Egypt Flights & Travel Guide

Egypt remains one of the world’s greatest wonders. Travelers booking flights to Egypt journey to a land full of history and mystery. Located in northeast Africa, Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, Israel and the Red Sea, Sudan, and Libya. The larger of its surrounding countries, today Egypt is the common hub that binds these countries together. But more than 6,000 years ago, Egypt was a land ruled by kings and castles and fought over by religious sects and colonies.

Pharaohs and Romans once ruled, Turkish khedives and Muslim caliphs fought over ownership, and settlers from all over the world flocked Egypt. Today, travelers booking flights to Egypt will find a fusion of cultures and religions, each bringing its own traditions and influences to the diversity of this country.

Egypt’s largest city and capital, Cairo, is a growing metropolis home to more than 17 million people. Situated along the banks of the Nile River, visitors booking flights to Egypt for a tour of Cairo are welcomed with intense activity and bustling city scenes. But beyond Cairo is an unexplored Egypt waiting to be found.

Whether your Egypt flight takes you to the top of the pyramids or in search of the jewel of The Nile, an Egypt adventure awaits for all travelers.

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Egypt Climate

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When to Fly to Egypt

Peak Season:

Because the heat of the summer can be unbearable, the peak season for travel to Egypt is between October and May. This time is especially appealing to many American and European travelers looking to escape the winter months by booking flights to Egypt. It's important to plan ahead during peak season - Egypt flights and hotels will often be fully booked and prices rise during this time of year.

Spring time, between March and April, is one of the best times to visit Egypt. The weather is still very warm, but has not yet reached summertime peaks, and the tourists are dwindling off from peak season. The Khamsin wind blows in from the desert between this time, however. It is a spectacularly powerful wind that can reach 93mph. It normally blows for a few days only, so you can either try to avoid it, or simply bunker down and enjoy the spectacle…

Off Season:

The least popular time to visit is during the hottest months – for good reason. However, if you plan on traveling during this time, cheap flights to Egypt and bargains on hotels can be found. Avoid the southern parts, however, and stick to the coast, where breezes from the sea keep the thermometer lower. The other advantage of visiting during this time is the increased peace and quiet to be found at major tourist sites.

The month of Ramadan is often less popular with Western visitors. Many restaurants will close down for the month and alcohol is much less widely available. The up-side is that this can be another perfect time to see more of the country and its people, and less of your fellow tourists.

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Getting Around Egypt

Domestic Egypt flights are readily available and can save a lot of time, though they are certainly not the cheapest means of getting around. Egypt Air, the national carrier, flies domestically.

Public transportation is good throughout the country. Trains are reliable and safe and the rail network connects most towns. Surprisingly, however, this can be the slowest method of transport – particularly for short journeys where buses will almost always be quicker. If you are traveling long distances by train, make sure you get the fast non-stop air-conditioned wagons, rather than the slower stopping local trains.

Buses are also reliable and cheaper than trains. The network is excellent – almost anywhere you could want to go will be covered.

Service taxis, known as servees, are popular and common. Often Peugeot saloons, the large taxis will pick up passengers from popular spots, such as train stations and only depart when full – often with a dozen people in. They are an inexpensive way to travel and usually safe, but you will have little control about when you leave or how long it takes to get to your destination.

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Egypt Insider Information

• Egypt brings one thing to mind immediately – the Great Pyramids. It is likely that everyone booking flights to Egypt will want to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. In order to avoid the bulk of the crowds, as well as the heat of the day, try and visit as early as possible in the day: 8am is ideal, but definitely aim to get there before midday. Additionally, tickets for the Great Pyramid are limited to 300 a day, so arriving early should ensure you get one.
• Taking money to any country in Africa can be a dilemma. Facilities for changing money are good in Egypt, and exchange rates are often considerably better than they would be at home, so it is well worth considering changing your currency once you’ve arrived. However, be aware that banks are not open for the hours as you might expect. Most are closed on Friday and Saturday, though open on Sundays. Working hours are usually 8am-2pm. If you’re stuck at other times, search out a big international hotel, which will often contain money-changing facilities (though for unappealing rates).
• One of the best places for swimming or snorkeling in Egypt is at Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea. Until recently, Marsa Alam was a small fishing village, but it has increasingly become a popular resort with those wanting to avoid the tourists of the North. As it is one of the more recent developments for tourists, it’s easy to find good eco-lodges and camps in which to stay. The Wadi el Gamal coast area is a national park, which means the mangroves, palm trees, coral reef and dolphins are all protected by the preservation area. Holiday here with a clearer conscience.
• Lake Nasser in southern Egypt is the largest man-made lake in the world. Two towns by the lake are especially worth visiting: Abu Simbel and Aswan. It’s easiest to stay in Aswan and take a day-trip (or longer) to Abu Simbel. Connection is easy by plane, or by a very early morning bus. The latter takes longer, but does mean you can see the sun rise over the desert.

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Egypt Airports

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Passport/Visa

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Entry Requirements

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