WhistleHappy Posted May 12, 2018 Report Share Posted May 12, 2018 For those here who have stayed in Hurghada and or had a weeks cruise down the Nile... Interested to hear of any 'must do's/don't miss tips and recommendations you may have ... Will be staying week at Hilton Long Beach Resort and a week on Royal Ruby boat Nile river cruise in Jan '19/(can't stand too hot weather) . Never been before, so any ideas for making most if it, excursions , bargain buys etc most welcome. (unfortunately can't go snorkelling which I know is one if the main attractions of the area. Just looking for any useful info/tips (already made first bug mistake by booking package with flights out of Gatwick before discovering a similar deal was available with Bristol flights, incurring a B&B cost for a night at Gatwick, and a 4.30ish morning coach trip there, both of which we could have avoided with a bit of research beforehand. Thought I'd ask here before I make any other mistakes. If anyone has spent time at the hotel complex or on the Royal Ruby boat, your thoughts/experiences will be of great interest. Thanks in advance... & hope you all have a great summer this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRL Posted May 12, 2018 Report Share Posted May 12, 2018 First one. Pack something warm for the evening/night it can get very cold at that time of year.. see your breath innthst air weather. Daytime temperature is nice 19- 25ish degrees. Can't help with the boat cruise in afraid didn't do it. Can't help with bargains either t so pissed off with the hard sell tactics I swore is never back to the country... I thought Turkey was bad Egypt is another animal altogether. If you want a good bargain just keep saýing no, eventually they will chuck something in for free. Hope you have a good time... If you get the chance do some star gazing in the desert, the lack of light pollution makes for a great spectacle Again don't forget some warm clothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted May 14, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2018 Also haven't been abroad before (yeah, I know ) left things late am now into 60's and age doesn't come alone, got a few health issues, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure/cholesterol, etc, so will have to buy Travel Insurance for the first time too, looks cheap for young fit spring chickens (like most of you lot, I suspect) but costs seem to sky rocket with age/health issues) Basically I'm asking .... TRAVEL INSURANCE... (with health issues) advice and best companies pricewise to check out (or avoid). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRL Posted May 14, 2018 Report Share Posted May 14, 2018 You you are in your 60's it might be worth looking at saga, they are more genuine when coming to insuring over 60's and the health issues that generally come as you get older. Don't skimp on your insurance if you do have health problems. Hopefully it's just wasted money.. but if you do ever need it or could save you a fortune. I am sure there are others out there that travel a lot that can give recommendations, I am just going by the good service and money paid out to get my 72 year old mother home last year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted May 14, 2018 Report Share Posted May 14, 2018 11 hours ago, WhistleHappy said: Also haven't been abroad before (yeah, I know ) left things late am now into 60's and age doesn't come alone, got a few health issues, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure/cholesterol, etc, so will have to buy Travel Insurance for the first time too, looks cheap for young fit spring chickens (like most of you lot, I suspect) but costs seem to sky rocket with age/health issues) Basically I'm asking .... TRAVEL INSURANCE... (with health issues) advice and best companies pricewise to check out (or avoid). Make sure you get travel insurance for pre existing medical conditions and declare all the issues. Sites like Travel Supermarket can do a comparison for you to save cost. Congrats on taking the plunge to go abroad, I hope you have a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRL Posted May 14, 2018 Report Share Posted May 14, 2018 11 hours ago, WhistleHappy said: Also haven't been abroad before (yeah, I know ) left things late am now into 60's and age doesn't come alone, got a few health issues, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure/cholesterol, etc, so will have to buy Travel Insurance for the first time too, looks cheap for young fit spring chickens (like most of you lot, I suspect) but costs seem to sky rocket with age/health issues) Basically I'm asking .... TRAVEL INSURANCE... (with health issues) advice and best companies pricewise to check out (or avoid). Also... as you have never been abroad. Do not judge a place based on your uk view of the world. Leave your uk view of the world in the uk and embrace something different. I have seen so many people say a place is shite because of narrow minded views. Enjoy everything that is different. Enjoy the filth,the poverty, the opulence,try all the food. Don't worry about getting the shits. Embrace it all. Remember if you get Ill, foreign medication is far stronger than ours, you will feel better far quicker. Enjoy. I am sure you will be going abroad again after you first taste of something different... and don't let the haggling and people trying sell you stuff get you down... as to be honest, for me that is the only downside of Egypt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screech Posted May 14, 2018 Report Share Posted May 14, 2018 Good luck in not getting the shits, an old work colleague went on a two week break and had the shits for a week of it. Another lady I know has just come back after living on the toilet for a few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Maesknoll Red Posted May 15, 2018 Admin Report Share