Going on holiday to Egypt in a week or so, just wondered if anybody on here has been, and what they thought?

We are doing a week on the Nile and a week in Luxor.
Can anyone recommend places to go to, food to try, things not to miss etc etc?

I haven't been but I can recomend to be careful if there any women in the party.

Sorry to bring up the old chestnut of a friends friends - but her future son-in-law is Egyptian. When her daughter went over there her fiance and his father had to walk either side of her and enarly got into a fight because of the way they percieve western women. She is brunette BTW so it ain't the blonde thang.

I hope to go to Egypt at some point during my life...probably when I can afford it.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

Moon

Yes I have been. It's a fantastic country and I love it to bits but a lot of that will depend on you. It's heavily touristed so in places like Luxor etc. be prepared for touts upon touts upon touts.

If you are a woman be careful about how you present yourself as obviously the culture is different in Egypt than the UK and there are some strong stereotypes of western women (which in truth may not be that inaccurate :)). Try to think of how you appear to them.

But overall have fun! The best food is on the street :)

Hey Bondy,

Egypt is great but the quality of your experience will depend on how you visit the country.

I'm usually pretty adventurous and steer well clear of package holidays. However, I would definately recommend this approach in Egypt. I was there last year with my wife (we're both mid-twenties, well i'm not quite anymore!) and we had all sorts of hassles due to travelling independently and out of season.

If you are part of an organised group you are insulated from a lot of this. Usually I want to have more contact with the locals but I found Egypt to be totally different. In terms of women, we found that alot of the hassle is harmless if you are dressed appropriately and have a wedding ring on. However, it's no surprise that there is some misunderstanding with the locals when we saw many many European women basically wearing bikinis and wandering around the streets of Cairo!

Unfortunately, Luxor is the hassle capital of Egypt and you will be endlessly harrassed to take a trip on a felucca/camel/horse/carriage. Again, if you are part of an organised tour you will probably avoid some of this. What did really taint my visit was the touts who would loom out of the darkness in the tombs and temples and demand baksheesh (sometimes quite agressively) for pointing to wall and gibbering in poor english 'sun, sun; pharoah, pharoah' After a couple of hours we found that we were spending all of our time trying to avoid the touts rather than enjoying the sights.

Anyway, I make it sound like I had an awful time but I didnt. Sitting on the banks of Nile in Luxor and srinking a cold Egyptian Stella while dusk falls and the sound of the Muezzin floats over the river is unforgettably.

M

It is without doubt one of the most amazing holidays I have taken. We went in the February after the first Gulf War and there were very few tourists. We were outnumbered by guides in the great pyramid at Giza and were shown places that were normally closed to tourists as access was restricted.

If you're in Aswan on your Nile trip go to the Aswan Moon restaurant. It's right on the Nile and is incredibly cheap. Don't worry about food poisoning, just drink the local red wine, it kills all known germs.

Word of advice - it is very hot out there at this time of year so get your sightseeing done early in the morning or in the evening.

Take loads of films or digital storage media, I shot off 7 rolls of 36 frame 35mm.

Take a camel ride.

Cycle to the Valley of The Kings, don't take a taxi you'll miss the scenery.

One couple we met took a thermos full of ice with several face flannels inside whenever they went on trips. When he got hot (he was a slap head) he'd just fish out a flannel and pop it on his head. Looked daft but kept him cool.

Take lots of loose change or small denomination notes for baksheesh and getting rid of small children. A handful of coins lobbed in the air will get them out of your path for a few minutes.

Thanks for your replys so far...all interesting to read.
Everyone I have spoken to who has been said they really enjoyed the experience.

We are going as part of an orgaised cruise and stay by Cosmos I think it is.

I will inform my girlfriend regarding the clothing issue, but shouldn't have a problem as she is taking her entire wardrobe anyway!!!!

Are we safe to go out and about at night in Luxor?

What bargains are there to be had?

I've walked like an egyptain.
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Has anybody here in sheffield been to Sharm?

Reason I ask is that I am thinking about going in May. i would like to know more about it and what there is to do there apart from Diving.

Let me know anyway, Thanks.

I'm off there in 3 weeks time. I'll let you know.
In the mean time there's a very useful website here ....

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=32

Edit: Just seen that you've already posted there - you're ahead of me :)

yes, I found it just after posting on here.
Thanks

i went a few years ago and i can't dive : ( (yet) . although i know this isn't what you meant...it is great for snorkelling even off the shore. But there's a great mix of traditional and western things to do. I particularly enjoyed going to the Rock Island Diner in Sharm el Sheikh. Novelty value.
Unfortunately i was only there for 5 days and it was TOO hot to do alot of things, such as excursions etc. But i'm sure there is loads to do..it's a top resort now.

Went there 2 years ago. Excellent value for money, great weather and friendly people... in your hotel anyway!

If you venture out, expect to be hassled all the time. You'll get it from the second you land at the airport where people will try and get you to "tip" them for passing you a trolley or helping you with your luggage! Very annoying.

The diving and snorkling is fantasic though.

a woman i work with has just come back after a week there and she cant enough good things about it! she said the people were so friendly and would definately go again! she stayed at the sharm hilton os summat!

Try http://www.explorers.co.uk/ and order their brochure.

I'm going to Egypt in three weeks time, does anyone know whether I need vaccinations or not?
The travel agent has told me to ask my GP. The receptionist at the surgery says I have to make an appointment to see the nurse, who is away until the 27th, which I think my be too late to start a course of treatment, if it is necessary.
I'm not going to any massively populated area, or anywhere near the Nile, if that makes a difference...

It depends where you are going. If you are heading for Luxor, Cairo, Alexandria etc, then no but certain locations have malaria problems at certain times of year and they are all coastal.
Where are you going? (Not that I'm jealous at all... not even a bit... nope, not one bit.. got room in your case for me?)
I've been a few times, if I can help you with anything I'd be happy to.

I am going to a place called:- Sharm-El-Sheik, on the "Red Sea Riviera."
Have found this website:- www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/africa/egypt.html, that tells me I need certain jabs, but like you said, I thought it depended on the area you are travelling to...

I remember finding similar warnings, however, I could find lots of sites which said no risk and a few which go on about yellow fever etc.
If I remember correctly Sharm el Sheikh is a risk mid summer, that's malaria only to my knowledge. And since you are going in winter you will be fine. Yellow fever tends to affect South Africa more than north.
The people I've met who have had jabs have only had malaria, no one seems to have had the yellow fever jab which is the only one that presents as a major risk on a few websites.

I think the E111 form gaves basic guidelines too. Either way, I felt very sure I was ok to go without jabs. Ask Hels from the forum too, she's been more recently than my last trip last year.
The main things to remember are to use an excellent mossie repellent ( I know of one which means I've NEVER been bitten), wash your hands often, avoid handling the money out there and don't eat food which hasn't been prepped in a hotel or similar, also avoid the salads etc washed in local water and check the caps are new and sealed on bottled water.
If you stick with all that you should be ok, most pepole end up with a gippy stomach in Egypt and it's normally hygiene related.

Ta very much Zebra, think I will wing it on the yellow fever jabs.
I should be ok, health-wise, I don't eat meat and any time that I'm not in the hotel, I will hopefully be under the Red Sea...

No sweat, have a great time.
Now, about that suitcase room? ;)

I have been to Egypt many, many times. You do not need any vacinations. Malaria protectin is optional. And it is not a jab , it's a course of tablets. I don't bother anymore as most is ineffective anyway.

Malaria is not prevelent in Egypt. And Sharm is costal. At this time of year there should be a stiff northerly breeze/wind. Blows them away!

The only time I needed yellow fever was Tanzania.

Enjoy the best place for a holiday close to home. I love the place.

BTW getting yellow fever jabs is not easy. I had to go to Manchester for mine.

Where are you staying in Sharm? Are you a diver?

Originally posted by SHarper
Ta very much Zebra, think I will wing it on the yellow fever jabs.
I should be ok, health-wise, I don't eat meat and any time that I'm not in the hotel, I will hopefully be under the Red Sea...

Ah, just spotted the veggy bit. You may struggle. Most food is meat based. Make sure the salads you have are well washed. The fertiliser is mainly human.

Yeah, should have known the malaria thing was tablets but then I never had it. I know others have had the treatment, just assumed it was jabs.
We learn something new everyday!

Edit:
These threads could help too.
http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16104&highlight=egypt


http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45685&highlight=egypt

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32762&highlight=egypt

Hiya, when we went to Egypt earlier this year we had Typhoid and Hepatitus (can't remember which one, sorry) but we didn't need malaria as that was limited to Cairo apparantly.

The nurse in the doc's surgery looked it all up anyway. We only booked our holiday a few weeks before we travelled but still managed to get the jabs. Oh, hubby had to have tetanus as well, but that was only because he was overdue...

I loved Egypt, i'm sure you will too. Sharm-el-sheik is where the bombs went off recently so you may find the security is quite visible. We found security quite high, that's because tourism provides something like 85% of the national income so they are very keen to ensure tourists are safe.

Zebra gave me loads of useful advice before we went. Take some immodium with you, if you don't need it, others will :thumbsup:

Another tip - take plenty of uk cash with you, quite often the hotels will only accept £sterling when you settle the bill at the end of your holiday, also, they were really keen at the airport on the luggage allowance on the way back and wanted paying in £sterling if you were over weight (fortunately we weren't but others were).

When you arrive in Egypt and are queueing for your visa, if someone offers to fast-track you, they will expect a tip... Everyone in Egypt wants tipping, you'll soon get used to it, but it's useful to have plenty of £1 coins as they readily accept them. The local children will accept pens in place of money (remember many of the people are quite poor). Always haggle the price of things, and expect to pay 1/3 of the first asking price. Most places accepted £sterling or Egyptian money.

Spirits are expensive over there, because they are imported, we got a couple of bottles at the airport on the way over so that we had something to drink, but to be honest, it was that hot that we didn't drink much alchohol anyway (though we did go in July).

Oooh wish I was going with you too ....

Thanks for your responses, have read the posts and links (including the holiday truths one) and thoroughly digested them. I'm not sure that I want to go now, I don't like being hassled or ripped off, having to buy visas (that I don't need), possibility of bombs etc...
Looks like I'm going to be hungry too, this is not good, I'm even grumpier when un-fed...
I will practice my "Do not approach me! " face...

Originally posted by Hels

Zebra gave me loads of useful advice before we went. Take some immodium with you, if you don't need it, others will :thumbsup:


Awww my progidy! ;)
I've send SHarper various pms, same as I did for you Hels so he is getting the same info but it's good to see you agree with it.
SHarper - honestly, it's a wonderful place. The advice you've been given just gives you a head start rather than spending the first 3 days learning it all before being able to apply it.
Despite the fact that I cram everything in that I can when I go, I find it very relaxing. The atmosphere and pace of life out there is blissful.
The weather is divine, a dry heat rather than the sticky nonsense we get here.
If you don't plan to traipse about much - you'll have a very relaxed break indeed, the hotels are hassle free and even a most persistant seller won't go underwater (Although the idea makes me laugh)

Egypt is brilliant, I can't wait to go back. I'm sure you'll really love it, honestly!

