John Wareham

I have visited Egypt many times. Basing myself in Sharm-el-Sheik or Hurghada, where the accommodation is both of a high standard and at reasonable rates, there are many places to travel to for sight-seeing and exploring local culture and history.

From Sharm-el-Sheik; I visited St Catherine’s Monastery, local fishing villages and flew to Cairo for an escorted mini-bus tour of the museums and pyramids, well worth a little extra payment for the personalised guide just for my family.

From Hurghada, I visited the local town, which is much more traditional than downtown Sharm. I also made a trip to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, what a wonderful sight.

In over ten holidays to Egypt, including Christmas and New Year, I have only ever experienced a rain shower once, that lasted for at the most two minutes! The weather is fairly warm most of the year but quite hot in the summer months. As I am an avid sub-aqua diver the hot weather is a bonus as the water is warm to lower depths.

Apart from almost guaranteed warm weather, the sub-aqua diving is exquisite, clear visibility and the care and attention of the dive boat crews are second to none. In a two-week holiday I normally dive 5 or 6 times, depending on how tired I get.

The Greek Islands are fantastic for beach lovers, partiers and culture vultures alike. Rhodes and Crete, in my view, have great monuments and buildings to the ancient civilisations, as well as quiet and lively resorts. Something for everyone.

On my travels to the Islands I have tended to hire a car (for family and mobility), but most have a fairly decent bus service, particularly timed to pick up tourists for visiting local towns or sights. The resorts I stayed at were really great, although those with mobility issues will need to choose wisely as they can be perched on the side of hill or cliff top.

I love cruises…. however, I don’t go often enough!

For me, one gets the luxury of a high standard of accommodation, with service second to none, alongside a different country (mostly) every day. Unless you intend to go on a longer cruise, a smaller cabin is cost effective and adequately sized for a two-week break (getting changed and sleeping).

The facilities onboard can be varied depending on the size of the boat. However, entertainment and nightlife are usually of a good standard.

My latest Caribbean cruise took in Jamaica, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, St Martins and some of the smaller islands. Guided trips could be booked, or you can just take a leisurely stroll into town.

All in all, a really great experience for those that look for something a little different.