Write and Win a Kindle

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Travelling and reading have more in common than you'd think: they are the most popular activities on planes, trains, boats and at airports, and both can make you relax, bite your nails and laugh. To kindle the flames of laughter, we're running a cheerful travel story competition among bloggers in the UK! Write a blog post about your most funny, exciting, surprising or embarrassing experience abroad; post it on your blog; link to this competition to let your readers know about it and leave a comment with the URL of your post below to submit your entry. The writer of the story that made us laugh most will win the new Amazon Kindle so that you don't have to pack heavy books while travelling!

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Happy New Year!

happy new year

There are as many lovely ways to celebrate the year's end as there are families celebrating it. True party animals may have booked flights to Sharm el Sheik, Ibiza or the Canaries to start 2012 dancing to the tunes of world famous DJ's. Others may seek the party a bit closer to home, singing Auld Syne Lang and watching the fireworks at Trafalgar Square or even waiting for the countdown and popping the champagne at their own homes.

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To Tip, Or Not To Tip?

tip restaurant

To tip, or not to tip? That is always a difficult holiday question. With cultures varying so widely around the world, it can be difficult to know what's expected from you. In Egypt, there is little ambiguity. Whilst tipping isn't compulsory, it will definitely be appreciated - and you will get better service in the long run if you do tip. As flights to Sharm el Sheik are very affordable, you may well want to visit the country more than once, so increasing your popularity with a few tips here and there can only be a good thing.

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Top 5 Kids activities in Sharm el Sheik

waterpark sharm

Located on the Red Sea, the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheik has been developed to cater for all types of visitors. It's a very popular winter sun destination for families because its location means that the weather is still in the mid-20s at this time of year and because flights to Sharm only take five hours. If you do take the kids, you'll find there is plenty for them to do. To give you an idea, here are five of the best ideas for keeping them entertained:

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BBC's Judge Jules and Kiss FM's Shortee Blitz to play SOHO square, Sharm el-Sheikh

concert sharm el sheikh

Egypt's leading entertainment centre, SOHO Square, has invited members of the UK DJ aristocracy to hit up the land of the Pharaohs and establish the reputation of two epic new venues as Africa's greatest clubs. The legendary Judge Jules, it was recently confirmed, is set to play the main square on the 2nd of January (2012). There is no doubt his nimble hands will be mixing some amazing tunes with the passion and energy the British Dance community has come to expect from his sell out sets.

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Viral Videos from Egypt

sharm sea

It's great to read up on where you're going to holiday before you get there. But for a more engaging insight into Egypt, why not watch one of the many videos that Egyptians themselves are viewing about their country. Here's a selection of some of those going viral in Egypt.

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New Year's Eve in Sharm for Clubbers - Pure Pacha

sharm el sheikh

Where will you be on New Year's Eve? In Parliament Square, squashed up against thousands of other revellers? Sat in front of the telly with a glass of cheap plonk and a leftover Christmas party hat? Or do you fancy dancing in the New Year under the desert skies of Egypt while some of Ibiza's top DJs spin some pumping tunes?

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TangoconSharm - quick step to Egypt!

tango egypte

Why sit at home in the drab English winter watching 'Strictly' on telly when you could quick step your way over to Egypt for the ultimate Tango dance-off? This year's TangoConSharm takes place in the idyllic Domina Coral Bay Resort in gorgeous Sharm el Sheikh from the 13th - 20th November. And with plenty of flights to Sharm available across the country, there's never been a better time to dance under the desert stars.

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World Travel Market in London

world travel market in london

This November, the entire world is coming to London. Before you start to worry that it's going to get a bit crowded, we're talking about one of the best travel events in the yearly calendar - the World Travel Market. Today, 7th of November, is the first day of this annual gathering of the great and the good from the travel industry, and this is the perfect opportunity for anyone involved in the business to get the real inside tips from their counterparts from across the globe. Thomas Cook is be there, ensuring that we find out what the 'must-visit' destinations for 2012 are. If you're at the WTM2011 as well today, drop by at the Thomas Cook Sport stand on UK1350 and have your picture taken with the Barclays Premier League trophy.

