Unsecure chicken perches

[Janepie33]

In February?

OH and I are off to Egypt some time in the spring for my BIGGGGG birthday and I was just wondering if anyone had any tips about what to wear at that time of year. We are spending a couple of nights in Cairo, 3 or 4 nights on a boat and a couple of nights in Luxor. Someone has suggested trainers for walking round the tombs and monuments.

[stoice]

We stayed in Sharm when we went so spent most of our time snorkling. But it's hot all year round in Egypt (we went in October) so I'd suggest some trainers/longish shorts for any camel rides, hikes into the mountains etc, a loose long skirt or trousers for visiting any religious sites, a loose shirt/dress to wear over bikini/swimsuit when visiting bar or cafe's when hanging round the pool or beach. I don't know if you're like me but I hate seeing scantily clad people in bars anyway but you'll get a lot more respect from staff if you cover your shoulders and legs when being served. Plenty of sunscreen, some sunglasses and a wide rimmed hat. (Oh and a thick jumper if you're out in the dessert after dark/before dawn, it can be pretty chilly)

 

Have a fab birthday and take loads of pics!

[Olly]

I also went in November - it was very hot during the day, and if you're going to visit the Valley of the Kings etc then you'll probably find the trips start quite early as it's just too hot later. Definitely take light clothing, as I burn very easily I always opt for long sleeves/trousers and a scarf or shawl to put over the back of the neck if needed; a hat is essential. I don't remember if it cooled down a lot in the evening, but we certainly spent most of the day by the pool in swimsuits. Oh - and trainers or comfortable shoes, there's quite a bit of walking and it's very dusty in The Valley of the Kings in particular.

 

It's not the sort of holiday I would normally choose - don't like sun, don't enjoy lounging around, and you can't really go anywhere outside Luxor unless it's an organised trip - but in fact, it's one of the best trips I'd ever been on. The historical sites are amazing, the people were really friendly and we (I went with brother and SIL) had a very relaxing time. The hassle factor is a bit annoying - the moment you step out of the hotel you will be bombarded with cries of 'Taxi', 'Caleche' and this will carry on all down the street even though they have heard you politely declining the person just before them! It's not intimidating, but can be a bit irritating.

 

I hope you have a lovely time, I'd go back again but I want to see the Pyramids next time.

[Tutti Frutti]

Wow I am so !!!

 

I've been in Sept (REALLY hot!) and April, hot but not unbearable and I am very fair skinned (ginger).

 

Take.... hair scrunchies for the little girls, sweets (even tubes of Frutella and hand them out a sweet at a time) and PENS - even the adults love pens. Pencils with rubbers on the end go down a storm with children - they have to supply their own equipment for school.

 

Take a hat and good sunglasses. Avoid wearing strappy topsin public (outside your hotels) and short shorts/skirts (although I don't know the temp in Feb! All common sense to show respect in a Muslim country.

 

If you like a branded tipple, buy a bottle in Duty Free on the way out! If you're OK with their own branded versions, then it might not be a problem (wasn't in Sharma couple of years ago but was in Luxor on our honeymoon in the late 90s, when spirits were measured out with the cap from the bottle!).

 

Have a lovely time. Don't forget a high factor sunscreen. And lots of space in your suitcase for souvies! Oh yes, loo roll too - don't know if it still happens but when we went, we had to buy loo roll when we went to use the loos at tourist attractions

 

The money might be surprisingly grubby - take hand sanitisers. Rumour has it, it's the money that causes Pharaoh's Revenge I took plenty of Imodium instants...!!!

 

Lastly, when the little lads ask for SHOE SHINE SHOE SHINE, we paid to have it done and the instant you walk down the road, your shoes are dusty again but we didn't mind at all - they make thier living for their family that way and it's more honourable for them than begging. Giving alms to the poor is one of the pillars of their faith. If you go in the right frame of mind and don't mind a bit of bartering (expect to pay a third for anything you buy), you will have just the best time! They are an incredibly generous and friendly nation

 

Lastly buy a rough guide here and have a fabulous time! Happy Birthday!

[Happy chickens!]

How lovely - Egypt is one of my faovourite countries ever. Feb may be cold in Cairo (we had rain in Feb!) and the wind whips up the sand around the pyramids so wear trousers for sightseeing that day. I def agree about the comfy shoes - many uneven surfaces wherever you go. The museum in Cairo is amazing, but exhausting.

