build the town of Avalon, which remains the islands only city and main hub of activity. To bring in the tourists, Shatto constructed golf courses, and hotels galore. He also encouraged people to go hunting, and to pursue other outdoor activities.

Today, the island still maintains its historic beauty. Though it contains all essential utilities such as electricity, water and phones, it obtains its drinking water by collecting rainwater in specified areas throughout the island. The water is then purified and piped to the towns of Avalon and Two Harbors.

The island, which is the closest island to the mainland, is easy to get to and offers an appetizing array of activities and special events throughout the spring, including:

* Jewels of Avalon Tile Walking Tours
* Earth Day Celebration
* 12th Annual Catalina Island Rugby Festival
* 1st Annual Catalina Island Hoe-Down
* 19th Annual Silent Film Benefit
* Conservancy Summer Naturalist Programs

Avalon, the islands only city, offers a unique romantic setting that is part of Catalinas Mediterranean charm. Many of the hotels on the island have in-room fireplaces, whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs, private balconies, and ocean views.

For more information about Catalina Island, including transportation, hotel availability, activities, and special events, visit http://www.CatalinaChamber.com. For more information about the history of the beautiful island of Catalina visit http://www.colapublib.org/history/catalina/, http://www.catalina.com/history.html

A day at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut is a link to the glorious seafaring past of New England. The Museum of America and the Sea is an entertaining journey through 19th century nautical life as you visit the three main exhibits at Mystic Seaport: the historic ships, the authentic seaport village and exhibits, and the preservation shipyard.

The coastline in this part of New England was once home to huge whaling fleets and many where built along these shores. The area of Mystic had its share of shipbuilding yards and the recreation of the seaport village is an authentic and accurate depiction of life in a New England seafaring town.

Open year-round Mystic Seaport is on the Mystic River a short hop from the historic downtown area. Heres what youll see and how to get the best out of your trip…

THE JEWELS AT THE DOCK

Tall ships still fascinate people and Mystic Seaport has an amazing collection in the museum dock area. Im drawn like a magnet to these magnificent vessels, and the most popular to tour is the Charles W. Morgan – a wonderful example of a wooden whaling ship. It made 37 whaling trips from its launch in 1841 and before retiring in 1921. Other exquisite Tall Ships in the Mystic museum collection are the Joseph Conrad and L.A.Dunton.

Additional ships beautifully restored with a rich legacy include the Sabino and Emma C. Berry. The Emma C. first launched in 1866, and since then has undergone many changes as a fishing vessel and a coastal freighter. Allocate plenty of time to tour all the ships as they remain the centerpiece of the Mystic Seaport Museum. And when youre finally ready for a rest take a 30 or 90 minute cruise on the Sabino steamboat as she travels up and down the Mystic River.

THE AUTHENTIC VILLAGE AND EXHIBITS…

A short walk from the ships is the village exhibits and galleries. Painstakingly recreated and authentic, the village consists of many buildings moved from other locations in New England and the Northeast. Stroll around the nautical shops and discover rope making, rigging, cooperage, and the sail loft.

There are over 40 delightful exhibits for you to enjoy, but two must-see displays are the Mystic River Scale Model, and the Shipsmith shop. Further down from the village check out the galleries and make sure you spend time inside both the Voyages and Figurehead exhibits.

The three-floor exhibit of Voyages celebrates the legacy of America and the sea, and how it continues to impact our lives in many subtle ways. And across the street is the Figurehead exhibit, and a wonderful collection of ship carvings. Unfortunately, these carvings are a bittersweet display. The desire for these on ships has dwindled and its now become an endangered art form.

THE PRESERVATION SHIPYARD…

In the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard many of the old mastercraft shipbuilding skills are still practiced to keep the museum ships in tip top shape. Unfortunately many of these skills are being lost as the economics of our time reduce the need for them. Wooden ships are a thing of the past, and so the wonderful carpentry and shipwright skills have dwindled throughout the world.

But in this corner of the world they are practiced and preserved.

In the yard youll see a rigging loft, a paint shop, carpenters and metalworking shops, a lumber shed, and an old-fashioned sawmill. The documentation shop contains vital records used by the museums craftsmen to maintain accuracy as they work on preserving the ships. At the nearby shipbuilding display youll not only see the keel of the whale ship Thames, but take in a revealing exhibit of the many stages of building a ship.

