If you’re planning on visiting Greece during the 2018 holiday season, a trip to the picturesque island of Mykonos might just be a perfect choice. Known as one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, it’s home to spectacular scenery, architecture, and culture. Indeed, it seems it would be impossible to ever be bored on this tiny paradise in the South Aegean.

Combining a history that spans as far back as the 11th century BC, with highly modern amenities and a bustling club scene, this is one place that you won’t want to leave out on your next trip to Greece. More specifically, here are five reasons to consider planning a 2018 holiday in Mykonos:

• 1. Unforgettable Beaches

When it comes to finding exotic, legendary white sand beaches with pristine blue waters and horizons that stretch as far as the eye can see, there are few places on Earth that can compete with the Island of the Winds. The temperate climate and frequent breeze make for a surreal shoreside experience every time, and it’s usually easy to find a Mykonos villa rental perched right on the water. Some of the best beaches in the area include Ornos, Psarrou, Agios Ioannis, Agia Anna, and Paraga.

• 2. Incredible Partying

When the sun goes down and it’s time to let loose, there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than right in the middle of Mykonos’ club scene. With some of the world’s best 5-star bars, clubs, and restaurants, the island is known as a Mecca for having fun and getting to know new people. From upscale and classy spots like the Caprice to enormously wild beach parties at Super Paradise, there’s sure to be a celebration to suit every preference on any night of the week. Of course for those who have the budget for it, villa rentals might be the best option so you can organize your own private parties.

• 3. The Food

In terms of the diversity and deliciousness of the island’s food, one could argue that it’s second to none. You’ll have access to the full range of Mediterranean cuisine, with native Greek tavernas and authentic Italian trattorias often perched on the same street corner. Of course, there’s no shortage of foreign and ethnic options as well. Food lovers will find themselves in literal heaven as they hop from one amazing restaurant to another, sampling some of the world’s best gastronomy.

• 4. Architecture & Photography

Since you’ll inevitably wind up photographing the uniquely impressive white-washed cities of Mykonos, it makes sense to bunch these two together as a single reason. This place has done an exceptional job of preserving its culture and style throughout the centuries, so of course, you’re going to want to capture memories of this glorious setting. The contrast and cleanliness of the architectural landscapes are features that no photographer would want to miss out on.

• 5. Shopping & Entertainment

If you’re headed to Greece with plans of going on a grand shopping spree, Mykonos is definitely one of the best places to visit. Home to nearly 200 fashion/clothing boutiques and a plethora of plazas and malls, this little island has a lot of shopping to offer. Even if you don’t plan on spending thousands, browsing the stores is another fun thing to add to your to-do list while there.

• It’s All There

Some destinations are ideal for certain kinds of activities but not for others. Mykonos, on the other hand, has it all, whether you’re looking for bustling nightlife or the best beaches of the world. If you are planning a girls’ holiday, a dream destination wedding, a family sunshine break or a relaxing chill-out holiday to help you de-stress from work, Mykonos is a great holiday destination.

If you are looking to travel the world, then nothing beats a coastal destination. That’s because coastal destinations not only give you an unparalleled view of the seas but also allow you to try out different water activities like swimming, kayaking, and deep sea diving.  To make your travels around the world memorable, we have compiled for you a list of the top 5 coastal places in the world to go on holiday.

1. Pembrokeshire in the United Kingdom

Pembrokeshire offers holidaymakers a wide choice of seaside accommodation. For starters, you will get to enjoy a beautiful beach front view from some of the finest cottages in the world. Pembrokeshire also offers you access to amazing hotel such as those in Tenby. Hotels in Tenby sit right on the beach giving you an unparalleled view of the sea, right from your hotel room. Pembrokeshire also gives you access to world-class self-catering services, where you get to taste the best British cuisine.

2. Costa del Sol Spain

Costa del Sol offers visitors one of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea. From this location, you can see North Africa on the horizon, which is quite an incredible view. On top of that, Costa del Sol is a melting pot of cultures ranging from European, Arab to African culture. By spending time here, you will get to learn a lot about world history. All of this while still enjoying the magnificent view of the sea from Col del Sol’s warm Mediterranean beaches.

3. Phi Phi islands Thailand

Thailand is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, which explains why the Phi Phi islands have made it to the list. One thing you will love about Phi Phi is the marine life that passes below you as you head to this island by boat.  Phi Phi is also dotted with world-class hotels allowing you to relish the beach environment while enjoying the numerous amenities that these hotels have to offer; such as massage and sauna.

4. Cornwall in the United Kingdom

Cornwall may not have the best weather in the world, but it is still an awesome top-ranking coastal destination. That’s because it gives you some of the best surfing experiences that can only be replicated in very few other destinations in the world. You also get to enjoy beautiful sunset views from the Victorian style hotels that are prevalent in this area. This means you not only get to enjoy the beach but also get a feel of Victorian-era Britain.

