My Jet Set Travel

Winter holiday destinations for families pose a little problem for many people looking for an escape from the cold miserable weather of the United Kingdom. Despite what many people think, many destinations in Europe are not that much warmer than home. There are however a few winter destinations that are both warm and within easy reach of the UK; and will not break the bank.

This article will look at Egypt, specifically Sharm El Sheikh.  Sharm El Sheikh has a reputation for hot sunshine during the summer, and it is within easy reach of the UK. This article will explore what Sharm El Sheikh has to offer the winter holiday maker;  the climate and the pros and cons of holidays to Sharm El Sheikh during the winter months.

Egypt: Sharm El Sheikh.

Sharm El Sheikh is a long established holiday destination for many British families. It is only 5 hours flying time from the UK, and is a popular all year round holiday destination. It has many resorts to choose from and there is plenty to see and do.

Pros:-

• Sharm El Sheikh is a well establish and developed holiday destination. With a large number of hotels there is a lot of competition for prices and to fill the rooms in the quieter time of the year. This means that it is often cheaper to travel to Egypt during the off-peak season.

•  Many of the hotels cater for families. Often times the All Inclusive resorts will have swimming pools that cater for families with slides and other child friendly activities on site; and some even have their own water parks to keep the children occupied.

• There is plenty to see and do: There are a large number of excursions available from many of the hotel resorts. From trips to see Cairo and Luxor, to visiting Jerusalem and Jordan, there is plenty for everyone

• The temperature remains warm throughout the year: Temperatures during the coldest months of the year range from 21 to 25 degrees Centigrade. Sea temperatures are also warm averaging about 25 degrees Centigrade in November to 23 degrees Centigrade in April.  The lowest sea temperatures are in February and March with the average being 21 degrees Centigrade.

• ·The best time to scuba dive and snorkel are during the beginning and end of Winter when the sea is at its clearest.

• If you plan to do a bit of site seeing then the winter months may be an ideal time to do it. Temperature in the summer can reach well into the 40’s making it almost impossible to enjoy some of the best of what Egypt has to offer.

Cons

Despite its promise as a winter holiday destination Sharm El Sheikh does have its drawbacks:-

• Whilst the weather is warmer than in the UK, it does get cold enough for many hotels to heat their swimming pools during the coldest winter months.

• The nights get cold: During January and February the temperatures get as cold as 13 degrees centigrade.

• Not all attractions will be open: The main tourist season is in the summer months. Whilst some attractions will remain open during the winter season (such as the water park in Sharm El Sheikh), other attractions may remain closed. It is worth investigating whether there are any specific attractions and excursions you want to go on and check whether they are open when you wish to travel

So there you have it, a brief look at Sharm El Sheikh as a winter holiday destination for families. Whilst it does not necessarily have the hot weather of the summer months, it does have reasonably warm weather and the sea temperatures are a lot warmer than other winter holiday destinations in Europe. If you are looking for a cheap last minute getaway then there are bound to be some great deals in Sharm El Sheikh.

Holidays to Kenya are one of the few holidays you can have that offers a beach holiday and a Safari in one. Holidays to Kenya are ideal for people you don't want to spend a lot of money on Safaris, but still want to experience Kenya’s wildlife.

By staying along Kenya’s Coral Coast in one of the many resorts there you have the opportunity to soak up the sun, relax, and enjoy yourself all year round. There is also plenty to see and do a round the resorts with plenty of excursions offered by the hotels.

If you want sea Kenya’s wildlife one of the many excursions offered by the hotels are the mini Safari breaks. These can be taken in the Shimba Hills National Reserve which is close to Mombasa and the surrounding area; or the nature reserves the surrounding Watamu. For a true Safari experience head towards the Masai Mara where a two-day excursion will give you a taste of one of the most famous nature reserves in the world.

These safaris are ideal for holidaymakers with young children as children as young as three can be accepted on these mini-safaris, whereas most organised safaris do not take children younger than 12. There is also very little travelling as the nature reserves are often located close to the beach resorts.

If safaris aren't your thing then taking a trip on a Dhow boat is an experience in itself. Many Dhow trips are offered as excursions from many of the hotel resorts and often include dining, sightseeing, diving and snorkelling.

Other treasures include the Jadini Forest near Mombasa which is home to many interesting animals including Baboons and Bushbabies; and the Gedi ruins near Watamu – an abandoned settlement that would look more in place in Greece than in Kenya.

There are also many other excursions available from these hotels. Holidays to Kenya really do cater everybody, and it is an all-year round destination.

We have finally added a holiday search feature to our website! Click here, or on the tab at the top of the page; and search through thousands of holidays to suite your price and destination.

