Egypt Travel - Getting There and Around

Egypt's mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Those travelling by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghaba in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airliners that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those travelling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travellers; the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Libya). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel.

Getting the right paper work and visa is essential to a stress free entry into Egypt. Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas can be obtained from either the Egyptian Diplomatic and consular Missions Abroad, the Entry Visa Department, or from Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However it is possible for visitors to obtain an entry visa at any major points of entry.

Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area. Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. There are three kinds of visas to Egypt. Tourist visas are usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis. Entry visa are required of any visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as work, and study that are not related to tourism. This visa is necessary for the completion of the residence procedure in Egypt. Transit visas are made available to travellers transiting through Egypt. Once in Egypt, visitors have different options to get around the country in an easy and comfortable way. The options range from car rental, luxury trains, and coaches to domestic flights to connect tourist cities.

If you are coming in through Cairo International, you have the option of renting a limousine with fixed fees according to your accommodation location from the airport, or use Cairo airport transportation service which covers all the country and airports. You can request for this service through your travel agent or from the information desk at the airport.

The easiest and most common way of moving within any city is by taxis. This are easily available in the major cities, Cairo, for instance, has a fleet of air-conditioned and metered yellow cabs. One is whoever advised to book their taxis at least an hour before their intended time for their trip. In some cases it is recommended that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment to avoid any inconvenience later. Alternatively one could catch a regular taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually coloured depending on the city they operate in. in Alexandria they are yellow and black, in Cairo they are black and white. It is very important to know the colour codes in different cities so that you minimize risks.

Egypt's major cities have a healthy bus system within and between the cities. Examples of which are Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt buses. They go from city to city and they provide catering facilities, toilets and on board entertainment. The con in travelling with buses is that they stop far too often thus taking too long especially on long distance trips. Rail travel is highly recommended for long distance travel.

The underground, which is comprised of two long lines, is the cheapest and fastest way to move inside Cairo and Giza governorate especially in the rush hours (from 2 pm to 5pm). The first, from Helwan to El Marg has 33 stops; the second, from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first carriage on each train is always strictly for women. Summer working hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 am and winter working hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Many transportation companies offer a wide choice of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. Car rental agencies are represented in the major cities as well as the international and domestic airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities.

Three kinds of trains are available: the ordinary, the express, and the turbo. The express and the turbo are the more expensive options, but they come with the advantage of a pampered journey taking you to your destination rapidly with all catering facilities and air-conditioning. An excellent turbo train service is available between Cairo and main cities around the country. The train takes about two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

For those who prefer to travel by air locally, Egypt Air - the national carrier - links most of the tourist cities in Egypt with its reliable domestic flights. It is possible to fly directly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh or Alexandria.

Samuel Maina is online travel writer for Africa point Limited, an Africa specialist travel agent, offering online reservation services for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, tours and safaris to 13 African countries. Read some of his works on http://www.africapoint.net and http://www.africapoint.com.

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Choosing to Travel To An Exotic Destination

Whether you are a traveler who has experienced your fair share of off the beaten track destinations, or are an individual who usually takes a vacation in a regular resort and is now planning to travel to an exotic destination for your next trip overseas, a visit to Morocco would likely be a choice that is not regretted. Though only a short distance from the shores of Europe, Morocco is a world away culturally.

The structure and certainties of the western world vanish as soon as one sets foot in Morocco. Though not as chaotic as some other African countries, it is still a destination that can overload the senses. The country offers an opportunity to immerse one's self in a culture that is both rich and fascinating. There is no shortage of interesting sights and attractions to be discovered in this diverse land. Most visitors start their trips in one of the bigger cities, each of which is unique in its own right.

Tangier, a city once glamorous but now slightly faded is still the first port of call of many international visitors. The Atlantic winds blow strongly along this coast and take visitors down to the cosmopolitan and internationally famous city of Casablanca. Further south lies the fishing ports of Essaouira and Agadir, replete with whitewashed homes and old style Moroccan architecture.

The imperial cities of Fez and Marrakesh, inland from the coastal towns have been attracting visitors for centuries. The ancient medinas and winding streets offer untold surprises, this is why they attract visitors to return time and again. Away from the urban sprawl there are Roman ruins, indicative of just how far this once mighty empire spread.

If you are an individual keen on experiencing nature at its best, Morocco offers a number of possibilities for you to wear your hiking boots and get a true sense of this ancient land. There are endless trails that meander between Berber villages, as well as the option of trekking the High Atlas mountains. The truly hardy can attempt to conquer North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, though this is best done with guide in tow.

When you book a flight to Morocco, it is not complete without spending at least one night camping out in the Sahara. Very little can compare to the experience of riding out into the desert on a camel, then settling down for the evening in front of a camp fire with the heavens above dotted with a seemingly unlimited number of stars.

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Morocco Activity Holidays for Families

Taking your family away on holiday can often be stressful especially if you have boisterous children who need constant attention which is why we recommend a family activity holiday. By choosing a holiday complete with organised daily adventures, whether that's white water rafting or something more sedate like camel rides in the desert, you'll ensure everyone is entertained and your family can share new experiences. We aren't talking about a kid's club though, get involved and take the plunge alongside your children and not will they have more respect for you, you might just enjoy yourself.

So what's our top recommended activity trip? A Morocco holiday. That's right, stay fairly close to home but have a massive adventure on a small budget. Flights to Morocco start from as little as £50 per person if you book early enough and small, group tours from as little as £339 per person. A short flight later and you could be riding camels across the Sahara, hiking in the Todra Gorge, sampling sweet mint tea in the bazaars of Marrakech and mountain biking in the Draa Valley.

An activity holiday in Morocco is ideal for a family new to adventure holidays as it is a laid back, warm destination which welcomes families. All year Morocco enjoys pleasant temperatures, although in summer it gets hot, especially in the desert. Ideally you should visit from March to June so during Easter or May half term, to enjoy good temperatures and have the chance to white water raft in the Ourika Valley. At other times of the year the river is too strong to be safe or it's too cold. Away from the water sports, the Sahara desert is a giant playground all on its own. From sand boarding down massive sand dunes, to camel rides and camping under the stars, the desert is a great place to visit. The resident Bedouin tribes are more than happy to show you their way of life and tell tall tales of their adventures around a campfire and waking up to the still of the desert is unforgettable.

If sand isn't quite your thing then the Draa Valley near Agdz is simply stunning and mountain biking past local villages on dirt roads is great fun and you can choose your pace. For those not wanting to ride you can walk the valley and share tea with the people you meet. This is a calm environment very different to the colourful life of Marrakesh.

Whatever you choose to do on your Morocco holiday, remember there is something new to explore on every corner. North you'll find roman city ruins and to the south beach resorts complete with ageing harbours. Our number one is the activity holiday but if you're more sedate and like to eat and relax then try a week at Essaouira or take meandering walks in the stunning Atlas Mountains.

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