We asked for your tips and tricks for sunny Sharm el Sheikh and you certainly came through with the goods – thanks for all your suggestions!
Here’s what our winner, Rosy B, thinks (it sounds like she’ll be putting that snorkel to good use!)
“If you’re going diving, pick a good school. My favourite is Ocean College, (but Red Sea College are good too) – great instructors and really good guides, all of whom speak great English whether you want to learn or you’re an experienced diver. If you’re a newby, there are some great shallow dives (and it’s not all about depth), and for those with a little more experience, get on one of the Tiran boats; from June to September you’ll see hammerheads off the back of Jackson Reef and some amazing coral gardens! If you like a drift dive then there’s Thomas, and even for non divers this is a nice day out! Shark and Yolanda reef is the most popular dive but for me it’s Tiran any day of the week!“
Image by Robert Hornung
If you don’t really fancy decending to the depths, why not follow Rosemary’s lead:
“Just returned from Nabq Bay and I did a half day Quad biking in the desert, with a full days trip meeting Bedouins, riding on camels and eating delicious food. It’s not to be missed if you really want to find out how the other half live! Our hotel rep had a special offer on the Quad Bike experience – we paid for the Bedouin Trip and got a half morning Quad Biking for £1!“
We had quite a few entries on the wonders of the glass bottomed boats! Anthony said:
“When visiting Sharm el Sheikh be sure to go on a glass bottom boat. You’ll be able to get up close and see all the amazing coral reefs, exotic fish and other colourful sea creatures. Definite must for all travelers.“
Roy had some pretty handy tips on how to get great service:
“Even when drinks are free, I always tip the equivalent of 20p. Often you’ll get much better service, with quick, efficient table service! Similarly, on the first day at the beach I sought out the beach boys, gave them the equivalent of £2, and was able to get a bed every day regardless of what time I went down. Even if you’re on an all inclusive board basis, I’d always suggest tipping something – you’ll notice the difference.“
Angamac had some pretty insightful knowledge too:
“If you want to visit Soho Square,they will lay on a bus to pick you up from your hotel.Ask your hotel reception to phone for you. This is not usually very well advertised by hotels but it is available and certainly worth a visit.”
If you’re usually a target for pesky mosquitos, take Patricia’s advice:
Just returned from a two week stay in Sharm el Sheikh, if mosquitoes trouble you, take a supply of anti-histamine tablets and steroid cream with you!”