Paphos, the capital of the western region of Cyprus, is a charming city that will appeal  to all holiday makers. The main resorts are centred around the coastal area of Kato Paphos. Paphos is a popular resort for holiday makers who want to get away from the main tourist crowds further along the South coast.

Paphos also has plenty of things to do. The town itself (Pano Paphos) is a beautiful mix of traditional architecture. The Castle of Paphos, the Tombs of the Kings; and the beach at Coral Bay means there is something to please everyone.

Paphos Flights are easy to obtain for many holiday makers. Many UK and European airlines fly direct to Paphos airport, which is an ideal solution for holiday makers who do not wish take a long and expensive airport transfer. Flying into Paphos means a short transfer to your hotel.

Note: The author has received a payment for this post.

Club Blue Dreams Hotel Hotel: Club Blue Dreams Hotel Rating: ★★★★★ Location: Bodrum, Bodrum, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Choice of pools Daytime and evening activities Great All Inclusive package 2 swimming pools Waterslides Plunge pool Indoor pool with whirlpool bath Children's pool Mini-disco Kids' club for 4-12yrs Sauna Steam room	Belfast Int (Sun) Birmingham (Thur) Bournemouth (Thur) Bristol (Mon) Cardiff (Mon) Doncaster/Sheffield (Thur) East Midlands (Monday) Exeter (Mon) Gatwick (Sun) Glasgow (Mon) Luton (Thurs) Manchester (Sun) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Mon)

Palm Wings Beach Resort Hotel: Palm Wings Beach Resort Rating: ★★★★★ Location: Altinkum, Bodrum, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Swimming pool Waterslides Indoor pool Pool bar Sauna Children's pool Playground Playroom Miniclub, 4-12yrs Cots and highchairs Children's menu Buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner Snack bar	Belfast Int (Sun) Birmingham (Thur) Bournemouth (Thur) Bristol (Mon) Cardiff (Mon) Doncaster/Sheffield (Thur) East Midlands (Monday) Exeter (Mon) Gatwick (Sun) Glasgow (Mon) Luton (Thurs) Manchester (Sun) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Mon)

Kadikale Resort Hotel: Kadikale Resort Location: Kadikalesi, Bodrum, Turkey Rating: ★★★★★

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Beachfront Non-smoking main buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Italian à la carte restaurant Fish à la carte restaurant 2 swimming pools, 1 May-31 Oct Sunbeds, parasols and mattresses Towel service Pool bar Snack bar 2 waterslides Table tennis Pool table Mini football Basketball Minigolf Sauna Turkish bath 2 children's pools Kidzone children's representative and clubs for 3-12 years from 1 May-30 Oct Playground Kids' corner in restaurant Cots & highchairs	Belfast Int (Sun) Birmingham (Thur) Bournemouth (Thur) Bristol (Mon) Cardiff (Mon) Doncaster/Sheffield (Thur) East Midlands (Monday) Exeter (Mon) Gatwick (Sun) Glasgow (Mon) Luton (Thurs) Manchester (Sun) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Mon)

Hotel Art Bodrum Hotel: Hotel Art Bodrum Rating: ★★★★★ Location: Bodrum, Bodrum, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Buffet restaurant Swimming pool with slide Sunbeds Umbrellas Entertainment team Bingo Volleyball Table football Billiards Table tennis Chess Darts Backgammon Card games	Belfast Int (Sun) Birmingham (Thur) Bournemouth (Thur) Bristol (Mon) Cardiff (Mon) Doncaster/Sheffield (Thur) East Midlands (Monday) Exeter (Mon) Gatwick (Sun) Glasgow (Mon) Luton (Thurs) Manchester (Sun) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Mon)

Kefaluka Resort Hotel: Kefaluka Resort Rating: ★★★★★ Location: Akyarlar, Bodrum, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Full board Pitta and pizza 12:00-16:00 Snacks 12:00-18:00 Tea 17:00-18:00 Late night snacks 23:00-07:00 Main buffet restaurant 1 visit to each of the 5 à la carte restaurants per stay as part of All Inclusive package: Turkish, Italian, fish, Asian fusion and Mexican 2 large pools – 1 with a hydromassage section Indoor pool Slide pool with whirlpool bath Pool bar Beach bar Gym Sauna Whirlpool bath Aerobics Turkish bath Steam bath 3 children's pools Children's à la carte restaurant Hotel-run kids' club for 3-12yrs Hotel-run teen club for 12-16yrs	Belfast Int (Sun) Birmingham (Thur) Bournemouth (Thur) Bristol (Mon) Cardiff (Mon) Doncaster/Sheffield (Thur) East Midlands (Monday) Exeter (Mon) Gatwick (Sun) Glasgow (Mon) Luton (Thurs) Manchester (Sun) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Mon)

Dalaman is an area on Turkey’s South coast surrounded by beautiful countryside and magnificent beaches. The warm waters of the Mediterranean are safe and welcoming for families. There are plenty of hotels to choose from.