All the hints and tips just help to smooth the way ... so you can get down to enjoying yourself ... and you will .. :thumbsup:

Don't worry about the food, you should be able to find a lot of veggie options in the form of hommous, baba ganoush (tahina with eggplant dip - very creamy and delicious) with pita, falafel and there should be good fruit as well. Oh and plenty of lovely fresh dates this time of year.

I was in the Sinai when the bomb went off in Sharm (July), but I think everything has been operating under heightened security since so you should be fine. It seems the last bombing was targeting Egyptians, not tourists.

I`m cruising the nile next year and several people have told me you have to have a tab for your drinks when you`re on the boat and pay it with a credit card. I haven`t got one and don`t want one. Are there any other ways to pay. I`ve been told they won`t take cash

Hiya Pedro1, we went on a Nile cruise earlier this year and yes, it is usual to pay for everything at the end of your cruise. We paid by Credit Card but I think they will also accept Pound Sterling. They will try to insist on payment by credit card - but if you haven't got one there's not a lot they can do is there?

Take plenty of English money with you (particularly £1 coins) for tips, they much prefer English money for some reason.

At the airport on the return journey some people were over their weight allowance and had to pay excess baggage by credit card or in pound sterling (they wouldn't accept Egyptian money).

When are you going? We went in July and it was extremely hot. A few people on here have been to Egypt and will be more than happy to give you some tips.

Originally posted by Hels
Hiya Pedro1, we went on a Nile cruise earlier this year and yes, it is usual to pay for everything at the end of your cruise. We paid by Credit Card but I think they will also accept Pound Sterling. They will try to insist on payment by credit card - but if you haven't got one there's not a lot they can do is there?

Take plenty of English money with you (particularly £1 coins) for tips, they much prefer English money for some reason.

At the airport on the return journey some people were over their weight allowance and had to pay excess baggage by credit card or in pound sterling (they wouldn't accept Egyptian money).

When are you going? We went in July and it was extremely hot. A few people on here have been to Egypt and will be more than happy to give you some tips.
We`re going at the begining of june so i guess it will be hot. Did you have any probs with the mossies? What are prices like on the boat so i will have an idea how much it will cost me?

Originally posted by Hels
Take plenty of English money with you (particularly £1 coins) for tips, they much prefer English money for some reason.


isnt that because the exchange rate is soo high. i cant remember rightly- so i may be wrong- but isnt a quid worth about 4 egyptian pounds? the price of a decent meal in cairo- well, thats what we paid anyway.

no wonder they prefer you to give them sterling!!!!

sophie
x

I think when we went it was about 8 Egyptian to £1GBP.

Dollar bills go down very well as well for the same reason.

i went to sharm el sheikh, just sfter the terrorist bombings in July this year, and the exchange was about £1.20 to 10 egyptian pounds, beacause 20 Marlboro lights were 10 egyptain!! That was probably the only good thing sbout the holiday though, Dont at all want to put a dampener on ya hols, the reason i didnt enjoy it was because i was close to the bomb site and wasnt allowed out the hotel grounds.

Be prepared for hot hot hot weather!! it was about 120 degrees when i went, and i suspect it will be more so in the desert. I have to say, that i not once saw any mozzys, but also this could differ in the desert.

anyway, have a great trip and dont let the locals con you out of too much money, they want £2 (english) for flushing the toilet, taking your bags off you and insisting on carrying them, and giving you trolleys at the airpot etc!! I spent about £20 before leaving the airport!!

And also look into the visa situation, I had been told that you paid for the visa in US dollars, but they then insisted on English pounds. So make sure you have plenty of money in english and egyptian.

Happy holidays!!

hey guys I also go in January to El Quseir the place looks absolutely beautiful have any of you been to Luxor and could you give me any tips when im there!

I would go steady on rewarding Egyptians with a tip pf 1 English pound.

Once the word gets around you will be paying top whack for everything and everyone will be pestering you for their pound tip.

I advise you to tip in Egyptian coinage.

Remember New Zealanders and Aussies very rarely tip and they still enjoy their travels.

Originally posted by sufc_tom
hey guys I also go in January to El Quseir the place looks absolutely beautiful have any of you been to Luxor and could you give me any tips when im there!

i went to luxor!!! although we were actually only there for one and a half days because we spent an extra 2 days in dahab by the red sea.

you could see the temple from the roof garden of our hotel, but we still managed to lost for an hour trying to find it! lol

we went the last week of jan, first week of feb and the weather was just right. like a good british summers day, warm enough for a t-shirt but so not baking hot all you want to do is flop. perfect sight seeing weather.

we went to the kings head bar- at the time it was the only 24 hr bar in egypt. funny how the brits always manage to sniff these places out! lol we were supposed to go to the valley of the kings the next day, but the hangovers didnt allow it and we left that evening to come home.

if you havent got one already, id strongly recommend a lonely planet or rough guide to help you on your way. actually, if the budget stretches to it, get both! we had one of each and on occasions they give conflicting info, but if they both recommend the same things- you know youre onto a winner.

ooh, you lucky thing, im off to reminisce and look at my old holiday snaps! lol

sophie
x

ps. remember to haggle for everything you buy, and dont fall for the sob stories. if you dont, you will pay exorbitant amounts for souvenirs etc. i know this is a bit harsh because the locals rely on the tourist trade for their income- but there will be plenty of other rich foolish tourists to be fleeced- dont let it be you. *speaks from experience*

Has anyone on here been to Egypt?

Im going on the 20th January and staying just east of Luxor on the coast of the red sea. If anyone has any hints/tips or general advice i'd be really grateful.

There is a lot of begging there.... unfortunately if you give to one you will be targeted.... badly! Watch out for theft and drink bottled water only.... you will love it. Careful if you employ a guide.... get them checked out first.... your hotel can usually help.

We have just booked to stay at the Coral Sea Resort in Sharm el Sheikh and found the http://www.holiday-truth.com website to be invaluable. It has got reviews of the all the hotels, pictures, reviews of trips, the sights to see, where to eat and shop etc.

The main advice seems to be stick to bottled water and take plenty of low denomination notes for tipping. Apparently Egyptians working at hotels will only earn about 350 Egyptian pounds per month, which converts to about £35 sterling! Like Jake01 said though, do not give to beggars as you will make yourself a target.

Do your best to get hold of lots of low denomination Egyptian pounds for tips. When we went, there were about 11 to the UK£ and proved very useful.The £1 notes are hard to come by but anything larger is a bit excessive.

Also, always have lots of coins to hand, they are useful for throwing up in the air and escaping in the confusion. This one only applies for children.

We went in February following the first Gulf War and Egypt was empty. We literally had the great pyramids to ourselves. In the largest one there were 3 guides, my wife and I and we saw all the nooks and crannies usually denied to the tourists due to overcrowding.

Have a good time.

A relative was there when the recent explosions went off.
They were just yards from the bombings and there hotel windows went through.
However, I'm going to Egypt in November next year cruising and have no fear.
If the Prime minister can go for his hols to the area of the recent bombings we should be ok.

Enjoy the holiday, you will love it.
Regarding the beggings, you get that anywhere in te African continent as we did in Morroco.
Just tell em to bu**er off.

I went in 97. There are loads of begging. Pens are as appreciated as money, strange, but the kids struggle to get hold of writing tools, funny we take it for granted.

Beer if your rich drink the import, if your not drink the local produce, the reps try and put you off. But first night I drank Heinekin 1/2 pint cans, when I worked out the price I realised I was paying £4 for 1/2 a pint :gag: . So next day I drank the local stuff, its a bit strong mind you and I usually threw up the next morning, but I got through.

Also its wort going to the Valley of The Kings, just to go in Tutunkahmens tomb. Its the crapest of the Tombs, but its "Tutunkahmens" tomb!!! Get my point?

If you get the chance you must have a few days in Cairo, expect much of the same except your surrounded by Mcdonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut etc. The most amazing experience i'l take to the grave occurred in Cairo, going in to the hearty of the Great Pyramid of Giza. That alone was worth the money of the holiday, it was all downhill after that.

I did a week on the Nile, that was great just drinking and relaxing whilist drifting down the Nile. I felt I was in the timeless Novel by Agatha Christie. I know now how her trip down the Nile, inspired her book. After this I did 3 days in Cairo, then 4 days in Luxor. I did loads of sight seeing while I was there. I saw the holiday as a one shot deal, so I made the most of it.

I think you'll enjoy it. I did!:clap:

We're cruising round the red sea in February, calling in at some of the most amazing places, Cairo, Luxor and the one I cant wait for, Aqaba in Jordan so we can go and see Petra which is where they filmed the last scenes in Indian Jones and the Last Crusade.

5 weeks on thursday and I cannot wait!!

Originally posted by wayne72
So next day I drank the local stuff, its a bit strong mind you and I usually threw up the next morning, but I got through.

You are my hero :D

Me and my partner are going to Red Sea Riviera beginning of May for our honeymoon, CANT WAIT!! I was told by someone that if you want to visit the pyramids that you have to by a visa in the airport, does anyone know if this is true? if it is how does it work? do they ask you if you want one when you go through customs and in which currency do you pay?

Originally posted by Owls
Me and my partner are going to Red Sea Riviera beginning of May for our honeymoon, CANT WAIT!! I was told by someone that if you want to visit the pyramids that you have to by a visa in the airport, does anyone know if this is true? if it is how does it work? do they ask you if you want one when you go through customs and in which currency do you pay?

Everything you ever wanted to know about getting a Visa in Egypt:

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=24843


And this link is so helpful for anything you need to know about visiting Egypt in general - it's been a huge help to me and my husband in the last few days.

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=32

Got to agree, that site is even better than this one for useful info.

Originally posted by sufc_tom
Has anyone on here been to Egypt?

Im going on the 20th January and staying just east of Luxor on the coast of the red sea. If anyone has any hints/tips or general advice i'd be really grateful.

beware of tea towel heads carrying ruck sacks...................btw are you mad:|

Originally posted by kirky
beware of tea towel heads carrying ruck sacks...................btw are you mad:|

If he is then so am I...Im going in May

cleethorpes for me:D

Cleethorpes is quality. Im on about sorting a lads long weekend there in the summer in my brother-in laws 23k caraven at The Beachcomber resort. Although I don't know how he would react to about 12 bevvied up lads staying in his mini palace.

Has anybody been to Eypyt and what part?

what did you think of it as i'm going very soon.

