Travel Guide

Taba is on the border of Egypt and Israel, on the Egyptian side. It is a small town, but one that is popular with both locals and holiday makers. Taba, is not the most action packed place in the world, but the Egyptian setting is stunning and you can always use it as somewhere you stop for a few days, before moving on to other resorts in Egypt, or up into Israel.

Taba is a romantic holiday town, which is good for couples, or groups of adults, but may not have enough to do for families who are looking for a nice break. There are a few things to do in the region though if you do not mind going out of Taba itself on some days. You will find trips on offer include places such as Mount Sinai and Petra. You can also head to Beer Sweer, 15km south, for some nice beach areas with eating establishments and straw huts to relax in.

Another place it is a great idea to go and visit is Castle Zaman. Because of the raised location, you can see into 4 countries from this tall castle and spend some lovely time at the bar or relaxing by the pool there. With a gift shop offering a great deal of items to buy for friends and family back home, you can tick several of the key boxes for your holiday here: seeing something breathtaking, getting souvenirs, relaxing and soaking up some sun. Many tourists who visit the castle come back urging others to go and see it if they are in the region, so it really does come with high recommendations. This is an adult only kind of sight though, as there is drinking and not any child friendly activities on offer to keep little ones entertained.

Taba is a great place for an adult holiday, as the famous Hilton hotel there also has a casino, Casino City, which is what draws many people in to Taba. The hotel itself has 11 stories and includes a diving centre as well, the casino is the main draw though. This is an excellent hotel to stop at if you can afford it, with all the modern amenities you need and an interesting array of activities on site plus a private beach available to residents.

Red Sea diving is one reason tourists flock to Taba. Red Sea Water World is in Taba Heights, which is an area where development is booming, in order to help locals have better facilities to integrate them into a tourist area, and also to offer some new features to Taba in general. There are 6 hotels as well as a diving centre and water sports, as mentioned, which are nestled in amongst the scenic mountain scenery of the area. Red Water Sea World offers diving with qualified instructors, and will teach you everything that you need in order to be able to have a fun day in the water and see some nice sights. If you are into sports, but prefer something less active, then why not try the Three Corners El Wekala Resort Golf Course for a nice relaxing day on a fantastic course nestled in Taba Heights.

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When you think of a holiday, what comes into mind? Glistening golden beaches? Tranquil picture perfect oceans, teaming with exotic fish? Well look no further than the island of Jamaica. Sitting right on the equator, the island boasts terrific sunny weather all year around, with rain typically falling only in the months of May, June, September and October.

This Island has everything for the perfect getaway for those who want to have a good time relaxing, as well as the holiday maker who is looking for a bit of adventure. Being the birth place of reggae, everything in Jamaica seems to move at a more relaxed and laid back pace, making it the best place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern rat race. There are many exciting and enthralling activities which a holiday maker can embark upon on the island of Jamaica, from diving and scuba diving to wind surfing and trips on boats. You can experience the best of the marine life in the area from both of these, and take in some really stunning scenes that lie just off the beaches all around the coast. Negril is one beach particularly recommended to try.

Swimming with dolphins is also a possibility in Jamaica. Many people find this a healing activity and jump at the chance to experience it. This can still be done in the wild around Jamaica, if you can find the tours that offer this. It is better, however, to head to Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef, where you will be guaranteed the chance to swim with two dolphins, as well as experience other nature themed fun such as glass bottom boats, Shark and Parrot shows and a Jungle walk.

Other activities if you wish to be active include a fantastic tree top canopy tour. This takes you through history from when the island was first settled by the original inhabitants, to what we know as Jamaica today. This can be an interesting way to both learn and see some of the wildlife that is on offer in the Caribbean.

If just the thought of these activities gets you in a sweat, then there are also many more relaxing pastimes which are available on the island, including beach resorts supporting some top rated golf clubs and brilliantly relaxing spas. If the stunning scenery isn’t enough to relax you, these will definitely make you forget about all of the stresses and strains of modern life. Jamaica really does have an underrated charm which is incomparable to most other places that you will be lucky enough to experience on holiday.

Another great aspect of Jamaica is the food, the birth place of ‘Jerk’ and not something that should be missed. Trying authentic jerk meat is one of the delicacies which should not be turned down. The authentic taste of an open fire and the slow fusion of spices combine on jerk meat to make one of the tastiest dishes out there, so why not try it where it was originally born as a concept, so you know you have had the best?

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Sightseeing
There are many tours available around Menorca, one of them being a boat trip from Mao harbor. Mao is Menorca’s capital city and there you will find more tourist attractions like the Xoriguer distillery with its enormous copper stills bubbling away into alcohol. Mao harbor is a pleasant coast line with its unique fishing boats and its attractive houses that are built into the cliffs. Menorca has a few landmarks one being the 17 century castle that was built to protect the harbor with it working drawbridge and fabulous scenery.

