Loved Egypt, going again - Christine. Date of travel: Oct 2007
Beautiful place, weather glorious especially October, November, very hot June, July, August.

I love Egypt but - Brian Galyer. Date of travel: Apr 2007
I have travelled to Egypt several times and would live there if I could stand the heat in summer - Luxor is my favourite place - there is so much to see and do. I would say though that there is nothing there for young children. The down point for me was not the people that spoilt my holiday to Egypt for me, but it was the airlines - XL / MONARCH are renowned for their lousy service - every time I have travelled with them, The plane has never taken off on time or arrived on time. I have had everything from pilot arriving late to hydraulic leak, fire in the galley etc. Diverted to various airports and on and on... The longest delay was 9.5 hours.

I love Egypt but.. - Brian Galyer. Date of travel: Apr 2007
I have travelled on holiday to Egypt Several times and would live there if I could stand the heat in Summer - Luxor is my favourite place - there is so much to see and do. I would say though that there is nothing there for young children. The down point for me was not the people that spoilt my holiday for me, but it was the airlines - XL / MONARCH are renowned for their lousy service - every time I have travelled with them, The plane has never taken off on time or arrived on time. I have had everything from pilot arriving late to hydraulic leak, fire in the galley etc. Diverted to various airports and on and on... The longest delay was 9.5 hours.

Egyptian staff - Mary. Date of travel: Dec 2006
I like so much to read other people's wonderful times in Egypt. I have been several times and not once have I had a problem, but it breaks my heart that we as tourists know so little of the treatment of these brilliant staff - Egyptian tour guides, coach drivers. I urge everyone to look into the very poor treatment they get, as the tour companies make millions of pounds, all I ask is please please tip well, you would not believe the gratitude these people have for our small tips, unlike tipping in eg. America, where it's just a bonus. In Egypt it's a survival, not an extra treat. It is needed more than you can imagine.

Egypt - Natashiah. Date of travel: Nov 2006
A lot of people go to Egypt... have a fabulous time...go back to their countries rave about the Pyramids, Sphinxs, Khan El Khalili, Sharm El Sheikh etc, etc.....and as they continue to rave we find the complaints about the beggers...the staff always expecting a tip and so on. Let me tell you something about Egypt's salaries per month...a qualified doctor working in a private hospital earns about LE500 equals ZAR600....airline staff working themselves to death on a shift basis earn about LE800 equals ZAR900...the sanitary workers at the airport...which most of us complain about because they expect you to give them a tip for the toiletpaper they give you...they earn about LE100 equals ZAR150. Yes the cost of living is low, but can you really support a family for ZAR150 per month??? So the next time you decide to moan about Egypt's beggers ...think again...that lady in the toilet,which you frown upon, who looks at you expecting a tip for giving toilet paper is cleaning toilets the whole day...12 hour shift...for a mere ZAR150...that 50 piasters you give her will supply her family with bread for 2 days! The above information comes from experiencing Egypt the way Egyptians do. I have lived and travelled Egypt extensivelly over a period of 7 years and I am on my way back for good. It is one thing to have a holiday in a country...but when you live there it is something different.

Out and about around Sharm el Sheikh - Jan & Rose. Date of travel: Jun 2006
Visited Sharm el Sheikh and Sinai and Red Sea 4 times so much to do and see. St Catherines Monastery with the Burning Bush and monks from all over the world work there, built in the 4th C; Ride a camel taxi up the mountain; Chat to the Bedouin children (take some candy, paper and pens for them); Out in the desert on a jeep safari or watching magnificent sunsets and night skies; Dinner in the Bedouin camp. The familiar Hard Rock Cafe, Pache (Ministry Of Sound), McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut are all in Sharm el Sheikh; Sunbathe by the pool or at the beach; Swim snorkle or dive amongst the most beautiful sites in the world: The Red Sea coral and underwater life! Tour Operator: First Choice