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Arabian Charm in Sharm el-Sheikh

Sharm el-Sheikh souk

Thirty years ago, Sharm el-Sheikh was a sleepy, Bedouin fishing village. Now, as the most popular tourist destination in the Arab world, the city bustles with locals, tourists and traders all year round. Though much of the bay area, with its modern apartment blocks and sun loungers, no longer tells of the city's rich Egyptian heritage, Sharm Old Market retains an authentic cultural flavour.

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The Top Five Hen Party Destinations

hen party ibiza

If you've got a hen party to organise, then you'll probably be trying to create an event that's unique, memorable, affordable and has something for everyone. You also need to be sure that where you're going is going to offer sunny beaches where you can get to grips with the morning after the night before.

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Where to go to catch some Winter Sun

sharm el sheick beach

More and more Britons are starting to see a week or two of winter sun as an integral part of the year. In theory, it's a great idea: the minute the leaves start to fall and temperatures start to drop, you recharge your batteries and top up your tan with a visit to sunnier shores. However, if you don't get your timing right, you could find yourself looking out of your hotel window at the downpours of the rainy season or travel too far and you could spend valuable time recovering from jet-lag. Here's our pick of where to go in winter:

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Top 5 holiday activities that will bring your family closer together

dalaman view

Wherever you and your family choose to go in Turkey, it's likely that you'll choose this sunny stretch of coastline in the Southwest to land. Not only are flights to Dalaman the most economical available, but the district in the Mugla Province is home to the best family entertainment in Turkey. Read on for an access-all-areas guide to all of Dalaman's unmissable holiday events and outings.

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Maidum Pyramid in Egypt

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The Maidum pyramid was originally a seven-step pyramid however it was later enlarged to make it eight steps in height. The original pyramid was forty two meters in height and one hundred and forty four meters square. This pyramid is located on the edge of the desert and it is actually the only structure within the area. There are frequent flights to Egypt and this lets people make the most of air travel. There is a vast number of attractions within Egypt therefore the various pyramids are just some of them. Egypt is actually one of the most popular areas in Africa and the Middle East for tourists. The River Nile is another very popular attraction within Egypt and it is possible to go on a cruise of the River Nile.

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Nile Dinner Cruises in Egypt

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There is a vast number of different cruises that are available. The Nile in the longest river in the world and it stretches for about four thousand miles. The river Nile follows to the Mediterranean from East Africa. Research has shown that this river changed its size and location over millions of years. Nile Dinner Cruises are very popular with tourists and a lot of the tourists get to there using the regular flights to Egypt.

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Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

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Naama Bay is at the heart of the tourism within Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and it is situated on the southern point of the Sinai Peninsula. There is a lot of regular flights to Sharm El Sheikh, therefore tourists are able to make the most of the air travel from anywhere in the world. Naama Bay consists of a strip of luxurious hotels and these are very stylish. There is also an attractive promenade for pedestrians, which runs parallel with the luxurious sandy beachfront. The southwestern part of the resort is home to a vast array of shops, small hotels, restaurants and also a collection of dive centers.

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Al Hijra in Sharm

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When taking a holiday at Sharm its always great to be involved with the local customs and feel as if you were a part of this town. Sharm is indeed a very popular holiday destination that is accessible by air. You can book your flights to Sharm if you want to attend the Islamic New Year here and explore how they celebrate it.

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Red Sea Aquarium in Hurghada

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Hurghada has witnessed a sea change in the past decade because of the immense development carried out by the citizens and the state. The town today consists of over 200 hotels coupled with an enjoyable nightlife. Planning a trip would require you to book flights to Hurghada just a few weeks before. The town attracts numerous tourists and has that perfect climate for a great holiday experience. This Red Sea destination has neither an off season nor an on season. Considering the Red Sea you can hope to get a good glimpse of fishes and coral reefs at the Red Sea Aquarium.

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Coloured Canyon in Sharm El Sheikh

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Sharm El Sheikh is a great tourist destination that constantly offers wonderful surprises for travelers from all over the world. Since Sharm El Sheikh has gained immense popularity over the past couple of years, flights to Sharm El Sheikh have also seen an upward trend. One of the many treasures of the city is its magnificent Colored Canyon. You have to be prepared for the 240 km drive to reach the Colored Canyon. The Canyon has been formed by the deposition of several elements over past millions of years. It is at the heart of the Sinai Desert and happens to be a natural phenomenon which stretches for more than a km and really looks like a set pulled out straight from an Indiana Jones film.

