Holidays Afloat: Your Guide To Yachting Vacations

Yachting vacations used to be the sole preserve of the rich or famous; the price being unachievable for most people. Prices have now dropped considerably with the introduction of chartering and many yacht owners now offer other potential seafarers the opportunity to 'rent' their boat for their dream vacation.

Yachting means you aren't confined to any one area, or even any one island; giving you the opportunity to visit various beaches, coves and beautiful coastlines on your travels. Alternatively, you can remain on your boat and watch the sun rises and the sun set over the clear horizon of the sea. Whether you are looking for an action packed vacation in the destinations of your dreams or a tranquil, even romantic getaway for you, your family and loved ones. The possibilities are endless.

Where you can go on your yachting vacation.

Whether you choose to go bareboat, take a captain, or even an entire crew there is bound to be a destination to suit you. Many destinations offer the complete package for your vacation. Spend a couple of days in a secluded cove, exploring the beaches and seeing the beautiful plants and wildlife and then the rest of your vacation in the exotic harbour on the next island. Everything is possible on a yachting vacation.

Greece.

Greece offers a number of popular destinations for mooring your yacht. Each island offering you a new surf washed beach combined with traditional Greek villages and exquisite countryside and mountains. The local restaurants and taverns are friendly and welcoming offering some fantastic Greek cuisine and drink.

A short distance away from the harbours you will be able to find a busy and popular nightlife, if required and historical excavations, museums and hospitable people always more than willing to idle away the time with you. For those not proficient in the local language there is no need to worry, a vast majority of the locals speak very fluent English and are usually only too happy to put it into practise.

Turkey.

The mainland of Turkey offers a combination of quaint and quiet villages with the occasional large town for stocking up on provisions and some fantastic sight seeing. The whole country is awash with ancient ruins from the numerous cultures that have resided there, giving ruins and buildings to visit suiting everyone's needs.

The larger towns have regular bazaars that bring Turkish crafts both ancient and modern and a sea of many different colours. The smells, sights and sounds are an experience you will never forget.

The Turkish people are friendly and outgoing and, while English is not the predominantly spoken language, the hospitality of the people means between you there will always be a way around the language barrier. Again, the local cuisine is exquisite and the fresh fish is a delicacy that everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. There are numerous small or large harbours and even deserted coves where you can moor your yacht.

The Caribbean.

The Caribbean is a very popular destination for many sailors, and is perfect for a romantic break or a honeymoon. The bright blue seas and the clear skies make the Caribbean a picture perfect destination for a tranquil vacation. However, if you are after something a little more exciting the open seas offer an abundance of opportunity for scuba diving, snorkelling and water skiing. There are plenty of beach bars and places to try the local fish dishes and other cuisine and the weather is almost always perfect.

Numerous islands offering many beaches and coves means you will never get bored if you take your next yachting vacation in the Caribbean.

Why a yacht?

Imagine opening your eyes in the morning, pouring yourself a coffee and stepping out onto the deck of your yacht; the sun rising and not a sound to be heard apart from the occasional drift of the waves and the noise of the wildlife. Yachting provides one of the most tranquil vacations you can imagine. You don't have loud neighbours and there is no danger of getting the room next to the toilets. Stock your yacht with enough provisions for the week and you don't need to see a single person for your entire vacation.

Even the novices get a chance too; you can charter not only the vessel but also the crew or just the captain to go with you. There's no need to worry about the invasion of privacy, as the crewmembers are usually very experienced in knowing when to make themselves scarce or when you may need an explanation of some of the surrounding beauty and sites.

Whatever you want to do on your vacation, however tranquil or busy you want to make it, yachting has the answer. It's a unique holiday at your pace. And one you'll always remember.

© 2005 John Thompson

John Thompson is webmaster for http://www.holidays-afloat.biz : an online resource for holidays on the water.

