The Red Sea

The Red Sea is a body of water that stretches from Egypt to Ethoipia. Its waters are abundant with a rich and diverse collection of fish. In fact, there are more than 1200 species of fish, almost 10% of which are indigenous to the Red Sea. Much of this diversity is due to the coral reef which extends along its 1,240 mile coastline. These reefs are 5000-7000 years old.

One of the most protected areas of the Red Sea is the Ras Mohammed National Park, which was created in 1983 by the Egyptian government. It’s protected by law and is a huge center for diving enthusiasts. It’s also family friendly.

What Makes the Red Sea Family Friendly?

The Red Sea is particularly friendly to families because it offers a diverse and wide range of diving opportunities and levels. Additionally, lessons for beginners are offered in many of the major recreational diving sites.

In addition, many of the accommodations comprised of camping and lodges along the Egyptian coast cater to the diving community. That means it’s easy for families to have a pleasant vacation and to make scuba diving reservations, rent equipment and get lessons which are quite easy and safe. Many of them are also adopting a more environmentally-friendly approach to tourism and scuba diving to preserve their beautiful coastline.

And Egypt has more to offer than diving – riding a camel to a dive site would be a highly regarded adventure for many children, as would exploring a shipwreck. You can also enjoy the beach, go fishing, go shopping, rent a boat, go windsurfing, bird watching and enjoy desert excursions.

Where to Scuba Dive In the Red Sea?

With more than 1200 miles of coastline there are virtually endless places to dive. However, the south end of the Red Sea is a bit troubled by pirates now and most of the key family friendly places are located on the Egyptian Coastline. When researching and planning a Red Sea scuba diving holiday for the whole family, check out:

* Ras Mohammed
* Elphinstone
* The Brothers
* Dolphin Reef
* Rocky Island

If you’re looking for an adventure and you have a scuba diving family, even if some are beginners, then a Red Sea scuba diving holiday may be the perfect family holiday. Imagine taking lessons as a family and then heading out to explore the miles of pristine coastline and coral reefs. It’s educational and fun.

Considered to be the best family resort in the Club Med collection, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic offers a myriad of activities to keep everyone happy and as busy as they want to be. Read on to find out more.

Punta Cana Children’s Activities

Children’s Clubs range from 4 months to 17 years and offer classes and activities beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the morning and running back to back until 5 p.m.

There is a night-time show for the kids that gets started at 7 p.m. It includes dinner with their new friends and a show and then leads into the nightly entertainment review with the entire village.

Other facilities for kids include:

* A baby welcome program

* Day care services

* A circus school for the little ones, complete with a flying trapeze and a trampoline

* Baby Corner Services – a restaurant area specifically for babies. It’s located in the main restaurant of the Village and offers food just for babies and toddlers

* Kid-friendly pools built for kids and their smaller size

* Buildings for each age group complete with appropriate toys and activities. For example, 2-year-olds are provided with toys to engage their developing motor skills. The room is decorated with lots of pictures of animals, letters and numbers.

Adult Activities

Wondering where the adult activities are? Not to worry! Here’s what’s on offer:

* White sandy beaches
* Land sports including tennis, volleyball, basketball, and mini golf
* Water sports including sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing
* Expert lessons and instruction for select sports & activities
* Aerobics
* Dance lessons
* Off-site excursions
* Night club
* Spa treatments
* Gourmet wine and food in one of the many restaurants

How Much Does It Cost?

There are a range of prices depending on when you go and the type of room you book. Additionally, they offer package prices for special events like the Wine and Food Festival.

Generally, rates begin around $649 for adults and $420 for children for a week long stay. That being said, you can purchase package deals and last minute trips.

The Punta Cana family resort has recently undergone a 34 million dollar renovation and is now considered one of the best family resorts in the world. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort to enjoy with your family, consider Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Easy, hands-free check-in Holds boarding pass, passport and ID Hidden rear zippered pocket Snaps closed for security

Price: $10.00

#1 Get vaccinated for any required, recommended and routine vaccinations well in advance of your trip. This simple measure will protect you from 99% of any major illnesses you’re likely to encounter when you’re traveling abroad.

#2 Before you go, check the CDC, Center for Disease Control, website to inform yourself of any health issues in the country you’re traveling to. For example, is H1N1 causing rampant health issues? It pays to know in advance what you should be prepared for.

#3 Are there insect-born illnesses where you’re going? Many vaccinations cover insect-born illnesses like malaria. However, there are other illnesses you can contract via insect bites. Make sure you’re prepared by buying proper repellants and preventative measures before your trip.

#4 Is your immune system compromised? If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have HIV or other immune deficiency disorders, you can be more susceptible to illness when traveling. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. You can take precautions to stay healthy before your trip.

#5 Don’t drink the water. Actually this isn’t the rule in all countries. Many countries have perfectly safe drinking water; however, many don’t. If you’re traveling to a country with unsafe drinking water, make sure to drink only bottled water or carbonated beverages; avoid ice, eat only well-cooked foods and brush your teeth with bottled water.