 

The boat trip should be relaxing, but evenings still cold on the Nile in spring - we slept on a felucca moored to the banks of the river in sleeping bags under the stars with a fire on the beach and African drumming, which sounds romantic, but was a bit nippy - glad I had OH for warmth!

 

Luxor is amazing - so much to see and do. I don't like the horse and carts though, they don't treat the animals very well. Valley of Kings fantastic, but I enjoyed a trip to the workers' village more as the tombs were smaller and very beautifully decorated (it can get very warm and airless in the busy tombs too); listen to the guide before you go in, they're not usually allowed, and have some very small change for the 'guides' in the tombs, who do very little. Tutankamoun's tomb is due to close for good I think this year, so may be a last chance to see, but is small and unimpressive compared to the others. The temple at karnak is out of this world though.

 

Take spare loo paper from hotel when out, public loos can be very basic, and that alcahol hand gel to keep clean - Egyptian money can be filthy.

 

Be polite to the street traders and say 'la shokran' (no thank you) and we found they left us alone. When you are looking for something to buy, try and enjoy the bartering - offer say 10% of the initial price with a smile and settle for a third. Loads of great cheap souvenirs. but paintings on real papyrus are expensive.

 

Have a really fantastic time!

[Olly]

Ooh, forgot about the money - sterling or dollars are generally very popular, you will need small change for tips etc as said, but if I went again I'd take most of it in dollars, if you are buying a souvenir you will probably get a better price.

[Janepie33]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Really great ideas. We are so looking forward to going!

[mollyripkim]

Just thought I would add to that we take travellers probiotics in tablet form (not sure if allowed to say where from) for two weeks before travel, during and after and have never experienced the dreaded tummy bugs despite several trios to egypt. On one cruise they gave us a hot salty drink on returning to the boat - they said it was better for you than a cold drink after being out in the hot sun, guess it replaces salts lost?

[Space Chick]

I loved Egypt when I went, adored Luxor temple, Valley of the Kings etc

 

The 2 highlights when I went was the trip to Abu Simbel, costs more, but well worth it, and we also did a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings to watch the sun come up... It was magical I went with my sister, and I swear she must have been Egyptian in a previous life as she was so at home there

[LeeMeadfan]

Egypt is phenomenal - I absolutely loved it. I went with my daughter, went with 'Bales'.

 

Not the cheapest but worth every penny. We did a 'Nostalgic Nile' trip - Cairo for 2 nights then flew to Luxor to embark on our Dahabiyya ( a traditional boat, based on those that saile don the Nile in the twenties/thirties) for 7 nights. Only 12 people in our group and moored at private moorings.

 

We went in December - hot and sunny during the day but could be quite chilly evening/night, so do take some warm clothes as well as sunscreen! Hat/Egyptian cotton scarf is an essential I would say - we had compementary ones for each of us in our cabins - they were a Godsend (scarves - quite big/long but 'thin', could double as a 'shawl'), especially in the Valley of the Kings/Queens.

 

We took Immodium (well Tesco own!) loads o f boxes with us!! No major probs. (soory perhaps too uch info. there! )

We were lucky enough to see Luxor Temple in the evning when it was lit up & before too many tourists there - absolutely breathtaking!

 

Sorry am rambling n ow! Memories!! Our hotel in Cairo was the Mena House Oberoi and we had a pyramid view room - so surreal, looking out at a Pyramid!!

 

 

Enjoy - I'm sure you will! Just a bit

[Janepie33]

Our hotel in Cairo was the Mena House Oberoi

 

That's one of the hotels we are staying in!!

[Tutti Frutti]

OH, try to get lots of small notes for baksheesh (tips) - you'll hear people shouting baksheesh from the moment you get off the plane, as porters race your for your luggage!!! Don't begrudge them, it's only pence and they're trying to make a living. The only time it was different was on our Nile cruise boat, we didn't tip anyone until the end when we put money in an envelope. In the hotel, we gave the waiter a baksheesh early in our stay and then we got the best tables and drinks ready and waiting without even asking The barman wouldn't take any money - probably better paid than the guys who wander around the restaurant or pool.

