Egypt

A timeless classic that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

A country I’ve visited myself five times and still have plenty I’d like to see and do!

Egypt could be a true ‘once in a lifetime holiday’ although you will find reasons to return again and again.

• There are lots of ways to see Egypt but what appeals to? Simply put, the history or the beaches? Opt for a Nile cruise to see more with ease or add a beach stay to the end of a cultural holiday. If it’s the beaches that appeal but you’d still like to see the pyramids or the archaeological sites of Luxor, these areas can be visited as day-trips from the Red Sea resorts. Lots of options!
• Standards are a little lower than average so if you want high standards, book no less than 5-star. Board recommendations differ depending on what type of holiday you’re planning, and to which area(s), so speak to us for advice. Good all-inclusive resorts will include a choice of dine around a la carte restaurants. Tours often have some meals included and Nile cruises are usually full board.
• Keep hydrated. Seriously, drink lots of bottled water! That food poisoning you thought you had may well have been heat stroke. Symptoms are the same. Not nice, avoid!
• Make sure you include at least one excursion, even if you’re booking a beach holiday. Day-trips to Cairo/ Luxor/ and even Petra in Jordan, can usually be done by air or land. Highly recommended as a way to see the famous sights without staying in the busy cities. Tours usually have optional extras as well. Abu Simbel Hot Air Ballooning is highly recommended!
• If visiting ancient Egypt with children, I would suggest waiting until they’re at least 9/10 years old a) they will remember their trip, b) archeological sights are not suitable for pushchairs, c) when they can swim, they can learn to snorkel and discover the underwater world.

The mix of old and new, varied experiences within one holiday, the weather, the treasures, the world class diving and snorkelling (in my opinion better than The Maldives), and the ease of including those must do excursions to a predominantly beach based holiday. Getting out into the desert at night – a clear night sky miles from light pollution shows you the stars like never before!