Spectrum Travel

The one thing that invariably springs to everyone’s mind they think of Egypt is the Pyramids, and while these are one of the true wonders of the world that certainly should be visited, there is a lot more to see and do in Egypt away from the triangular masterpieces.

To start with, few realise until they get there what amazing shopping facilities exist in Egypt, and one place you simply cannot miss is the Khan al-Khalil bazaar in Cairo. This area has been in existence since around 1382, and over the years has grown into the spectacle it is today.

You need a map to get around this most unique of marketplaces or better still, spend a couple of pounds hiring a guide to help you sniff out the bargains without getting lost.

The bustling, vibrant city of Cairo, and in particular Old Cairo, is steeped in history which is evident in its amazing architecture and the Coptic Museum, which illustrates its long and colourful history.

No Egyptian tour is complete without visiting the Egyptian Antiquities Museum and you could find yourself having to go back a second day as the collection of antiquities dating back to ancient Egyptian times is just so vast.

The City of The Dead is accessible by either bus or taxi from Cairo and is well worth a visit. Here you will find the funerary complexes belonging to the Sultans of Mamluk as well as their emirs. There are also several Khangah’s, or religious houses here, including the Khangah of Sultan Barsbey, the Khangah of Bargug and the sprawling funerary complex of Qaytbey.

A cruise down the Nile is highly recommended to take time out from the frantic sightseeing, but not recommended in the summer months as the extreme heat and swarms of mosquitoes will turn joy to misery. Don’t forget either that Egypt is also home to many fantastic beaches that are perfect for relaxing on or taking part in diving expeditions and other water sports.

Anyone thinking of getting married overseas would be crazy not to consider the Caribbean. White sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, it has all the ingredients for the perfect beach wedding in abundance. The Bahamas are a fabulous location to choose for your wedding, the hardest bit being choosing between the 16 main islands, so here is a brief overview of the top 4 that are considered to be the best for weddings. (more…)

With the weather seemingly changing by the hour at the moment in the UK, you may well be finding your thoughts turning to jetting off to sunnier climes where good weather is practically guaranteed. Holidays, however, are becoming somewhat of a luxury for many families, and finding the cash to book a holiday is becoming harder and harder, so you need your money to go as far as possible in order to afford a holiday.

Sit down first of all and work out a realistic budget, the emphasis being on realistic. Don’t go into debt for a holiday, no tan is worth that, so work out exactly what disposable income you have. This will determine where you can go and how long for. If you dreamed of 2 weeks in Florida but your budget screams a week in Estartit then so be it, a holiday is a holiday after all.

Another thing you need to do is look at the bigger picture. For example, you may pay quite a bit more for a flight to Turkey instead of Spain, but when you factor in the accommodation costs and the exchange rates, particularly with the way the euro is currently performing, you might well end up paying less for more.

When it comes to spending money, you invariably get more for your money by exchanging in resort. Depending on where you are going the ATM charges will differ, and either your bank or a trip online will tell you what you need to know. If you are going to Marmaris in Turkey for example, the hotels, restaurants and shops offer great exchange rates, without commission, and will make your holiday pound go an awful lot further.

By taking all these factors into consideration and spending some time online researching various sites and looking out for special offers or discount codes, you will get a much better holiday than you thought you could afford, bon voyage.