Sharm el Skeikh, or just Sharm, is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Arab world, and for good reason. It’s quickly being recognized as one of the finest diving spots in the world, and the variety of activities available to the visitor is mind boggling.

Forty years ago, Sharm Egypt wasn’t much more than a small fishing village. But during Israel’s occupation, the land near Sharm’s center began to be developed and it gradually transformed into a tourist destination. It now contains many of the amenities that you would expect to find in a travel destination, except that it has also been able to maintain its historic roots.

Sharm and nearby Hurghada are located on the Red Sea coast, and just offshore there is a wide spectrum of aquatic life and beautiful coral, including sharks and dolphins, if that interests you! Sharm caters to scuba divers of all levels, so even if you’re new to the activity, you’ll find a reputable dive operator who will take you out.

If scuba diving is not for you, there are plenty of other beach activities that you can participate in. Sharm and Hurghada beaches have beautiful white sand and the water is crystal clear. Bad pictures are almost impossible to take here!

While some areas in Egypt are known more for their historic value, Sharm has a reputation as more of a beach or resort destination. Here you’ll find hotels in all price ranges, including some world-class properties, and you’ll also find an active nightlife, which is not especially common in Egypt. But do expect to pay a hefty price for alcoholic beverages, even in this more liberal area.

Egypt entertains over 5 million travelers per year, and in recent years, over one quarter of them have visited Sharm. The locals are very friendly and accommodating with travelers, but there are still some taboo customs that you should be aware of if you’re planning a holiday. To get the most out of your vacation, look into Egypt packages, which will help you plan your travel.

Sharm’s reputation was sullied somewhat in 1995 when a (suspected) group of radical Egyptians bombed several areas, taking aim square at the thriving tourist industry of Sharm. But it’s also important to note that many Egyptians died trying to stop those terrorists, and for the most part, Sharm is a very safe city to travel in.

Sharm is a beautiful city in an amazingly historical city. If you plan a holiday to Sharm, whether on its on or as part of one of the available Egypt packages, you will not be disappointed, and you will leave with some fantastic memories (and hopefully photographs) that will last a lifetime.

An Egypt holiday is one of the most memorable and rewarding holidays that you can possibly take due to the wide range of activities, historic value, sites, and travel options available.

When most people think of Egypt, they picture monuments, pyramids, and the desert. But there is much more to Egypt than that, and each location has its own offering from the others. For example, Alexandria and Luxor are well-known for their historic value, Hurghada and Sharm are well-known for their beaches, resorts, and watersports, Cairo is known for its culture, and so on.

You will also find that travel to Egypt is modestly priced, with accommodations, airfare, and entertainment being very reasonable considering its popularity. Of course, that does not take into account the price of adult beverages, which can be very expensive.

Unfortunately, due to the wide range of activities, if you want to participate in a variety, e.g. exploring the beaches of Sharm Egypt, then on to Alexandria or a Nile River cruise with a horseback ride or safari along the way, your travel plans become much more difficult. Luckily there are a good number of qualified travel guides who can walk you through numerous plans, from group tours to fully escorted Egypt packages.

For do-it-yourselfers like me, there are some excellent travel guides that will give you the inside scoop on destinations, customs, and prices, which will all be immensely helpful in planning your trip. But this is not a valid approach for everyone, because we all have different tolerance levels for chaos!

One of the aspects of Egypt that struck me even more than the surroundings was the people, who are largely hospitable, friendly, and helpful. Ask a local a question, and you’re likely to draw a crowd of people with suggestions on the best answer!

A popular fear when traveling to Africa or the Middle East is one of safety, but Egypt is one of the safer destinations you can visit. Egypt is largely free from violent crime, though bombings perpetrated by local radicals have occurred. Pick pocketing is not uncommon, but security is placed in most public places to discourage this from happening.

Also be sure to bring back some souvenirs for your friends and family. Some items native to the region that are available for reasonable purchase include Egypt’s well-known dates, spices, crafts, pottery, and colorful fabrics.

Egypt packages are a great approach to what will be one of the most memorable holidays during your lifetime, almost assuredly. Prepare fully, plan in advance, and enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the world, along with one of the original seven wonders.