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Anfish Mountain in Hurghada

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Hurghada has become a famous destination all over the world especially because of its notable landmarks such as the Monastery of St. Anthony, Monastery of St. Paul and some of the most interesting historic sites viz. Mons Claudianus and Mons Porphyrites. Other activities include diving and snorkeling. There are some good services that offer to teach both. Planning your trip in advance is a great idea so you get to see the entire city. Traveling by air is a good option as there are several flights to Hurghada on daily basis.

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Ras Mohammed National Park in Sharm el sheikh

boat in sharm

Sharm el sheikh is widely known for its reefs, dive sites, wrecks and beach dives. If you are not interested too much in diving then there are several water sports to indulge in. As non divers you can explore and enjoy snorkeling along the coral reefs. Getting here for your vacation is not a problem as the city has an airport and you can catch direct flights to Sharm el sheikh. One of the popular tourist attractions is The National Park at Ras Mohammed.

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Roman Mons Porhyrites in Hurghada

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Hurghada is among the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, and visitors from all over the world visit Hurghada for its sunshine, diving and the sea. Hurghada has recently become conscious of the tourist rush and so, a lot of developments have taken place in the past decade. Considering this, the number of flights to Hurghada has also increased with almost every major city connected to it by air. There is a continuous luxurious stretch of 20 kilometers on the sea coast. The only part of the city that gives that traditional ambience is the Ed Dahar quarter. At the coast you will witness couple of coral reefs that can be reached by swimming and going to the moderately deep seas.

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Sharks Bay in Sharm el sheikh

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The Sinai Peninsula has become one of the most visited tourist locations in the past few decades. The reason is its simple yet radiant sand, sea and sun. Nowadays even 5 star hotels and resorts have come up in Sharm el sheikh that provides some very luxurious as well as comfortable accommodation for tourists and casual visitors. You can reach Sharm el Shaikh by air. You can book flights to Sharm el Sheikh in advance too. While you are in Sharm el Shaikh dont forget to visit one of the most interesting locations in Umbi Diving Village called the Sharks Bay.

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Marine Biology Museum in Hurghada

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Hurghada is a city situated in Egypt that was not known too much until a few years back when the coast of Red Sea became a great tourist attraction. Till then it was a small place that was known only for fishing. There are several flights to Hurghada at comfortable timings from various locations. If you are planning a visit to Hurghada then you should stay long enough because apart from the historical and educational interests there are neighboring islands worth visiting. These islands include Shadwan Island, Umm Gammar Island, Abu Minqar Island and so on. Each of these islands includes a lot of diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities.

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St Catherines Monastery Sharm el Sheikh

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Sharm el Sheikh is a great coastal holiday destination which is located around the southern side of the Gulf of Aqaba. It is quite close to the Ras Mohammed National Park as well as Tiran Island. Hordes of tourists come to visit Sharm el sheikh every year because of its natural beauty in form of blue waters, stunning coral reefs and soothing white sandy beaches. Visitors can even scuba dive as there are a lot of such opportunities. The underwater flora and fauna is worth marveling especially as it is located at one huge place rather than being scattered. There are flights to Sharm el Sheikh, therefore reaching Sharm el Sheikh from any location in the world should not be a problem.

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Antalya Archaeological Museum

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There is a lot to explore while on your vacation to Antalya, from historic sites such as Broken minaret and Fluted minaret to beaches and parks. Whatever it is that interests you, it is quite easy to plan your visit to Antalya, as there are several flights to Antalya from all major cities of the world. One of the best places to begin your tour is to know the history of the city by visiting the Antalya Archaeological Museum.

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The Guimar Pyramids

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Spain has not really been known for pyramids but as you arrive via flights to Tenerife airport, head straight for a town called Guimar to view some of these amazing tombs. Guimar is a coastal town located towards eastern end of Tenerife. In case you need a break from the same old beaches and wish to take dive in the historical mysteries, Guimar will definitely offer you an amazing one. Most researchers, archaeologists and anthropologists have been bewildered by these pyramids since they were uncovered and identified as pyramids in 1991. The place opens for visitors everyday from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. The only days it is closed is December 25th and January 1st every year.

