What You Need To Know About Antique Actions

By: Pat Fisher

The common saying goes “old is gold”. If you have your doubts in the value of “old”, you must visit an antique auction site. Antiques are one of the most common items traded in auctions, and can also be the most expensive. In general terms, anything that is a hundred years old is considered an antique, and is highly valued. Like any other trading, there are a few things you must know before going into the antique auction business.

1. Study: Before going into the business, it’s best to study the basics of antiques and auctions. Study catalogs, visit auction sites, inspect antiques of your choice and try to visit the main dealer’s stock before and after the auction. It’s good to talk with the dealers and well-known collectors and gain as much information as possible.

2. Do not hurry: It is not wise to rush in to buying the antique of your choice as soon as you spot it. Usually it takes many years to acquire the necessary expertise in auction business. Making an early move might lead to costly mistakes.

3. What to buy: Always buy items that you are interested in. You don’t want to buy anything that will just sit and gather dust, do you?

4. Viewing: Before bidding, it is important to carefully check the item. Take a close look from all angles. If you are uncertain about something, ask the experts in charge.

5. Registering: On the auction sale day, it is important to arrive on site and register early – so that you get a better seat. The position of your seat is important if as it gives a good view of the item when held up.

6. Bidding: Usually the bidding starts below the low estimate in the catalog and will rise in small increments at first and bigger increments as the price goes up. For initial bid, use your card or number to notify the auctioneer. For subsequent bids, use a nod of the head or a flick of your bidding card.

7. Winning Bid: If you are the winning bidder hold up your bidding card number for it to be noted. Also remember that there is a cost for bidding. On top of the hammer price (the price at which the bidding stops) the winner will have to pay an extra of between 10% and 17% for the auction house premium plus taxes.

8. Timing: Knowing the right timing is important. The right timing to bid for items in an auction might be just before, or just after an outstanding item sitting out of the other items. Before, the main buyers tend to often hold back their maximum bid. Immediately after, people are usually discussing. While this is going on, another piece might get sold at a bargain price.

9. Beware: Keep your eyes out for reproductions. One way is to ask the seller about the origin of the item and if his/her answer sounds uncertain, you don’t need have a reason to believe it’s original.

10. Online auctions: Nowadays, online auctions are very popular. The system is more or less same, except that you can’t see the product, and need not sit in front to have a good look at it. For this, check the online sites and gain some knowledge first.

Anyone can make millions of money through antique auctions. But the most important thing is to know the right techniques.

About Author:
Pat Fisher writes about Antique Auctions. For more information about Antique Auctions visit auction-know-how.com

The ABCs of Auctions

By: Pat Fisher

Can you think of a place where you can find everything from perishables like groceries, to 200-year-old household items? Yes, it is auctions that we are talking about – where virtually anything of any age can be traded for unimaginable prices!

In auctions, items are sold at the highest that people are ready to pay, determined through bidding. This is how auctions operate and has been able to generate huge interest and curiosity among people for thousands of years.

Auctions have been known to be popular since long, its history dating back to as early as 500 BC. Since then, auctions have traded almost everything- even the Roman Empire was put up for auction in 193 AD!

The recent advent of the Internet has revolutionized the whole auction system. Giant auction sites like ebay.com have changed the total definition of auctioning. These sites attract a large number of bidders and sellers from all over the world. Now, you can sell or buy any item from anywhere in the world at any time using the Internet. The best part of online auctions is that you can do this all from the very comfort of your own home! You have anything to sell – whether it’s an electronic item, jewelry, antique, collectible or even an old piece of furniture; just put it up on ebay. A ten-year old girl even ended up putting her grandmother for sale on ebay last year!

While online auctions have gained huge popularity, bricks-and-mortar antique houses did not lose theirs. There are many auction houses still out there. Local auction sites are very popular, being located just around the corner where local people can buy and put up the items they want to sell on auction. Some of these publish catalogs for bidders to see the items beforehand. Some others, called General Sales, won’t have a catalog. These are live auctions where items are held up and registered bidders bid on the spot. The highest bidder usually gets the item by paying their bidding amount.

