anybody been to egypt

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.

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.

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!

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