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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Thoughts on Egypt

45 replies

MamaMiaOhDear · 19/08/2023 15:37

Has anyone got any thoughts or info about travelling to Egypt in very early November?

I've found some amazing deals, 2 adults DD age 14, DS age 1.

How is the weather at this time of year? What are the resorts like for all inclusive compared to European holidays of a similar type?

OP posts:
Floofydawg · 19/08/2023 15:59

Sorry but in my experience it's an absolute shithole and I'd never visit again. I had a very poorly child because of food poisoning, and male hotel staff behaving in an inappropriate way to said child.

MotherofGorgons · 19/08/2023 16:01

I can't advise on the weather but it was the most amazing place I have ever been to, and I would go again, happily. I am an adventurous traveller though and fairly thick skinned. Also, I am not white, so probably had less harassment?

MotherofGorgons · 19/08/2023 16:02

Oh I just realised you are going to resorts with a a baby. No experience of that. I went to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel... to see the pyramids and temples.

GolgafrinchamB · 19/08/2023 16:04

Friends did a Nile cruise with young teens and had a brilliant time - somewhat cushioned from the hustle and bustle (and abuse) in their little floating hotel.

Nothingbuttheglory · 19/08/2023 16:04

I had a fabulous time visiting Cairo one February just with DH, but taking a 1 yo would be stressful. I'm sure I read somewhere that 95% of British visitors to Egypt get D&V at some point (high levels of chlorine in Cairo tap water and not necessarily safe elsewhere).

Sidge · 19/08/2023 16:10

We went to Sharm some years ago. Absolute dump. Hotel was nice, clean and hygienic but still got constantly hassled around the pool and daren’t take my daughters down to the beach. Hotel was popular with Russians who drank copiously and apparently started fights every night.

Weather was good though…

metalmaude · 19/08/2023 16:12

I have a friend who went to teach there and resigned and came back within a month, as he did not feel his children were safe there.

itsmyp4rty · 19/08/2023 16:12

Egypt was the worst holiday I've ever been on. The hassle was unbelievable and the d&v hit on the plane home. I'm well travelled (Jordan, Morocco, Cambodia etc) but it was enjoyable. We were sick for longer than the holiday. We were in Cairo rather than a resort but I even so I wouldn't take a very young child there.

Undecicive · 19/08/2023 16:12

I loved Egypt in a big group but you can't even use tap water for brushing teeth. I would not go there on a family holiday, my safety awareness is different after having kids. A shame, really.

itsmyp4rty · 19/08/2023 16:12

*wasn't

PrimalOwl10 · 19/08/2023 16:18

I got c diff from sharm el sheek on my honeymoon was awful, with explosive diahoerra. Never would I go there unhygienic place. The way men subject woman is awful there. We went to Turkey as a family amazing food,entertainment no hassle not one upset tummy.

C1N1C · 19/08/2023 16:30

Didn't like it. The ruins etc get very samey after a while and the people are a nightmare! Can't go anywhere without getting harassed.

magicalkitty · 19/08/2023 16:30

The weather would be nice, guaranteed sunshine but not too hot. There are some fun excursions available too.

But be prepared for lots of hassle to buy various things and Harassment from men. Even towards your 14 year old. My 13 year old sister was hassled by creeps.

Original poster
MamaMiaOhDear · 19/08/2023 16:41

Thanks everyone for the comments!

Would Morocco or perhaps the canary Islands be similar in climate but maybe a better choice safety wise?

OP posts:
cheezncrackers · 19/08/2023 16:46

MamaMiaOhDear · 19/08/2023 16:41

Thanks everyone for the comments!

Would Morocco or perhaps the canary Islands be similar in climate but maybe a better choice safety wise?

Morocco still has creepy men, but as a family unit you'll probably be fine as long as the females dress modestly. You can still get tummy upsets (I did).

Canaries are part of Spain, so totally different. As safe as mainland Spain, as clean as mainland Spain, I've never been hassled by creepy men in the Canaries and after three visits never had a bout of D&V either. If you want safe, clean and nice weather, I'd choose the Canaries every time.

Floofydawg · 19/08/2023 16:47

Canaries could be nice in Nov but weather can be changeable. Definitely safer than Egypt.

How about Antalya in Turkey? Very safe, beautiful hotels.

Original poster
MamaMiaOhDear · 19/08/2023 16:50

@cheezncrackers thank you!

@Floofydawg I've been to Turkey before and really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure of the weather at that time of year though? Some websites online say it can average only 15 degrees 😳

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 19/08/2023 16:52

I love both Egypt and Morocco for a bit of sun and relaxing.
I tend to do all inclusive and not really leave the resort except for maybe a wander into the markets or a stroll along the beach.
Yeah you might get a bit of attention but even as a young, blond hair blue eye, size 10, I don’t get mobbed.
I’ve also never got ill.

ThePoshUns · 19/08/2023 16:53

I went to Hurgahada one January. Weather was warm and dry.
Hotel was lovely as were the staff, food was awful.
You can't wander outside of the hotel as you get hassled wherever you go.
Shame I'd love to go back to do a mile cruise but wouldn't do a resort holiday there again.

yogasaurus · 19/08/2023 16:54

Avoid Sharm, it’s awful. Metal detectors to get into your hotel and nothing outside of them anyway.

yogasaurus · 19/08/2023 16:54

Food awful inside and outside of hotels

LondonQueen · 19/08/2023 16:56

I went a lot of years ago and found it beautiful, but there were cases of D&V in the resort. We were in Cairo.

JaneMargolisFromBreakingBad · 19/08/2023 16:56

@MamaMiaOhDear I've been to Egypt quite a few times ( Luxor, Cairo and Sharm )

I've also been to Morocco and Tunis and the Egyptians were the most friendliest out of them all.

NegativeCreeep · 19/08/2023 17:00

Have been to Sharm 3 times and am definitely never going back. Have had horrendous D&V each time (the most recent included the worst migraines I’ve ever had).

Worse for us was how poorly the staff in the hotels are treated. They work horrifically long hours for very little money; it was so upsetting to observe.

The airport for the return journey was just dreadful. Aggressive, rude staff who looked like they enjoyed intimidating people.

Alcemeg · 19/08/2023 17:05

I'd never set foot in Egypt again. You can understand why, but it's exhausting and depressing being treated constantly as a walking purse/ vagina.

Turkey was lovely - went to Dalyan a few times, including alone.