anybody been to egypt

harrietlg
harrietlg Posts: 239
in Chit-Chat
Where are the best places to go, were planning on going in january.

Replies

  • Nix143
    Nix143 Posts: 522 Member
    It depends what you want - if it's just a week in the sun then you can't beat Sharm - we're going back there in March (one of the reasons I am on here!)

    Wherever you go PLEASE read Trip Advisor first, I wouldn't book a holiday without it now :)
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I've been twice, but only for diving. So Sharm-el-Sheikh is the main resort, very busy, lively, lots of nightlife. But I prefer Dahab, more relaxed, out of the way hippie vibe about it. For diving itself I'd recommend Dive-urge.

    Oh, and we spent an absolutely unforgettable night climbing Mount Sinai, and watching the sunrise. I'd definitely suggest that!

    Cant help you on pyramids or Nile cruise if that's what you're thinking of.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    Good luck with that ...
  • KawaiiJennie
    KawaiiJennie Posts: 14
    I loved the country, but (for long, dull, political reasons) the people... In particular those who work in tourism... Money is pretty tight for them, and they are getting rather desperate, expect hassling (which I can normally handle, I found it charming in touristy bits of India infact), of a type which is offensive, sometimes scary, almost seems like they want to spoil your holiday, constantly, so that you are as miserable as them. It takes, a lot of patience, and an almost super human sense of humor not to punch at least one of them in the face.

    NOT a comment on Egyptians, a comment on the terrible financial state and the 'new poverty' in the touristy places which has made a lot of formerly very nice people do pretty nasty things.

    That said, if you stray too far from the tourist places (and are a women) expect to be groped, it's socially acceptable there, I didn't manage to complete any journey on their underground system in Cairo without being manhandled at least once, sometimes pretty blatantly, and I was well covered (like, verging on heat stroke covered).

    That said, the sights are pretty awesome, and the diving is EPIC.
  • cad39too
    cad39too Posts: 874 Member
    Been to Sharm twice, with side trips into cairo to visit the pyramids and The Sphinx.

    Mount Sinai and St Katherine's monastry are great sites to visit; Mount Sinai is also great to get in a bit of exercise - you go in the evening or early morning before the sun has come up and you climb the steps to the top and back down - great burn :wink:
  • KawaiiJennie
    KawaiiJennie Posts: 14
    Sorry, not spamming, just forgot to add. I was there in March, it was great weather, and you have to get out into the desert if you can. I went sand boarding and desert camping in the white desert for my Birthday, it was brilliant. Even got to see native desert foxes!
  • harrietlg
    harrietlg Posts: 239
    thank you guys! were planning on staying in a sea resort but i definitely want to get out to see the sights! I was trying to find places that would do trips to the pyramids and trips to the desert and other stuff, i'm not a keen diver but I do like to keep myself busy. Thanks for the replies so far I'll have a look at the places suggested x
  • sheripoynter
    sheripoynter Posts: 23
    going on sunday for the third time to sharm, i think people either love or hate egypt
    the weather is almost constantly amazing and hot, and depending on how you book it, is also super cheap!

    i'm a total egypt bore :P
    i always say to people when asked for advice that:-
    - its gorgeous butits pretty much a third world/developing country so people are poor, very poor
    - the locals are friendly, but don't go into their shops because they are known to lock you in the shop until you buy something
    - don't accept anything off a local that's "free" because they will hound you for money for it
    - you probably will experience "pharaoh's revenge" and have an upset tummy for part of your stay, take loads of immodium!
    - take alcohol gel, clean your hands after touching their money - its hot so germs breed even more!
    - their 5 star ratings aren't equal to our 5 star ratings, be aware of that, they get ranked on the number of facilities, not the quality
    - trips to cairo/giza from sharm are about £70 each for the coach trip (24 hour day) or about £170 each to fly (takes half an hour!)
    - exchange your money when you're there, you'll get a better rate, or just use your card to pay
    - take small egyptain pound notes for tipping (£1 = 10 egyptain)
    - research, research, research! was looking at hotels for about 3 months before deciding on the cleopatra luxury resort
    - teletextholidaysdirect.com do good deals
    - although sometimes its cheaper to book everything separate yourself

    any questions feel free to message me :) x
  • n0ob
    n0ob Posts: 2,390 Member
    I wanna go fish for Nile Perch on Lake Nassar.

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