Hurghada, Egypt on the Red Sea Riviera is the most popular family tourist destination in Egypt. It has warm sunshine and crystal clear water all year which make it perfect for many watersports including snorkeling and windsurfing. There are schools for beginners, so the children can participate in the fun. Hurghada also offers some of the best reef diving in the world. There are glass-bottomed boats, so everyone can enjoy the scene under the sea even if they would prefer not to get wet.

The shoreline is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and much better than Egypt’s Mediterranean shore. There are national parks on land and underwater to protect the environment and ecosystems of both marine life and desert life and the resort has been developed taking this into consideration.

With 20 kilometres of beach front hotels, there is something to attract everyone. Most of the hotels are four or five star resorts with several swimming pools, discos and their own arrangements for watersports. Hurghada is an international centre for kiting, sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. There are also a variety of restaurants from which to choose, and picnic lunches can be packed by the hotel for the day at the beach.

Many hotels offer special children’s activities including playgrounds and children’s pools with several huge waterslides. There is volleyball, mini-golf, tennis, fitness centres and much more to keep everyone’s holiday active. For those who expect peace and quiet on their holidays, there is plenty of time to relax in the hotel or on the beach, have a massage at a spa or listen to the live music in the evenings.

Shopping, visits to historical destinations and a vibrant nightlife with clubs, bars and casinos make Hurghada an excellent holiday destination for all ages. The local souk is an experience in itself with an abundance of colour and fragrances. There are clothes, brass, copper, leather goods, spices, silk, carpets and much more under covered alleys. Once the items are chosen the haggling begins to get the best price possible. All of this comes with plenty of cups of mint tea.

A few kilometres away are the Red Sea Aquarium and the Marine Biology Museum where ocean lovers can learn about the ecosystems in the Red Sea. There are also tours of the desert that are truly awe inspiring.

For those who like some history in their holiday, trips can be arranged to the Egypt Museum, great pyramids and Sphinx at Cairo as well as to the Valley of the Kings and Luxor. Hurghada truly offers the best of Egypt in one spectacular beach resort town.

Families will find the right cuisine for each person. The Café Trottoir has great deserts and sandwiches while Bella Riviera had good Italian food and the pizzas the children love. Authentic Egyptian food and entertainment can be enjoyed at the Alaa El Din Café. There is even an English style bar called The Pub for anyone who feels homesick.

Hurghada has its own international airport to make it an easy to reach destination. Flights from all over Europe, the Middle East and Russia arrive daily making a holiday in Hurghada easy and fun. Car hire or taxis are available from the airport.

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If you are visiting Cairo Egypt for the first time, what time of the year you travel is actually quite important, if you want to avoid disappointments.

First of all, contrary to popular belief, summer is not the cheapest time to visit Cairo Egypt, as it is, in fact, one of the busiest times to visit the city, as many travelers from the Gulf States come to Egypt during the summer months.

The best time for visiting Cairo Egypt, in my opinion, it’s during the winter months (especially in October), when prices are not inflated, attractions are less busy and temperatures are pleasant.

Do I need a Visa?

If you are a national from any countries in Europe, a US citizen, UK nationals, nationals from Canada, nationals from Australia, etc, you can get a tourist visa at the border control in Cairo International Airport.

Also, if you are a national from the following countries: Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia and the United States, you pay a reduced tourist visa fee.

Getting Around in Cairo Egypt

There are plenty of choices available such as buses, (and micro-buses), car rental, taxis, metro, tram, trains and ferries.

The cheapest (although unreliable) way to get around in Cairo Egypt it’s using micro-buses which are run by individuals.

If you’re visiting Cairo Egypt on a shoestring budget, micro-buses and normal buses are certainly the most affordable mode of transport in the city.

I would also suggest staying clear of taxis as they’re costly. Also, if you are planning on using car rental make sure you’re familiar with the road signs and, be aware that you have to be over 25 to hire a car.

The train is the best and fastest way to get around if you’re planning to explore the outskirts of Cairo and the main railway station in Cairo it’s Ramses Station.

Arriving in Cairo Egypt

If you’re flying into Cairo Egypt, you’ll be landing at Terminal 3 in Cairo International Airport, which is actually is the busiest in North Africa.

Cairo International Airport Terminal 3 was newly opened in 2008 so, you can expect all the typical modern amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, shops, buses, airport shuttles, etc.

Final thoughts on Egypt

Most travelers seem to be under the impression that holidays in Egypt during the month of Ramadan is not such a good idea, but I have to disagree with that.

First of all, Ramadan is a religious festival that takes place during the ninth month of Islamic calendar for a whole month, and far from being a bad time to travel, you’ll get to experience a different vibe and feel to the city that you simply wouldn't get when visiting Cairo Egypt during the touristy season.

The thing to remember about Ramadan is that it’s a holy month and people don’t smoke or drink, although tourists are still able to get alcoholic drinks.

It is true that services may operate slower, as many locals don’t work, but the city is still in full swing with busy markets and street filled with people.

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