Posted May 15, 2018 Horrible place, I’ll never return, didn’t like the people, no idea why everyone gets the shits, but they do - don’t bother with Imodium etc. when it happens, just get to a local chemist and what they will sell you works. The bartering isn’t fun, it’s relentless, I was virtually locked in a shop when I wouldn’t pay the price he wanted, I felt they really didn’t like the English, the attitude towards me changed when they saw my passport and they treated me much better (Irish passport). There was a South African guy who we met and he was treated better than the English as well. You may find it different, I hope you do. I have been to India a few times and whilst it seems a dirtier country, I’ve never experienced the shits like you get in Egypt - except mine weren’t in Egypt, they started when I came back and lasted nearly 3 weeks, although Mrs Maesknoll had them out there and was OK by the time we got home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted May 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2018 Have been told by a tour operator (not mine) that she's been dozens of times and never encountered the dreaded shits over there... Avoid the water, 100% bottled only even for brushing teeth.. lots of people forget the teeth cleaning rinse, avoid all unpeeled fruit etc and clean hands constantly to the point of virtual OCD after touching almost everything especially their money. Wet wipes and antibac cleansers ALL THE WAY! ... Hmm, sounds like a bundle of laughs from that point of view! .. Bright side, if worst happens I'll probably lose a bit of weight! Looking forward. to it, and hope to experience some pretty cool things, 'something different' like you say. (great tip about the chemists/medication btw, will try to get some early on 'just in case'.. Thanks for that one).. Thanks everyone for your various inputs and well wishes... What a holiday to choose for a 'virgin' traveller, Pros & Cons all the way! it seems.. If anything else springs to mind please post it, would be good to hear thoughts on whatever activities/excursions you have experienced and the ones you'd recommend, I'd like to give a few a go -if I'm not sat on the bog that is!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Hunt-Hertz Posted May 15, 2018 Report Share Posted May 15, 2018 20 hours ago, WhistleHappy said: Also haven't been abroad before (yeah, I know ) left things late am now into 60's and age doesn't come alone, got a few health issues, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure/cholesterol, etc, so will have to buy Travel Insurance for the first time too, looks cheap for young fit spring chickens (like most of you lot, I suspect) but costs seem to sky rocket with age/health issues) Basically I'm asking .... TRAVEL INSURANCE... (with health issues) advice and best companies pricewise to check out (or avoid). Maybe you should start with a day trip to Boulogne? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Maesknoll Red Posted May 15, 2018 Admin Report Share Posted May 15, 2018 We did all the things you mentioned, alcohol gel after touching money, bottled water for teeth brushing, no ice in drinks and so on, so did plenty of others but they all succumbed..... but fingers crossed you have a sterner constitution. Bear in mind it’s a Muslim country, so no pork, we went to one place that had sausages and bacon on the breakfast menu, both made from beef, neither particularly pleasant!! But there was some nice food, especially if you’re not afraid to be adventurous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted May 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2018 8 hours ago, Juan Kerr said: Maybe you should start with a day trip to Boulogne? Is that a spaghetti based dish? Good idea though, I guess, to try foreign food to see if I like it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted December 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 27, 2018 Oh well off in couple of weeks, blimey time flies.. Still not sorted insurance out yet (had to wait and get a hospital appointment out of the way first) that's priority now.. Then contact travel agent re available excursions during Nile trip, (BTW Is it best to buy these now via T Agent or will it be easy enough (and much cheaper) to buy locally when we get there? Suppose I should start thinking about packing and what I need to take with me too.. (typical almost last minute stuff as usual for me, well, I've only had since last February to think about these things, nothing written down and listed yet, I'm sure to forget or overlook something important... Any last minute travel advice most welcome.. Cheers. Nowhere near ready, but on the good side, it looks like the weather is just about right over there right now.. *Do I need to take my original passport? or will photo copies of it and a couple of pics on my phone do? *Is it worth taking a small gift to give to the pilot when we get on his plane? (might get us better seats I'm thinking) . *Haven't been able to find a parachute for sale anywhere, are these compulsory or will I be able to hire one from Thomas Cook when I get to the plane ? * joking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted January 1, 2019 Report Share Posted January 1, 2019 On 14/05/2018 at 23:12, TRL said: Don't worry about getting the shits. Take some Bisto gravy powder with you just in case and take a spoonful if needed. It won't cure the problem but will thicken things up a bit !