The Perfect Morocco Holiday - Marrakech Riad

Are you planning a Morocco holiday? There are many great things to see and do and Marrakech Riad can be your dream destination when you want to see all that great Morocco has to offer. At only a stone's throw away from Europe, Morocco is in the crossroads of where the East meets the West. Africa meets with Southern Europe and the Mediterranean merges with the Atlantic where you can enjoy the best of both worlds in an interesting combination.

Morocco is found at the top northwest corner of Africa and it shares two oceans. It has an excellent Mediterranean climate nearly year round and it has a fabulous, vibrant culture with exciting things to see and do as well. The crafts and art are also favorites of people who come to Morocco to visit.

No matter what time of year you travel to Morocco, you can enjoy a fabulous experience. If you're longing to see magnificent minarets, mediaeval palaces and beautiful mosques, then a Morocco holiday will suit you perfectly. It's going to be important to find the right place to stay, however, and this can be difficult, especially if you've never been there before.

You can find beautiful luxury riads in Marrakech, in the heart of the Medina where there are exotic garden, crowded bazaars as well as many vibrant night-time markets. There are so many great reasons why people choose Morocco as the perfect holiday.

Some of these include:

· Cheap flights- the flights here are very affordable. If you're living or traveling in Spain, it's even possible to make a car's drive to Morocco to see the sights and experience the culture.

· Great things to do- there is always something to do in Morocco so you will never get bored. The cost of leisure activities is also very affordable which makes it easier for you to enjoy all this great place has to offer, even if you're on a budget.

· Great accommodations- You can stay at the fantastic Marrakech Ryad without breaking the bank. Find a fantastic place to stay and enjoy a good time day and night and you don't have to spend a fortune to do it.

While you're on a perfect Morocco holiday at Marrakech Riad, you can enjoy trekking through the mountains or enjoy the golden desert sands. You can enjoy the pleasures of the Medieval medinas in the cities and get wrapped up in the exotic culture. There are so many great reasons to come to Marrakech Riad for the perfect Morocco holiday that you might want to get started planning today.

If you're planning a trip to Morocco and you are looking for a fantastic place to stay, consider Marrakech Riad. They have fabulous Marrakech accommodation [http://www.marrakech-riad.co.uk/reservations.php] and pleasant, helpful staff to ensure your stay is the best imaginable.

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Egypt Travel - Getting There and Around

Egypt's mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Those travelling by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghaba in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airliners that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those travelling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travellers; the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Libya). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel.

Getting the right paper work and visa is essential to a stress free entry into Egypt. Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas can be obtained from either the Egyptian Diplomatic and consular Missions Abroad, the Entry Visa Department, or from Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However it is possible for visitors to obtain an entry visa at any major points of entry.

Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area. Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. There are three kinds of visas to Egypt. Tourist visas are usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis. Entry visa are required of any visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as work, and study that are not related to tourism. This visa is necessary for the completion of the residence procedure in Egypt. Transit visas are made available to travellers transiting through Egypt. Once in Egypt, visitors have different options to get around the country in an easy and comfortable way. The options range from car rental, luxury trains, and coaches to domestic flights to connect tourist cities.

If you are coming in through Cairo International, you have the option of renting a limousine with fixed fees according to your accommodation location from the airport, or use Cairo airport transportation service which covers all the country and airports. You can request for this service through your travel agent or from the information desk at the airport.

The easiest and most common way of moving within any city is by taxis. This are easily available in the major cities, Cairo, for instance, has a fleet of air-conditioned and metered yellow cabs. One is whoever advised to book their taxis at least an hour before their intended time for their trip. In some cases it is recommended that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment to avoid any inconvenience later. Alternatively one could catch a regular taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually coloured depending on the city they operate in. in Alexandria they are yellow and black, in Cairo they are black and white. It is very important to know the colour codes in different cities so that you minimize risks.

Egypt's major cities have a healthy bus system within and between the cities. Examples of which are Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt buses. They go from city to city and they provide catering facilities, toilets and on board entertainment. The con in travelling with buses is that they stop far too often thus taking too long especially on long distance trips. Rail travel is highly recommended for long distance travel.

The underground, which is comprised of two long lines, is the cheapest and fastest way to move inside Cairo and Giza governorate especially in the rush hours (from 2 pm to 5pm). The first, from Helwan to El Marg has 33 stops; the second, from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first carriage on each train is always strictly for women. Summer working hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 am and winter working hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Many transportation companies offer a wide choice of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. Car rental agencies are represented in the major cities as well as the international and domestic airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities.