Chloe x

Hi there, I've been to Cairo, pretty cool. Saw the pyramids and sphynx etc, really cool although I would advise not going down into pyramid as really tiny tunnel to get down there and sod all to see at bottom (for some strange reason I thought it'd be like an Indiana Jones set....forgive me, I'm blonde) The museum that holds the mummies is amazing, and if you can get on a Nile cruise too that was good. You should dress modestly when you're there as you may attract unwanted attention otherwise. Have a fun holiday :thumbsup:

I've just been to Egypt on google earth... does that qualify?!

Looks a bit wind swept! :P

Yes. Went about 6 years ago, extensive travel around Luxor and 4 days in Cairo travelling up on the Night Train.

Any questions??

CHRIS

I've just been to Egypt on google earth... does that qualify?!
Looks a bit wind swept! :P

Same here as well unfortunately.

I love everything about Egypt however I dont think I will have the cash for a while to go visiting but it is on my places to visit list before I pop my clogs.

Dear

I have been to Cairo more than three times I really like it. These are website I hople it would help to find out about Cairo.

- Khanelkhalili in the centre of Cairo where you can visit the old coffee there. http://www.khanelkhalili.com.eg/

Some pictures taken in Cairo

http://www.ehabweb.net/cairo.html

http://hawawi88.jeeran.com/images/nile%20trip9.jpg

http://rivaldo.jeeran.com/qal3ah27.jpg

http://hawawi88.jeeran.com/images/nile%20trip11.jpg

http://www.guc.edu.eg/location/cairo.htm

http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Egypt/Cairo/Attractions


do not forget it is very cheap :wave:

We're off there next thursday on a cruise, cant wait.

Starting at Sharm el Sheikh, up to Jordan to visit Petra (where they filmed the end bit of the Last Crusade), then on to Cairo, well the nearest port to it, then down to Sarfaga for Luxor then back to Sharm.

Really looking forward to the Pyramids and Petra, things you dont normally see in the canaries! Plus all the food and drink on the ship!

Been to Sharm,good place to chill,but Egyptians born holding their hand out.

Avoid the Red Sea ferries!!!

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=87848

Unfortunately I have never been. My grandad was out there when he was in the RAF, hated the place.
My mum spent a large part of her childhood out there aswell as her parents were both in the army out there. She loves Egypt wants to go back soon.

Maybe she'll take me too lol

Havent been, but going in May.

I'd avoid the tourist bits too - they tend to go bang.

I`m going to Egypt soon and wondered what curency is best to take. Should i take stirling, Egyptian pounds or travelers cheques also in which currency?

I would think you would be better off with dollar travellers cheques, although probably any hard currency, such as the euro or sterling would also no doubt be OK. I hasten to add that i have not been to Egypt, but am a seasoned traveller and my experience has been that dollars tend to be welcome almost everywhere, not least because about 80% of world trade is still conducted in dollars.

I did hear that the Egyptians will snatch your hand off if you have pound coins.

I did hear that the Egyptians will snatch your hand off if you have pound coins.

Yep, they will ask you for tips in pounds sterling.

I have been several times, I wouldn't bother with travellers cheques personally. Take some Egyptian pounds and some sterling change, lots of 50ps, £1 coins etc.
Because everything is so cheap you probably won't need much, it depends what you plan to do. If you are going with a good company and might be doing the planned excursions, then plastic will pay for those things. The first time I went I paid £350 on excursions alone but I did EVERYTHING!
Second time was a cruise so trips were included as were meals and my partner and I took £100 in Egyptian notes and came back with change.
Meals cost on average the equivalent of £3.50.
Everyone, and I do mean everyone expects tips, don't let anyone do anything that you aren't willing to give them money for. Locals prey on tourists at the airport to carry your case to your transport for you and will then expect a tip for dragging your case 100m and will then look at you in disgust if it isn't a multiple of £1.
I recommend you buy a body wallet from Blacks or similar and wear it under your clothes, keep your passport, money and plastic in it. But wrap everything in sandwich bags or your sweat will spoil it.
And wash your hands every time you handle Egyptian money, or any money in Egypt for that matter, they tend not to have pockets and keep it in some interesting places.
Anyway, I can give you a full run down of useful tips if you pm me your e-mail addy. I've been preparing some info ready to put a guide to Egypt together.
Hels went last year and I gave her the same info which I believe helped.

And wash your hands every time you handle Egyptian money, or any money in Egypt for that matter, they tend not to have pockets and keep it in some interesting places.
:confused: :gag:

Locals prey on tourists at the airport to carry your case to your transport for you and will then expect a tip for dragging your case 100m and will then look at you in disgust if it isn't a multiple of £1.


I went on a school trip and there were quite a few of us with quite small bags but the locals grabbed our bags and wouldnt let go. Then they wouldn't give the bags back until we had given them a tip and when offered some Egyptian change they were like "NO" and one of them opened his hand to show us a pound coin, thats what he was after!

Apart from this it was an amazing place to visit. Didn't spot any Egyptian women though! Even in the hotels and boats, men do all the work. Not sure if it has changed much as I went about 10 years ago.

Yeah some women work, especially in taking money for entrance fees. My visits have all been in the last 5 years.
With the pushy bag carriers, the best thing to do is say 'no' sternly and if they don't listen say 'LA' with greater power. La means no and it makes you look like you know what you are talking about.
Avoid eye contact if you don't want to engage with anyone in haggling or having favours done for tips.

A couple of tips for Egypt. I've been there quite a lot.

hang on to any Egyptian small change you get, as it is in short supply. And yes, the money can be quite old and dirty.

If you want to keep small children happy, who will ask you for 'backsheesh', which is a tip or 'donation/gift', you can try giving them a biro! Buy a cheap bag before you go! But maybe they expect cash now!

Learn what the numbers are in Arabic, invaluable when shopping ;) You can practic with car number plates.

Always ask taxi drivers to put the meter on.

Women, you can go to the front of ques in front of men and they won't object, such as buying train tickets.

And, I hate this, be prepared to barter for everything!

Where are you going BTW? Maybe able to give more info!

p.s. lots of people give tips in pound coins, so be prepared for people who will ask you to exchange it for Egyptian pounds. And why not, you can set a good exchange rate, but be fair.

And never say 'imshee' to an adult

Anyone been to Egypt for a holiday, and if so, what do you reckon?! And where is best to stay if you want to go and see the best sights?!

not been to egypt but we are going in june,all booked and paid for already...lol
i was going to ask this question too so ill keep having a little nosey and see what sort of replies you get.

we are going to stay at the three corners el wekala hotel in taba heights,that is at the oppsoie end of sharm and all those places and its quite excluded but we are going with our young children not for the trecking anyway.:)

went there a while back now in the early 90s. Amazing place. Very culturally different. Get used to haggling!

We just stayed in some random hotel we found in the rough guide and booked in advance, turned out to be fine. Make sure you have someplace booked. I expect things haven't changed in this regard - when we were there people would try to get you to go in their taxis at the airport after short-cutting you through customs. The catch is they would drive you around for ages before taking you to one of their own inflated price hotels instead of where you wanted to go. So book a place and if unsure of the taxis ask the tourist police who should be around.

Or you can go with an organised package thing and stay somewhere. But all you'll experience then is a mini-england plonked into Cairo with organised bus tours to this place and that place. None of the real place.

Get out there and see it for yourself. If you go to Cairo get on the train (for peanuts) and travel down to Luxor to visit Karnak temple. Amazing.

Luxor gets my vote. we stayed @ the Sheraton overlooking the nile.

Went to the Pyramisa Hotel Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, HATED IT! Food horrid, entertainment almost-non existent and what there was, was the same every single night and day. Alcohol was crap. Obviously not much to do out of resort. Snorkelling was good but that is about it- no way was that hotel a 4 or 5* as advertised, more like a very poor 3*- but you get what you pay for I guess! Didn't like Naama Bay one bit, and 2 weeks later it got bombed where we had been stood (2005).
Lots of people have enjoyed it on other hotels though so maybe ours ruined our holiday.

we are going to stay at the three corners el wekala hotel in taba heights,that is at the oppsoie end of sharm and all those places and its quite excluded but we are going with our young children not for the trecking anyway.:)

My friend stayed at this hotel earlier this year and said it was really good. She said she would def go back.

We are going to First Choice holiday village in Sharm in April, supposed to be lovely.:thumbsup:

My friend stayed at this hotel earlier this year and said it was really good. She said she would def go back.

We are going to First Choice holiday village in Sharm in April, supposed to be lovely.:thumbsup:

great news i have read some reviews saying its rubbish and some saying fantastic but im glad you said they liked it...:)
hope you enjoy your holiday.....i cant wait to do the snorkelling...:hihi:

Egypt is great for a lazy hot winter holiday. Fly to Hurghada and stay in an all inclusive resort where there is nothing to do but lie around in the sun and drink gin. :)

Egypt is great for a lazy hot winter holiday. Fly to Hurghada and stay in an all inclusive resort where there is nothing to do but lie around in the sun and drink gin. :)


Wow, what an absolute waste of visiting such a culturally rich country.

To each his own, I suppose.

Well it was January. :P

Unfortunately there isn't much culture around the around the Sharm and Hurghada holiday resorts. Cairo, Luxor, Pyramids etc. are plane trip away.

Depends on which part of Egypt you are going to. Not been to Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada as they are mostly tourist/beach resorts. I think the true Egypt is one of the most exciting places in the world. The pyramids are unmissable especially the light show. Sitting on the pyramids is a great place for a picnic. We stayed at the Meridian Pyramids just about 10 minutes walking distance from the pyramids (if you take a taxi it will take you 1 hour and a visit to a local family!!). The lightshow at the temple of Karnak in Luxor is another wonder not to miss. I recommend staying at the Movenpick on Crocodile Island in Luxor. The most awesome place to visit is Abu Simbel, you need to either fly to it or you can do a nile cruise to it. We found everyone friendly especially when bartering, take plenty of ballpoint pens with you, especially ones with logos on. A ballpoint pen can clinch a deal. As with wherever you go (especially Egypt) be careful but don't be put off, be adventurous.

Have any forummers been here for hols ?

If so, where'd you stay, were thinking of the Iberotel palace ?

depends if you want to get blown up!

sorry it had to be said

egypt is a lovely place

I would love to see this place.

I would love to see this place.

Here's a link http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/6676-Sharm_El_Sheikh-Iberotel_Palace_Hotel-Holiday-Review.html

We went in July 2006 stayed at the Coral Sea Resort and had a fab time. Lovely hotel right next to the beach, good food and facilities.
Flying up to Cairo to see the pyramids and have lunch beside the Nile were highlights. Would definately condsider going back and recommend it.

We went in July 2006 stayed at the Coral Sea Resort and had a fab time. Lovely hotel right next to the beach, good food and facilities.
Flying up to Cairo to see the pyramids and have lunch beside the Nile were highlights. Would definately condsider going back and recommend it.

Our other main concern, is it child friendly? in other words would you take the kids ??

We went in July 2006 stayed at the Coral Sea Resort and had a fab time. Lovely hotel right next to the beach, good food and facilities.

