Many people are also surprised to find out that the Red Sea is home to several beautiful beaches, as well as activities like scuba diving and swimming. You might want to check out special offers to visit the Red Sea on cruise deals at virginholidayscruises.co.uk.

Here are five top destinations to visit on a Red Sea Cruise…

Sharm el Sheikh, Naama Bay. Photo by Svetlana Grechkina

1. Sharm el Sheikh

One of the most popular destinations for a cruise in the Red Sea, although there is no main tourist attraction, but the beach itself attracts thousands every year.

While swimming, tanning, relaxing or exploring the beach are all great ways to pass the time, snorkelling and scuba diving make Sharm el Sheikh Egypt’s most popular beach resort.

2. Port Sokhna

Few people have heard of Port Sokhna, but it is where most cruise passengers disembark to explore capital city Cairo, which is only a few miles away.

In Cairo itself, there are countless attractions to explore like the Museum of Cairo and the Coptic Museum, but the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza are the most impressive of all.

3. Luxor

Located on the banks of the Nile, Luxor was once the capital of ancient Egypt. Today, it is a top destination for travellers wanting an insight into its long history.

Passengers will usually disembark at Port Safaga and travel 45 minutes to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings.

Here, visitors can see the Tomb of Tutankhamen, the Tomb of Ramesses VI and countless other ancient historic landmarks.

4. Petra, Jordan

Parts of the Red Sea border the scenic country of Jordan, and there is nowhere more remarkable to visit than Petra.

Petra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts several different structures carved from the famous pink-tinted rocks.

5. Hurghada

Although Hurghada may not be as big or popular as Sharm el Sheikh, it’s every bit as beautiful.

This coastal destination in Egypt is a stopping point for some of the cheapest cruises in the Red Sea. It offers great opportunities for scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling and horseback riding on the beach.

Going on a cruise on the Red Sea, you can visit historic landmarks, relaxing beaches and more.

Lifecruiser Love Cruise Holidays

Some other cruise related posts at Lifecruiser:

Broaden your horizons when there are cruise deals to be had
Fabulous Cruise Alternatives
Cruising is the Perfect Gift
Top 5 Pacific Cruises For Your Next Getaway!
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Top 5 Cruises for family’s on a budget
Luxury Dream Cruises
The Worlds Oldest Gun Ship: A Medieval Cog Ship
Bargain Cruise Ships Tips
 

Greece is also about lovely, sun drenched islands set like jewels in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, a warm climate, a care-free lifestyle, good food and wine. It is idyllic for vacations. The only problem when you consider Greece as a destination for incredible holidays is not which place to visit but the rather select one from the bewildering array of choices.

You can have Greece holidays in the North; holidays in the islands by the seashore; explore the ancient sites or troll through the lanes and marketplaces, living life like a Greek.

The Greek Islands

If you wish for a complete getaway, a peaceful sojourn in a tranquil, unspoilt place, head for the Greek Islands. The islands are perfect for a romantic holiday or for a quiet break from a busy schedule. There are hundreds of islands but the most popular are Mykonos, Paros, Corfu, Zakynthos, Alonissos, Skiathos, Crete, Rhodes and others. You can choose Ionian Islands or Saronic islands in the Aegean sea or the Dodecanese group of isles.

The Ionian Islands are made up of Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Lefkada, Paxi and Kefalonia as the largest with many smaller islands dotting the sea. The deep blue seas, verdant landscape and the rich heritage will keep you enchanted for the duration of your stay. You can go deep sea diving, windsurfing, climb perilous mountains, laze on the beach, have your fill of Greek delicacies, attend cultural events or explore monuments in the region. Greeks are hospitable and cheerful and it will not be surprising if you make friends with the locals—one of the best ways to have incredible Greece holidays.

The gorgeous Cyclades in the Aegean are just as attractive as the Ionian Islands. Made up of a group of 39 islands, the well known isles are Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Tinos, to name only a few. If nightlife is what you seek, the -Cyclades give you more than your fill. Legend has it that Poseidon, infuriated at the Cyclades nymphs, turned them into islands. Apart from the nightlife you have all the opportunities to explore the deep blue waters, the charming olive groves, gurgling streams and picture postcard scenery. According to legends, the pearl of Cyclades, the Anafi Island, rose from the sea to shelter the Argonauts. If legends interest you Delos will; it is said to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.