Tracey Adams. Date of travel: Dec 2005
We travelled to El Gouna and stayed at the Movenpick Hotel. What can I say? I have nothing bad to report. The hotel was immaculate, as was the town. The people are friendly, welcoming and extremely helpful. The food at the hotel and in town was varied and well cooked. Lots of shopping, and a beautiful marina. Buy a shuttle bus ticket for £1 a week and travel anywhere in the resort as many times as you like! You can also use the shuttle boat as there are lovely lagoons to explore. They tell you goods are fixed price in town, although we had fun bargaining for gifts and got lots of good deals. A must is the trip to Giftun island to snorkel or just sunbathe and they provide a fab lunch. Its about £30 per person. Web site for more info, www.elgouna.com also try the Movenpick website. Our Thomas Cook rep, Vanessa was well informed and frequently popping notes in or visiting us with news of events etc. I cannot praise the Movenpick staff enough. We didn't lift a finger for two weeks. Evening entertainment is based around the hotels, or a meal out in town. Not much in the way of "western" discos, but then your'e in Egypt, so dont expect Britain in the sun! Tipping is a way of life here, and just a few Egyptian pounds will buy you any small service you might want. Most locals are trusting, and trustworthy. Eg, if you need medication from town, you can find someone who will pick it up for you and return your change without question. Also, if you want an item from a shop and didn't have enough on you to pay, you will be let out of the shop WITH your goods, and asked to pay next time! Be aware that the heat can be almost unbearable for some. ( it averaged 35-42 degrees) You need to drink untold water (from bottles), which in turn may give you a funny tummy, although its not a bug, just a radical diet and temperature change. Ask for a "yellow box" at the pharmacy, they will know what you want! However, if you are actually sick, please ask for advice from a doctor, as the yellow tablets won't work. Didn't see a mosquito all holiday, although when we travelled to Hurghada in April, we were all bitten every night. That said, we all had a fantastic rest, and enjoyed our time in Egypt immensley. Oh, by the way, El Gouna is very secure with checkpoints to the north and south of the area. Also checkpoints going into the hotels, and at various roads around town. Its very difficult for anyone to enter the town unless they live/work there, or are tourists. Police are everywhere but are eager to wish you a good evening rather than interfere with your holiday. Have a great time! Tour Operator: Thomas Cook

Jo Durrant. Date of travel: Nov 2005
I stayed at the Hilton Sharks Bay Hotel which was a very impressive 4* accomodation.The staff were polite friendly and efficient, the food was excellent.We were about 10 mins from the Naama Bay area and travel led there by taxi which was bookable in reception.Naama Bay is a large cosmopolitan resort which had plenty of shops bars and resturants.At the foot of our hotel was a coral reef providing excellent scuda diving & snorkelling facilities,you can wade out to the reef as it lies in shallow waters so snorkelling is safe for anyone even non swimmers. I would go back to sharm el sheik again but I would probably go when the temperature was cooler as it was too hot for sightseeing. Tour Operator: Libra

I loved Egypt - Susan Mary Robertson. Date of travel: Oct 2005
The weather was hot 30 degrees centigrade in Egypt in October during Ramadan. We visited Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx, camel ride, Papyrus Museum, train from Cairo to Aswan, Aswan Dam, felucca on River Nile, Nubian village, Temple of Luxor, Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Suez Canal, Mount Sinai, Red Sea and National Museum of Cairo with hundreds of mummies.

Eugene Vustyan. Date of travel: Jul 2005
This company provides great service, tailored to your specific interests at a reasonable price. Excellent service, very reliable and punctual, highly recommended. Special thanks to Emad, who maid sure that our trip was just perfect from start to finish. Tour Operator: Min Travel

Egypt, exciting and a little crazy - Mel Hoffman. Date of travel: May 2005
Of course we loved climbing up the pyramid, although it is awfully hot inside and the air is strange, you have to keep telling yourself that you are not claustrophobic and that you are nearly there! It was incredibly hot when we were there, so one had to get used to that, and the sun is a killer, so do use the highest spf you can get. Egyptians are constantly asking for tips, and can get on your nerves, but that won't change. They are dreadful drivers and I had to close my eyes on some of the taxi trips. Funny enough they always get you safe to destination somehow. The market in Cairo was a great experience and we bought lots of things we don't need, half of them made in China no doubt. But the haggling is fun, and the whole atmosphere is great. Camel rides in the deserts are something you shouldn't miss. We went 3 times, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We travelled with kids, and it was great for them.