I have stayed here also and can thoroughly recommend it - excellent value for money and great facilities. Egypt is a beautiful place with lots to see and do but you must, must MUST drink at least 2/3 litres of water a day as they it's dehydration that causes most illness over there.

I have stayed here also and can thoroughly recommend it - excellent value for money and great facilities. Egypt is a beautiful place with lots to see and do but you must, must MUST drink at least 2/3 litres of water a day as they it's dehydration that causes most illness over there.

The reps were great and gave us a talk about drinking plenty of water and it was all free, you could take as much as you wanted and we had a fridge in our room so we kept it well stocked. We did have a bit of stomach upset but it was the day after we'd been out on a boat trip and didn't have enough water to drink. There were loads of kids there and there is plenty of security at the hotels.

went last august stayed at Regency Plaza fantastic place and yes I would take kids

I have stayed here also and can thoroughly recommend it - excellent value for money and great facilities. Egypt is a beautiful place with lots to see and do but you must, must MUST drink at least 2/3 litres of water a day as they it's dehydration that causes most illness over there.

We went all inc.(Hurghada rather than Sharm) and substituted the 3 litres of water with gin. We did fine. :)

Hated it. Stayed at Pyramisa and it was awful. Nothing to do, and Naama bay is nothign like what I expected. A week after we came home it got bombed.

I can't remember which hotel I stayed in?!?!?!? It was a beautiful place though, I was on a diving holiday so spent much of the time on a boat out in the red sea (I didn't dive though unfortunately, nerves got the better of me)

We went on a Red Sea Cruise last Christmas and spent a day in Sharm. It was lovely if you stayed on a private hotel beach, as soon as we went out we were hassled so much by people selling things and taxi drivers it put us off going back, they just don't take no for an anwer.

I was in Sharm last May and must say we had a wonderfull time.
In Naama Bay were the bomb went off at the Ghazalla hotel is packed with cheap open air bars and lots of entertainment.
Naama is a couple of miles from Sharm and taxi's are very cheap, about £2 a car, mind you dont have to much sympathy as they can fill there tank up for £4.

We stayed in Saint george three corners and they have 2 private beaches complete with bar and restaurants.
I took the flight to Cairo and the Pyramids fantastic day out but went on a propelled British Petrolium plane.,, never again will I fly in one of them.
Massive thunderstorm on return put the flight to a roller coaster ride.

Theres plenty to do in Sharm though you cant beat a day on the grit beches and the lovely Red sea.

I stayed in the Hilton at Nuweiba. Lovely hotel with great staff. Couldn't go diving though; whoever says very saline water is good for eczema is evil.

Went in september, brill place, off again this year, we stayed at the Conrad Hotel, brill for kids too, this is one of the few hotels where you can actually walk into the sea from the beach rather than just off the jetty.

We're going at Easter. I am sick of hearing horror stories! There's not a lot more harrowing than dropping your ice cream in a donkey plop at Skeggy. You have to take the rough with the smooth.

We're going at Easter. I am sick of hearing horror stories! There's not a lot more harrowing than dropping your ice cream in a donkey plop at Skeggy. You have to take the rough with the smooth.

It's the same no matter where you go Slick. I'm sure every place in the world has at least one horror story to tell. You can be attacked or whatever in your own home - doesn't stop you going back there hey? :)

Having been there twice both before and after the bombing I'd go back again anyday.

Each time I went I stayed at the Sonesta Beach Resort in Na'ama bay.

Na'ama Bay is a great place. Nothing like SkegVegas at all. It's clean beyond belief. there's blokes in green and yellow overalls always going round clearing away any rubbish.

The choice of restaurants is amazing and the prices like wise - soooo cheap.

I've put a resort report on Trip Advisor. Go have a look.

On about going next year, i have always wanted to go, has anyone been?

Recomendations?

Might sound a bit sad but also wanna vist the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the Pyramid Giza/the Sphinx in Cairo.

Want somewhere what has a nightlife, Pubs/Bars etc.

Any help appreciated.

If you can go for 2 weeks you can get packages that give you a week in somewhere such as Luxor so you can visit the Pyramids etc, then a week in Sharm El Sheikh which is on the Red Sea and more like a busy resort with good nightlife.

There's a lot of very poor people there though, begging etc, plus my sisters boyfriend had an offer to buy her for 50 Camels (seriously!) :hihi:

The food isn't great though, have a look at the ratings in the brochures and the holidays are usually rated very highly and the food very lowly!

Been twice, it really is beautiful. Stayed in Sharm and got internal flights to Cairo and Luxor to do the sight seeing thing. The internal flights are quite cheap and very frequent.

thanks for all your help.

The food is not great. Did not see one person begging though, alot of shop keepers try and get you in their shop to buy things, but did not see any begging. (this was in sharm el sheikh) the main square is very well policed.

Definitely go to Luxor, Karnak temple is very impressive. More so than the pyramids I thought even. When I went only one pyramid was open to go in though. Dunno what it is like these days.

I didn't notice begging particularly. People are keen to sell you their wares, as you might expect in a country where a lot of people's living depends on tourists. Remember to haggle though! Also remember that a lot of the things available eg perfumes are not the genuine article. Doesn't mean they can't be good, of course.

Generally (although it was a few years ago now) I found that the major tourist areas had a heavy police presence, mostly armed, and touristy areas had tourist police who were pretty helpful and alert.

We travelled from Cairo to Luxor by train, first class. Cost practically nothing (a few pounds I think for hundreds of miles) and was an interesting trip (took quite a few hours in "first class", plenty of time to view scenery.)

We went last year and stayed in Sharm el-sheik, it was great really clean and some great restaurants (one called the dananeer was fantastic we had starter main course and 4 beers earch for about £25) and there is the Hard Rock Cafe too. We went on a day trip to Cairo and saw the pyramids if we went back we would go to the Valley of the Kings. The only thing I hated was the never ending hassle you get from the locals for taxis go into their bar go into their shop go into their restaurant go on their trips it drove me mad. But this is how they make a living so who can blame them? Go you will love it.

begging is outrageous - we won't go again just because of that.
stayed on the Nile in Luxor. fantastic otherwise river view,boat trips,Valley of king ,Karnak, Banana Island .

a lot of people find the constant hassle and scam tricks and the demands for baksheeshtiresome. There's so many of them it would be hard to get a complete list - but for starters, there's the perfume scam, the duty free alcohol scam and many others.

but having said that, Egypt is a superb destination. I'd give myself at least three weeks if I could. I'd go independently, too, not get a package. Get an up to date guidebook, fly in to Cairo, head down to Midan Tahrir in a taxi, get a hotel, and then book a tour with a travel agency there for next to nothing. You can night train it down to Aswan, and then go to Abu Simbel (you might have to fly expensively from Aswan if the road isn't open), and then you can take a felucca sail boat up to Edfu including an overnight stop sleeping in the boat, and then a drive to Luxor plus hotel for one night and tour of the Valley of the Kings, all for about $USD150 once you've arrived in Egypt. That price includes, train ticket Cairo-Aswan, hotel in Aswan, taxi to from Aswan to Abu Simbel, overnight felucca up to Edfu temple, taxi to Luxor, one night in a Luxor hotel and a guided tour. Obviously no travel agent in Sheffield could get you such a tour for anything like that price. But just be prepared to negotiate the price and find out exactly how much it's supposed to cost - easy enough to do if you visit the right internet forums. That's a 2001 price, with the dollar collapsing since then, it might be closer to $200 these days.

after you've done that, you can take a bus from Luxor across Sinai to Dahab or else head to Hurghada and get the fast boat across the Gulf of Suez to Sharm. Dahab is a much better destination for snorkelling and affordability than Sharm el Sheikh - and then either bus it or fly back to Cairo and home.

even here, you're only scratching the surface as you've missed on on Alexandria and the lovely oasis places out towards Libya in the western desert. Also, when you're in Sinai, you're tantalisingly close to Jerusalem, which you can easily make in about five hours from
Dahab. Allow several days for Cairo, it's one of the most incredible cities on earth.

take a look at this site, the best travel site, by a mile, on the internet : Egypt belongs on the Africa branch but sometimes people cross-post in the Middle East branch as well as of course the country has a foot in both regions.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/index.jspa

In sheffield or in general ??????????

stay in a nice 5 star hotel like we did last year and you wont need to go out

stay in a nice 5 star hotel like we did last year and you wont need to go out

Why go all the way to Egypt to do that you could stay in a 5 star hotel anywhere, likewise what as Sharm El Sheikh go to do with Egypt it’s a "westernised oasis" they might as well as put it on the moon.

:hihi:

stay in a nice 5 star hotel like we did last year and you wont need to go out

Yes it is perfectly possible to go to Egypt and stay in 5 star luxury resorts the whole time, with a quaint little organised coach tour to the pyramids. No reason to mix with the locals at all. :rolleyes:

I think callippo's trip would be better, though.

I would really love to go to Egypt this year but my boyfriend is worried that there will be no nightlife, is Sharm el Sheikh lively in the evenings?

I really want to visit the Pyramids etc, but apparently thats not enough for him! :loopy:

:)

If you're a seasoned traveller and have your wits about you then callippo is probably correct and the trip sounds great.

However, not everyone has the ability to arrange and manage such a trip and I envy you for doing this. The poster does not state whether they want a beach/pool type holiday or a tour. We have done both and had a great time on each occasion.

As far as touring goes (and depending on budget) I reccommend Kuoni. We stayed 3 nights in Cairo and then 7 Nights on the MS Sun Ray sailing from Karnak up to Aswan with a lot of the trips included (too many to list but included Valley of the Kings). We also flew to Abu Simbel as an extra. Kuoni reps are brilliant and their attention to detail is superb. Price wise Kuoni were no dearer than a normal tour operator.

If you want a beach/pool holiday then any of the resorts are good but "night life" in Egypt isn't the same as Ibiza I didn't see a single pub and there are very few bars. We went to a hotel named Concorde El Salam in Sharks Bay (Sharm) and it was marvellous. It was on the beach with it's own private jetty out over the reef from where you can snorkel or arrange diving trips if you fancy that.

Egypt is brilliant, the Egyptians that work in the hotels, on the boats and in the bars are loveley wonderful people. The lower classes like the beggars can be a pain in the backside but if you are on a guided tour your reps handle them very well and they aren't a major problem.

Be prepared to tip though as it is expected and cater for about 10% of wat you spend to be tipped.

Before you book anything check here for your hotel or boat. There is some interesting reading and vast differences in standards of food. http://www.holidays-uncovered.co.uk/frames.htm

Oh and finally Egypt is rather hot in the summer - sea temperature in July is around 30 degrees air temp up to 45 or higher. The best time for a tour is Oct/Nov or March/April although if you leave it too late the boats sometimes moor up at Edfu (due to water levels falling in the Nile between May and Sept) and bus you down to Aswan which I would not reccommend at all.

The lower classes like the beggars can be a pain in the backside but if you are on a guided tour your reps handle them very well and they aren't a major problem.

