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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why the fuck anyone would want to go to Sharm El Shek anyway?

288 replies

GlitteryRollerGirl · 06/11/2015 13:45

Just that really.

That part of the world is incrediably volatile at the moment, even more so since the terrorist attack in Tunisia. The foreign office advised against travelling there after that. I've always wanted to go to and see the pyramids but accept its not going to happen for the foreseeable future, it's not worth the risk . Now this terrible incident with the plane, clearly there is intelligence telling the government that it's just not safe to fly to or from there at the moment.

Aside from that, I've known loads of people who've been there and none have liked it. Huge purpose built resorts with gates and armed guards on them?! No thanks! I'd never be able to relax.

If you want some winter sun what's wrong with the good old Canaries?

OP posts:
Panickingalot · 06/11/2015 16:34

Yanbu.

It is not safe, ever wonder why it's so cheap???

Plastic sun loungers, Full English breakfasts, all the booze you can drink, football colours, ugh, not my cup of tea at all.

TalkinPeas · 06/11/2015 16:38

Sharm is used to fund the corrupt Generals (including Sisi) who are destroying the economy of Egypt

as for worrying about security
Inshalla

mrsjanedoe · 06/11/2015 16:39

I wouldn't go right now (obviously) but I went to Sharm El Shek for a few relaxing holidays in the winter, it was wonderful. I do like to take different kind of holidays a year, and it was lovely.

The luxury resorts were really cheap comparatively to similar places (food and drink even cheaper if you buy in the local shops), the hotel stuff were very friendly and helpful, the sea and diving amazing.

I even went for Christmas, and was very pleasantly surprised by the very low number of children (I think I saw 1 toddler and a couple of kids in the whole 2 weeks in the resort), which made it even nicer.

I hope I can go back one day, when you need a break it's a great place. By being careful, I've never even got an upset stomach.

The airport itself is less pleasant to be fair, I only saw it crowded, hot, looked very dirty, I feel sorry for people stuck there.

Bambambini · 06/11/2015 16:40

I've swerved that area for many years, especially now we have kids - though did go to the Sinai in the early 90's and it was obvious then it was risky. I've lived nearby in another other hotspot area and was aware of the many terror attacks aimed at tourists over the years. Egypt has a big terrorist and insurgency problem for a long time, I just don't think a lot of people realise - they see fancy hotels and think it's like the Costa Del Sol with camels. Egypt, especially the Sinai was always a big target in my eyes and lots of folk I know came down with really bad stomache problems.

ihatethecold · 06/11/2015 16:46

I just wouldn't ever go to a country that treats women as second class citizens.
Ditto Dubai.

UnGoogleable · 06/11/2015 16:47

florencerusty I'm so sorry to hear about your SIL. How awful for you Flowers

When I visited Cairo years ago, our coach was in an armed convoy the entire time. Didn't fill me with much holiday cheer I must admit.

Original poster
GlitteryRollerGirl · 06/11/2015 16:48

To be honest you get the full english breakfasts, British bars and towels on sunbeds and 7am anywhere Brits go that's sunny and has a beach. It's not that that puts me off as you can easily avoid if you don't want it. I just despise all inclusive type rescorts as they always attract loads of pissheads.

OP posts:
Bambambini · 06/11/2015 16:54

Google terror attacks Egypt - it's quite sobering and serious attacks have been going on for decades. The government is fighting IS type insurgents in the Sinai - to people really not realise how unstable and dangerous this region is?

shebird · 06/11/2015 17:05

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt

Just have a look at where Sharm is on a map. The fact that is surrounded by areas that are deemed unsafe is enough to put me off. How the FCO decided that Sharm could possibly be safe in these circumstances i really don't know.

Lauren15 · 06/11/2015 17:05

I think you'll find the rate of FGM is decreasing noticeably amongst younger girls as education programmes are starting to work. I worked in Egypt for several years and tbh, hate the place, but I can't deny the government is trying hard to stamp it out. I remember one of the cleaners in our school declared she was getting her daughter 'circumcised'. The other cleaners turned on her telling her 'haram aleikee' (shame on you). She then said she wouldn't. I don't believe her but I was really pleased to see uneducated women feeling so strongly about it.
That issue aside, I don't have a lot of time for Egypt. Perhaps I lived there too long. I remember Sharm when it is much less developed and it was much nicer. The security is overwhelming now but where there's a will, there's a way. Off the top of my head, there were 6 terror attacks in the 10 years I lived there. I have been told Egyptians won't even drive to Sharm now because Sinai is considered too dangerous.

mrsjanedoe · 06/11/2015 17:08

to people really not realise how unstable and dangerous this region is?

some do, but you accept to take a risk: after all, I've lost a relative in NY on 911, we work in London where terrorist attacks are extremely rare (thank god) but not unheard of, I (used to) fly extensively for work, there are risks everywhere.