5. The Bahamas

Whether it’s from pop music or movies, you have probably heard about the Bahamas.  The Bahamas is the ultimate luxury coastal destination in the world. Here you get to enjoy the diverse marine life that is quite visible in the clear blue ocean waters of the Caribbean. This destination also hosts some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, as well as amazing sandy beaches. A trip to the Bahamas means you can enjoy exclusivity that comes with luxury while enjoying calm walks on beautiful beaches.

Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world. In fact, it’s almost as big as the United States mainland! The desert boasts of breathtaking features and an inviting scenery that deserves to be viewed at least once in a lifetime. Planning a trip to the Sahara Desert with family is a splendid idea. You can view the subterranean aquifers, intermittent streams and oases that satiate the landscape.

There are numerous salt lakes and volcanic hills in the Sahara Desert as well. River Nile, the longest flowing river around the globe, is located in this desert. Along its banks are beautiful olive trees and cluttered settlements, truly a sight to behold.

Here are 3 tips to use while travelling in the Sahara Desert with family:

• Plan your finances beforehand

Before heading out to the Sahara Desert, first establish how much money you need for the entire expedition. Good news is, travelling to the Sahara isn’t half as expensive as travelling to other landmarks. You can book a two-night trip for less than $150. However, the trick is to book beforehand. Planning an excursion in the Sahara Desert is the perfect opportunity to bring the entire family together, even when your budget is tight.

The desert climate is pretty harsh – it can get really hot during the day and awfully cold at night. But this adds an exciting twist to your entire touring experience. So pack appropriately before heading out there.

• Prepare your family for a camel ride

One of the main highlights of travelling to the Sahara is riding camelback. Admittedly, getting on a camel’s back can be a frightening experience among children (and some adults). Most people only get to see a real-life camel in pictures and videos. When they finally see the huge beast up close, they panic and opt out. On the contrary, riding a camel is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have. It get your adrenaline pumping, allowing you to get in the shoes of the nomadic people who inhabit the Sahara desert – albeit for a few hours.

The desert is a pretty windy place, so carry your scarf along to protect you from the flying silt that hovers around. Also wear sunscreen and carry a hat if you’re uncomfortable with the glaring rays of the sun. You’ll also need to hydrate – carry a bottle of water if you can.

• Don’t forget your camera

You are bound to see lots of eye-catching landscapes and gorgeous sites while travelling through the Sahara Desert. There’s also rich culture and traditions from local communities. You’ll want to capture every moment of your stay – and what better way to do this than by carrying your camera with you? Get to view the beauty of the Nile in its entirety. The pictures you take will forever remain a shining memento that you can show your friends. Better yet, your kids will have something to talk about when they get back home.

Before you travel to the Middle East, it is recommended that you study up on some of the standard customs of the region so that you do not insult your hosts while you are there. What can you or cannot do, while visiting the region could save you a lot of embarrassment and even a lot of trouble.

Here are some guidelines and some of the reasons behind them. Remember local customs are built on ancient beliefs and dogma, so don’t expect to win any arguments over how to dress or how to behave. Even through modern times, some Islamic countries use Islamic law (Sharia), which goes all the way back to “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” If you want to test that, you will be woefully sorry you did. These are the types of laws that allow authorities to cut off the hands of shoplifters or stone adulterers to death.

While this sounds scary, most visitors to the Middle East find the most hospitable, kind, generous people they will ever meet in their lives. The same strict Islamic doctrines hold that you treat people with the utmost respect and help your fellow citizens when they are in need. You will meet people who offer strangers the shirt off their backs – not literally, of course – which is a custom born of the region’s harsh environment.

Meanwhile, modern standards are making in-roads into Middle Eastern cultures. You will not find pork on any restaurant menus in the region, but you will, on occasion, find alcohol served in very measured instances – an aperitif before or during dinner in someone’s home, for example. Rarely, if ever, will you ever see a glass of wine or imported alcohol. But the Internet is available in many places and country’s like the United Arab Emirates are as modern and up to date as their neighbors may be holding onto ancient traditions. For example, search through  https://golfscape.com/united-arab-emirates/dubai-golf-courses and you will find some of the world’s most scenic golf courses in the world, including, that’s right, the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, where it costs about $250 for eighteen holes.

Of course, there’s more than golf available for the modern traveler in Dubai. You can rip up the dunes on a Dubai Red Dunes Safari, which includes a barbecue and sand boarding in the desert. You can also visit the famous Dubai fountains, put together by the same water-sculpting experts as those who created the Las Vegas fountain show.

The world’s tallest building is in Dubai. It stands 829.8 meters high, which translates to 2,722,4 feet, That’s more than half a mile high, taller than many of the Catskill Mountains.

Visitors might also dash off to see the Palm Islands. These are so-called “artificial islands” shaped like palm leaves. I’m sure that “man-made” is a clearer way to say that. Either way, these are feather-shaped strands of sand that include luxury housing (what in Dubai isn’t a luxury?) and a water park.