.

:huh:

I bet the locals loved you.

:hihi:

it's horses, or in this case camels, for courses.

Egypt is fantastic for both packages and independent travel. Nightlife, as you'd expect in a city the size of Cairo (25m people) there's quite a bit to be going on with. It's worth remembering that Egypt is no Saudi Arabia and alcohol is freely available, though the local brew - I forget the name - is absolute garbage.

at the resorts, places like Dahab, there's plenty of bars and pass-the-splif hippy type places. There's also quite a few female sex tourists, western women who think it's a bit of laugh to go to a real Arab country and shag a real Arab, safe in the knowledge that they've got a return ticket home if getting married and converting to Islam doesn't, at the end of the day, appeal. Needless to say given the lack of opportunities in Egypt, and the comparitive lack of mixing of the sexes, there's a bountiful supply of young guys willing to act the stud for these women. But you wouldn't like to know what they actually think of western women and what they say amongst each other about them when your backs are turned - behaviour of this sort simply reinforces the widespread notion in the Arab/Muslim world that western women are all skimpily dressed, amoral slags dying for it.

btw, pleased to note that no-one has mentioned terrorism in this thread once. While one should be aware that tourists ARE targeted by Al Quieda type groups in the Middle East, the risk is negligible and it's far more dangerous just attempting to cross the road in any largish city.

Yes it is perfectly possible to go to Egypt and stay in 5 star luxury resorts the whole time, with a quaint little organised coach tour to the pyramids. No reason to mix with the locals at all. :rolleyes:

I think callippo's trip would be better, though.

Do you still get the armed escort?

I should think terrorism would actually be a major problem there and it is after all becoming an increasingly muslim country with all the negatives that implies - banning alcohol, scourging "amoral" women, stoning of gays, etc no thanks they are not getting their greedy begging hands on my holiday money to fund their terrorist acts against western countries - whose tourist moeny after all they are quite happy to take ....

I have never been, but it is some place I would want to visit at some point in the future. I will be watching this thread with keen interest and making notes :)

haha 18 and 19 haven't got a friggin' clue, Egypt is nowhere near to banning alcohol, it's a secular country therefore sharia is a million miles away. You only need the armed escorts in places like Christian majority Moscow and Johannesburg. OK, maybe Nigeria too, which is kind of 50-50. Nearly all Arab countries are very safe at street level, even from the point of view of car accidents and so on - Cairo is an exception here though, it being one of the very largest and most chaotic cities in the world.

I went to Marsa Alam 2 years ago today for a week, went scuba diving too. However didn't take up the opportunity to visit Luxor, something I regret.

Beautiful country in places, but if your easily appalled by beggers then go elsewhere, but they aren't forceful just simply poor.

Full of cobras.

Have a look here for other people's views. Anyone been to Egypt (http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=16104&highlight=Egypt) Mine in particular are rather fulsome in their praise of Egypt. So much so that I'll repeat them here:

It is without doubt one of the most amazing holidays I have taken. We went in the February after the first Gulf War and there were very few tourists. We were outnumbered by guides in the great pyramid at Giza and were shown places that were normally closed to tourists as access was restricted.

If you're in Aswan on your Nile trip go to the Aswan Moon restaurant. It's right on the Nile and is incredibly cheap. Don't worry about food poisoning, just drink the local red wine, it kills all known germs.

Word of advice - it is very hot out there at this time of year so get your sightseeing done early in the morning or in the evening.

Take loads of films or digital storage media, I shot off 7 rolls of 36 frame 35mm.

Take a camel ride.

Cycle to the Valley of The Kings, don't take a taxi you'll miss the scenery.

One couple we met took a thermos full of ice with several face flannels inside whenever they went on trips. When he got hot (he was a slap head) he'd just fish out a flannel and pop it on his head. Looked daft but kept him cool.

Take lots of loose change or small denomination notes for baksheesh and getting rid of small children. A handful of coins lobbed in the air will get them out of your path for a few minutes.

Also, if you're near the Pyramids, look for the Tomb of a very sociable Pharoah, the Tomb of Tootankumin (toot an' come in!)

*gets coat*

We're going at Easter. I am sick of hearing horror stories! There's not a lot more harrowing than dropping your ice cream in a donkey plop at Skeggy. You have to take the rough with the smooth.

been twice slick its fantastic you will love it .
also seen some people saying food was not good , ours was superb both times.

Hated it. Stayed at Pyramisa and it was awful. Nothing to do, and Naama bay is nothign like what I expected. A week after we came home it got bombed.

Nothing to do? :huh:

What about snorkeling, scuba diving, quad biking in the desert, camel rides, walking up Mount Sinai for the sunrise etc. If you have very young kids then it is true that some of these activities are going to be difficult/impossible but if you are a couple, or a family with older kids, then it's a great place.

some friends of mine go every year, im not sure where they stay but its a family affair, nan and grandad, their kids and grand kids, will find out where they stay for you

im going to sharm el sheikh for 2 weeks in june, all inclusive.
has anyone been? how much money did you take? what excursions would you recommend?
probably be eating out a few nights, and wanting to go quad biking and diving...

im going to sharm el sheikh for 2 weeks in june, all inclusive.
has anyone been? how much money did you take? what excursions would you recommend?
probably be eating out a few nights, and wanting to go quad biking and diving...

Hi Sarah

Sharm is dirt cheap in places dearer in others.
I went last May for 2 weeks and found the cheapest place to drink away from the hotel was the Ghazala bar which is on the beach on Namma Bay. Its £1 a bottle up to 9pm called happy hour which is every night.
However, if your inclusive theres always the hotel bars but the entertainment is limited and to be honest your best getting the bus to Namma or Sharm central which is free.
Taxi's are cheap only pay £2 max for a taxi into Namma its about 3 miles to far to walk and you will get all in for that but the cars have seen better days usually blue and white but the hotel cabs are much better though slightly dearer but the drivers are just as mad constantly blowing there horns.
The locals pay much less for the food and drink which there are many food bars as they see you as a tourist and you will pay tourist prices, always a good idea to eat out with a local.

There are no Egyptian women in Sharm or Children so its entirely run on male dominance.
Don't be alarmed when you see the guards on the beach carrying guns they are there to protect you because of the bombing a couple of years ago which incidently happened at the very bar I am telling you to go to.
The Ghazala bar has good entertainment, singers, snake charmers the lot.
Trips include Cairo to see the Pyramids, Petra and the temples in Aswan.
All are roughly the same price I paid £170 to do the Cairo trip which you also visit the Egyptian museum were the mummies are but there is an aditional £10 fee to the Mummy rooms which there are two, but well worth paying in my view.
Though it says no photos are allowed in the Mummy room I understand if you gain permission you can take photos.
You fly on a small propelled British petrolium plane which due to a bad thunder storm on the way back I will never fly in one again.
I took £2k and came back with half of it but I always take more than I need incase of medical bills which Egypt is known for getting the trotts, which I had right the way through but I wasn't sick which made all the difference, take some Dioreah tablets and plenty of them.
There is the Cleopatra water park which I recommend near Namma and the Quad biking to. You spend time with the Beduins, though not real ones, they can be dangerous so avoid the Sinaii desert without a guide or you could get hurt not to mention lost also go to sinaii Mountain were Moses made the 10 comandments which is an overnight trip because at the top involves one of the best sunrises you will ever encounter, though its a hell of a trek to the top its worth it at the end, you can take a camel so far up but it still involves a whole load of steep walking, don't take young children there.
Its a 2 hour coach trip there.
The monastry which is believed to be the oldest in the world sits at the bottom.

Have a good time.

Paul

and.... expect to tip, everyone, everywhere! Take plenty of pound coins. English money is always useful and in some places they'll insist on it (at the airport on the way back if you've got excess luggage for example).

I went to hurghada for a week all inc ,went on a couple of trips and up to the day before I came home I had spent all of 40 quid that included the trips,if you drink out of your hotel you will end up spending a few quid as beer is expensive,when I was in sharm it was nearly £3 a pint.just a bit of advice take american dollars with you,you get a better exchange than the pound.Dont know whether you have paid for transfers but the airport is only 5 minutes and a £1 taxi ride from the tourist section

im going to sharm el sheikh for 2 weeks in june, all inclusive.
has anyone been? how much money did you take? what excursions would you recommend?
probably be eating out a few nights, and wanting to go quad biking and diving...


A bottle of Cobra repelent is enough.

Oh this brings back memories - we booked a last minute trip to Hurgada eight years ago. It was £400 for 2 of us room only, to be allocated on arrival.

I started to pack then I had a sudden thought...would my period start?...when was my last period?...Eight weeks nooooooo:wow: I weed on a stick...eeek two blue lines....but I need a holiday....but OH won't want to go....but I need a holiday....but we might end up somewhere manky...but...well you get the idea :hihi:

So, with OH in blissful ignorance, we flew to Hurgada and were allocated a room in a flea bitten hovel five star hotel :D

I finally broke the good news to OH - he looked so horrified I burst into tears.

Anyway, as this was to be our last holiday for a while, we spent a fortnight eating in the various hotel restaurants, drinking (juice & pop for me) and raiding the fridge in the room for chocolate and snacks. We just had to sign receipts so at the end of the fortnight OH's credit card was whimpering at the thought of the battering it was going to take.

On the last day, the hotel manager handed OH a folder which had a printout of pages and pages of the stuff we'd signed for with the total on the last page....£200 (bargain for two weeks of serious troffing:D). The manager seeing the looks of disbelief on our faces then pointed out that the total was obviously Egyptian pounds not English. OH paid up.

Oh, in case you were wondering, the exchange rate was 5 egyptian pounds for one pound sterling....our two weeks had cost us £40 :D

I'm sure it's more expensive now though :roll:

Went on a cruise and stay 2 years ago. 1 week on the nile and 1 week in hurghada. On the nile you had to pay for your drinks. A weeks worth of water for 2 of us was £90. It was £1.50 for a small bottle. In hurghada it was all inclusive so we only spent on gifts to take home.

Went on a cruise and stay 2 years ago. 1 week on the nile and 1 week in hurghada. On the nile you had to pay for your drinks. A weeks worth of water for 2 of us was £90. It was £1.50 for a small bottle. In hurghada it was all inclusive so we only spent on gifts to take home.

Wow that has gone up - we paid an egyptian pound for a 1.5 litre bottle of water i.e. 20p! I don't know about the booze but soft drinks were the same price so 2 cans of coke = £1 in the UK = £1 in Egypt = 20p!

But then, seeing as they will have lost a lot of their tourist trade after 9/11, I suppose they have to make their money somehow.

Another tip, if you fancy going to Cairo for the day. Do it yourself and book flights with www.egyptair.com. Put egypt as your home country and you can get some fares as cheap as £65 return for 2 people. Its only a 1 hour flight and worth every penny.