Some might prefer the Dodecanese in the South-Eastern Aegean Sea, made up of Rhodes, Kos, Leros and Pserimos islands. Rhodes, undoubtedly, should be on your list for its medieval walls and gates, a legacy of the Knights. Kos has the usual Greek attractions in addition to being home to the plane tree under which Hippocrates used to teach. If you love nature, Karpathos has everything by way of caves, forests, streams and lush landscapes to keep you entranced.

Why not pick a particular group of islands and visit a few for your Grecian holiday? It will be hard to tear yourself away when it is time to go home.

Travelling in Greece

If you have made the islands the choice destination for your holidays, travelling inside the country does not present any problems. You can land in Greece at any of its 15 international airports. You can travel by trains or buses to the nearest ports that will get you a ferry to the islands. If you like you can travel by domestic airlines and have a view of the breathtaking scenery as you arrive at the island of your choice. Motoring does have its charms; you can travel across the longest cable suspension bridge in Europe. Just take care to book in advance if you plan your Greece holidays in summer.

If you belong to the EU, all you need to travel to Greece is your police ID or passport. Visitors from other countries, except those on the notified list, need to follow visa procedures.

Accommodation and Eating in Greece

Greece has a well developed infrastructure in place or tourism. This means you have access to accommodating ranging from budget to the priciest in most islands. There are hotels, bungalows to rent, campsites, apartments and rooms.

Gastronomes, however, will focus on the variety of Greek cuisines. Greek cuisine makes use of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, wine, fish, wheat, barley and a whole lot of fresh herbs. Move from one island to the other and enjoy typical dishes. The Ios offers cuisine based on wheat, pulses, vegetables and dairy products. On Mykonos you sample dishes based on pork, herbs, cheese, fish and sausages. In Naxos it is vegetables, red meat and red wine. Over to Syros and you have roasted fish, tomatoes and octopus waiting for you.

Just pack your bags and set out and explore Greece on your own. You might come across the Pleiades.

Lifecruiser Love Greece

Other Greece travel related posts at Lifecruiser:

5 Top Beaches of Greek Islands
Mediterranean Dream Cruises
Travel Sales Trend: Increased in Sweden
Driving in the mountains – scary experiences
Luxury Dream Cruises
5 Tip Top Beaches of Lifecruiser
Monday Memories Honeymoon
When hubby was rally Harry
Love Trips Snips
 

Like any sport, surfing requires you to put in time and effort to master it. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Once you get the basics right, you’ll find that surfing can truly be an amazing adventure.

In the following article we go look into a few tips to help you surf better…

1. Know How to Swim: First things first, surfing isn’t for non-swimmers because of the obvious dangers. You need to be a decent swimmer to ensure safety and maximum fun. Real surfers aim for the biggest waves to ride, which means they’re ready to face powerful currents. So if you don’t know swimming, learn it first.

2. Find a School or a Teacher: In order to learn surfing well, you need to be aware of the basics – right from standing on the board to approaching a wave. This is why you should find a good surfing school or an experienced instructor to start off. It’s always good to compare surfing schools and do your homework before you jump in. Remember, learning how to surf properly is good for your own safety.

3. Dress for it: Make sure you get a wetsuit before you go out there and hit the waves. It not only helps you keep warm in those chilly waters but also works as a rash guard for your skin when it gets rubbed against the board. You can rent one at a surfing school or if you’re not comfortable with it, you can always buy one – especially if you plan to surf regularly.

4. Choose a Good Board: Your surfboard needs to be durable and easy to handle, which means you should get one that is of the right size and construction. Out of these two factors, you should focus on size first. Big surfers require long boards and small surfers require short ones. As far as the construction of board is concerned, softboards are the best. If you’re planning to buy the board online, check out IsleSurfBoards.com for an affordable deal.

5. Work Out Your Arms: Surfing is a physically demanding sport. You’ll have to constantly “push up” to go through the various steps such as getting on the board, paddling and standing up. It requires a lot of arm work, which is why it makes sense to do some regular arm strengthening exercises.

Here a few safety tips to keep in mind when surfing:

• Don’t surf during heavy rains.
• Come out of the water if you get injured or sick.
• Avoid surfing near swimmers.
• Never surf alone; do it with a friend.
• Talk to lifeguards before hitting the waters.

In order to surf better, you need to keep on improving yourself. So the more you practice it while being safe, the easier it will get.

Lifecruiser Love Water Sports
 

Here’s a sneak-peek at beaches in Bali and what activities they are best for.

Best Beach in Bali for Surfing: Kuta

Image courtesy of eGuide Travel/ Flickr.com

Found on the western side of Bali’s narrow isthmus, Kuta Beach is one of the world’s most famous surf hot spots. On a good day, you can look forward to average wave lengths of 50 meters. On a great day, they can grow to thrice that. It’s such a popular location that surfers will make the trip from all over the island to hit these waves.