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Hurghada Shadwan Island

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Shadwan Island is an attractive Island located in Hurghada popular for its marine life, and scuba diving. In fact, it is precisely because of the marine life that scuba divers show keen interest in the Red Sea. Several expeditions consisting of students of Marine biology, tourists, sailing enthusiasts, and casual cruisers are seen finding their part of the heaven here in Shadwan Island. There are some flights to Hurghada that can be taken from several parts of the world. Further, Shadwan Island can be reached by road as it is a couple of miles away from Hurghada.

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Hurghada International Fishing Competition

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With more than 40 km shoreline adjoining the Red Sea, Hurghada is a delight for anglers, with scores of sites to catch some amazing fish. Being one of the most popular seaside resorts of Egypt, Hurghada attracts several visitors throughout the year. It is located around 500 km towards southeast of Cairo. There are several direct flights to Hurghada from different European countries. You can also come via Cairo in case you fail to book the direct flight.

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Sharm el Sheikh Sham el Nessim

sharm

The date of celebrating the festival is decided by the Coptic calendar. The festival celebrates the beginning of the harvesting season. Shemu stands for revival of life and onset of the harvesting season. The festival is marked by a great feast in which certain things have to be consumed. The offerings during the feast also hold great significance.

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Kefalonia Carnival

birds eye view of the coast

Just like all other amazing locations in Greece, Kefalonia is no less and holds great importance in terms of many celebrations and religious festivals. Flights to Kefalonia can be planned according to the events you wish to attend, as the city offers numerous events all through the year and more so in the summer season. The festival, especially the Kefalonia Carnival, is organised with great amount of joy and excitement around the picturesque villages.

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Larnaca The Mediterranean Festival of Traditional Dance

larnca

The traditional dance festival of Larnaca is something to be cherished throughout life especially of you are a dance lover. The performances are so euphoric and full of enthusiasm that you will forget you belong to another place. It is a festival but has a competitive touch to it and groups from all over the continent participate in it.

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Hurghada International Festival

Silent beaches in hurghada

From a sleepy little fishing village, Hurghada has transformed into a famous holiday destination in the past years. The city was largely made popular by Russians wanting to escape from the cold wave in their country to get some sun and heat. It was soon put on the map as a tourist hot spot and many countries started organizing flights to Hurghada.

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Tango at TangoconSharm 2010

view of the beach

Tangosharm 2010 will be organized on 6-13 November, 2010. The event will happen at the Domina Coral Bay Resort under the organizing prowess of Federazione Associazioni Italiane Tando Argentino. Domino Coral Bay Resort is located at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.

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Have a blast at the Hurghada International Festival

Triathlon in Egypt, Hunghada

The city of Hurghada was once famous for being a sleepy inactive fishing town. But things have changed over a period of a few years and now the once sleepy town has surprisingly evolved into a global tourist hotspot. Earlier, the city was wrapped under a huge influence of Egyptian and Islamic cultures alone. However, with a higher number of tourists visiting Hurghada, the city has now opened up to western influences. This is easily reflected in the Hurghada International Festival as it is the best amalgamation of the eastern and the western cultures. The essence of the Hurghada International Festival is the Triathlon. Similar to any other Triathlon, Hurghada International Festival is also a combination of three major sports which include swimming, cycling and running.

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Pharaonic Wedding Festival

Stunning Landscape of Egypt at Sunset

This takes place in the Karnak Temple. The Karnak Temple is open from 6.30 in the morning through to 5.30 at night and you need to purchase your tickets from the kiosk, it will take you around half a day to fully experience the Karnak Temple. The Pharaonic Wedding Festival takes place in October and around 40 couples will take part in this festival.

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The Charm of Sharm in November

Ras Mohamed National Park

If you want to make sure you start practicing on time for the Virgin London Marathon in april 2011, book your flights to Sharm now and take part in the half marathon that will be held the 5th of November 2010. The international event called SharMarathon will start at 9.00am in Sharm-El-Sheikh, and the route will lead runners and joggers through Ras Mohamed National Park. The 21.1 km long track passes by Hidden Bay, the salt lake and back to the coast by Yolanda Bay and features sand dunes, rough mountains and mangroves. Even if you're not in shape yet, you don't want to miss out on this stunning setting for a marathon route. If your family is not impressed with your time, just tell them you were distracted by the view.