We did an all inclusive cruise a few years ago, took £100 each and both came back with a lot of change, our only costs were extra excursions, alcoholic drinks on board and gifts and taxis we took onland.
The first time I went cost me £300 is doing every trip I could possibly cram in and under £100 spending money then too.
If you search, there might still be one or two much longer threads with details about Egypt.

I went down the Nile about a month ago, never again! Anyway that's another story.

The most important thing to remember in Egypt is never ever pay what the street traders ask - you MUST haggle, even then you will get ripped off. I have been all over North Africa and Egypt is by far the worst place for this.

If you want to bring some cigarettes back buy them at the airport, one of the street traders tried selling me 200 for £40, at the airport they were 400 for £20.

God, I wish I had discovered SF before I went to Egypt with the OH in summer 05. We stayed at a 4/5 star hotel... called the Pyranisa Sharm, in Sharm El Sheikh, but TBF it was more like 3*. The rooms was clean etc. but the food wasn;t up to much, the booze was REALLY watered down and the entertainment was sh*te!! We only ventured to Naama Bay once in the daytime and I reallly hate being approached by people trying to sell stuff (okok never go to Egypt again!), so we went round a few shops, to the KFC (nothin like the English one) and left.

I wish I had discovered nightlife out of the hotel and maybe some nice places to eat but I had only ever been to France as a child, Magaluf twice and the UK/ Ireland, so it was a real change. Would personally not go back, but I think we took only £300 ish betwen us for a week (AI) and honeslty could not spend most of it!!

That's a shame you didn't enjoy it enough to want to go back. We absolutely loved it. The first time was a huge culture shock but totally fascinating. The history of it all was a big plus for us, going round all the Temples etc

We did the Nile cruise with a weeks stay afterwards in Luxor. It was marvellous!!
This year we're going to Sharm El Sheikh all inclusive in October so posts have been useful to me too!
We always book on the internet and look up hotels on holiday review sites. I can reccommend www.Tripadvisor.co.uk and www.holidays-uncovered.co.uk They also have lots of useful information. We were told to take biro pens for local kids, seems bizarre but they went down a storm.

streetfood in Egypt is some of the very cheapest in the world. It has to be, as most people don't make ten UK pounds in a month. Prices are increasing, hence the recent riots in Cairo. I was buying meals for 50 piastres or even less, but this is going back a few years, when it was about 8 Egyptian pounds to a UK one. Cigarettes are also unbelievably cheap. Cleopatra's were something like 10p for 20.

away from the tourist resorts, Egypt is about as cheap as it gets.

We did the Nile cruise with a weeks stay afterwards in Luxor. It was marvellous!!
This year we're going to Sharm El Sheikh all inclusive in October so posts have been useful to me too!
We always book on the internet and look up hotels on holiday review sites. I can reccommend www.Tripadvisor.co.uk and www.holidays-uncovered.co.uk They also have lots of useful information. We were told to take biro pens for local kids, seems bizarre but they went down a storm.Agree with taking the pens. I took loads and came back with none. Even the guys who made the rooms up wanted them.
On haggling i got a mug cheaper by letting the owner of the shop kiss my OH :). Didn`t get much knocked off though.

Stayed at the Savoy all-inclusive. If you want decent service tip ten egyptian pounds when you order your first drink. It's only a quid. Your glass will never run dry unlike the rude Russians who bang their selfish little fists up and down to very little avail and tip nowt!

Do this with each waiter in each bar on a daily basis. It'll cost you about 20 quid and make life a lot more pleasant.

I am in Egypt at the minute, and I have to say I have really warmed to the people here. Has anyone else been to an arabic country and felt the same?
Today I walked past a shop and got invited in for some hibiscus tea and a chat - and no, he didn't try to sell me anything!
I love the friendly attitude here, people are very open and honest - obviously there are some folk that aren't quite as delightful, but for the most part I wish we had a similar culture here!

Any thoughts?

We have booked to go to Hurgada for our 40th anniversary in January.
The web site looks great for the resort and the hotel (sunrise resort)
never been before so heres hoping after our disappointment with Morocco.

We stayed in the Hilton Hurgada for one night, it seems like a very busy place! Nice though, and the people around there were very friendly. We are staying in El Gouna, near Hurgada - it is quite similar. If you get the chance to visit Cairo, do it. It has such a buzz about it!

I've been several times. The reputation of Middle Easterners, not just Egyptians, for hospitality is deserved.

a good place to visit, often overlooked, is the Si'wa oasis town out in the western desert, close to the Libyan border, a great place to knock back and chill for a while but there's no buses, somewhat surprisingly from the capital, Cairo or at least there wasn't last time I went about eight years ago. You have to go via Alexandria.

for beaches and coral, I'd go to Sinai rather than Hurghada, Dahab was the place I always preferred. Abu Simbel way to the south is the best of the temples in my opinion.

I've been to Egypt and loved it so much I immediately started saving to go back but won some money and managed it less than 18 months later.
There are a number of threads about Egypt http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/search.php?searchid=6642782

Went on a Nile Cruise a few tears back. Visited Cairo, Aswan, Luxor as well and saw virtually all of the Temples and Pyramids.

I thought the Egyptians were an absolute pain, swarming around you like flies, pestering you all the time for Baksheesh, (I suppose they can be pleasant when they're after your cash)

We visited one ancient Christian Church in a village by the Nile and, as we walked along the dirt streets, I started gipping, the stench was so bad. They tether all their animals outside their front doors and the streets are used as open sewers :gag:

Just as I was about to throw-up a small dog ran out from one of the houses. It was followed by a small, wizened, old, Egyptian who overtook the dog and kicked it, some three yards, back through the doorway.

One of our party, a Nerys Hughes look-alike, threw a fit. She was disgusted at his treatment of the dog and was ranting on about reporting him :hihi:

The whole incident was hilarious and took my mind off fetching up my breakfast - they probably treat their women-folk like that too - I thought ;)

Having seen all the major sites, which were fantastic, I wouldn't want to return.

We have booked to go to Hurgada for our 40th anniversary in January.
The web site looks great for the resort and the hotel (sunrise resort)
never been before so heres hoping after our disappointment with Morocco.

We loved it there, altho we only went to Hurgada once, during a sand storm! The people are great, altho the street sellers can seem a pain until you are used to them. If you want an oasis of calm amid the hectic lifestyle there, seek the Cafe Del Mar and chill with some cocktails! :)

Your going t'Egypt?

when I was in Aswan, it rained.

doesn't sound like much, but it's one of the driest places on earth was apparently the first time it had done so in about three years and there was a spontaneous outpuring of cheers in the streets, even though it was only a few drops and was all over in a couple of minutes.

We have booked to go to Hurgada for our 40th anniversary in January.
The web site looks great for the resort and the hotel (sunrise resort)
never been before so heres hoping after our disappointment with Morocco.
We did the nile cruise then a week in hurghada. Loved the place. We went into one shop and because we bought some gifts off him he got his bubble pipe out and had me smoking it. We then all had egyptian coffee. We must have been in the shop an hour. I`d go back tommorrow if i could.

Where in Egypt are you ghetto pony?
I know Luxor very well as I used to live there

Where in Egypt are you ghetto pony?
I know Luxor very well as I used to live thereWe went to Luxor about 3yrs ago!
It was the best holiday I've ever been on. :D

I find it sad when people are irritated by the locals asking for tips etc - if you appreciated just how much money you have in comparison to them, then you wouldn't begrudge them the odd 2p here and there ;)

We went to Luxor about 3yrs ago!
It was the best holiday I've ever been on. :D

I find it sad when people are irritated by the locals asking for tips etc - if you appreciated just how much money you have in comparison to them, then you wouldn't begrudge them the odd 2p here and there ;)

Would that it was the "odd 2p here and there" but after being swarmed around, incessantly, for two weeks it can get rather annoying ;)

I love Egypt and would always recommend it, it's got to be among the world's top holiday destinations for sheer variety, but it's got its downside(s) - let's face it some people just aren't cut out for dealing with the demands for endless baksheesh. Women also frequently report sexual harrassment.

it's also one of those places that has obviously suffered a lot more than Britain and the rich western countries have from the fuel and food price hikes, not too sure the Cairo 'street' is that great a place to be right now if you're getting local wages - which are appallingly low. Egypt has never come close to solving its formidable economic problems.

I love Egypt and would always recommend it, it's got to be among the world's top holiday destinations for sheer variety, but it's got its downside(s) - let's face it some people just aren't cut out for dealing with the demands for endless baksheesh. Women also frequently report sexual harrassment.

it's also one of those places that has obviously suffered a lot more than Britain and the rich western countries have from the fuel and food price hikes, not too sure the Cairo 'street' is that great a place to be right now if you're getting local wages - which are appallingly low. Egypt has never come close to solving its formidable economic problems.

Absolutely true :thumbsup:

Your going t'Egypt?

dey do dough, dont dey dough

:D

I love Egypt and would always recommend it, it's got to be among the world's top holiday destinations for sheer variety, but it's got its downside(s) - let's face it some people just aren't cut out for dealing with the demands for endless baksheesh. Women also frequently report sexual harrassment.

When my wife, and some other British women, were looking at tee-shirts in a shop in Luxor. I found it rather amusing to watch their reactions as the Egyptian shopkeepers were constantly fondling them and "accidentally" brushing their hands against their breasts :hihi:

wot currency is best to take to egypt? also do u need jabsd before we go? and we are in marriots , is there any opinions on this hotel thanksd

Currency would be English pounds or US dollars. They have the strongest value, some Egyptians will ask you to change Euro's, its obvious, but don't.
No jabs unless you are going coastal. DO protect yourself from mosquitoes though, no matter where you are going and take it very seriously or you'll be eaten alive. I bought Boots own plain body lotion, mixed 20 drops of citronella and 20 of tea treetop and applied it to toe 2 - 3 times a day. We were the only ones with no bites at all.
Marriots are all over, which city will you be in? My experience of all the hotels in Egypt was that they are fantastic.
There is a recent thread about Egypt, within it there are lots of threads about Egypt.
I'll get round to merging them all soon but do have a look!

so dont bother with egyptian pound?

Currency would be English pounds or US dollars. They have the strongest value, some Egyptians will ask you to change Euro's, its obvious, but don't.
No jabs unless you are going coastal. DO protect yourself from mosquitoes though, no matter where you are going and take it very seriously or you'll be eaten alive. I bought Boots own plain body lotion, mixed 20 drops of citronella and 20 of tea treetop and applied it to toe 2 - 3 times a day. We were the only ones with no bites at all.
Marriots are all over, which city will you be in? My experience of all the hotels in Egypt was that they are fantastic.
There is a recent thread about Egypt, within it there are lots of threads about Egypt.
I'll get round to merging them all soon but do have a look!

I go every year and we get egyptian pounds and you get around 10 to £1.

They like being paid in english as they can sell it for more than the going rate.

One tip though is to take about £30 in pound coins to tip the staff and they will make your stay one you will never forget.

