Africa/India

Africa

Gambia

On the West Coast of Africa, Gambia has a mentality of ‘no problem’. The pace of life is relaxed and the locals very friendly. The hotels are generally basic but self-sufficient. Most hotels offer a good choice of international and local cuisine either on site or very close by. An old British colony there is some history in Gambia, some exquisite colonial buildings can be seen. There are plenty of street markets where fantastic locally produced gifts and ornaments can be bargained for unbelievable prices.

The golden sandy beaches of Kotu and Kololo are lined with beach shacks offering snacks and drinks. The capital Banjul is well worth a visit, a typical capital city with a hectic, chaotic pace of life, huge markets selling anything and everything imaginable. Gambia is also home to some great wildlife including a crocodile, monkeys, hippos and exotic birdlife. A simple destination giving insight to real life in an African country opening its doors to holiday makers.

Kenya

Without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions of Kenya is the vast safari. The world famous Masai Mara is just one of the many national parks which is home to lions, giraffe, elephants, rhino amongst many others. In addition to the spectacular wildlife, Kenya offers some fantastic beach resorts with white sandy beaches and two bustling cities of Nairobi and Mombasa. The resorts of Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi as well as the north and south Mombasa coasts are home to superb snorkelling and diving opportunities or a gentle glass bottom boat trip for the less sporty. Experience best of nature, through a combination of wildlife and scenery.

Morocco

One of the overwhelming feelings of Morocco is its mystery and romance. Visions of vast markets bartering locally produced goods match the reality once there, fantastic bargains can be had if you are prepared to drive a hard bargain for leather goods. Morocco's history goes back centuries and some fantastic architectural mosques and palaces still stand to be visited. Marakkesh is full of tombs, mosques, monuments and palaces, all mixed in with tiny streets bustling with storytellers, fortune tellers and street performers. A fantastic contrast to the beach resort of Agadir which attracts water sports enthusiasts.

Tunisia

Tunisia has a wealth of history dating back centuries. The Spanish, French and Romans have all contributed over time leaving typical architecture and culture along the way. There are some fantastic temples and other structures still standing and well worth a visit. Well known for bartering, Tunisia offers fantastic markets and bazaars, making it a haven for bargain hunters after a good haggle.

Of course there is the spectacular Sahara desert, a breathtaking scene not to be missed. The resorts of Hammamet, Monastir and Port el Kantaoui are spread along the Mediterranean coastline all offering a good choice of restaurants and cafes. Most entertainment is hotel based but there are some excellent trips to experience the regions outside of the hotels, of course one worth a visit is to the location of Star Wars films.

Egypt

Cairo & Luxor

Culture and history is abundant in Egypt. Of course home to the world famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Cairo is a marvel to visit. The museums are jammed with artefacts and the bazaars are bustling with modern ornaments. The river Nile runs through the centre of Cairo, the town being situated on the west bank and is seen as one of the most magnificent cruise destinations in the world.

Luxor is located on the east bank and is more modern. Even so it is still home to ancient sites of Valley of the Kings and Queens and Tombs of the Noble.

Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh has become a mecca for sun worshippers and watersport enthusiasts. The fantastically warm waters of the red sea and the white sandy beaches offers a great place for scuba diving and the resort has become one of the top diving destinations in the world. The coral reefs are outstanding and the fish colourfully exotic.

India

Goa

Goa is a great destination which caters for a vast range of holiday makers. With fantastic sunshine record from October to May, it has become a very popular choice for a winter escape. At one end of the scale, North Goa offers more simple accommodation, small tourist markets, bars and beach shacks tend to attract the free spirit travellers or those who want to see how the locals live.

Calangute and Baga have become developed in comparison to other resorts but maintain their traditional feel. Cost of living is incredibly cheap and the locally caught fish offer some fantastic meals. The South of Goa is more sophisticated and upmarket. Bogmalo Beach and Mobor is where you would find the 4, 5 and even 6 star hotels. The hotels tend to have their own stretch of beach for their guests to relax on. Beach shacks are scattered along the beaches for a snack or drink. The hospitality of the locals is very friendly and the service in the hotels and bars is excellent.

Maldives

Spread over 700 miles and comprising 1200 islands the Maldives is a unique destination. Each hotel occupies its own island and islands can have different time zones to one another. The islands have been described for years as 'paradise' and it's easy to see why. The white golden sandy beaches, the turquoise clear waters filled with elaborate tropical fish and coral reefs makes for a perfect destination for a totally relaxed holiday.

Not surprisingly the islands attract experienced scuba divers and snorkelling, and the inspires novices to take the plunge and experience the fantastic underwater world just off the beaches including turtles, squirrel fish, barracuda, clown fish and lionfish. Start your holiday by arriving at your hotel in style - by speedboat, seaplane or local dhoni. The capital of Male is a great place to visit the local markets and can be reached by boat from most resorts. It has been said that the Maldives is the most relaxing place in the world to escape from 'real life'.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers great variety, including culture, fantastic golden beaches, gloriously warm seas and wildlife. Most resorts are essentially made up of a hotel complex. Resorts of Mount Lavinia offer a cosmopolitan feel close to the capital Colombo. Beruwela, Waddauw and Bentota Beach are more relaxed and are focussed around the beach and beach shacks. Not surprisingly local dishes include locally caught fresh fish which should not be missed.

The fishing village of Negombo offers the chance to see the local fishermen bringing in their catch as well as the local Market adding another opportunity to see the real Sri Lankan life.