There are certain rules and regulations for each auction house. Even online auction sites have their own set of rules and regulations.

Although auctions usually trade virtually anything, there are certain items which are more popular with auctions. Antiques, for example, are highly popular items in auctions. Antique auctions are very common and have attracted thousands of people worldwide. Collectibles, real estate, art sales and second hand goods are also common items to be auctioned.

People in auction business are making huge amount of money. Millions of dollars can be earned through profit from auction. But this won’t happen overnight. Getting a good bargain for your products requires great deal of expertise which comes from experience and observation. Similarly, bidding the right price for the right item is also an “art” that requires some practice to adopt.

The world is changing, and so is the business environment. Auctions have started ages ago and have taken various forms in the passage of time. With recent technological advancement, auctions are gaining more popularity day by day. With some patience and strategic thinking, auctions can be a very good source of income – even by sitting at home.

About Author:
Pat Fisher writes about Auctions. For more information about Auctions visit auction-know-how.com

10 Tips to Start an Online Auction Business

By: Pat Fisher

Online auction business is an easy and popular way to earn money- with virtually no investment! All you need is basic Internet skills – and you are all set to start your own online auction business. Spend some quality time with it – and you can soon earn more than your full time job!

Here are a few tips for you to start an online auction business:

1. Knowledge: It’s always best to master a system before starting it. First, gain some knowledge on how online auctions work. Tutorial section in auction sites can help with this. Observing how the reputed online auction sites work can give you some hands-on experience.

2. Choose items: It’s good to choose items that you know well about. You might find it difficult to market items that don’t appeal to you.

3. Select the best site: Choose the best site for your online auction business. Decide based on the traffic the site gets. As you choose the site, register yourself. Now you are ready to start your business. Create a PayPal account at this stage. The more options you give for payment, the better.

4. Research: Do some research on other sellers who are selling similar items. Try to find out why certain products do well, while others don’t. You will eventually learn the strategies to adopt for succeeding – and also the strategies with enough pitfalls to avoid.

5. Start from small: You don’t have to invest a huge amount at the very beginning. Initially, start with a few items on a trial basis and get the experience. You might start from items around you that you would like to sell out. Choose cheap, small items and watch how they perform.

6. Attract customers: Buyers of online auctions need a reason to find your product. This is when you need to use the art of marketing. High-quality images act as great catalysts here. Try using good adjectives and as many keywords as possible to attract search engines.

7. Honesty: List your products with true and specific information. Try to maintain a moderate position between boasting and exact accuracy. Give a realistic description – one that catches the attention of your target customers, but doesn’t scare them away. It’s okay to be honest about faults. What is important is to clearly mention payment and shipment options.

8. Response quickly: Check mails regularly and quickly respond to queries. Your timely response will decide whether your buyer will choose you or another seller.

9. Retain your buyers: Once you grab customers, it’s important to keep them. Create a long-term relationship with them: add a card with your username and site address to your package, acknowledge receipts of their payments and if possible, create a list of your buyers so that you can contact them when you are selling similar products later.

10. Patience pays: Business is no magic that can give you immediate result. The key to success is sticking with patience. Eventually, success will be yours.

About Author:
Pat Fisher writes about Online Auctions. For more information about Online Auctionsvisit auction-know-how.com

Discover Egypt’s Hidden Gem Before Everyone Else Does…

By: Sean Gerrie

The Red Sea Riviera has burgeoned in popularity in recent years. Coral reefs, great value hotels and the desert climate tick all the boxes for holidaymakers looking for an affordable holiday in the sun. Flagship resort Sharm el Sheikh offers an abundance of beach front, resort-style hotels and a lively resort centre with bars, cafes and chain restaurants. The only thing the Red Sea coast lacks is the sightseeing opportunities that many holidaymakers expect when they travel to Egypt. Luckily, there’s a newcomer on the Egyptian holiday scene that lets tourists combine relaxation with exploration: the Mediterranean Coast.