Three kinds of trains are available: the ordinary, the express, and the turbo. The express and the turbo are the more expensive options, but they come with the advantage of a pampered journey taking you to your destination rapidly with all catering facilities and air-conditioning. An excellent turbo train service is available between Cairo and main cities around the country. The train takes about two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

For those who prefer to travel by air locally, Egypt Air - the national carrier - links most of the tourist cities in Egypt with its reliable domestic flights. It is possible to fly directly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh or Alexandria.

Samuel Maina is online travel writer for Africa point Limited, an Africa specialist travel agent, offering online reservation services for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, tours and safaris to 13 African countries. Read some of his works on http://www.africapoint.net and http://www.africapoint.com.

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Choosing to Travel To An Exotic Destination

Whether you are a traveler who has experienced your fair share of off the beaten track destinations, or are an individual who usually takes a vacation in a regular resort and is now planning to travel to an exotic destination for your next trip overseas, a visit to Morocco would likely be a choice that is not regretted. Though only a short distance from the shores of Europe, Morocco is a world away culturally.

The structure and certainties of the western world vanish as soon as one sets foot in Morocco. Though not as chaotic as some other African countries, it is still a destination that can overload the senses. The country offers an opportunity to immerse one's self in a culture that is both rich and fascinating. There is no shortage of interesting sights and attractions to be discovered in this diverse land. Most visitors start their trips in one of the bigger cities, each of which is unique in its own right.

Tangier, a city once glamorous but now slightly faded is still the first port of call of many international visitors. The Atlantic winds blow strongly along this coast and take visitors down to the cosmopolitan and internationally famous city of Casablanca. Further south lies the fishing ports of Essaouira and Agadir, replete with whitewashed homes and old style Moroccan architecture.

The imperial cities of Fez and Marrakesh, inland from the coastal towns have been attracting visitors for centuries. The ancient medinas and winding streets offer untold surprises, this is why they attract visitors to return time and again. Away from the urban sprawl there are Roman ruins, indicative of just how far this once mighty empire spread.

If you are an individual keen on experiencing nature at its best, Morocco offers a number of possibilities for you to wear your hiking boots and get a true sense of this ancient land. There are endless trails that meander between Berber villages, as well as the option of trekking the High Atlas mountains. The truly hardy can attempt to conquer North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, though this is best done with guide in tow.

When you book a flight to Morocco, it is not complete without spending at least one night camping out in the Sahara. Very little can compare to the experience of riding out into the desert on a camel, then settling down for the evening in front of a camp fire with the heavens above dotted with a seemingly unlimited number of stars.

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Morocco Activity Holidays for Families

Taking your family away on holiday can often be stressful especially if you have boisterous children who need constant attention which is why we recommend a family activity holiday. By choosing a holiday complete with organised daily adventures, whether that's white water rafting or something more sedate like camel rides in the desert, you'll ensure everyone is entertained and your family can share new experiences. We aren't talking about a kid's club though, get involved and take the plunge alongside your children and not will they have more respect for you, you might just enjoy yourself.

So what's our top recommended activity trip? A Morocco holiday. That's right, stay fairly close to home but have a massive adventure on a small budget. Flights to Morocco start from as little as £50 per person if you book early enough and small, group tours from as little as £339 per person. A short flight later and you could be riding camels across the Sahara, hiking in the Todra Gorge, sampling sweet mint tea in the bazaars of Marrakech and mountain biking in the Draa Valley.

An activity holiday in Morocco is ideal for a family new to adventure holidays as it is a laid back, warm destination which welcomes families. All year Morocco enjoys pleasant temperatures, although in summer it gets hot, especially in the desert. Ideally you should visit from March to June so during Easter or May half term, to enjoy good temperatures and have the chance to white water raft in the Ourika Valley. At other times of the year the river is too strong to be safe or it's too cold. Away from the water sports, the Sahara desert is a giant playground all on its own. From sand boarding down massive sand dunes, to camel rides and camping under the stars, the desert is a great place to visit. The resident Bedouin tribes are more than happy to show you their way of life and tell tall tales of their adventures around a campfire and waking up to the still of the desert is unforgettable.

If sand isn't quite your thing then the Draa Valley near Agdz is simply stunning and mountain biking past local villages on dirt roads is great fun and you can choose your pace. For those not wanting to ride you can walk the valley and share tea with the people you meet. This is a calm environment very different to the colourful life of Marrakesh.

Whatever you choose to do on your Morocco holiday, remember there is something new to explore on every corner. North you'll find roman city ruins and to the south beach resorts complete with ageing harbours. Our number one is the activity holiday but if you're more sedate and like to eat and relax then try a week at Essaouira or take meandering walks in the stunning Atlas Mountains.