Kuta is primo for great adventures, shopping and dining. You can take in the Bali Bombing Memorial Monument or discover one of the many temples throughout Kuta that contain brilliant designs and pieces of art. If you fancy shopping head to the Discovery Shopping Mall Esplanade where you may also find live DJs, parades and concerts.

Best Beach in Bali for Swimming: Padang Bai

Image courtesy of shanghaifoodie/ Flickr.com

Padang Bai is one of the quieter beaches in Bali. It’s warm climates, silver sand, crystal azure waters and wondrous cliff formations, makes for a perfect day swimming or lounging in the comforting rays of the sun. Stretching for 120 meters, it’s only accessible through a passage sitting between two cliffs. In the evening, join the gawkers to witness some of the most incredible sunsets.

Swimming, cold beers, cocktails and building sand castles aren’t all the area has. There are beautiful villas that sit on the rocks, striking guest houses and bungalows that actually start under $100 per night.

Best Beach in Bali for Sunbathing: Jimbaran Beach

Image courtesy of shanghaifoodie/ Flickr.com

Located on the south-western coast, this beach gets to take full advantage of the sun. The beach and bay are filled with little secluded areas, promising peace and tranquillity. The beach is surrounded by tropical forests and celebrity hideaways. Stay close enough to society so you can still enjoy fruity drinks under umbrellas or find your spot and lay there in seclusion with only the sounds of the waves to keep you company.

Jimbaran Beach is the spot for dining. It has a three kilometre patch of international restaurants and cafes. As one of Bali’s most easy going beaches, the nightlife on this part of the island tends to be serene. You’ll more likely find romantic dinners and cliff-side rendezvous.

Best Beach in Bali for Snorkelling: Sanur

Purists argue Amed Beach is the standout for snorkelling, however, Sanur takes the edge for its additional attractions. Sanur was Bali’s first beach resort, offering serene coastal ambiance. It’s where you can find the unique Bali Seawalker, which is a snorkelling device that requires minimum equipment. However, there is still plenty of traditional snorkelling. Schedule to go out during high tide when the underwater creatures are truly animated.

Sanur is small, so if you want to golf, you’ll have to settle for nine holes. It’s said the Bali Beach Course is a challenge with its hibiscus trees and shady pines. There’s also great sailing as Sanur is one of Bali’s premier boating points. The beach is perfect for kite flying too and there is an annual festival held here each year.

Best Beach in Bali for Being Alone: Geger Beach

If you’re not into the surf and crowds, Geger Beach is wonderful for many relaxing hours. The calm, sparkling water is of a tranquil blue-green colour and the sands are soft yet thick, great for a nice run or a game of volleyball or Ultimate Frisbee. The waves roll smoothly, and watching them can send you to a quiet place. You’ll likely glimpse farmers harvesting seaweed.

Geger Beach is excellent for young kids with its quieter waves. There are water sport activities for the family, including beach games. There are also plenty of cafes serving everything from great fish to burgers and fries for the little ones.

If you are going to get away from it all, do it right! Get out to Bali and explore these beautiful beaches. This Indonesian paradise is filled with adventure and relaxation. You won’t have any problems finding great rates on flights to Bali with a little research.

Lifecruiser Love Bali Beaches
 

Sharing an island with the nation of Haiti, the Dominican Republic has a fascinating past, displayed in the fine colonial architecture and museums of the capital, Santo Domingo. Although there’s enough interest here for days of exploration, the majority of your time is best reserved for the country’s natural wonders, landing on a few beaches along the way.

More than 100 species of birds have made the Eastern National Park their home and visitors flock here just as eagerly. There are cave paintings and coral reefs, as well as some deserted beaches to explore. At the eastern tip of the island, Playa del Macao is the number one sunbathing spot but don’t let this put you off; the nearby fishing village and warm welcome from locals makes this beach understandably popular.

To the north in Puerto Plata lies Mount Isabel de Torres, the photo opportunity of a lifetime complete with cable car transport to the top and a Christ statue to rival Rio’s. In fact, with 80% of the country covered by mountains and the highest peak in the Caribbean – Pico Duarte – the Dominican Republic offers not only plenty of adventure, but spectacular views over the rest of its subtropical and verdant landscape.

The country owns many protected habitats like Lago Enriquillo, home to flamingos and the rare rhinoceros iguana. Marine mammals like the humpback whale are not the only attraction of the crystal waters which surround the island; kaleidoscopic underwater scenery and sealife await at key diving spots like Punta Cana and tiny Catalina Island.

