Hi Trish, have you looked into El Gouna in Egypt? I have just returned and one of the things that attracted me was that it is a hassle free resort. Can't say that we found that 100%, but we did have our 15yr old daughter with us, and I think any young female would get quite a bit of attention. On the whole though, not too bad.

The transport system around El Gouna is fantastic. It is very easy to get around. £1.50 buys you a weekly bus/boat ticket around El Gouna or you can catch a tuk tuk for 50p per person.

There are restaurants at the Marina and Downtown and they were both very pleasant places to wander around of an evening and felt very safe.

For snorkeling, there were boat trips available daily.

HTH

trish!
we have been to bali,about 2 years ago & i can tell you,the hassle in sharm,is far far worse.
most hotels are all inclusive in sharm,but we decided to go b&b,as we like to be out & about.
however this is one holiday,where we spent so much time around the hotel,i couldn't believe it.we didn't mind though.because the staff were fantastic,but it was so much hassle to go out at night,we just gave up.
don't get me wrong,i enjoyed the holiday,but the hassle was constant!
tracy

Hi
When you say "like Egypt but not", what do you mean? You've mentioned snorkelling and eating out, but what else are you after from your holiday?

Thanks for the replies. What we like from our holiday is a lovely 4/5* hotel with nice grounds and pool on the the beach, good location for walking to a variety of restaurants each evening without being bothered (really not into getting taxis everywhere). A great reef for snorkelling, (we would give up the snorkelling for great hotel in right location). However due to us going to Maldives this year which is a big expense want to have a real cheap holiday next year and Egypt ticked all the boxes. Pre priced for this year to get an indication at £1900 B&B for 2 of us. Want to meet that sort of price really. We are really fussy about our holdiays and the dream for next year was Bermuda but much too expensive. (credit crunch also an issue) This is the dilema. Can we get that tropical feel in Europe. I know we are asking for a lot. We are in dire need of some ideas and not from the travel agents who suggested Egypt and really played down the hasstle element which is really not our thing. I am a pain I know. I have looked at Portugal but it being on the Atlantic we are concerned re cold sea temperatures etc, looked at Spain but really family orientated (not anti kids but not having any .......) Also seem to be more HB options than B&B. Had looked at Malta but the beaches seem to be a bit lacking in some areas. As I said we have been to Greece and Cyprus so they are at the bottom of our list. Italy very expensive etc... It goes on and on....... At the moment we can't be pleased but a point in the right direction will be a help.

Thanks in advance again.

Have you checked cuba as it always seems reasonable priced there. A friend of mine went to Cayo coco island which is part of Cuba and said it was fantastic and it wasn't too expensive to go.

Another one thats seem ok price wise is Dom Republic.

Jo

Can only reiterate what's been said about El Gouna. Having stayed there I can honestly hand on heart say it's a "no hassle" resort. I have been to Tunisia & Turkey and although I liked both places, the constant hassle really put a dampner on my stay. The shop owners may on the odd occasion ask you to have a look in their store (but not in a pestering way) & you may even get the "cheaper than Asda" speil but that's as bad as it gets. It's the safest I have ever felt abroad. There is security everywhere (in fact it's really a gated community to be truthful). There is plenty to do there & lots of lovely eating places. Travelling around the resort by either boat, Tok Tok or bus is so cheap it's embarassing. Even the waiters etc don't hover around waiting for tips either like some places though I'm sure they certainly rely on them. Snorkelling is wonderful there with a good choice of dive schools etc to choose from. We did try to venture out to Hurghada for the day but on meeting some friends on their way back, with tales of all the hassle they had endured, we decided not to bother. I know some people will argue that it's not the "real Egypt" & that you should embrace local customs but personally, I go on holiday to relax & not be constantly bothered. I loved El Gouna & would go back tomorrow if I could.
Try elgouna.com or Trip Advisor for reviews.

Thanks for the reccomendations, I will have a look at Cuba and El Gouna.

I can vouch for El Gouna albeit only on 1 nights visit..... we stayed in Hurghada for my Dad's birthday a couple of years ago and found that walking around town was way too much hassle especially as both my Girlfriend and Sister have long blonde hair.. 1 night however, we hired a mini bus for the night and went up to El Gouna and it was like being in a different world. Nice restaurants (open air Indian by the Marina was good), decent bars and shops that you could browse in comfort.... it made such a positive impression that my parents booked to go and stay there for 2 weeks...flew at 9.10 this morning!!

I am liking the though of El Gouna more and more, I want to thank you for the idea again. i am going to post some questions on the Eqypt forum now to get some specific hotel info. Thanks again

Trish

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