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Hip and Hot in Hurghada

Straw umrellas along the beach

Those who have booked flights to Hurghada have to try the local drink called karkaday, a type of chi, which is made from an infusion of hibiscus and served hot or cold. Chi is to the locals what tea is to the English. It is served in a glass and offered everywhere.

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Spend your holiday in the Egyptian sunshine of Hurghada

Snorkelling

Is there a better way to spend your well-deserved holiday than in the sunshine by the sea coast, away from the sub-zero temperature? If you are looking for a holiday that is more than just a lie by the beach at leisure, there are loads of interesting activities to keep you occupied and entertained throughout your stay in Hurghada.

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Where you need to go in Egypt

Sunrise under egyptian parasol

Have you ever considered a holiday by the Red Sea in Egypt but haven't really got a clue where to go when you get there? Well, Sharm El Sheikh is one destination you should consider. It's got all the attractions a holiday maker could wish for. Attractions such as historical monuments, ancient tombs, monasteries as well as exclusive resorts.

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Folk, Food and Fun in Malta

Panorama of Valetta

Malta is the place to be this weekend. If you have already booked your flight, consider yourself lucky. If not, you might want to check out our last minute flights to Malta, because from Friday the 4th of June until Sunday the 6th, the annual Ghanafest will take place in the Argotti Gardens in Floriana, within walking distance from the capital Valletta. This year's edition of the festival will be dedicated to Indri Brincat, the Maltese guitar maker and folk guitarist known as il-Pupa, who passed away on the 24th of March 2010.

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The Magic of Music in an Amphitheatre

Amphitheatre Seats

An audience in Larnaca, Cyprus, will be treated to a priceless performance when the wonderful voice of Alkistis Protopsalti and the virtuous hands of Stefanos Korkolis come together in a recital full of melodies from traditional and modern songs.

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Happy in Hurghada

spices in egyptian bazar

Hurghada is divided into three parts. The downtown (El Dahar or simply Dahar) is the old quarter of the city; Sekalla is the modern section; El Korra Road is the newest, most contemporary part.

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Squash Fans in Hurghada

Men playing squash

A holiday to Egypt may not be expected to appeal to the dedicated squash fan, but the many of the hotels there have squash courts amongst their facilities and international competitions are held there too.

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Coral Reefs at Sharm el Sheikh

Coral reef scene

The waters off the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el Sheikh are home to some amazing coral reefs. The authorities in the region are working hard to protect the area with various initiatives.

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Taking Sand to the Beach

sand sculpture crocodile

Last Friday, a remarkable exhibition was opened on Lara Beach in Turkey, showing over 100 massive sand sculptures by thirty artists from ten different countries all over the world. One of the sculptures is 15 meter tall and depicts several characters from Avatar, the world's most successful film ever. The exhibition is part of the Antalya International Sand Sculpture Festival, and each round, participating sculptors only have a couple of days to turn 7,500 tons of imported sand into art.

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Luxor and the heart of Egypt

egyptian monument

With flights to Luxor normally leaving the UK from three different airports, there are several options for a trip to this city in the heart of Egypt. Situated on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is famous as a base for the popular river cruises that take tourists up and down the longest river in the world. The Nile, which rises in two places in Ethiopia and East Africa before travelling over 4000 miles and emptying into the Mediterranean, is thought to have been a profound factor in the development of the ancient Egyptian civilisation. Providing not only fertile lands but also a means of transport, it also acted a barrier and defense during times of conflict. As it passes through Luxor the Nile is quite wide and slow flowing and until a bridge was built at a narrower stretch of the river south of the city, ferry boats were the only convenient way of crossing between sides.

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Half Marathon in Sharm El Sheikh

Runner on sand

March was the time when Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt received hundreds of hardy athletes, ready to tackle the 4th annual Sharm El Sheikh Half Marathon.