If you want any more info please feel free to pm.

Well, just got back and I am missing the people already!
We stayed in Cairo, then El Gouna and a day in Luxor and Hurghada. Really missing everything about Egypt already! The worst bit was the unfairness in terms of wealth though, there seems to be a huge gap between the rich and the poor.
Love the atmosphere though, definitely saving up to go there next year :D

Never been to Egypt, but I'm sure if I did I'd have a Pharoah'd time...

Er, ahem...

*gets coat*

I go to sharm every year I love it going again in september

I'm trying to talk the OH into going to Egypt but i've no idea whereabouts is best to stay...

when I was in Aswan, it rained.



That was a dam shame.....................







:P

We went to Luxor about 3yrs ago!
It was the best holiday I've ever been on. :D

Its one of the best places iv been to, took me about 3 days just to get my head around the beautiful sites id seen :)

Remember it's a society that exists on backsheesh - everything requires a small tip, from toilet paper at the airport onwards. You will need to keep plenty of small denomination Egyptian notes with you and as it's usually quite dirty, wash your hands or use wipes after handling it. Take some Egyptian with you, major hotels will take cards, but otherwise it's very much a cash society. There are some cash points around if you need them and when haggling be clear which pounds you are talking about. Expect continual hassle, but remember the Egyptians have got a great ( quite british ) and mischeivous sense of humour and that the average monthly wage is £25,.

wot happens if u dont tip? wot the price like in general for drinks etc as we r bnb...??

I'm trying to talk the OH into going to Egypt but i've no idea whereabouts is best to stay...

They say the Pyramids are nice.

Might be a bit expensive though, they charge a Pharoah'd penny apparently...

Yeah yeah OK, enough with the Pharoah jokes... :loopy: :lol:

They say the Pyramids are nice.

Might be a bit expensive though, they charge a Pharoah'd penny apparently...

Yeah yeah OK, enough with the Pharoah jokes... :loopy: :lol:

Yes Rich, enough with the shoddy jokes :hihi:

Where in Egypt are you going as it's not like the size of sheffield lol

Presuming you are going to Sham El Sheik

If you need thier currency you will get a better rate there, most hotels have a cash dispensing machine where you put english notes in and give you egyptian pound.

we got 11.5 egyptian pounds in May, people we spoke to got 9 egyption for our £10

you won't need much of thier currency as already said they will take english especially if you buying clothing or bags etc.

My advice would be change £50 on your first day, that way you wont be stuck with it.

One final thing, always wash your hands after handling thier currency.

Eating and drinking in Nama Bay is very reasonable 4 of us had Burger and Chips 1 large bottle of water and 6 500ml bottles of Heiniken (not 300ml) the price worked out at £40 english

so for 1 english pound how many egyptian pounds u get? yeh gunna marriots near nama bay

One final thing, always wash your hands after handling thier currency.


Yeah, there aren't any pockets in a galabia. Where they keep their money is open for debate.

I'm trying to talk the OH into going to Egypt but i've no idea whereabouts is best to stay...

I liked Luxor as a base, that was my favourite trip. The religious sites are numerous for historical reasons so the trips don't cost too much.
Cairo stinks, as in smells, a lot. But it is worth doing an 'overday' trip, flight at 5am from Luxor and back again having seem the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and more. Back by around 7pm ish.
I've also tried cruises, which were lovely and I had chance to get to Abu Simbel but I didn't like the regimented style.
You can, with some guts, arrange all your own trips to the local areas and rely on your rep for the ones involving flights or boats. The people are honest, very honest but they do haggle and love baksheesh.
I can't wait to go again.

Multiple threads merged.

Multiple threads merged.

so for 1 english pound how many egyptian pounds u get? yeh gunna marriots near nama bay

I meant to put before it's 1 english to 11.5 using the machine in the hotel (that was in May) other people we spoke to who changed thier money here got 1 english to 9.5 egyptian.

US Dollars.

Just take English simple as that, that way you wont be stuck with dollars, unless of course they will exchange them back at the same rate they gave them you, but again you will get more for your cash there.

They also take euro (and have thier own euro)

I would agree on using Luxor as a base and visiting Cairo for the day. You can also visit the red sea coast for a day or longer from Luxor.
All the large hotels are good as are some of the smaller ones.

is 9.4 egyptian- £1 english a gud rate

Yahoo finance says 10.50 s a good rate.

Hi all , Me & my family are looking at holidays for next year & like the look of Sharm-El-Sheikh have any of you guys been to this resort & if so could you let me know what you thought of it and any comments would be appreciated

There is already a thread on here about egypt i was reading it yesterday just do a search.We are hoping to go in october.

Hi

We've been to Sharm approx 2 years ago and just booked today for next year. We stayed at the Concorde el Salam and had a great holiday. Just booked with Thomsons today in the reef oasis blue bay hotel sharm for next year. My main suggestion would be to ensure you book at a Hotel that has it's own beach area, especially if you can swim as the snorkelling is fantastic. Just be sure to check out the hotel ratings on trip advisor and Holidays Uncovered before you book. If you want any more info please feel free to pm me:thumbsup:

Thanks for that ,We to have looked at that hotel it looks very nice , we have just come back from Cuba & it was great but just been watching the news about the hurracain which as hit the caribbean we are so glad to be home.

Whereabouts in Cuba have you just come back from?

one hour away from the airport( Holguin )we stayed at Playa Pasqueara it was lovely.

Ahh we came back from Guardalavaca in July.

Egypt is a wonderful Country to vist. I stayed at the Hilton in Cairo and even there I was ill for a few days having to use the bathroom quite a lot. Just remember to stick to bottled water. The beggars are rife but if you give one, they will hound you forever. The pyramids are awesome. You will love it.

there will be trips available to take in the breathtaking interior of Sinai, including camping ovenright in Bedouin-style tents in the desert. OK it's going to be a bit touristy and tacky, but it's very peaceful there. Mount Sinai, where Moses allegedly received the Ten Commandments, is three hours drive away, and if you can check out the lovely St Catherine's monastery, a truly peaceful place, despite the large number of tourists. There will be trips to climb Mount Sinai from Sharm, I'm sure of it - a drive up to the mountain base, a three hour climb to the top, and then watch the dawn come up over the stunning desert mountains.

Sharm is amazing cant say anymore really

It's possible to do a cruise up the Nile (Luxor to Aswan) and back which is simply sensational followed by a weeks stay at Sharm. Brilliant!

Hi,
Im looking for some advice for holidaying in Egypt.
We are looking to book for our Honeymoon next June (although our 9 year old will be with us!).
I like the look of Sharm el Sheikh but would like some advice regarding best hotels, averge temp for end of June/beginning of July and any other advice you can give if you have been on holiday there.

Thanks very much. :)
Xx

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7629171.stm

Read this then decide.

Yes, thank you Kidorry, there have always been risks when travelling to this part of the world. As the report states the tourist were off track when they were abducted. Sad though it is, it is well documented to stay around your Hotel base because of this type of incident. Once again thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Xx

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7629171.stm

Read this then decide.

Someone got stabbed in Somerfield last week - does that mean we should all avoid shopping?

What a ridiculous response Kidorry - it's that sort of childish, ill-educated attitude that is in danger of ruining the holiday industry. :loopy::rant:

feline01 - I love Sharm, I must admit. I'm going back there again this winter, and I'll probably go back again next year as well.

I would recommend looking on the Sharm section on the trip advisor website, there is so much useful information on there. Or PM me with any questions about you may have about Sharm and I'll answer as best I can. Ignore fools like the chap above, he's just trying to be controversial.

Hi, Ive been to egypt now for the past 4 years, went to sharm 3 times and Hurghada once. The three corners hotel resorts are nice and have kids club so u will be laughing! The temperature i dont know exactly because i go late july but wii be very hot. visit www.tripadvisor.com and it lists all hotels in order of customer rating, tells you the temperature and lists all activities u can do. Na'ama bay is beautiful at night. I honestly couldnt reccoment egypt, and especially sharm to anyone enough!
hope that helps!

I went to Sharm in April it was lovely, very friendly. Wouldn't hesitate to go back, there are a few different places, old town and the modern parts. DONT go into any of the shops for a cup of tea though, you'll never get away.

Thank you so much for the recommendations, really need some advice regarding which hotels. I will definately look at the recommended web site. We have to do as much research as possible as our Son has special needs.
Thanks again.
Xx

We Stayed in the Sonesta in Sharm last year and it was lovley, plenty to do for kids too as they had a kids club. The one bit of advice I woudl give you is what ever hotel you end up in try to make sure you are in Sharm Bay itself and not just in the region. Sharks Bay for example is in Sharm the region but not in Sharm the resort if that makes sense. The reason I say that is when we chatted to other people on trips and such they all said they missed the opportunity to go out for a walk as the hotels are very wide spread and you are pretty much stuck there, in Sharm El Shike Bay you get about a mile of promonade to meander down with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants of all types.

Have you also considered staying some of the time in a hotel and the rest on a cruise boat that goes down the Nile? Depends on how much sight-seeing you are planning to do but the cruise is an excellent way to do it.

Im glad you told me that Lizg2008 as the offer that I have seen is at Shark's Bay. As it's an all-inclusive that I'm after I do like somewhere to be able to have a bit of a stroll just to get away from the hotel a bit. Obviousley not to go too far because of the safety issues. Thanks again.
Xx

Somebody I know had booked to go to Egypt, then their hotel was blown up.

Also - why is this in the SHEFFIELD discussion section?

Would love to do hotel and cruise combined spicey but our 9 year old has special needs and I don't think it would really be his thing. We always have to take his needs into account otherwise our holiday is no holiday if you see my point, that's why I need so much advice when we are trying somewhere new.
Thanks anyway.
X

If you just want to relax then the Sharks Bay Hilton is amazing just a way from everythign else.

To be honest I really would not worry about the saftey thing too much at all. I cant speak for the other wider spread resorts but in that region of Eygpt every single worker has to have a permit to be there as do the locals, (you even need your passport to leave the region and go into teh sinai desert) There is one main road that runs through Sharm Bay and the police were every where checking IDs all of the time day and night, you do get a little bit of hassel with people trying to sell you stuff but they go away if you say no and I never felt ill at ease once in the entire 2 weeks we stayed. Personally I would say it is no more dangerouse than going to America. Eygptians love the English although Gosh help you if you are Russian (of which there are loads) they cant stand them.

Why are you sooooo miserable. :(

Not you Liz! :)

tee hee, no worries chicken although I have to say being sat at work I am fairly miserable. If people do waat this moved though, drop me a PM happy to help with anything I can.

Thanks.
X

Lucky you. With just three weeks to go my holiday in Sharm (Fabulous hotel resort) has been cancelled 'cos of XL fiasco...

Not that lucky Anna, we were booked with Xl to go to Lanzarote on the 20th Oct. Only paid the balance on the 3rd Sept and they went bust on the 12th. Can't get a penny back.
Sorry bout your holiday :(

Someone got stabbed in Somerfield last week - does that mean we should all avoid shopping?