Rebecca Toussaint. Date of travel: Apr 2005
I stayed at the Hilton Sharks Bay Hotel in the Sharks Bay area of Sharm El Sheikh.The hotel is a great 4* All inclusive in a fairly secluded area on it's own private beach.Excellent diving and snorkelling is available directly from the hotel beach and equipment is available for hire.Facilities include outdoor swimming pool,two restaurants,two bars,tennis courts,squash courts, several shops and a health club with gym, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and massage. The hotel is only a ten minute transfer from the airport and Naama bay with it's wide range of shops, bars and nightclubs is only fifteen minutes away and approx £3.00 in a taxi. Tour Operator: Libra

Leanne Turvey. Date of travel: Mar 2005
This resort comes highly reccommended if you are looking for sun, sea and a beutiful stretch of beach on the Red Sea. I stayed at the Marriot Resort,Taba Heights. The hotel is fantastic,a true 5 star hotel,the rooms are spacious and well equipped. The hotel is spotless and the staff are helpful and friendly. There are a number of resturants and bars,the food is plentiful with a good choice.The hotel has a couple of shops, exchange bureau and a great fitness centre and spa offering a number of treatments at good prices. The pool is huge with a swim up bar and lots of longers and also has its own private beach. Taba Heights is a very peacfull resort, which is currently being developed, it has a great P.A.D.I dive centre and also offers loads of other watersports. Nightlife is very low key and is hotel based. Overall a great destination if your looking for a week of relaxation and great hotel facilities.

Wonderful Egypt - Joan Sharpe, Ian Tucker. Date of travel: Mar 2005
This is the most amazing country, steeped in history with friendly people, great weather & good restaurants. We love Luxor as it's so easy to get to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Luxor Temples, museums, etc. It is hard to get used to the traders, taxi drivers & caleche drivers all wanting your business (& money) but on the whole, they are good natured & will leave you alone if you are firm but pleasant with them. Never think you can just "pop to a shop" as it doesn't happen, so when you need to buy those souvenirs, allow plenty of time to barter or look for the "fixed price" shops of which there are more springing up. Most shops have signs saying "no hassle". Not true, but again it's all good natured. If you want to sail on a Nile felluca make sure you fix a price before you set off & if you find a good deal, try to arrange to use the same guy for all your planned trips as they are happy to do a good deal with you if they know you will come back. Visits to the west bank can be done cheaply by using the local ferry, then picking up a taxi to go to the valley, etc. Egypt is a magical place & you will never forget the sights & sounds.

laura rowntree. Date of travel: Feb 2005
Travelled to Luxor and loved every minute of it. Met some really excellent people and they have got to be the nicest friends we have found in a foreign country. In Luxor there is an excellent place to eat called Jems. The food is fantastic and the waiters are really friendly. We have become really close to one of them and his family and we would go to their house in Karnak Village to spend time with them. I found the shopkeepers to be nice enough and yes they do want you business but a polite la shukran tells them that you are not going to buy. Hotels to stay in while visiting Luxor have got to be The Sheraton and The Novotel. We are going back in July of this year and we are staying in the Sonesta St George so hopefully it will be as good if not better than the others. I would recommend Luxor to anybody as yes there is a lot of history there but also the luxurious hotels make it an excellent relaxing holiday. Tour Operator: various

nigel & anne seaver. Date of travel: Feb 2005
LUXOR - hotel sonesta - an excellent trip the accomodation was just right with food costs low £10 ph in hotel and £5 ph outside restaurant MAXIME nearby for lazy evenings and all transport arranged through marvellous local guy Hassany at HASSANY488.hotmail.com with webiste prices a third of tour operators www.hassanyandnasser.com. we both highly recommend reading his website. most problems to do with hassle from hundreds of keen local salesman caused by not knowing what the local prices were. best rule of thumb offer a tenth of what's asked if you dont know. Tour Operator: libra

sue preston. Date of travel: Nov 2004
Hurghada - hotel Siva Grand beach travelled for 1 week all inclusive. The hotel was spotless and the staff were incredibly helpful. The food was excellent- you could eat all day if you wanted to. Hotel does not have much in the way of entertainment so you make your own. A trip to Cairo is a must but be prepared for a coach journey of 7 hours each way.Snorkelling and diving is excellent in the Red Sea and boat trips to do these can be arranged cheaply and easily in resort. Take plenty of small denominations in egyptian pounds as everyone in egypt needs to be tipped. Would definatley recommend Egypt and the Siva grand beach as a holiday destination. Tour Operator: panorama