Northern Egypt

Northern Egypt resorts are unspoilt compared to their Red Sea coast counterparts. Visitors will still find spotless beaches, inviting azure seas and palm trees but things here are just a little more low-key. There’s barely any evening entertainment apart from the odd hotel-based cultural show, making the Mediterranean coast ideal for holidaymakers with absolute tranquillity in mind. The main resort here is Marsa Matruh, which has been popular with Egyptians for years. Situated on a beautiful stretch of coastline between Libya and Alexandria, these are Egypt’s secret sands . As well as the beautiful beaches, Marsa Matruh also maintains a traditional main street with carpet shops and markets – a true taste of Egypt that’s difficult to find on the Red Sea Coast. Now, the secret is out and UK holidaymakers can fly direct to Marsa Matruh from both London and Manchester.

The hotels on offer in Marsa Matruh are similar to many of the popular properties in Sharm el Sheikh: beach front, luxury and all-inclusive, but guests will find much more places of interest in the surrounding area. According to the Holiday experts at Hays Travel, this is important to many holidaymakers considering a break in Egypt:

“We often get clients asking how easy it is going to be for them to visit the pyramids on a trip to Sharm el Sheikh,” says Emily at Hays Travel. “It is possible, but it is a big, relatively expensive trip by air. Customers want to holiday in Egypt because of the great weather and value-for-money, but they feel it is a shame to visit without seeing anything of the fascinating ancient history for which the country is renowned. Visitors to Marsa Matruh can take a day trip by coach to Cairo, which is much cheaper and more convenient than taking the plane from Sharm el Sheikh.”

Marsa Matruh close to Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh and city of Alexandria

As well as being closer to Cairo than Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Matruh is near to the ancient city of Alexandria. The former capital of Egypt is packed with interesting historical sites like the Citadel Quibal, built on the site of Pharohs Lighthouse and Pompey’s Pillar. Marsa Matruh is also close to El Alamein, site of the World War 2 battle with its rows of memorials against a dramatic desert backdrop.

“We’re really excited about the new flights to Marsa Matruh,” says Emily, “It’s a chance for those interested in ancient Egypt to combine some sightseeing with beach relaxation. We recommend you go soon though, before everybody realises what a brilliant destination it is!”

Indeed, with big plans in place to develop the resort, it won’t be long before Marsa Matruh changes beyond recognition. Go now and experience a piece of traditional Egypt, before it changes forever.

Hays Travel have been established for 30 years and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency. They offer a wide selection of deals on flights to and accommodation and package holidays in Marsa Matruh. Visit Hays Travel Egypt Travel Guide

Be Travel Savvy - Just Back From: El Gouna

By: Sean Gerrie

Avoiding the crowds and all-inclusive hotels of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, our reader Per booked a snorkelling holiday in more low-key El Gouna. He tells Be Travel Savvy about his experience, and recommends the Red Sea’s best kept secret; its very own ‘St Tropez’.

Who did you go away with?

My girlfriend Katie.

What did you think of your accommodation?

The Arena Inn was clean and the staff really helpful. Asked for a new room higher up after we were given a room with a view into some trees on the first floor. We didn’t have all inclusive, which was good since I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the breakfast, but then again, I’m a snob when it comes to food.

Where was the best place you ate out?

Anywhere in Abu Tig, by far. All the restaurants in down town El Gouna weren’t particularly impressive, and not really cheap. We discovered Abu Tig the day before we went back and here the food was so much better, and just a tiny bit more expensive. I would rather pay 9 quid for a properly made dish than 8 for something totally inferior!

What was your favourite part of the holiday?

By far the best was the snorkelling. We went on two all day trips out to different reefs. We saw sea turtles, barracuda, dolphins and all the tropical fish you can possibly think of (yes, we saw Nemo). You shouldn’t pay more than 25 Euros for an all day trip. Some even throw in a free lunch on the boat. There are loads of people trying to sell you trips, and by the looks of it they’re all pretty good.