Astonishing diversity is the norm on this unique island nation. From former pirate coves to dense mangrove forests, idyllic sands to towering mountain-tops, the Dominican Republic is a consistent favourite among the Caribbean islands and is one of those rare places which lives up to its own hype.

Lifecruiser Love Caribbean Islands
 

When traveling, we often enjoy all the different architecture we get to see and this is an excellent example of a new thinking within apartment block planning, opening up for more creative surroundings for peoples living areas.

I’m all for it! Let new ideas grow and be implemented!

©Lifecruiser Love Beach Hammocks
 

Shaab El Erg

You’ll want to bring an underwater camera to take shots of the bottom feeding eels and colourful fish at this site. If you make a mid-week dive then there’ll also be the opportunity to spot dolphins making their way through the aptly named dolphin house. And depending upon the time of year that you visit it may even be possible to swim beside the Manta ray.

Abu Hashish

This shallow dive site is absolutely ideal for anybody who has minimal diving experience. It’s name relates to the sea grasses that wave gently beneath the paddling feet of underwater explorers. It is usual to encounter puffer fish, crab and cuttlefish as you swim through the crystal clear waters in this area.

El Mina

It is worth buddying up with an experienced diver for the underwater trip to this Egyptian minesweeper. As you make your way through the wreck you will come across aircraft weapons and different kinds of ammunition, used in the 6 day war. You can recount the unique experience with a cool refreshing beverage at one of the Hurghada bars as the day comes to a close.

Umm Qamar

The travel team responsible for organising Directline-holidays to Hurghada have received plenty of positive reviews regarding this diving site. Some people have commented upon the awe inspiring sea mountains and caves. Others have been pleasantly surprised by the diversity of fish to be seen swimming near the wreckage of the Colona IV safari boat.

Lifecruiser Love Active Holidays
 

Ginnie (ginniehart.blogspot.com and ginniehart.shutterchance.com/) and Astrid had agreed to meet us in the hotel lobby and they did sneak up behind me, surprising me even though I suspected them! Ha ha… Always up for some fun! They kind enough did drive a long way just to meet us. Of course, they are explorers like we are, so they loved to do some sightseeing too. We had a lovely time together, we also sat down at a restaurant to eat and drink and chat, and it was like we had been friends for a long time already – of course, it helps when you have the same photo interest too, but they really are such a nice couple.

It was also very nice of Astrid to help us up with our two heavy suitcases (packing for a month!) up two VERY steep stairs, incredible enough they didn’t have any lift, I suppose it was because it was an old villa the hotel were situated in. Though because of the carrying of the suitcases, hubby got a severe neck pain during the night, not sleeping as much as he needed. Behold of our surprise when we met the same two steep stairs in our hotel tonight too!!! Ha ha ha… could it have something to do with the spa bathroom (whirlpool) both of them had? Yes, incredible coincidence or what?

From Wijk aan Zee it’s not long way to IJMuiden and it was on our way to Vlissingen where we stay for tonight, so we could spend about 4 hours together with Cora (tinkerbell-nl.blogspot.com) and Ron and their two darling dogs. We had said before that we didn’t mind choosing to walk at a dog friendly beach, because I love to see dogs having fun. We also had a couple of beers (yes, now again…) and had a very easy going talk. I must say that we had a lot more in common than we realized even before. We have been through similar things and have had the same thoughts about many things. We could have stayed for ever, but, we have a schedule to keep and we were almost sorry for that…

As always when having a nice time, time flies way too fast and it was time to depart. But between us all, in both our blogger meetups, we know that we will meet again for sure, because we really felt like old friends.

Thank you dear friends, for giving us such a good time. Internet really can get you awesome, awesome friends…

Don’t forget to keep an eye on Lifecruiser Europe roadtrip 2012 Flickr Photos too, we will continue to upload our photos as soon as we got the time to do it – and working, fast enough wifi.

©Lifecruiser Love European Roadtrips

It’s true! It was our last summer at the island, for private reasons I can’t tell you. It’s a bit sadness involved, but still: we are done with the island now and ready for other summer adventures!

©Lifecruiser Love Islands
 

This summer though, the weather has been quite windy and unusually chilly to be in the middle of the Swedish summer unfortunately. I haven’t been swimming in the Baltic Sea even once this summer and we’re soon going home again, on Tuesday actually.

My hopes goes to our Europe trip…

©Lifecruiser Love Beaches