Mystic Seaport celebrates the historic seafaring past of New England. Its one of my favorite three living museums in New England. The other two are Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Central Massachusetts, and Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower at Plymouth, Eastern Massachusetts. All three for different reasons are marvelous experiences of New Englands contribution to American history. To discover more about each visit my web site at www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

A sleepy island area in the 1970s, Cancun has been transformed into a mega tourist destination. Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, this resort area has something for everyone.

Cancun

Make no mistake, Cancun is a very tourist friendly destination. Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Cancun is populated with mega resorts and over 20,000 hotel rooms. The economy is based on tourism and the people go out of their way to show tourists a good time.

Cancun proper is actually two distinct areas. Cancun City is located on the mainland and Cancun Island is just off the coast. The island is the stuff of legend.

Cancun Island the classic example of Caribbean beach paradise. Incredibly blue water laps slowly onto insanely white beaches. Light breezes roll in off the water as you lounge on a beach chair and contemplate important things like what you will eat for lunch.

One of the slight downsides of Cancun involves beachfront hotels. They tend to be a bit possessive about the sand in front of them. Put another way, you better be staying at the hotel if you intend to plop down in front of it. Hey, it cant all be great!

Getting To Cancun

As with any mega resort area, getting to Cancun is very easy. Most major airlines fly into Cancun City and the airport is very modern. You are required to have a passport and must fill out a tourist card at customs. The customs agents are easy going and Ive never heard of anyone having any problems with them.

If you want to experience a beach vacation in Mexico, you can do worse than Cancun. You will not get much feel for the local culture, but you will definitely enjoy yourself.

If you want to take a holiday some place new and different perhaps somewhere that none of your friends or family has ever visited you may want to try Andorra. Andorra is a very small country, located between France and Spain in a valley on the Southern side of the Pyrenees mountains. And, luxury holidays in Andorra can be quite a lot of fun.

One of the many draws of Andorra is the shopping. It is nearly a tax free country, and it is duty free as well, so many travelers enjoy heading to the stores. But, there is also quite a lot of enjoyable activities to do.

Skiing is of course, also a major attraction for Andorra since it is located right at the base of the Pyrenees mountains. But holiday makers can also choose to hike or climb in the mountains. And the scenery throughout Andorra including the mountain area, but also the rest of the entire country is just magnificent. In addition, the architecture of the buildings is quite striking, as well.

There is also a Caldea thermal spa in which travelers can relax. This is highly recommended by anyone who has been to Andorra. Luxury holidays in Andorra will certainly be experiences a person will not soon forget.

Looking for tips on just the right place to stay on your Las Vegas vacation? There are a lot of great hotels in Vegas, but these six definitely stand out.

Wynn Hotel
The newest masterpiece by Vegas hotel legend Steve Wynn, the 50-story Wynn Hotel opened in 2004 with 2,716 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, 19 restaurants, and 54 private spa treatment rooms. His namesake hotel displays his amazing art collection, offers incredible shopping right on site, and has a posh private lobby for VIPs. And of course, there’s an awesome state-of-the-art casino at it’s heart.

Bellagio
Built by Steve Wynn in 1998, the lavish Bellagio has excellent rooms, awesome service, and an amazing water fountain show. In December 2004, just before the Wynn Hotel opened, the Bellagio added a special 928-room Spa Tower, boosting total capacity to 3,933 rooms. The Bellagio is so ritzy that they offer a 50-minute body bronzing treatment with real gold dust.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
This all-suite exclusive hotel within the larger Mandalay Bay property has 1,117 rooms that aim for a more cosmopolitan clientele than it’s namesake parent. Each suite is 725 square feet of luxury with three flat-screen televisions, including one in the mega-swank bathrooms.

Four Seasons
Another swank luxury hotel within the Mandalay Bay complex, the Four Seasons occupies floors 35-39 and has rates much higher than the standard $119-$349 of its parent. Four Seasons guests have their own elevator and entrance, plus pools, spa, and restaurants in an adjacent building.

Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas
The Ritz Carlton hotel is a half-hour’s drive from the Strip, but it’s renowned for it’s golfing and outdoor activities. It nestles against manmade Lake Las Vegas where the water offers a refreshing alternative to the summertime heat. This three-year-old Tuscan-themed resort still maintains a touch of the glitz: Guests can stay on a special bridge with suites built to recreate Florence’s legendary Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Gold).

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Located near the Wynn, this 4,027-suite hotel is part of the Sands Hotel group. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and the casino is magnificent. Coming this summer is a new theater hosting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical, the “Phantom of the Opera.”

So, there you have it. Six great Vegas hotels that will never fail to dazzle and are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded repeat visitor. Just be sure to book ahead to get the best discounts on room rates and snag hard-to-get show tickets well in advance.

Visit Chester and discover a delightful cultural mix that evolves when a 21st century city has been shaped by 2,000 years of history. Within the city walls Chester combines five star luxuries, exclusive stores, excellent dining and a vibrant nightlife with attractions such as a Roman Amphitheatre and Gothic Cathedral.

Places of interest:

Chester boasts a complete circuit of historic walls, sections of which date back to Roman times, Chesters most unique feature is the 13th century Rows two tiers of enticing shops, running through the main streets. Other attractions include the beautiful River Dee, the recently restored Grosvenor and Cheshire Military Museums, a Roman Amphitheatre, the Grosvenor Park and the citys famous Roodee Racecourse.

The Roman Amphitheatre, the largest arena ever uncovered in Britain.
The famous Chester Rows are unique, being two-tiered galleries built in the traditional black and white magpie style. They offer a wide range of shops selling goods from antiques to high fashion.
Grosvenor Museum offers visitors the chance to explore 2000 years of Chester history. This includes Roman life, Chester wildlife – past and present, art galleries, and a unique Chester timeline. Entrance is free. You can take a light hearted journey through the Roman heritage of Chester. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and can be provided, on request, at any time of the year.

Chester Zoo is one of Europe’s leading conservation zoos, with over 7,000 animals living in spacious and natural enclosures. The zoofari overhead railway and waterbus cater for your transportation needs. There is also a Children’s Farm complete with Marmot Mania, brass rubbings and face-painting.
Chester Market, having been established in Chester since Roman times, is one of the oldest functions of the council.

Things to do:

There are many ways of seeing the attractions and surrounding areas of Chester. Tours by Foot, Bus, Rail and Waterway are all available. If you enjoy the festival atmosphere you can relax at the Chester races, the annual international film festival or food and drinks festival. All tastes are catered to in historic Chester.

Chester Racecourse holds meetings throughout the summer months including the May Festival, a Family fun day and a Roman day. There has been racing on the Roodee at Chester for over 450 years and the thrill of watching a race at Chester unfolding before you from the sophisticated surroundings of the courses enclosures or the vantage point of the City walls is an unforgettable experience.

Bus tours operate from the Chester Visitor Centre that allows you to discover Chester from the comfort of a coach. Commentary is provided along the way by a knowledgeable and experienced guide. The tours take in such sites as the Amphitheatre, the River Dee and its bridges, the Old Port, and the Racecourse.
The Annual Food and Drink Festival celebrate the success of local producers where they exhibit their fayre to over 6,000 food and drink lovers.
The International Film Festival is run by the Chester Film Society. This popular annual event showcases fringe cinema from all over the world. The festival runs for a week, generally during early spring.

A Cruise along the Waterways of Cheshire is not only relaxing but offers a chance to enjoy the attractive sites of historic interest, heritage and culture of the area. There are more miles of canals here than in any other English county.
A Town Crier is a regular feature in the summer months You can enjoy this midday flamboyant spectacle at the Cross in the heart of the City, from Tuesday to Saturday from May to September.

Food & Drink:

There is plenty of opportunity to pause and take refreshment during your strolls around Chester in one of the many cafes, restaurants and wine bars. Contained within this vibrant city is an eating scene of diverse proportions. The styles of foods available include Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian and some of the best bars, night clubs and coffee houses you can imagine.

Samsi Japanese Yakitori Bar. Instead of the menu being divided the traditional manner of starters and main course you will find that most dishes are available in appetiser and main course portions. For people unaccustomed to Japanese food assistance is available.