Any hidden gems you’d like to share with our readers?

Abu Tig. It’s like the Egyptian St Tropez. The yachts anchored there are just ridiculous, and the food is brilliant. At the end of the pier there’s a beach and if you pay 100 L.E (about 11 quid) you get a luxury mattress under a canopy and a free drink. You feel well posh there.

Would you go back and if so, would you stay at the same hotel?

…to read all the answers in full including links to bargain El Gouna holiday deals, visit the official Be Travel Savvy Blog [Just Back From: El Gouna]

Prices are always correct at the time of blogging, but subject to availability and change. If you would like to share your holiday experience with the Be Travel Savvy experts, please email challenge@betravelsavvy.co.uk

Switch The Maldives For Marsa Alam For An Affordable Honeymoon

By: Sean Gerrie

Holidaymakers wishing for a chilled out holiday on Egypt’s Red Sea coast should head to Marsa Alam, say the experts at Hays Travel. The southernmost of the Red Sea’s resorts is not as developed as more established destinations like Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

“A lot of people want a really chilled-out beach holiday in Egypt,” says Emily at Hays, “But the larger resorts are becoming increasingly commercialised, making it difficult for visitors to completely relax.”

Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are fantastic holiday resorts with nightlife, eateries, shopping and entertainment to suit all ages, but the vibrant atmosphere isn’t for everyone. Some travellers crave the ‘back-to-basics’ beach holiday and Marsa Alam offers this, all with the great climate and value-for-money you’d expect from a Red Sea holiday.

Marsa Alam

The beaches at Marsa Alam are pristine and most of the few hotels in the resort occupy fantastic beach side locations – guests are never more than a few steps away from the clear, warm Red Sea. Just a few quality hotels line the beautiful coastline, which was previously made up of small fishing villages. The coral reefs here are stunning, with world-class diving and snorkelling trips on offer. Marsa Alam’s proximity to wild, untouched Egypt also makes it a great base for a desert safari.

Unlike Sharm el Sheikh, with its central hub Naama Bay, Marsa Alam has no resort centre and all entertainment is hotel-based, making it perfect for those looking for a true getaway from the stresses and strains of every day life. There are less facilities in the resort for children, meaning you’re more likely to find couples at the hotels. The seclusion of Marsa Alam makes it an ideal spot for a romantic holiday.

“Marsa Alam is becoming increasingly popular with honeymooners who want to stay somewhere exclusive and unspoilt,” says Emily. “In Marsa Alam, newlyweds get luxury hotels set on powdery beaches with clear blue seas and wonderful snorkelling opportunities. This is the closest they will get to the Maldives experience, for a fraction of the cost and much closer to home.”

For a barefoot beach break away from the big-resort hoards, head to Marsa Alam. Hays Travel have been established for 30 years and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency. They offer a wide selection of deals on flights to and accommodation and package holidays in Marsa Alam.

Other recommended Affordable Honeymoon read: Travel Challenge – The Affordable Honeymoon [Be Travel Savvy Blog]

Hays Travel’s Top Five Red Sea Hotels

By: Sean Gerrie

When it comes to choosing a hotel for your holiday in Egypt, you are spoilt for choice. A huge range of hotels now line the Red Sea coast, all offering an array of impressive facilities: worldwide restaurants, enormous swimming pools, in-house spas and even on-site water parks. It’s important to choose your accommodation in Egypt carefully, especially if you are going on an all-inclusive holiday and will be paying for your food and drink before you even arrive! Based on customer feedback, Hays Travel list their current top five recommended Red Sea hotels, with something to suit every budget…

1 – The Royal Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh

The 5* Royal Savoy is part of the larger Savoy complex, located on its own private stretch of pristine beach in Sharm el Sheikh. Royal Savoy rooms are adults-only and offer a private pool area and butler: perfect for a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime holiday and ideal for honeymooners. The Royal Savoy boasts a huge range of dining options and award-winning spa facilities. When it comes to nightlife, you’re only a few paces away from the hotel’s own bustling entertainment complex, Soho Square, with its restaurants, bars, shops, disco, bowling alley and even an ice rink! This is luxury at its very best.

2 – Tropicana Grand Azure, Sharm el Sheikh

A brilliant choice for families, the award-winning, beach front Tropicana Grand Azure is only a 20 minute transfer from Sharm el Sheikh airport. Packed with facilities for children including a kids’ club, mini disco and play area, the real draw here is the on-site water park with its selection of large, colourful water slides. Adults will be impressed by the selection of international eateries and the unique family rooms with a separate, partitioned area for children, offering privacy on family holidays.

3 – Arena Inn, El Gouna

Overlooking an 18-hole golf course on one side and a beautiful azure lagoon on the other, the Arena Inn has an enviable location. You only have to walk over a bridge and you’re in the centre of El Gouna, with its wide choice of bars, shops and restaurants. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the gorgeous sandy beach at nearby Zeytuna Island. There’s an all-inclusive option here, or you can stay bed and breakfast and eat out in the resort. This intimate hotel has 144 rooms, a 3 star hotel and a brilliant reputation – proof that luxury isn’t always the best.

4 – Three Corners St George, Sharm el Sheikh

This clean, welcoming, lively hotel is hugely popular with repeat guests. It’s got a 3 star rating and it isn’t near the beach, but holidaymakers are so impressed by the high levels of service, excellent food and on-site entertainment here that they come back again and again. An excellent value choice for those looking for an all-inclusive holiday on a budget without compromising on quality. Especially popular with families.

5 – Hilton Sharks Bay, Sharks Bay

At the Hilton Sharks Bay, choose to relax by the huge, meandering lagoon-style pools or walk down to the hotel’s own beautiful private beach. A firm favourite with couples and families alike, this 4 star hotel offers the service and quality you would expect from this international brand.

Hays Travel have been established for 30 years and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agent. Offering excellent deals on all-inclusive, bed and breakfast and half board holidays to a huge range of hotels throughout Egypt and beyond.

Discover Why Everybody’s Talking About Sharm el Sheikh

By:Sean Gerrie

Hays Travel are experiencing huge demand for holidays to Sharm el Sheikh in 2010. Some people will be experiencing Egypt for the first time, but many have been already and can’t wait to come back. The flagship resort of the Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, Sharm el Sheikh is fast becoming the UK’s favourite holiday spot. With direct flights from a wide selection of UK regional airports, year-round sunshine and golden beaches, it’s easy to see why Sharm is the holiday destination everybody seems to be talking about. Sharm el Sheikh began life as a quiet fishing town, then gradually began to attract divers who wanted to explore the stunning coral reefs beneath the temperate seas. The diving and snorkelling trips are still world-class, but now Sharm el Sheikh has plenty more to offer every kind of holidaymaker…

Affordable, Low Cost, High Value Holidays to Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh has a huge range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Particularly popular are the all-inclusive establishments, which offer fantastic value-for-money. Discerning travellers aren’t disappointed: there are plenty of top-of-the-range options. The presence of luxurious, international chain hotels in Sharm el Sheikh make it the perfect destination for an affordable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Here, you can stay in top notch properties for a fraction of the cost of their sister hotels in Europe. Families are well-catered for in Sharm el Sheikh too, with a large selection of hotels offering childrens’ clubs, dedicated pools and even on-site waterparks.

“Egypt has responded very quickly to the demands of tourists,” says Emily at Hays Travel, “They have pulled out all the stops to create a holiday destination that has something for every kind of traveller.”

Egypt welcomes all ages; Family and Youth friendly.