---

Buying the Perfect Boat

Why is it, that when you are looking to buy a boat, you can never find one that suits your needs? This is what happens to many... Read More

Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers

Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure if you'd really like it? Some people are intimidated about making a seven-day commitment to a cruise... Read More

Cruise The Nile of Cleopatra

For centuries, the Nile River has been at the center of life in Egypt. The ancient Egyptian civilization relied on the flooding of the Nile to create... Read More

Simple Things for the ?Sailing Life?

Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The simple life" can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a... Read More

Internet Cruises - Shopping Online

"If you build it, they will come."That advice, which prompted an Iowa farmer in the 1989 movie "Field of Dreams" to plow over his corn field and... Read More

Yacht Charter From Rhodos Base - Dodecanese

The most famous of the Dodecanese, beautiful and famous for its mixed lifestyles, Rhodos has contributed the Colossus, a huge statue which stood at the port's entrance,... Read More

Hydrofoils as Strike Vehicles on Water; Fast, Safe, Smart

High Speed boat-car, Hydrofoil. Hey slow down so we can wash that? Car? Boat? Hydrofoil? Sports Car? Strike Vehicle? Whatever it is or all of the above.... Read More

High-School Reunion Time? Host Yours on a Yacht!

Sometimes it can be difficult to round up the old gang from high school; everyone is busy, someone in their family either can't or won't go, or... Read More

World Cruise - A Relaxing Experience

Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding... Read More

Want To Know More About Cruises and Cruise Ships?

Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have as a guest of Sketchandtravel.com Douglas Ward, author of Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships 2005, now into... Read More

How To Save Money On Cruises

1. If you're 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.2. If you belong to American Automobile Association or American Association Of Retired Persons, you can... Read More

Bermuda Cruise Expert Guide

At just twenty-one square miles in size, the island of Bermuda in the Western Atlantic is one of the smaller destinations in the world to visit on... Read More

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of the Princess fleet. Her innovative design takes the Princess "Personal Choice Cruising" theme to a new level.... Read More

Online Shopping for Cruise Deals, Travel Deals & Great Vacation Packages!

Are you contemplating a travel vacation and don't know how to get the best deal? Online shopping for cruise deals, travel deals and vacation packages should be... Read More

A Lifetime Cruise ? Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian Cruise Trip

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone's dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands on an exquisite ocean liner. Being pampered from dawn to dusk with exemplary cuisine, entertainment and fun... Read More

Royal Caribbean Cruises! Where Their Slogan Is Get Out There? And They Mean It

Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming 200 feet over the ocean. Where there is so much happening, so... Read More

Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away

As anyone who's ever bought a used car knows, you have to approach the project armed with your own knowledge before you even set foot on the... Read More

Boat and Yacht Detailing - Teak Reconditioning and Care, Detailing the Deck

If you find your boat with gray and weathered teak, you may use any of the variety of products that are recommended from Nauticaleze. You may also... Read More

Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps

If you are a boater, in particular a sea or ocean-going boater, you have probably tried your hand at catching prawns and/or crabs with their respective pots.... Read More

Bingo At Sea?

Under the "G" for Great Holiday. Bingo players can take their passion for the game to new heights by enjoying play aboard most of the world's finest... Read More

The History of Water Sports

Swimming is noted in many of the classics as relating to heroism and religion. Nicolas Wynman's Dialogue Concerning the Art of Swimming (1538) is the first recorded... Read More

Philippines Surfing if You Want to Miss the Crowds

Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure up images of brilliant surfing breaks. Truth be told surfing in the Philippines can be fickle, but... Read More

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is the "Ultra Plus" in the elite cruise domain. Their promise is to always go above and beyond.... Read More

Radisson Cruises- A Six Star Luxury Experience / Radisson Cruises- Best Cruise Value

Radisson cruises come under the flagship of six star luxury cruises offering an opportunity to explore and discover three hundred ports on 6 continents, including Antarctica. All... Read More

Exploring New Englands Shore By Sailboat

Of the six states that comprise our country's quaint New England, five are on the coast, making the area a prime place for enjoying water sports, including... Read More

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and pick the right cabin for you among the thousands available on a cruise ship.1. One of the... Read More