Vito’s Trattoria Pizzeria. This is a traditional pizzeria where the waiters pace about with enormous pepper mills and straw-wrapped Chianti bottles hold candles over gingham tablecloths. All the old favourite dishes appear on the long menu.

Chez Jules Restaurant. Located in a former fire station this is a bistro style restaurant where the reasonably priced menu is changed daily. There are usually about six starters and the same number of mains on offer. It is a firm favourite with the locals.

Mongolian Barbeque. An award-winning restaurant that offers customers the chance to choose their own combination of meat, fish and vegetables and then watch as they are stir fried on a huge Mongolian style griddle.
The Boot Inn, Chesters oldest public house dates back to 1643, its faade was rebuilt and restored in the late 19th century and again in 1988. This very attractive 17th Century inn is accessible from the street level by narrow stony staircase. This leads into a large hall, which is divided into two main sections. Features include a fireplace, a large bar counter, low ceilings and exposed beams.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The city of Chester has a wide range of hotels and quality assured guest houses suitable for the business traveller and tourist alike. Elsewhere in Cheshire your options include luxurious country house hotels, excellent farmhouse B&Bs and self catering.

Macdonald Blossoms Hotel
Higher Huxley Hall Non-Smoking
Alton Lodge
Best Western Queen Hotel
Quality Hotel Chester
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
Eaton Hotel Non Smoking
Dene Hotel Chester
The Chester Grosvenor and Spa
Comfort Inn Chester
Ramada Chester
Brookside Hotel
Llyndir Hall Hotel
Chester Moat House
De Vere Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort Spa
Broxton Hall Country House Hotel
St. David’s Park Hotel
Mollington Banastre Hotel
Best Western Westminster Hotel
Thornton Hall Classic Hotel
Hoole Hall Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Chester Racecourse
Crabwall Manor
Gateway To Wales Hotel

Entertainment

Telfords Warehouse is an independent family run bar/restaurant and an internationally renowned music and arts venue. Upstairs is a popular restaurant and contemporary art gallery. The lower area and bar are reserved for the many popular live music nights which having played host too many famous names that have helped to establish Telfords as one of the most important venues in the country.

The Miniature Theatre of Chester is based at the Chester Town Hall, performing works that include both world premieres and plays by local talent.
Chester Theatre Club, based at the little theatre, was founded in 1944 and stages 6 plays per year. The auditorium seats 126 and there is a licensed bar
Alexander’s Jazz Theatre is the leading North West venue for jazz, blues and rock artists. It hosts Chester Jazz and Blues Festival. Alexander’s is also a famous for the alternative comedy nights every Saturday.
Chester is an excellent destination for that short break. It is a city where you can immerse yourself in history, shopping or elegance. This Roman city and its 21st century delights will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
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Famous for its endless sandy beaches, scenic mountains and rich coral reefs, the Red Sea Riviera provides an exquisite destination for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, Africa, the Red Sea Riviera consists of a number of resort cities lying on the western shore of the Gulf of Aqaba and along the eastern shore of mainland Egypt, south of the Gulf of Suez. Choose from any of the listed popular destinations and enjoy your vacation with Pel Tours this season!

Sharm El-Sheikh
Nestled between the calm shores of the Red Sea and the national park of Ras Mohammed, Sharm el-Sheikh is the jewel of the Sinai Peninsula. For many visitors, the most striking scenery of this region is underwater in the colourful reefs encircling the peninsula. At this most extraordinary diving destination, you can snorkel or dive into an underwater playground of shipwrecks, coral gardens and azure-blue waters.

A multiplicity of hotels, restaurants, shops and bars lend Sharm El-Sheikh a cosmopolitan character. Naama Bay, with its hotels and diving centres, is the main tourist spot, while the resorts of Ras Um Sid, Ras Nasrani, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay are also popular. Local excursions include diving courses and trips, desert safaris, and trips to Mount Sinai and the St Catherines Monastery.

Sharm El-Sheikh also offers great diving trips at the Ras Mohammed National Marine Park, which offers spectacular views of marine life and corals as well as shipwrecks for divers of all standards.