Debbie Smith. Date of travel: Nov 2004
I travelled to the Le Meridien Makadi Bay for a week All Inclusive. It was the ideal place for a relaxing week's holiday. It was a very large complex and was right on the beach. I didnt think much of the food, for the evening meal there was 1 buffet restaurant for All Inclusive guests, the food was not very warm and it seemed to be the same every night. There was a A la carte restaurant upstairs which you had to pay extra for. The food here was alot better and was also hot as the cooked it infront of you. I would go back to Makadi Bay but would look at a different hotel because of the food. Tour Operator: Panorama

Lucy. Date of travel: Jun 2004
Loved Egypt, hated the Egyptians!

jemma&steven carmichael. Date of travel: Mar 2004
We stayed in the GRAND AZURE in Sharm el Shiekh 5* all inclusive we actualy thought we had the wrong hotel at first as the brochure does not do it any justice it was just amazing the staff are very nice and helpfull very clean and the food was excellent the complex it's self had 2 main resturants and 3 individual ones inside the lobby area all though you had to make reservations for this with a choice of chinese, italian or shangi (arabic food) .We also visited Cairo by flight which i recommend to any one traveling there to go this way as its only 45 mins we spent time at the pyramids and the sphinx which was boss and then we went onto the museam we also spent free time at a cairo market which was an experience by itself we done camel ride with the bedioun dinner and also quad bike riding which i thought was not that good the excursion was to packed and never got split into groups so all in all about 45 ppl in a line at 5mph not good in that heat dissappointed but we had an excellent holiday and are planning going back in 2008 when maybe it will be more established and alot more to do outside of your complex but you have the option to visit naarma bay were there is bars, restaraunts and shops cost you about 3.00 20 min journey by taxi take lots of pain killers with you as there chaging 5.00 for 12 paracetomol and if you get a bad tummy its worth paying 1.00 a pack off the tablets there selling in naarma bay chemist and 15.00 for the same ones at your local one by your complex. there in a yellow pack and a green pack they will know what you mean!!! Tour Operator: my travel

Caryn Ferson. Date of travel: Feb 2004
My favourite place in Egypt was the desert oasis of Siwa - although the rest of Egypt is filled with fascinating sights, this little oasis was like a different country with a history of its own - and the people were different too - quite shy, polite and with none of the hassles that tourists go through elsewhere in the country. It was like going back in time - people travel on donkey carts and the men spent their time going to and from the mosque, while the women would hardly look at us and were heavily veiled and dressed in black. Friday was market day and we watched the haggling from the flat roof of our guesthouse. There was lots of braying from the 'traffic' jams below! There is a 400 year old mud city to explore, but it seems like many of the rooms are now used to keep goats in! We hired bikes the one day to explore - hot springs, Cleopatra's Pool and ruins from the days of Alexander the Great. If you are sick and tired of Egypt then an escape to the desert oasis is definitely recommended to unwind before heading out into the madness again.

Julie Templeton. Date of travel: Feb 2004
I must say I found the Egyptian men a real trial and the least enjoyable on my travels so far. There seemed to be too many people competing for tourist dollars in too small a space and not much sense of humour either - business is everything. Also there is a constant hassle from touts and some aggressive behaviour when not parting with money - money seems to buy friends so if you don't go around handing out baksheesh (tips) and taking all the tours, camel rides, boat trips offered then you will make few 'friends'. The fiercest touts were at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings where they would not take no for an answer - and locals would attach themselves to me as unwanted guides and then demand money aggressively. I also found a constant leering and hassling being a woman on my own - even though I was dressed modestly with long baggy trousers and shoulders covered I was always a 'western woman' and everyone knows they are up for grabs! The best way to deal with the attention is to ignore it completely.