What a ridiculous response Kidorry - it's that sort of childish, ill-educated attitude that is in danger of ruining the holiday industry. :loopy::rant:

feline01 - I love Sharm, I must admit. I'm going back there again this winter, and I'll probably go back again next year as well.

I would recommend looking on the Sharm section on the trip advisor website, there is so much useful information on there. Or PM me with any questions about you may have about Sharm and I'll answer as best I can. Ignore fools like the chap above, he's just trying to be controversial.

The poster appreciated it even if you did not.Maybe you are a tour opperator for Egypt,or just a big mouth.

I went to Sharm last October, weather ws brilliant, although I know your planning on June time - no matter what the weather in Egypt is great all year round as far as I am aware. Anyhow, Sharm El Sheikh is by far the best tourist resort in Egypt. I stayed in the Three Corners Kirosiez resort when I went. However the only disadvantage of this hotel was that it was a way away from the beach. Although they had a shuttle bus run to the beach it isn't the same as being able to walk to it. Sharm itself is a pretty baron place where n the midst of it theres hotel scattered here and there.... but if i was to recommend a hotel it would have to be one on the fron actually on the beach its beautiful and ideal for a honeymoon I believe ther's one called sharks bay or something similar to that ....
Hope you have a fab time :)

Not that lucky Anna, we were booked with Xl to go to Lanzarote on the 20th Oct. Only paid the balance on the 3rd Sept and they went bust on the 12th. Can't get a penny back.
Sorry bout your holiday :(

Oh I am sorry. What rotten luck. Are you sure there's nothing you can do?

i went to el gouna which was great! it's similar to sharm el sheikh, and the temperature is on average 38 degrees-ish. loads of shops/ restaurants/bars downtown, i would reccomend staying in one of the hotels nearer the downtown area. i stayed about a mile away at the three corners hotel, which was fine but if i went back i would have stayed nearer to town. it's safe anywhere in el gouna, the whole town was built for tourism so no dodgy areas really.

We have just recently returned from a holiday in Luxor, Egypt. It was fabulous. The hotel - Maritim Jollie Ville was lovely, you could choose to stay b&b or half board. We chose b&b to give us some flexibility. It was on it's own little island just outside Luxor so we had the peace, tranqulity and safety of being on our own island but only a few minutes ride into Luxor for the hustle and bustle of an egyptian town. The main pool is the only infininity pool in Egypt (apparently) and it overlooked the Nile which was fabulous. As it was an island the accomodation was a series of bungalows rather than a high rise hotel and everything is on one level. They had activities every day including football matches with the staff (who played in bare feet). Lovely walks along the Nile. Free bus and boat service into and out of Luxor. It even had it's own little zoo with monkeys, a croc and Cleo the Camel who provided rides every day around the complex. Would highly recommend this to anyone of any age for a relaxing holiday, however if you are the type who want to go and see things it is an ideal location to see the various temples and tombs in the area, to be honest we saw as much as we could and it was mind blowing but by the time we had done we were toombed and templed out if you see what I mean. There is a Jillie Ville hotel in Sharm but obvioulsy can;t comment on the quality of that. Have a great time whatever you decide. B.T.W summer is from April to Oct so Temps approx 38/42 during day.

Mod: As this thread isn't about Sheffield, its been moved to General.

Sharm's ok but its not really Egypt,its westernized commercialism,purpose built for tourism ,I prefer Hurghada to Sharm at least if you want to see the real Egypt you dont have to travel as far..and Sharm is pretty expensive compared to the rest of Egypt,,There again its what you are wanting from your holiday,gloious hotels and nice clean city but no culture..Sharm but you will come back wondering what the Real Egypt is all about.The only thing on the Sharm peninsula is Sharm and nothing else,oh except for the desert

I do agree with that to, there is no real culture but you do get the opportunity to travel out, we made it to Cairo while we were there which was one hell of an experience

Thanks to you all for the advice.
Any more info gratefully received. :)

No Ann K, nothing we can do regarding the XL fiasco.
We booked on-line directly with XL and paid by Debit Card. :(
Thanks anyway.
X

have you booked your holiday yet? we are debating going next may, but not sure what a 'good' price is? anyone help? wanting to go for 10 nights. have found one that £480 each b&b at sharm el sheikh, soudns a bargain to me, am i right?!

:help:

matter what the weather in Egypt is great all year round as far as I am aware.

most people would find it too hot in June-July-August. Also the flies and bugs are much worse then. October-March is the best time for Egypt, which is recognised by the Egyptians - hence they slash prices during the summer months.

Apologies if you were expecting some kind of humourous punchline. I recently watched this series on You Tube which starts off with a clip of our beloved Queen's coronation and then analyses the occult symbolism involved. The analysis goes on to look at the undeniable link between the origins of our empire and the astrological, solar mythologies of Ancient Egypt... not Christianity funnily enough :)

Definately worth a watch for those who find symbols and how they're used in power interesting.

Running time approx 1 hour altogether.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz6L6B_7Cuc

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUPACcJ1a8Q

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q8mozA9rkw

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpO8mEdhVgk

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODXaLNcSV6c

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivkjlUWksmM

Heyup!

I am looking for a DVD guide if you will of something that would resemble a travellers guide to Egypt.

Does anyone know if there is one available or does anyone have something along the lines of this which we could buy from you.. if so - please get in touch.

Basically, I would like something that shows the tourist hotspots, tells you more about Cairo and Luxor ideally - anything like that.

Cheers

I've never seen a DVD but there are books. Are you going?
There's a huuuuuge thread on here about Egypt, which many others and myself have contributed to with advice, great locations etc.
Furthermore, even the most simple and accessible tourist bit have endless bazaars with endless poorly spelled books about the attractions. They might be badly translated but they have all the main hotspots in and cost very, very little.

I've never seen a DVD but there are books. Are you going?
There's a huuuuuge thread on here about Egypt, which many others and myself have contributed to with advice, great locations etc.
Furthermore, even the most simple and accessible tourist bit have endless bazaars with endless poorly spelled books about the attractions. They might be badly translated but they have all the main hotspots in and cost very, very little.

Many thanks for the advice.
I have a good number of books but I am looking for a good 'DVD guide' as it were to see the places of interest in a video format to get a better picture of the place.

Cheers again :)

Hi,

Im thinking of booking me and my partner to go to Egypt in november, has anyone been at this time of year and would you recommend it?
We are both in our mid twenties and arnt looking for a party holiday more sight seeing and to go diving. If we was to go we prob would go to sharm el sheikh, for 2 weeks, really debating what to do either eygpt or folrida, please help.... :confused:

november isnt exactly party time therelol

Have always been put off Egypt because of the hassle from the bar owners, shop keepers etc. Decided to give it a try this year and after plenty of research we went to a place called El Gouna and it was fab. (No Hassle)

Have booked to go back in October same resort and hotel

Hi,

Im thinking of booking me and my partner to go to Egypt in november, has anyone been at this time of year and would you recommend it?
We are both in our mid twenties and arnt looking for a party holiday more sight seeing and to go diving. If we was to go we prob would go to sharm el sheikh, for 2 weeks, really debating what to do either eygpt or folrida, please help.... :confused:

We went a couple of years ago in November, to Sharm el Sheikh and was in our 20's... So probably in a good position to comment!

I thought it was great, there is obviously a different way of life there but the hotel we stayed at was 10 times the hotel you'd get in Spain for the same money (it was all inclusive, which included some really nice local beer). The main "strip" in Naama Bay was just across the road and had as many restaurants, bars and night clubs as you could wish for. It was busy in November, but not full of chav's throwing up everywhere.

The weather was ideal, go in the summer and it will be 100 degrees most days but in November its the high 70's/ low 80's with a cooling breeze.

The only drawback is the local men, my partner had several men get a little too close for comfort and from what I could see, women out with other women would get harassed. I eventually found that if you are stern with them then they don't bother you again. Saying that, I never felt threatened and the vast majority of locals couldn't be more accommodating. It felt as though we were actually wanted there, unlike in Spain...

There's a lot of bottom-pinching that goes on out there! The men tend to be quite lecherous, and I wouldn't trust the Police if you wanted to report someone for it!

We did a Nile cruise and it was fantastic.

All the excursions were with a qualified Egyptologist who was brilliant and also knew how to keep us from being hassled by the men/traders.

Probably the best holiday we've had.

bottompinching sounds like been out in sheffield lol, id really like to go,but wasnt sure if 2 weeks would be to long there.

Booking my holiday there with fella this weekend coming at a place called The Royal Albatros Moderna Hotel which looks beautiful.

Was just wondering what the surrounding areas are like, and what should we do? I've been told the quad biking across the desert is amazing, and the snorkelling. But what is the area like?

Has anyone stayed in this resort with any words of advice - the reviews seem ok but one or two of the pictures I have seen seem to let the side down.

Oh - and the currency. is it still Egyptian Pounds? Do they take Euros/Sterling, because i've been told they like English currency too.

Anything you think I might need to know or take with me - do let me know!

Thanks!

We were going there one year but decided to go to turkey glad we did a couple of bombs went off that year so wont even think about it now .

Booking my holiday there with fella this weekend coming at a place called The Royal Albatros Moderna Hotel which looks beautiful.

Was just wondering what the surrounding areas are like, and what should we do? I've been told the quad biking across the desert is amazing, and the snorkelling. But what is the area like?

Has anyone stayed in this resort with any words of advice - the reviews seem ok but one or two of the pictures I have seen seem to let the side down.

Oh - and the currency. is it still Egyptian Pounds? Do they take Euros/Sterling, because i've been told they like English currency too.

Anything you think I might need to know or take with me - do let me know!

Thanks!

Most places take Egyptian Pounds, bizarrely though the hotel only accepted Euro's and US Dollars... Think you can actually pay at most places with Euro's as well. The Egyptian money is really dirty stuff...

bottompinching sounds like been out in sheffield lol, id really like to go,but wasnt sure if 2 weeks would be to long there.

2 weeks is probably OK there. There is quite a bit to do like quad biking and snorkling if your into that kind of thing. The flight is quite long anyway (about 5 and half hours) so after the time at the airport here and there you've missed a day already.

Went oh Sharm october last year,Lovely place snorkelling is out of this world,didnt do quad biking but did it in tunisia the year before it is great fun.
The airport is hell it is a military airport and it was like a cattle market not helpful at all they just bark orders at you it was horrible felt sorry for the people with young children
They love sterling but believe me they love any money the constant bartering gets on your nerves.
Not very nice walking out at night the women get pestered all the time and if you have kids they love to drag them into the shops, once they get you talking you cannot get away.
We enjoyed Egypt but would not go again.

We were going there one year but decided to go to turkey glad we did a couple of bombs went off that year so wont even think about it now .


lmao...

turkish resorts have been bombed too you know :hihi: