Seven New Wonders

• Chichen Itza - Mexico
• Christ the Redeemer - Brazil
• Great Wall of China - China
• Machupicchu - Peru
• Petra - Jordan
• Roman Colosseum - Italy
• Taj Mahal - India

Useful Resources

•  

Luxury on the Open Seas with Yacht Charter Adventures

When most people think of luxury holidays they imagine five-star hotels, private swimming pools and all-inclusive catering. Once you've done that a few times, however, you may start looking for something a little different and turn your attention to either more active holidays or those that include an element of adventure. Boating holidays allow you to travel to some of the most exotic destinations in the world but don't tie you down to one resort or island. You can hop from place to place or go nowhere if that's your choice, basking in the open waters in your own private floating haven. Modern boats are luxurious too, so you won't feel as though you're roughing it in any way, shape or form. Yacht charters will take you just about wherever you choose to go.

Destinations
You could choose the Caribbean, where you can explore exciting underwater worlds at the Barrier Reef, visit beautiful beaches such as Treasure Cay, make some shore stopovers for fine restaurant dining or hang out at beach bars or visit museums. With yacht charters you are always your own boss and in charge of your own destiny. Alternatively, the Indian Ocean is home to the Seychelles, famous all over the world for abundant and exotic wildlife such as giant tortoises and heavenly white sandy beaches. You can also hire boats in the waters around North America, revelling at the sight of whales in the Sea of Cortez off Mexico. New Zealand in the South Pacific or Thailand in the Far East are also good choices.

Types of Yacht
Even the smallest yachts will usually sleep four people comfortably in well-ventilated and bright below-deck accommodation. You'll find plenty of modern conveniences to make your trip more enjoyable, including a galley with plenty of storage space, a stove and oven and the all-important fridge. Cabins are well furnished, with double beds, a hanging locker and storage, along with opening hatches or ports. Monohull yachts vary in size, with some of the most popular charter sizes ranging between just over 30 feet in length and over 50 feet. The smaller ones are ideal for four-person parties while the larger ones can accommodate parties of ten or more. Catamarans are also popular among charter fans. They offer additional space thanks to their twin-hull design and luxurious cabins and are easy to sail.

Experience Needed?
Very often some sailing experience, knowledge of navigation and boat handling and basic seamanship is all that is required to undertake your own yacht charter. Exactly which, if any, certification is needed varies from destination to destination, with more formal certification being needed in Europe. Many charter companies will help you work out which is the most suitable kind of vessel for your experience level and will suggest alternatives until you find something you are happy with. In addition, they will make sure you are completely comfortable around your boat before you leave the dock. Some will provide a temporary skipper for your first few hours to give you additional confidence before you set sail by yourself. Even if you have never sailed before you can enjoy a yacht charter since there are crewed holidays available too. You can either hire a skipper or a full crew. Unless you love the hands-on experience of operating a sailing vessel, a full crew will greatly appeal to those looking for something different in the luxury holiday market. A full crew will take care of all aspects of sailing and catering, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery each day.

AUTHOR BIO:
Jennifer Doherty writes regularly on sailing holidays for a variety of websites and blogs. She has enjoyed sailing in a variety of vessels all over the world.