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Sun Not Snow

Sunset over sinai mountains Sharm el Sheikh  Egypt

Well, for those looking forward to some winter snow, the UK was able to compete with the alpine resorts with their ample blanket of the white stuff during early January. If your preference is for warmer weather, then any of these flythomascook.com winter sun destinations would have provided a stark contrast. In the Gambia, the early January weather in Banjul was hot sunshine, day after day, and daytime highs of 34 degrees Celsius. Short flights to the Gambia from the UK make Banjul a convenient location for UK travellers who prefer to guarantee their winter sunshine, without having to fly to Australia or South Africa.

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Run In Luxor or Sharm

 Runner On Dunes in a valley

Many new marathon runners in the UK will know if they have a place in this year's London Marathon and will already be training hard, but experienced marathon runners may be looking at events abroad to satisfy their running hobby. The big races in the United States like the Chicago Marathon and the New York Marathon don't take place until October and November, so places like Egypt or Malta could allow you to race earlier in the year.

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Remember Monastir

Old fashioned umbrellas at the mediaterranean beach. Monastir, Tunisia

Winter sun tourists quite often focus their attention on the popular resorts of the Canary Islands, the Red Sea beach resorts of Egypt or the slightly longer flight to the hotter climate of The Gambia. But there are also some nearer resorts like the island of Malta and the Monastir area of Tunisia that can also provide the sun and sand that many yearn for at this time of year.

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Reasons to visit Hurghada

Beach on Red sea, Hurghada, Egypt

If you've ever wondered what the main reasons are that make thousands of winter holiday fans book flights to Hurghada in Egypt, then you've probably quickly come up with sun and sand. And you'd have been right. So what else, if anything, does this resort have to offer that makes it stand out from other winter sun destinations?

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Funchal For February

Typical old houses on Madeira island

For an alternative winter sun getaway why not consider Funchal on the island of Madeira. The typical winter sun locations like Malta, Egypt or the Canary Islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are all popular destinations for those seeking to spend a week or two escaping from the UK winter weather, but the island of Madeira is also a great option.

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Dance Music in Malta, Sharm and Cyprus

dj

Dance music fans have their favourite venues around Europe where the world's top DJs and dance music performers typically appear. These include of course Ibiza during the summer months but also, in the earlier part of the year, several other holiday resorts get their chance to promote dance music events featuring the stars.

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Gran Canaria Winter Solstice

zen stones

Tourists on Gran Canaria during December may have been lucky enough to witness one of the more unusual events on the island.

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Unusual Events in Sharm

two people dancing tango on the street

The Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh is best known as a winter sun destination and a favourite location for Scuba divers, but other, more unusual, events also find their place there.

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Sharm Flights In January

Sandy beach

Winter breaks to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh are proving very popular this season and flythomascook.com had some very competitive prices for journeys during January 2010.

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Festive Weather Round Up

beach and sea

While much of Britain still experienced cold, snowy weather and temperatures in Scotland plummeted to as low as minus sixteen, we thought a round up of the weather in our key winter sun destinations would warm you up a little.

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Plan your New Year Party in Sharm

the coast of sharm el sheikh in Egypt

If you are looking for a high energy New Year party followed by some peaceful relaxation in the sun away from the cold, wet weather that is currently shrouding the UK, then Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt may be just the ticket.

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The Algarve During November and December

Souvenirs handmade

If many resorts, even winter sun destinations, seem very quite during November and December, then those looking for a little more activity may be interested in a visit to Portugal's Algarve region. Although the weather there may not quite be able to compete with the Canary Islands or the resorts of Egypt and Gambia for reliable warm sunny days, it certainly will not be as cold or as wet as the UK during those months.

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World Oceans Day

coral reef scene - red sea

Sunday 8th June was World Oceans Day, A United Nations initiative to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the marine life and bring greater awareness of the role oceans have in daily life. Conservation and environmental issues are also part of the day and it brings a focus for groups to participate in beach cleanups, educational events, competitions and other activities based around the oceans. In Sharm el Sheikh , groups in the area were keen to participate in the initiative and work to protect the Red Sea environment that brings thousands of people to this Egyptian resort every day

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Paphos A Cultural Delight

Paphos Castle

With year round sunshine and warm temperatures, a treasure trove of ancient landmarks and cultural sites, and the backdrop of coastal Cyprus, Paphos is a dazzling and exciting place to visit.