 

Play the game and you'll fit in perfectly Some people were irritated by it but it didn't bother us - it really is a completely different way of life

 

PS I did get Pharaoh's revenge just the once on my first visit - it was either the money or when I accidentally swallowed some water in the hotel pool Imodium didn't even touch it - a very kind waiter went to a local chemist for me and I was right as rain the next day. He got a baksheesh

[..lay a little egg for me]

We went to Sharm for a diving trip in February. It is very cold at night but lovely in the day. There was a cold wind blowing so when we emerged from diving we got chilled very quickly while struggling out of wetsuits. Once dry and dressed it was fine. So, summer clothes but some warm fleeces and a windproof. As others have said take immodium too. I have been to Sharm about 5 times and only had Pharoah's revenge once when I started to relax and tried some ice cream! So, take the usual precautions re bottled water, ice cubes, salad, fruit that hasn't been peeled etc.

 

We did a detour to Luxor on one trip...AMAZING. I'm sure you'll have a really great time.

[soapdragon]

Tea bags and Immodium! Oh, an a good book while the Immodium kicks in! (Sorry, is that too much info!!)

 

If you like your tea all they seem to have is insipid Liptons; the second time we went I was greeted with much jeaolousy at breakfast as I enjoyed my Earl Gray!

 

We went in October and it was really hot during the day but then you tend to go on excursions early and late and so avoid the worst of the heat. A flask to take cold water out and about in was helpful as well as a small, hand held fan. You'll also need a wide brimmed hat - really important. We also used loads of hand sanitiser - you can get this in pocket sized bottles - the money is absolutley filthy!!!!!

 

Have a great time - really envious!

Korma

Kiev

Casserole

 

PS Now have all three girls laying - whoopee!

[craftyhunnypie]

I'm off to Sharm this February! ( Naama Bay). Went last year & loved it. First couple of nights were coolish - Wore a long sleeve kaftan top. But after that it was warm at night too & mega hot in the day. Don't wear a skirt to sit on the floor in a Shisha bar - you'll soon lose your dignity! Oh & we did experience a sandstorm one night!

We love it & I'm sure you will.

 

Emma.x

[LeeMeadfan]

Oh yes - forgot to mention the hand sanitiser - we got big bottles of asda own and 'decanted' it into some smaller bottles I had to make things easier!

 

We were lucky as our trip included all tips, beware tho' at monuments etc. you'll get followed and they sometimes say 'this is for free' !!! While trying to give you tshirts/tat etc!

 

We had a fantastic guide ( he was Egyptian) so he was able to fend them off!

particularly as my daughter and I (as women/girls 'alone') were asked m any times to marry them - could have had some chickens and camels for my daughter - quite tempted actually!!

 

But I really loved Egypt.

[Janepie33]

Oh dear. Just been watching the riots in Cairo - our first port of call! Hope we manage to get away!

[Chucky Mama]

I was worried about you too. When are you supposed to go?

[craftyhunnypie]

We've been watching too. Although we are going to Sinai, hubby has said that if there is no internet or mobile system - then he won't go.

Blimey - be careful going to Cairo - check with your travel advisor asap. We will be ringing ours Monday to check.

 

Emma.x

[Janepie33]

We were supposed to be going in the middle of February. Foreign office now advises against all but essential travel to Cairo and Luxor.

Trouble is, we paid for all the holiday in full. Not sure if travel insurance extends to political unrest!

[Lydia]

I think you should be OK if you took out the policy before the Foreign Office issued the advice against travelling to Cairo. I'm guessing you did and they've only just issued the latest advice.

[Janepie33]

Very luckily the travel agent hadn't actually sent off the payment for the holiday as the tickets hadn't arrived!

 

Looking for another holiday now. Think we'll steer clear of North Africa

[craftyhunnypie]

Our travel company are saying that we are fine travelling to Sinai so far. We are watching their daily updates on the web like a hawk though. I somehow think that the trouble will spread throughout Egypt before long.

What with Shark attacks in Sharm & now Political unrest...tourism will be low there this year. We might be the only ones on our beach. Our same holiday is now an absolute bargain price when I looked yesterday.

 

Emma.x

[craftyhunnypie]

Oh dear - I'm getting as though I just don't want to go on holiday to Sharm. Even though it is far South from the problem areas & so lovely, the curfew is in place nationwide now. We wouldn't be able to eat out, evening stroll or shop after 4pm until 8am! Such a lovely place & people - such a shame.

 

Emma.x

[PurpleTree]

My in-laws are meant to be going next week, celebrating FIL's 60th birthday. Think they're flying to Luxor then going on a cruise up the Nile FIL's going to the travel agents today to try and find out what's happening and what their options are. Hubby thinks all flights to Luxor are cancelled at the moment.

 

Maybe they should've stuck to caravanning in Keswick