Dahab
Dahab, the Arabic word for gold, truly describes its sun-bathed beaches, which are a combination of soft sand, gorgeous blue water, and a luxuriant strip of palm trees spread all over. Almost 5 miles from town is the famous diving centre – Blue Hole. Towards the Israeli border is the Island of Coral, where the crusaders built a fort and the remains of which can still be seen.

Dahab has grown from a bustling village to an ideal retreat for holidaymakers and divers, wanting to escape from the chaos of everyday life. A 90-minute drive north of Sharm El-Sheikh, this holiday destination is an ideal resort for beginners and advanced divers, providing both shores and boat diving.

Assalah, the most developed part of Dahab, is an assortment of palm trees, campgrounds, shops, hotels, bars, and restaurants that lie along the shore of Ghazala Bay. This Bedouin village has a distinctly bohemian feel, and has some of the most spectacular, unspoiled and pristine dive sites off the Sinai peninsula.
Hurghada

One of Egypts foremost resorts, Hurghada has some of the finest underwater corals in the world surrounding the shoreline, making the area a haven for divers and holidaymakers alike. Diving in Hurghada is an excellent experience, and it is an ideal location for advanced divers and those wishing to further their technical diving skills.

From tiny nudibranchs to giant whale sharks, this area has it all for a perfect Red Sea diving holiday: hard and soft coral, turtles and dolphins, mantas and moray eels, napoleons and tuna, and much more, including the wreck graveyard at Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. Other activities include para-sailing, viewing the multi-coloured sea life from glass bottom boats, and deep-sea fishing.

Hurghada offers a wide variety of international cuisine and is famous for its excellent fish restaurants. During the night, this city comes alive with bustling bars, restaurants and clubs, and attracts a younger clientele, although revelers of all ages certainly won’t feel out of place.
El Gouna
Built on small islands and surrounded by lagoons and the Red Sea, El Gouna is a complete holiday destination offering all the amenities required for a relaxing holiday. This resort city offers great shopping, health treatments, and an excellent selection of restaurants, bars, clubs, beautiful beaches and uninhabited islands all within a 30-minute drive north of Hurghada.

In El Gouna, you can enjoy an unparalleled underwater paradise, travel through the desert, or take a hot-air balloon to experience some of the most beautiful scenery Egypt has to offer. It also has beautiful reefs with a good combination of hard and soft corals.

The city has three beautiful Red Sea beaches: Mangroovy, Zeytoona and Marina Beach. Although they do not have much underwater vegetation, these beaches are very beautiful, and swimming in them is a great experience.

El Quseir
To the south of Hurghada lies El Quesir a remote, un-commercialised coastal resort. Treasured for its peaceful location, it has become popular among holiday makers keen to experience the historical charm of Egypt yet relish in its slow pace. Inhabited since ancient times, this resort was an important commercial port in Roman times and later again as part of the spice route from India to Britain. It was also an important stopover in the pilgrimage from Egypt to Mecca. The ancient port still remains north of the town, and an Ottoman fort has also been recently restored.

Nuweiba
Nuweiba is a perfect destination for people looking for a quiet resort away from the main tourist areas. It is a small, peaceful area, situated on the shores of the Red Sea, giving easy access to the whole length of the Sinai coastline. This resort offers wonderful golden sandy secluded beaches and coves, stunning mountain scenery and a relaxed way of life.
Nuweiba is an ideal place to learn to dive – with beautiful coral reefs and gardens teeming with life. The area is a haven for photographers as the cerulean waters allow them to focus on the smaller species such as multi-coloured nudibranches. If you are lucky, you may encounter one of the several types of seahorse varieties when diving.

Taba and Taba Heights
Overlooking Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia, Taba is a paradise for active holidaymakers and outdoor types who enjoy the diving, surfing, sailing and catamarans, as well as walking or motorbike tours in the mountains. Recently, this city has experienced a growth spurt on its coastline and is now home to a number of leading hotel chains that have built luxurious resort hotels around a new luxurious resort called Taba Heights, which is 15km south of the border. Once completed, Taba Heights is expected to have 20 hotels, an 18-hole US Championship level golf course, a casino, a marina, as well as a full range of activities and water sports.