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Sharm Part 2

Pier near Sharm-el-Sheikh

Besides water sports, Sharm el Sheikh also offers plenty of hiking, horseback riding and camel riding trails, golf courses, quad biking outlets and water parks.

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Hurghada Eygpt Part 1

Island Giftun Hurghada

Picturesque coral reefs and brilliant azure waters that are ideal for windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling have made the spectacular Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a popular resort town. Within easy reach of the gorgeous Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, the captivating resort of Hurghada has experienced massive amounts of development in the past decade. The Hurghada area now runs 25 miles along the Red Sea. There is so much to enjoy in Hurghada that it is a perfect place for couples, singles, and families who want a wonderful break under the hot Egyptian sun.

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Sharm el Sheikh Part 1

Beach and Ocean in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm el Sheikh's impressive coral reef and crystalline waters have deservedly garnered its reputation as one of the best scuba diving locations on earth.

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Zante Clean Up on World Environment Day

Sunset in Zante

The first United Nations World Environment Day (WED) happened in 1972 and over the following 37 years the initiative has been gaining traction as a vehicle to generate awareness of environmental issues. Thomas Cook was one company that supported the initiative with action events all over Europe and in Egypt. A sustainable tourism fashion show fashion show was held in Italy and a coastal walk was organised on the Coast del Sol to raise money for a local charity. In Paphos on Cyprus, Gran Canaria and Zakynthos Thomas Cook staff took part in beach clean up initiatives. The company sees WED as a good opportunity to educate both staff and guests about the environmental impact of travel and the means of making leisure travel a sustainable option.

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Sharm an Egyptian Fashion Enigma

Submerged Pottery in Sharm

There are many things that are different about the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el Sheikh and traditional fashion culture is one of them. Egypt is a country steeped in history, culture and customs. The native population conforms to many religious and cultural traditions as far as dress is concerned, but those rules seem to be quietly forgotten in the cosmopolitan resorts of Sharm el Sheikh on the Red Sea. However a new campaign, being promoted by travel magazine Wanderlust, aims to make tourists more aware of local expectations in terms of what to wear and hopes it will encourage people to take more care to be respectful of local traditions when it comes to choosing appropriate clothing.

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Kart Racing in Sharm el Sheikh

Sea and Beach of Sharm el Sheikh

Ghibli Raceway is an international standard karting race track that hosts professional race events as well as being open to the general public. The track is located close to Naema Bay in Sharm el Sheikh, between the Three Corners Resort and the larger hotels like the Hotel Intercontinental and the Al Hyatt Regency on the seafront.

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Return of Artifacts to Bodrum

Bodrum Castle Tower and View

The coastline around Bodrum has a rich history dating back many through thousands of years of rule by Persians, Ancient Greeks, Crusader Knights and the Ottoman Empire. All that has left the area scattered with enough relics and artifacts to keep today's archaeologists very happy and the museum in Bodrum is a popular attraction for them.

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Larnaca - Cyprus - Part 1

Larnaca Marina

With an abundance of ancient ruins, rich cultural traditions and panoramic beaches, Larnaca is an irresistable holiday destination. Holidaying in Larnaca means never having to choose between a beach vacation and a cultural experience because Larnaca is blessed with both: truly magnificent beaches and some of the ancient world's most riveting historical sites.

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New developments open in Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh Beach

The popularity of Egyptian resort location Sharm el Sheikh seems to be continuing while some other destinations are feeling the effects of the global slowdown. Reports suggest that visitor volumes to Sharm are showing increases of up to 20 per cent this year and building development projects are underway to cope with the extra tourists.

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Safer Diving in Sharm El Sheikh

Group of divers

Visitors planning to take advantage of the special diving conditions available in the waters of the Red Sea off Sharm El Sheikh will have a safer, albeit smaller, selection of dive centres to choose from following a review of operations by Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Watersports.

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Bodrum Nights

Nightlife

The town of Bodrum in Turkey is well known as a gateway to various coastal holidays resorts that lie within reach of the town. But Bodrum itself is a fascinating town and is well worth a visit, if only for a few days, to see the sights and sounds of real Turkey. Tourism is becoming ever more important for Bodrum but the economic roots of the town lie in fishing, boat building and farming and many historical elements of those trades can still be found.

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