I would avoid really unstable locations as much as possible, I am not crazy, but what to do? find a job in the middle of the countryside and never go anywhere?

Rafflesway · 06/11/2015 17:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SistersOfPercy · 06/11/2015 17:20

Never had a full English the few times I've been to Sharm, first thing DH and I did when we got back was go for breakfast as all that was served in egypt was eggs, various omelettes, breads and fruit etc. Never seen pork or bacon in the hotel full stop.
I stayed outside of Sharm itself in a quieter place called Nabq. Beautiful place with a gorgeous reef. I didn't want to go, not my thing usually but it was a family thing. I found ultimately I did enjoy it and spent the week lazing on the beach whilst the kids and DH snorkled the reef.

Bambambini · 06/11/2015 17:25

We all judge risk and I have holidayed often and lived in the likes of Israel, Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand etc. Maybe the terrorism in sharm was a bit too close and personal and I was very aware of it from the early 90's on. Yes, there are risks everywhere but to go out of my way to a place with so many attacks and security issues - to seek some beach and sun with my kids, is an unnecessary risk in my opinion. If I didn't have kids I might take the risk as we dive - but there are plenty of other places with beach and sand (better actually) that don't have that history.

Leelu6 · 06/11/2015 17:35

GlitteryRollerGirl - are you Jeannette from Shirley Valentine?

YABU.

Stay in the Canaries and let us enjoy the rest of the world.

You don't know that the pyramids are very far from Sharm. I despair for you.

Lostcat2 · 06/11/2015 17:41

I agree op. Why seek danger.

Dh saw the bus explode on 7/7 outside the BMI building. Dd survived a fatal crash on a school trip, just, and ds arrived in Thailand on a gap year just as the red revolution took off.

Life is fucking scary.

However some sneery comments on all inclusive holidays/beach holidays. If you are a family of 6 like us with 2 teens and older it's good to know that you pay upfront for everything and any extras on top can be avoided.

As for pissed up Brits on an 'all inclusive'sure that happens at some resorts but you need to pick better resorts/hotels.

BagelSuffragette · 06/11/2015 18:01

The Red Sea resort of Aqaba is meant to be lovely, very much improved. I think the diving is good there too. Eilat (just across from Aqaba in Israel is very, very touristy but does get great winter sun. From a security point of view, I would definitely choose Israel above other Arab countries in the region.

I would never go to any Arab/Muslim country at the moment, including Turkey (and the Maldives)

I wish I'd gone to Petra when I lived in Israel many years ago, it was completely safe for Israelis to go on trips to Petra and it's a shame I didn't do it then, as I probably won't get to see it now.

DontStopBelievin · 06/11/2015 18:04

YANBU. I've been wondering the exact same thing today, and cannot for the life of me understand why people go there when it's so unstable at the minute!
Yes, it may be a 'safe' tourist resort, but if you look at the flight paths of the passenger planes to that area of the world (which, being a flight radar 24 website geek that I am) Grin you must be out of your mind to go anywhere near.

Skiptonlass · 06/11/2015 18:06

I won a dive trip there years ago.

The diving is good but there's bugger all else there. It's never been the kind of place you'd be able to wander round and soak up the culture - mainly young men who've moved there from other places for the hotel work (and thus massive hassle if you step foot outside the hotel.) it's hot as satan's arse as well - way too hot to sit outdoors.

Egypt is incredibly corrupt and barely functions as a state. I remember the security at the airport bring virtually non existent.

Whether this turns out to be a poorly maintained airframe or a bomb, it's an absolute tragedy for the Russian families involved (and those employed by the tourism industry, this will wreck it.)

Far too much anti - Russian propaganda in the media right now as well.

My sympathies to all affected.

SharkBastard · 06/11/2015 18:09

My husband has to go there for work (he designs catering kitchens), he hates it. Not only because it's volatile but it's capitalism central (looney lefties we is). What he shows me and tells me about it, I've zero interest in visiting, ever. Looks fake and miserable

Lauren15 · 06/11/2015 18:12

Yes shark I find Egyptian society to be incredibly materialistic. It became so commercial when I was living there. It's quite ironic considering how religious most people are.

shebird · 06/11/2015 18:33

I get that some people might have booked a long time ago but recent events would have had me seeking alternatives or thinking seriously about going ahead. What's more shocking is the young girls on last nights news stuck at Gatwick and still determined to get out there. Are they stupid or just totally blinded by glossy brouchers and picture of palm trees.

moggiek · 06/11/2015 18:38

Really glad that I've been to Giza, and to the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo. I wouldn't go now.

Ineedtimeoff · 06/11/2015 18:59

I agree with you OP. I just don't know why anyone would want to go to a country and area that is so troubled just now. It seems really arrogant to me. It's like saying that your right to a holiday and to go diving is more important than the country and area's difficulties.

TalkinPeas · 06/11/2015 19:07

I've just discovered that friends are out there
they have been many, many times before
doubt they will go again when they finally get their stuff home