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Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Morocco 2007

The Moroccan government realised that the way forward for their nation in terms of creating employment and boosting the economy significantly was to increase tourism and to create an environment so attractive for investors that they would come in their droves and buy up real estate stock.

To that end the government has been promoting Morocco around the world - there is a permanent stand at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida heralding the virtues of this North African nation that practically touches Europe across the Mediterranean Sea that divides it from mainland Spain for example, and now the skies over Morocco are open to cheap flight operators from across Europe and the UK. The nation has year round sunshine and is directly south and a short flying time from affluent Western Europe and all of these factors are starting to affect Morocco positively.

In 2006 in the first nine months alone tourism traffic was up almost 10% on the previous year with revenue generated from tourism up almost 30% which proves that the government are targeting the 'right' sort of tourist - i.e., the ones who come, stay, enjoy and spend money in Morocco! Looking to the longer term the Moroccan government has plans to increase tourism until 10 million visitors annually enter the nation by 2010. There are even plans afoot to build a tunnel under the sea to connect Morocco to Gibraltar in Europe...

'But why all this information about tourism' I hear you ask?

Because it is the tourism market that property investors in Morocco are targeting. On the one hand they are targeting those seeking villa and apartment rental and on the other hand they are aware that today's holiday maker is tomorrow's second, retirement or holiday home buyer. And investors really are in Morocco buying up and developing real estate stock. Already six brand new coastal resorts are in the planning and development stages, money is flooding in from Dubai and Qatar based development companies and European buyers are purchasing off plan knowing full well that their real estate assets are appreciating even before they are completed and handed over. Buyers in 2007 have a chance to buy in ahead of the continued predicted rise in tourism and before Morocco is established in many people's minds as a place to invest in real estate.

Consider buying off plan and flipping stock or better still, simply buying and renting to the tourism market on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts or in the mountainous ski resort of Oukaimeden. Rental income is earned tax free in Morocco for the first five years and those who hold property for ten years or more pay no capital gains tax when they resell, furthermore one is not subject to local inheritance tax in Morocco either. In conclusion - Morocco offers an investor a wealth of opportunity. Basically an investor needs to consider his preferred investment approach and his target market and then seek suitable real estate with room for growth or with prospects for returning good yields.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about property investment worldwide, to read more about property investment in Morocco [http://www.amberlamb.com/index.php/property/morocco/] in 2007 and beyond visit her site [http://www.amberlamb.com]

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Visit Morocco With Flights to Casablanca Available at Budget Prices

Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, on the coast of North Africa facing the Atlantic Ocean, lies Casablanca. This cosmopolitan city blends the customs of the orient with the open ways of the Western world and is amongst the most fascinating cities to explore. With the wide range of packages and cheap tickets to Casablanca you can find nowadays, this city offers tourists fascinating cultural sites, natural spots and sparkling nightlife as well as an extensive choice of dining options.

All flights to Casablanca arrive at the Mohammed V Airport situated 30 km from the city center. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion and will soon be offering topnotch facilities for all travelers and increased chances to find cheap tickets to Casablanca.

Casablanca is no doubt Morocco's commercial capital, where Arab customs and western modern trends offer a kaleidoscope of contrasts within the walls of a city that essentially revolves around commerce and trade.

The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's landmark with its monumental structure that can welcome up to 2,500 worshippers within its walls and 80,000 in the outside gardens. The Old and New Medina are also worth visiting, notably the Old Medina with its two surviving gates through the old town walls where the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouni lies as well as a fortress and a jewelry market.

The best markets and restaurants as well as shopping centers lie on the northeastern fringe of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will also find the typical Souks and street markets where magnificent carpets and leather goods can be bought at extremely good prices.

Here, hotel luxury and superior service makes for a truly relaxing beach vacation under the warm dry sun. The Corniche Beach is a good place to consider when planning to relax or go for a swim. The Ain Diab is the nearest to the city center stretching for over a mile of white sand and dotted with beach clubs and dining facilities.

Casablanca offers international and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, downtown Casablanca being the best area in which to find a good restaurant. You may also try the Medina, where you can get a typical dish for only a few dollars.

With cheap flight to Casablanca you can also find great bargains for accommodation. Hotels range from luxury to low budget, whose prices vary considerably according to the rating of the hotel.

Casablanca boasts a warm Mediterranean climate with the summer temperatures averaging 24°C and winter temperatures usually remaining around 15°C.

Angelina Christy is a travel author who has written many articles that keeps on guiding the travellers throughout the world like flights to Casablanca. Angelina herself is an avid traveler who has travelled more than 22 countries. She also talk about travel options like Cheap Flights that explains how tourists can minimise the cost of their travel fares.

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