Castell de Sant Nicolau is a must see for all travelers to Mao city. The Military governors house is a grand looking palace but it can only be viewed from outside. The principal theatre was the first opera house in Menorca built over 200 years ago and is a fine building that is now used as a cinema. Or take a visit to the very popular Placa Alfons III and its charming windmill that is something of an attraction for tourists. If you are looking for historic landmarks or beautiful landscaped gardens you will find these in and around the island of Menorca.

Beaches
There are a few beaches around Menorca that have golden sand with clear waters and offer very good water sports like sailing and paragliding and water skiing. The beach facilities are excellent too with volley ball courts and life guards throughout the summer months. To the east and the south is where the best beaches are found. Punta Prima beach has some splendid views and is becoming quite a popular beach. Cala Binisafuller beach is the most popular with the tourists staying in hotels close by. There are some quieter beaches still to be found and being developed towards the eastern part of the island. Son Su is Menorca’s longest beach stretching around 2 miles long.

Shopping
Menorca has plenty of shops opening 7 days a week as well as many beachfront stores that stay open late into the night. There are plenty of shopping opportunities and a varied range of items to purchase. There will be something for everyone. Markets are every week and during the summer they can be open every day in high season selling everything from fruit and vegetables to leather, jewelery and local crafted items. Many of the shops will close between 1 pm and 5 pm for a siesta from the baking heat but they reopen late into the night

Nightlife
Nigh time entertainment is based around the hotels and restaurants. There are no wild and crazy night clubs it is relatively low key. There are a few discotheques and jazz bars and bars playing live music. You will find a casino in Mahon, the only one. It is situated by the harbour. There is also an opera house there. Mahon is probably the liveliest town in Menorca, but the best night out has to be the fantastic traditional Andalucian horse show. The horses are specially and highly trained the Menorcan way. It is a magnificent performance showing the connection between man and beast, a really fantastic night’s entertainment.

Eating
Menorca’s favourite cuisine is stewed lobster and fish; there is quite a French influence in the pastries and flans of Menorca. You will find your beach front has fast food restaurants along the coast line for filled crusty batches and burgers and the inland restaurants serve a wide variety of food to suit all the family.

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Sightseeing

From the Monkey Park, where you can see the bird and plant life of the area, to a mini cruise at sunset along the Gambian river, there are plenty of excursions in the Gambia. Travel along its narrow but beautiful countryside with colour and sunshine all year round. Take a trip out to see the baobab tree; every part of this tree is useful from the fruit, seeds and leaves that are used as ingredients in sauces, beverages and medicines and also for making ropes. Parks and reserves are dotted all around the Gambia. The most famous reserve is in Abuko, approximately 25 kilometres drive from Banjul. The park has been protected since 1916 because it supplies the capital with its drinking water. Have a trip out to some of the local schools and leave a donation so they can prosper in their education.

You could travel to Gambia National Park which is also known as Baboon Island. Unfortunately the river boats are not allowed to stop for you to enter the Island, this is so the monkeys can be left undisturbed, but it is still a great day out and very photographic. Abuko is a paradise for those of you who are bird watchers with over 300 species in this tropical forest. It is a must for all the family to experience its sights and sounds. If you would like to see a diverse variety of cultural items visit the National Museum in Banjul. You will need several hours to see everything but it is well worth a trip there. If you’re quite daring and would like a great experience visit Bakau crocodile park where you can walk among the crocodiles, some are even friendly enough you can have your photo taken stroking one, if you dare.

Eating

Gambia is well known for its fresh sea fish dishes using Barracuda, Atlantic prawns and butter fish. Fish are cooked with vegetable and rice. Try Domoda one of the islands typical dishes. This is meat stewed in peanut puree and served with rice. Chicken Yassa is cooked with lime and rice a delicious tangy dish. Gambia does provide cuisine from all around the world. These are served in luxury hotels and many restaurants in the towns. Fast food is available but not as accessible as most other countries. Outdoor shacks do sell fast food but be careful you may be taking a trip to the hospital afterwards pretty fast too.

Nightlife

In Banjul there is little or no nightlife, if any it will be hotel based, but a short taxi ride will take you to the town of Sennagambia where you can find all the nightlife you would possibly want. The music is varied from place to place playing all types from pop to Reggae and R&B. There are lots of restaurants too, some playing local live music. You can have a good night out if that is what you are looking for on your holiday in the Gambia.

Shopping

There are no designer stores or supermarkets in the Gambia and there is very little shopping in Banjul. There are local markets, selling crafts and beads and some bargains can be had with silver items and beautiful material. Leather belts, hand crafted jewellery and tourist souvenirs are about all you can really purchase in the Gambia.

