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.