Hotel: Olu Deniz Resort

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Olu deniz, Dalaman, Turkey.

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	On a lovely beach Range of sports and activities Close to Blue Lagoon	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Hotel Belcekiz Beach

Hotel: Hotel Belcekiz Beach

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Hotel Belcekiz Beach

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	On the beach 1km to the Blue Lagoon Introductory scuba diving lessons available Weddings	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

St Nicholas Park Hotel

Hotel: St Nicholas Park Hotel

Rating:★★★★★

Location: Fethiye, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	800m to resort centre, bars & restaurants 4km to Olu Deniz beach – courtesy bus twice a day 8km to Fethiye Courtesy bus to	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Hotel Green Forest

Hotel: Hotel Green Forest

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Fethiye, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Newly refurbished Secluded feel Lagoon pool	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Mares Hotel

Hotel: Mares Hotel

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Marmaris, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Wonderful views 7 bars Waterslides	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Hotel Club Turban

Hotel: Hotel Club Turban

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Marmaris, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Waterslides for children, May-Oct only Spacious 2 bedded family rooms available Replenishing spa Thomson Kidzone, May-Oct only	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Hotel Pasa Beach

Hotel: Hotel Pasa Beach

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Marmaris, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Great friendly atmosphere	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Club Letoonia

Hotel: Club Letoonia

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Fethiye, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	3 private beaches Various sports and activities Spa & wellness centre	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Hilton Sarigerme Resort and Spa

Hotel: Hilton Sarigerme Resort and Spa

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Sarigerme, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	Stunning complex On the beach Great choice of watersports	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

Magic Life Sarigerme Imperial

Hotel: Magic Life Sarigerme Imperial

Rating: ★★★★★

Location: Sarigerme, Dalaman, Turkey

Photo	Board Basis	Facilities	Flights
	All Inclusive	On the beach 4 pools Lots of bars & restaurants	Belfast Int (Mon) Birmingham (Sat) Bournemouth (Mon) Bristol (Sat Cardiff (Sun) Doncaster/Sheffield (Sat) East Midlands (Thur) Edinburgh (Mon) Exeter (Thur) Gatwick (Sat) Glasgow (Thur) Leeds Bradford (Mon) Luton (Sun) Manchester (Sat) Newcastle (Sat) Norwich (Thur) Stansted (Sun)

It may surprise you to learn holidays to Kenya can be taken at any time of the year. There are not many destinations in the world that can offer perfect weather at peak holiday times in the UK. For example, the peak summer season between July and September the hottest and driest in Kenya. Furthermore, the winter months December to February are also hot and dry making holidays to Kenya ideal for those who want winter Sun.

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Kenya is a year round destination for safari and beach holidays. Kenya has an abundance of wildlife as well as pristine beaches. However, there is one spectical that surpases everything else – The Great Wildebeest Migration.

If you want to see this for yourself then the best time to visit the Masai Mara is from the beginning of July to early September. This is when the Wildebeest heard cross the Mara river into the rich pastures of the Masai.

Although this is the best time to visit if you want to see the migration you have to be aware that this is nature and as a result it can be unpredicable. The migration depends on the rains and these can vary from season to season. Nevertheless, the Masai Mara is a spectacle in itself.  For safari and beach holidays Kenya takes some beating, especially when they have one of nature’s greatest shows.

Photo Credit Rwill

Website:  Holiday Safari Kenya

Boa Vista has some spectacular and deserted beaches but a limited choice of holiday accommodation.

All Inclusive Holidays to Cape Verde have until recenlty been limited to Sal; the island with the most developed tourism industy. For people who wanted to take all inclusive holidays to Boa Vista the choice was limited to Riu Karamboa. Now, two more all inclusive hotels are being offered on Boa Vista.

All Inclusive holidays to Cape Verde are likely to become more and more available in the coming months and years. There are numerous building projects on both Sal and Boa Vista; and it won’t be long before all inclusive holidays to Cape Verde will include the islands of Maio and Santiago.

It just highlights how much the Cape Verde tourist industy is still in its infancy. There are exciting times for the future of Cape Verde.

Photo courtesy of Juliet_b

Yes, random I know, but I have just seen Dom Joly’s Excellent Adventure and surprisingly Syria looks a rather interesting place to visit. I’m slightly worried by its ‘axis of evil’ status, however, I’m sure the ancient ruins (with out the tourists) will be worth the trip.

Now, how do I convince my friend to travel with me?

There is another random place I’d like to visit but i’ll save that for a later post.