#6 Be careful where you swim. Some countries, like Africa, have parasites in the water which can enter your skin; you don’t have to ingest them.

#7 Don’t travel when you’re feeling ill. If you’re not feeling well right before your trip, consider cancelling or postponing the trip. Travelers insurance can mitigate any financial loss. It’s better to be sick in your own country, in your own home and bed, than halfway around the world.

#8 Travel with a first aid kit. However, this isn’t your standard band-aids and antiseptic first aid kit, but rather the medicine cabinet kind. Pack cold medicine, pain relievers and any prescriptions you take regularly.

#9 If you don’t have medical insurance that covers you for overseas travel, consider getting a supplemental insurance policy that will cover you while you’re away.

#10 Make sure you have copies of your emergency contacts and important medical information. If you’re allergic to antibiotics or other medicines, make sure this is noted. If you have food allergies or other sensitivities, make sure this is noted as well.

Travelling abroad is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons, explore other countries and just relax and enjoy yourself. Take these precautions to make sure you’ll be happy and healthy on your travels.

However, it is recommended that you avoid the extremes of summer. The best time to visit this river is during early spring and late fall when the water levels are just right for kayaking and canoeing. Moreover, there are hardly any insects. As well as this, the atmosphere is perfect for paddling during these seasons.

The stretch of the Suwanee River between Suwanee River State Park and White Springs is the most beautiful part. There is no need for you to carry along a canoe with you. There are several organizations that will not only arrange a canoe for you, but will drop you off at your designated location and pick you up at the pre-designated time.

You can also leave your vehicle with them to save worrying about it while navigating and exploring the pristine beauty of this river. These organizations will also provide you with necessary camping equipment. You can search for them on the yellow pages.

If you navigate your way around the river silently, you might come across some foxes, raccoons, and deer. You might also see an occasional alligator. If you love biking and hiking, excellent opportunities await you at the Suwanee River Basin where you can undertake overnight hiking trips or have a leisurely walk during the daytime.

Bicyclists will enjoy both the on-road and off-road trails around the area, some of which are quite challenging. As well as this, there are many other activities that you can indulge in including horseback riding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. If you just do not have the energy for all these outdoor activities, just relax in your camp and watch the wildlife on this river’s wilderness trails.

In fact, did you know that a religious ceremony isn’t recognized in Turkey? If you want to get legally married in Turkey it has to be a civil ceremony and if you’re not a resident, it has to be performed by a government official. Yep, the marriage laws around the world can be a bit unexpected. However, for the most part, they’re pretty straightforward.

The trick is doing your research before you book your wedding. Make sure you know everything you need to know to make sure your marriage is legal and recognized in your resident country. Here are a few tips, the legal lowdown, for getting married abroad.

#1 Know that you need to make sure the marriage will be recognized not only in your resident country but also in the country where you got married.

#2 Contact the foreign embassy to confirm the legal and residential requirements to get married in your chosen country.

#3 Calculate, based on the information you’ve gathered, if the requirements fit into your wedding timeline. For example, if it takes three months to get a marriage license and you want to get married in thirty days, you’re going to have trouble.

#4 Determine what type of ceremony you would like to have. Remember, in some countries certain types of ceremonies are not recognized. Turkey, as mentioned above, doesn’t recognize religious ceremonies. You can have one but you won’t be legally married.

#5 Find out what documentation you need to get into the country. You wouldn’t believe how many people forget something as simple as their passport when they head to their wedding destination. How awful! Find out what paperwork you, and your guests, need to enter the country.

#6 Understand that if you’re not able to legally marry in your home country, the country you’re considering getting married in will also not recognize your marriage.

#7 Here is a list of the potential documentation you might be requested to produce for your marriage license. Note that original documents are required:

* Birth certificate
* Passport with at least six months validity remaining
* Sworn affidavits confirming both parties are free to marry
* Notice of Marriage / Certificate of Freedom to Marry
* Proof of Residence

Again, how long it takes to process paperwork, the time frame they require the paperwork to be submitted in, and what is required varies by country – as does where you submit your paperwork. Check with your embassy or consulate.

#8 Find out how you register your marriage and what documents you need to register your marriage in your resident country.

Getting married abroad can and should be a wonderful thing. Just make sure to do your homework before you set the date to make sure you’re actually getting married when you’re there.

#1 When traveling in your own car or compartment, particularly at night when you’re sleeping, always lock the door.

#2 Keep your valuables hidden. Money, credit cards, expensive jewelry, and anything else you find valuable should be kept hidden away. It’s even wise to not flash your valuables in front of your compartment mates if they are strangers.

#3 It’s also suggested if you’re traveling overnight to try to reserve the top bunk. Your belongings are more difficult to get to, as are you.

#4 Never abandon your bags, even for a second. You could turn around and find them gone.

#5 Keep a money belt, and consider sleeping with it on. Women, if you travel with a purse, make sure it has a zipper and that you keep it zipped. It’s much more difficult for a pickpocket to dive in if your bag is fastened.

#6 If you’re traveling with children, be aware that the bathrooms on the train are public bathrooms and you should use the same precautions you would with any other public bathroom. Don’t let small children go in alone, ever.

