About Hurghada

Hurghada budget travel is ideal for those seeking to explore the beautiful Red Sea region of Egypt, with stunning beaches, fascinating culture and plenty of attractions on offer that are sure to enthrall.

Airports

Hurghada airports include the following:
•Hurghada International Airport
•Cairo International Airport
•Luxor International Airport

Conservation

Hurghada conservation plays a major role in protecting the already compromised ecosystems around the Red Sea. Oil spills have caused untold damage to the marine habitats in this area, and other threats include development and urbanisation. Some areas of Hurghada are protected in the form of nature reserves.

Culture

Hurghada culture includes the following aspects:
•Water sports and beach fun is the main activity in Hurghada
•The coral reefs make Hurghada a popular dive site
•Nightlife and entertainment are also a popular way of life in this resort town
•Egyptian culture as a whole also plays a role in the culture of this area

Health

Hurghada health info for travellers includes the following:
•The most common health risk is travellers tummy from rich foods or tap water
•Health facilities are advanced in the major cities, but not in rural areas
•Pack a basic first aid kit with medication for upset stomachs, nausea and other minor ailments
•Check with your doctor about any health risks or disease outbreaks that may have occurred recently before leaving for your trip

Languages

Hurghada languages include the following: • Egyptian Arabic 68% (national language) • Sa'idi Arabic 29% • Bedouin Arabic 1.6% • Sudanese Arabic 0.6% • Domari 0.3% • Nobiin 0.3% • Bedawi 0.2%

Malaria

While malaria in Hurghada is not a risk, there may be a malaria risk within Asia in general. Travellers who are visiting malaria-risk countries before or after travelling to Hurghada should consider malaria medication.

Money

Hurghada money and banking info is as follows:
•There are a few smaller banks and facilities in Hurghada itself, with more facilities in Cairo and Luxor
•Most establishments accept payment in US dollars
•Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops
•Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted and may not be exchanged even in banks
•Cash machines are found in most supermarkets, banks and other commercial buildings

People

Hurghada people include the following ethnic groups:
•Egyptian
•Bedouins
•Nubians
•Dom
•Greeks
•Berbers

Phrase

Hurghada local phrases include the following: • Hello - Ahlan wa sahlan • Good bye - Salam • Peace be with you (common greeting) - Salam alekum • No thank you - La shukran • Do you speak English? - Bititkalimy Englizee?

Plants

Hurghada plants mostly comprise of typical coastal vegetation, with a large number of palm trees to be found along the coastline. Coral gardens and marine vegetation are also rife in this area, with other vegetation including desert and semi-desert vegetation such as shrubs and grasslands as well as flowering plants and crops.

Religion

Hurghada religion includes the following: • Islam 90% • Christianity 9% • Bahá'í 0.003% • Judaism 0.0003%

Safety Tips

Hurghada safety tips include the following:
•Generally the area is safe to visit, and is a popular tourist destination in Egypt
•The general threat of terrorism in Egypt is still there however
•Avoid large crowds and demonstrations that may turn violent
•Petty crime can occur in the busier areas, so keep valuables out of sight
•Be wary of scams that may target visitors

Transport

Hurghada local transport includes: • Car • Bus • Taxi

Travel Books

Hurghada travel books include the following:
•Travels in Syria and the Holy Land by Johan Lewis Burckhardt
•Walking the Bible by Bruce Feiler
•A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani

What To Buy

What to buy for Hurghada safaris:
•Egypt guide book and language guide
•Good backpack and a decent moneybag
•Plug adapter or electricity converter
•Travel pack of soap, washing powder, wet wipes and tissues
•Insect repellent

What To Pack

What to pack for Hughada safaris:
•Swimming costume and towels
•Snorkelling gear
•Loose, lightweight cotton clothing with long sleeves
•Comfortable shoes, plus sandals and smart shoes
•Warm clothes, raincoat plus evening wear for going out
•First aid kit with basic supplies, plus toiletries
•Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen

When To Go

When to go to Hurghada:
•With warm temperatures all year round, any time of year is good to visit Hurghada
•Summers are the hottest, with temperatures reaching up to 36 C
•Winters are mild with average temperatures of around 20 C
•Ramadan is not the best time for travel as many shops may be closed over this time