As well as couples and families, Sharm el Sheikh has also opened its doors to the young and lively market. Egypt is a Muslim country, but the consumption of alcohol is accepted in tourist areas. The hub of Sharm el Sheikh is Naama Bay - a bustling, pedestrianised street boasting big name bars like Little Buddha and Hard Rock Cafe. International dance brand Pacha has opened up a club here too- a long way from its origins in Ibiza. This summer, the venue will be hosting nights for well-known promoters including London-based Ministry of Sound. Revellers looking for a full-on party getaway can now book package holidays to Sharm el Sheikh with specialist young and lively tour operators.

Egypt Snorkelling, Diving, Sports, Golf and more holiday activities…

As well as the obvious snorkelling and diving opportunities, Sharm el Sheikh offers a wealth of things to do for those seeking a more active holiday. Many hotels offer an array of sports facilities and the resort’s 18 hole championship golf course is only 5km from the resort centre. Water sports enthusiasts will love the wide choice on offer at Sharm’s beaches – everything from parasailing to banana boats. Holidaymakers can venture out into the desert on quad bikes and enjoy balmy evenings and delicious cuisine in traditional Bedouin tents.Experience Sharm el Sheikh for yourself and discover just why it is so popular and why people keep coming back for more.

Hays Travel are celebrating their 30th year in 2010. Hays Travel can book traditional packages or build fully financially-protected holidays to ensure customers get a brilliant deal.

Visit Hays Travel Sharm el Sheikh Travel Guide

Turkey Has Something For Everyone This Summer

By: Sean Gerrie

Turkey Has Something for Everyone this Summer Turkey is hotly-tipped to be summer 2010’s favourite holiday destination, according to the experts at Hays Travel. The country is attracting high numbers of visitors because of its guaranteed sunshine and position outside of the comparatively expensive Euro zone.

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Turkey is hotly-tipped to be summer 2010’s favourite holiday destination, according to the experts at Hays Travel. The country is attracting high numbers of visitors because of its guaranteed sunshine and position outside of the comparatively expensive Euro zone. Turkey offers an array of coastal resorts and value-for-money all-inclusive hotels but has gathered a reputation for being rowdy and brash in recent years.

“It doesn’t have to be like that,” says Emily, a Personal Travel Consultant with Hays, “There’s something for every kind of holidaymaker in Turkey. Yes, there are busy resorts with nightclubs and bars – which many travellers love – but there are also cool mountain retreats, quaint fishing villages, gulet cruises and of course, city breaks.”

Indeed, Istanbul is European Capital of Culture 2010. Regular direct flights from the UK and a wide range of affordable, boutique hotels all combine to make a good choice for a city break destination. Explore iconic sites such as the Blue Mosque, haggle in the markets to grab a bargain and enjoy cruising along the magnificent Bosphorous Canal.

Turkey offers plenty of Holiday options…

Turkey offers plenty of holiday options for holidaymakers looking for luxury, especially on the Turkish Riviera. Here you’ll find pristine beaches, excellent golf courses and five star hotels including the spectacular Mardan Palace. The opening of this opulent property last summer attracted A-List celebrities including Mariah Carey, Sharon Stone, Richard Gere and Paris Hilton. Boasting the Mediterranean’s largest swimming pool, gourment dining and stunning interiors of gold leaf and crystal, the Mardan Palace defines luxury.

Traditional Turkey Holiday Experience

Travellers seeking a more traditional Turkish experience won’t be disappointed though. It’s well worth considering a small guest house. “Some of most popular hotels in the country are tiny bed and breakfasts,” says Emily, “in places like that, you’ll often get more attentive service and authentic, local food. This is the kind of experience many holidaymakers are looking for when they come to Turkey.”

It’s not just Istanbul that offers fascinating religious and archeological sites. Tourists staying in the Bodrum and Izmir region can easily visit Ephesus and those on the Turquoise coast can enjoy a trip to the mystical tombs near Dalyan.

Stunning Beaches in Turkey with hundreds of islands around Turkey coastline.