#7 When disembarking, be careful to stay clear of the train and if you have small children with you, make sure they’re on the platform with their hands and feet far away from the train.

#8 Children younger than 10-12 should always have an adult with them when exploring the train.

#9 Pack, and use, locks on your bags. People are victims of thieves every day on trains and in train stations.

#10 Take great care to keep an eye on your belongings and your family members when you’re on busy platforms. Belongings and smaller family members can get lost.

Rail travel is generally a safe way to travel, but it always pays to be careful. Pay attention to where you are and what’s around you. Protect your loved ones and your belongings and you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip.

#1 Shop for your airfare. If you’re not choosy about where you start your vacation or when, you can save your flight to the last minute or shop on budget airfare websites. Package deals, auction sites and last minute openings can make a traditionally expensive airfare downright cheap. Or if you have frequent flier miles, use them now!

#2 Plan your inter-country travel. If you’re going to stay in one city for the duration of your trip, you may be walking, riding a bike or you can hire a cab when you need to travel further than you want to walk. If you’re planning on visiting several countries (which is worth considering since you’re there), try using the rail system. Rail passes offer flexibility and affordability and you’ll get to see a large portion of Europe you wouldn’t otherwise have experienced. And if you book your rail travel overnight, then you can save on hotel stays.

#3 Value hotels. There are more resources on the internet and in the bookstores about hotels than you can possibly imagine. And there are rate comparison websites. Shop around, use travel books and review sites to make sure you’re getting a good, safe hotel for your money. And if you buy a package, again check the review sites; you can often get hotel and airfare for a fantastic rate.

#4 Steer clear of the touristy destinations. While it may feel decadent to travel to Venice or Rome, you know that much of the tourist-friendly establishments are seriously overpriced. Consider traveling to the lesser touristy destinations for more value and maybe a more genuine experience.

#5 Travel during the off season. It’s certainly worth comparing the prices. Sure, a ski trip to Switzerland just isn’t going to be the same in July nor is a trip to Paris in January. However, if you’re interested in seeing the country on a budget, off-season travel can save you a lot of money.

#6 Food can end up being the most expensive part of a vacation. Look for a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast to cut down on cost and search for local restaurants in travel magazines, guidebooks and of course in local publications and internet food sites.

Planning a trip to Europe on a budget doesn’t have to be difficult. Flexibility and the willingness to do a bit of research can save you thousands, and ultimately you will likely end up with a better trip than the pre-packaged European vacations sold by travel agents and guide books.

#1 Mexico

Mexico is a fantastic place to get married because it offers such diversity. You can get married in any one of the tropical locations like Cancun, or you can opt for a charming countryside wedding. And Mexican weddings are reasonable affordable. There’s plenty for everyone to do while you’re in Mexico for your wedding and most locations are easy to get to.

Whether you want an all-inclusive resort style wedding or a quiet, romantic wedding in a quaint adobe church, Mexico is a real option. Check out the following wedding destinations in Mexico:

* El Dorado Seaside Suites Wedding
* Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort Premier Wedding
* Sunscape Puerto Aventuras Wedding

#2 Jamaica

Another tropical-style wedding location, Jamaica is a destination for many couples because it enables them to combine the wedding and the honeymoon into one trip. And the myriad of all-inclusive resorts gives you many options. Here are three examples:

* Beaches Negril Resort & Spa Floral Elegance Wedding
* Couples Negril Wedding
* Sandals Grande Riviera Beach and Villa Resort Wedding

#3 Thailand

Looking for an exotic locale? Thailand may be your ideal location. In fact, Thailand is becoming a trendy destination for couples to wed. Whether you like the hustle and bustle of Bangkok or prefer the beautiful scenery of Phuket, a wedding in Thailand is certainly one you’ll never forget. Check out the wedding options at:

* Kata Thani Resort & Spa Wedding
* Le Meridien Khao Lak Beach and Spa Resort Deluxe Wedding
* Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket Wedding

#4 Europe

Prefer Europe for your romantic wedding destination? What about a wedding in Cyprus? Cyprus weddings are generally in a church or outdoors and with more than 330 days of sunshine and the crystal blue skies, who wouldn’t want to get married by the Mediterranean? And Cyprus is the ‘island of love’ and the birthplace of Aphrodite. Take a look at:

* Ayia Napa Wedding
* Limassol Wedding
* St Georges Church Deluxe Wedding

#5 Turkey

Finally, what about Turkey? Eastern Europe offers a bit of charm and a unique experience. It’s important to know that only civil ceremonies are recognized in Turkey, though you can have a religious ceremony if you want to. And Turkey is the only place where you can get married in a castle or on a beach. Explore:

* Belek Church Wedding Europe Turkey
* Cleopatra’s Beach Wedding
* Overlooking the Blue Lagoon Wedding

There are literally hundreds if not thousands of worldwide locations to get married. Find a place that feels special to both of you and that meets your budget. Remember, you can combine your honeymoon and your wedding ceremony in the same location to save money, particularly if you’re choosing the destination of a lifetime. Much happiness!