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted January 1, 2019 Report Share Posted January 1, 2019 On 27/12/2018 at 09:11, WhistleHappy said: Still not sorted insurance out yet (had to wait and get a hospital appointment out of the way first) that's priority now.. I use Staysure. As someone else said just ensure you tell them of any pre existing conditions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted January 8, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 8, 2019 Bloody heck, travel insurance £210 for two weeks! (few pre existing's, nothing major, seems like if you've EVER had anything on their lists, no matter how long ago it is noted even when no longer a problem, or successfully treated long ago, just a box ticking yes/no exercise) Bought it now though through a comparison brokerage company, got a cooling off period can cancel for refund if I find anything cheaper before 20th not sure I can be arsed with searching again though… bit shell shocked at mo, hoped it'd be a fair bit cheaper than that tbh.. Nevermind - the sun is shining over there, so pharaoh nuff I suppose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTone Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 On 08/01/2019 at 23:10, WhistleHappy said: Bloody heck, travel insurance £210 for two weeks! (few pre existing's, nothing major, seems like if you've EVER had anything on their lists, no matter how long ago it is noted even when no longer a problem, or successfully treated long ago, just a box ticking yes/no exercise) Bought it now though through a comparison brokerage company, got a cooling off period can cancel for refund if I find anything cheaper before 20th not sure I can be arsed with searching again though… bit shell shocked at mo, hoped it'd be a fair bit cheaper than that tbh.. Nevermind - the sun is shining over there, so pharaoh nuff I suppose. You might find it cheaper to buy a 12 month multi trip policy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted January 11, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 4 hours ago, BigTone said: You might find it cheaper to buy a 12 month multi trip policy Thanks Tone, I did check that but I don't currently have further travel plans for this year, and if I do go anywhere it will be within Europe... (Egypt comes under Worldwide insurance annual multi trip would be almost £500) … so went for this single trip for now... any subsequent travel will as I say be European and cheaper, prob go multi-trip then) (got by quote and policy through 'Paying Too Much.com' a comparison/broker site that was recommended to me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TMWANG50 Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 I've been twice & didn't have a great experience I'm afraid. But I'm sure your trip will be fine if you keep your whit's about you. Did a boat cruise but was in a very small ship - this is where everybody got the Eartha Kits as god knows what they washed the food in so be careful. I remember us tourists waving to a small group of local children from the boat and we all had to take cover as they hurled rocks at us!! The hustling is beyond belief we were in Cairo and a guy came out of our hotel and said he could walk with us to the Needle. He ended up taking us to his brother art gallery!! Don't take photos of anyone they will want money, the police at the pyramids will want money to take a picture of you and one of my party took a picture of some kids working in a field when we were on a donkey ride next thing we know the 50 kids come running over all wanting money! Hopefully its calmed down a bit since those days. Last time I went was Sharm, was much nicer but the resort is still closed as its not safe for Brits. so I won't go into my troubles there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 On 15/05/2018 at 00:35, screech said: Good luck in not getting the shits, an old work colleague went on a two week break and had the shits for a week of it. Another lady I know has just come back after living on the toilet for a few days. Or save the cost of an Egyptian holiday and just spend a fortnight in the comfort of your own toilet . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted January 11, 2019 Report Share Posted January 11, 2019 On 01/01/2019 at 17:05, BigTone said: Take some Bisto gravy powder with you just in case and take a spoonful if needed. It won't cure the problem but will thicken things up a bit !! Different gravy . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted February 4, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2019 Been there, done that, arrived back today... & it was great, tiring but great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2019 Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 On 04/02/2019 at 21:33, WhistleHappy said: Been there, done that, arrived back today... & it was great, tiring but great. I would 100% recommend a sea cruise next time, very relaxing, great food/service and everything on the ships/liners; multi 5star restaruants 24hr food available and included in cost, pubs, casino, cinema, live entertainment everynight, shopping centres etc.... we did; fly to Milan then transport to Savona then cruise to; Rome, Alexandra (Egypt) Cyprus, Rhodes, Athens then Naples and back to Savona/Milan and home; you only unpack once and is a great way to see a lot of countries; most actual sailing done at night but we did have one full day at sea, midship cabins have less "movement" but these are huge ships built for cruising and you forget you are sailing sometimes. If you don't fancy the airport hassle go from Southampton with unlimited baggage allowance; We did a 10day Canary Isle trip including Maderia, all the Canary Isles, Spain and Portugal on the way back, it was on the QE2 though before it got sold off and a certain Mr Saville was on board so it was a while back; ...less expensive was the last one channel Isles and France/Cherborge (spel) 3 nights from Southampton and with Qe2 again but others now do the same routes see Cunard and other sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 12, 2019 Report Share Posted February 12, 2019 2 minutes ago, Bri Stool City said: oops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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