Turkey is rich in natural sites: the sweeping bay of Olu Deniz is one of the world’s most photographed beaches and nearby you can enjoy relaxing mud baths. The natural phenomenon of Pammukale or ‘Cotton Castle’ with its hot springs and white stalactite formations has to be seen (and photographed) to be believed. On the clear coastline surrounding the Mugla province, discover hundreds of untouched islands and, if you’re lucky, spot an endangered loggerhead turtle.

Of course, no visit to Turkey would be complete without the obligatory Turkish bath, traditional kebab and a taste of Turkish Delight.

Hays Travel were established in 1980 and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency. Hays Travel’s ability to check availability across a huge range of tour operators, airlines and accommodation suppliers means that they have many bargain deals for holidays to all parts of Turkey, to suit all budgets in 2010.

Switch The Maldives For Marsa Alam For An Affordable Honeymoon

By: Sean Gerrie

Holidaymakers wishing for a chilled out holiday on Egypt’s Red Sea coast should head to Marsa Alam, say the experts at <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_egypt.phtml” title=”Bargain Holidays to Egypt”><b>Hays Travel</b></a>. The southernmost of the Red Sea’s resorts is not as developed as more established destinations like <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_sharm-el-sheikh.phtml” title=”Bargain Holidays to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt”><b>Sharm el Sheikh</b></a> and <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_hurghada.phtml” title=”Bargain Holidays to Hurghadah, Egypt”><b>Hurghada</b></a>.

“A lot of people want a really chilled-out beach holiday in Egypt,” says Emily at Hays, “But the larger resorts are becoming increasingly commercialised, making it difficult for visitors to completely relax.”

Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada are fantastic holiday resorts with nightlife, eateries, shopping and entertainment to suit all ages, but the vibrant atmosphere isn’t for everyone. Some travellers crave the ‘back-to-basics’ beach holiday and Marsa Alam offers this, all with the great climate and value-for-money you’d expect from a Red Sea holiday.

<h3>Marsa Alam</h3>

The beaches at <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_marsa-alam.phtml” title=”Bargain Holidays to Marsa Alam, Egypt”><b>Marsa Alam</b></a> are pristine and most of the few hotels in the resort occupy fantastic beach side locations – guests are never more than a few steps away from the clear, warm Red Sea. Just a few quality hotels line the beautiful coastline, which was previously made up of small fishing villages. The coral reefs here are stunning, with world-class diving and snorkelling trips on offer. Marsa Alam’s proximity to wild, untouched Egypt also makes it a great base for a desert safari.

Unlike Sharm el Sheikh, with its central hub Naama Bay, Marsa Alam has no resort centre and all entertainment is hotel-based, making it perfect for those looking for a true getaway from the stresses and strains of every day life. There are less facilities in the resort for children, meaning you’re more likely to find couples at the hotels. The seclusion of Marsa Alam makes it an ideal spot for a romantic holiday.

“Marsa Alam is becoming increasingly popular with honeymooners who want to stay somewhere exclusive and unspoilt,” says Emily. “In Marsa Alam, newlyweds get luxury hotels set on powdery beaches with clear blue seas and wonderful snorkelling opportunities. This is the closest they will get to the Maldives experience, for a fraction of the cost and much closer to home.”

For a barefoot beach break away from the big-resort hoards, head to <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_marsa-alam.phtml” title=”Marsa Alam, Egypt”><b>Marsa Alam</b></a>. <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_egypt.phtml” title=”Holidays to Egypt”><b>Hays Travel</b></a> have been established for 30 years and are the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency. They offer a wide selection of deals on flights to and accommodation and package holidays in <a href=”http://www.haystravel.co.uk/dest_marsa-alam.phtml” title=”Marsa Alam, Egypt”><b>Marsa Alam</b></a>.

About Author:<br>
<b>Other recommended Affordable Honeymoon read: <a href=”http://www.betravelsavvy.co.uk/index.php/2010/02/12/travel-challenge-the-affordable-honeymoon/” title=”Travel Challenge – The Affordable Honeymoont”>Travel Challenge – The Affordable Honeymoon [Be Travel Savvy Blog]</a></b>