Egypt
Ten years ago Dahab was a small hippie retreat of low rise shacks and relaxed restaurants where the food came second to the ambience. Today this beach resort which is about 50Km north of Sharm El Sheik is growing rapidly, but still retains much charm and now has better facilities but still offers great facilities for independent travellers on a budget. Dahab means 'gold' and the place is a bit of a hidden treasure. The snorkelling and scuba diving here are first rate. It also has an ancient pedigree, having been mentioned in the book of Exodus.