What does this mean for tourists wanting to be respectful of local customs? For starters, short-sleeved shirts are permitted on the golf courses and on the beaches, but generally, men stick to full-length pant legs during leisure activities, although shorts that reach the knees might be permitted. For women on a golf course in Dubai, signs on the street suggest that you wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders. This, it might be mentioned, is one of the more liberal of the seven emirates that lies in one of the more liberal countries in the region. It might also be mentioned that the same courtesy – covered knees and shoulders – are expected from the men.

So, here is a rundown of some of the local customs and what they mean for visitors.Public behavior is expected to be respectful. You should not exhibit any public affection in the Middle East, so if you are there on your honeymoon or on a date, remember that touching in public is considered very rude.

On the other hand, expect cordial greetings wherever you go. In crowded cities, this will be different, but in isolated areas, expect people to say hello or even park themselves somewhat close to you. The story, as I heard it, was about a visitor in an empty train station at night. An Arabic man came in and sat right beside him and said hello. The visitor wanted some space, so he moved over a few seats and the Arabic man moved over, more or less chasing him from seat to seat during the night. The thing to understand is that in desert regions, people either show their friendliness upfront or they might be considered hostile. Imagine finding – at long last – another person in a great empty desert and that person passes you by without saying hello. You would distrust that person quickly.

Accepting invitations is, therefore, very important in the Middle East and, since you are from out of town, expect to be invited often to tea or coffee. It is considered very rude to refuse such gestures.

Clothing in public does not usually mean women must wear the full covering of a headscarf or a veil is necessary, but each country – and some regions within countries – are different. Women in Iran, parts of Pakistan and in Afghanistan where Taliban etiquette is expected would need to cover their faces. In Saudi Arabia, it is optional but highly recommended.

No matter where you go on vacation, experience has taught you that it’s better to make a packing list well in advance instead of the night before. With this in mind, it’s clearly more important for some trips than others; after all, you’ll need more stuff if you’re on the way to scale Mount Kilimanjaro than it is if you’re headed to a theme park.

Not everything you’ll pack should be considered a must-have; some of the things will be for creature comfort and convenience. If you can’t pretty much live without music, for example, and are traveling with a treasured group of family and friends, then your JBL speakers will help you rock out to the latest jams even when you’re several continents away from home. Now that we’ve got the accessories for a full day of jamming out of the way, there are some things you’ll definitely need if you’re headed to the land where it all started: Africa.

Packing the Proper Clothing is a Must

Although this varies from person to person, there are some important constants in the choice of apparel. You want to avoid all black clothing because of the heat and the vicious tsetse fly biting, which is attracted to dark surfaces – they can bite through even thick clothing if it is dark and attracts them. For this reason, khaki and other earth tones are recommended for clothes, shoes, socks, packs and even hats.

As you can imagine, the weather on an African Safari is hot. Quite hot, most days. However, this doesn’t mean you need shorts and tank tops – in fact, you definitely need long-sleeve apparel and pants (no skirts or shorts) to travel through the bush and grasslands. Pack the shorts and skirts if you want to relax while at the lounge – but on the actual safari, these are no-nos.

Sunglasses and hats are common accessories; as are the usual underwear and sleep outfits you might take with you on any other vacation.

Lotion and Moisturizers

These are for people with drier skin. Even if you don’t characteristically have dry skin, an African Safari is a different kind of trip and you may wish you had some. It can be quite dry out in the field – just make sure the ones you buy are TSA-approved so you can travel with them in your luggage.

Warm Clothing for Cold Days

Yes; the African bush can get cod and rainy. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may spend one day on a truck watching African lions hunt wildebeest, and the next in Ngorongoro Crater where the temperature plummets on overcast days. Pack your favorite fleece or raincoat just in case.

While you’re at it, be sure to grab a waterproof bag for transporting your stuff in case of inclement weather. This is especially important for your electronics – smartphone, tablets, power chargers and more.

Insect Repellent

Keep in mind that even powerful repellent with DEET won’t work on tsetse flies (mentioned above) so don’t think you can get away with wearing dark clothing as long as you bring your DEET. Their resistance to the chemical is well-known; but DEET will work on just about any other of the annoying bugs that are mad you’re visiting their home.

Cash Money

Credit cards are cool for the Safari lounge and all – but what happens if you want to buy native stuff in a village somewhere? They’ll certainly accept newer US bills – but most simply aren’t set up to accept credit card payments. Make sure you have a couple of bills with you – preferably in 1s, 5s, 10s and 20s.

Bring a First-Aid Kit Just in Case
Every Safari you choose will have first aid kits; but it never hurt anyone to bring their own just in case. They may not have antihistamines; or may not have enough for the insect bites you could suffer even with all the precautions. Plus; you know your body and which OTC medicines work for you. Bring some diarrhea meds too, incase the local cuisine doesn’t sit with you. These should be in a pack along with your Yellow Fever Card, which is standard for anyone traveling to certain African countries.