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Situated between Ethiopia (to the north) and Tanzania (to the south) lies the unspoilt Kenya with world famous safari parks and glorious sandy beaches.

Kenya is split up into eight provinces which can further be split down into districts. There were sixty nine in total according to the last census in 1999. The eight provinces are: Central, Coastal, Nairobi, Eastern, North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. As well as having the provinces to explore, Kenya also has several busy cities if you would prefer to escape and indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Kenyan markets and shopping are things that may rarely be considered when thinking about the country, but in actual fact it is a veritable smorgasbord out there, with many fine shops and markets to cater for everyone’s taste. Start off with a trip to the capital city, Nairobi, and think about the kind of items you may want to acquire. One thing that Kenya is known for is the beautiful cloth that comes out of the country. Head down to Biashara Street and have a look at the range of fabric shops available, so you can choose a lovely piece to take home.

If you are someone who prefers markets or going to see a range of different shops though, then definitely just wander around the city and make the most of the open air markets there every day. The City Market itself is great and has a variety of items that you could buy, for yourself or as gifts to take home for friends and family as a token of Africa. Haggling is perfectly acceptable, and encouraged, at these markets, so you can easily get bargains. However, be careful when haggling over goods such as ornaments as often these can be handmade and are of a high quality. It can be offensive to name too low a price, so make sure you inspect items and see how well crafted they seem before you put in your initial offer. Bargaining is fun in the culture, but if you are someone who has little time or get frustrated, then just make a clear ‘final price’ and ask for the stall owners own. Make a compromise and pay up or leave without the item. Nairobi also hosts the Sarit Centre, a large shopping zone that can be found by heading for the Westlands area if you want to make the most of every shopping district.

Travelling out into the lesser know cities of Eldoret and Machakos can be good for shopping if you do not like the busier environments as much. Real bargains can be found out in the smaller towns though. Often there will be markets selling many goods which are handmade and very well crafted: wood carvings, cloths, jewellery and baskets are treasures to look out for. If you are prepared to travel, the coastal town of Lamu is perfect for shopping for good quality items. Renowned as one of the best areas in terms of craftsmanship, it is worth going to see, or maybe even being the destination you choose to stop in.

Kenya is well known for excellent shopping, but make sure you take advantage of other wonders too. There are beautiful sandy beaches in the coastal regions which, although very hot, will allow you beautiful sea views and a chance to paddle. Consider The Gedi Ruins, Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara and Kakamega forest reserves (to name a few) if you are in Kenya and make the most of this beautiful country.

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In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea lies one of the club capitals of Europe: a small island named Ibiza with some of the biggest named clubs in the industry, including Pacha, Space, Café del mar and many others. This means that large numbers of tourists are attracted to the island on a seasonal basis, as the club scene is always alive. If you are looking for a clubbing holiday, then look no further.

Many of the clubs are set in the beautiful San Antonio bay, a plateau that is flat for around five hundred meters and covered with clear water, allowing you to walk out into the middle of what seems the sea. Sant Antoni bay is one of the best night scenes, as just a few meters away from the beautiful sand is a line of the hottest clubs for techno, electronic dance, house and trance music, with regular visits from huge UK DJ’s such as Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Tiesto and Dark Forest constantly bringing the hottest and most up to date music that there is. You should always try to buy tickets to the main clubs in advance, as door prices can be around 20 euros more, enough for 2 more beers when you get inside!. The prices for drinks can be high, so be warned to take plenty of cash with you, but there really is not any other island like it for the atmosphere, so it is well worth a visit at least once.

Head to a sunset café first, before the clubs, to really get in the mood for a great night out. Cocktails and spirits overlooking the sun setting over San Antonio will allow you to relax and get those initial cheaper drinks, so you are prepared for the clubbing scene later. Try the Café del Mar and make the most of the wonders of the Ibiza scenery. The music will already be spinning in the bars, so you will be entertained all through the night. Around this area are many go karting tracks and usual day time holiday activities too, so you will never be bored.

If clubbing is not to your taste then do not fear for Ibiza is a historical island with ancient ruins scattered around too. There are desirable tourist hot spots, from old castles up in the mountains and built on cliff edges, to the magnificent old town and the old port of Ibiza. This has fantastic ramparts and old crooked authentic streets, which are brilliant for getting lost down on a hot afternoon, as the sun is covered by the high old style Spanish architecture which is just made more outstanding by the site of the sun glistening over the old tiled roofs. Being an island of vast history, Ibiza is locally claimed to be the birth place of Christopher Columbus and there is a monument that has been erected in his honour.

For a more family feel, try the Playa d’en Bossa area, with carousels and bouncy castles as well as everything else a child could need for a great holiday in the sun. Water sports can also be enjoyed around all of the coastal areas, meaning there is an activity whatever your age.

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