|
Travel Times
Some surprising spring destinations
By Sarah Marquer
Summer is typically the preferred time of year to travel for many Egyptians. School is out, the weather can be hot and humid, and business tends to be slow. On the other hand, vacationing from late June through August can mean crowds and inflated prices.
Moreover, many Egyptians tend to revisit the same places year after year. Jetting to Japan, Iceland, Uganda or Poland is not common, while Paris, London and Miami are popular destinations.
For those who might be looking for somewhere different, travel agents have some suggestions for unique travel destinations during a not so popular but still great time of the year: spring, from April through early June.
Tunisia
An excellent choice for spring travel are the towns of Hammamet – known as the Tunisian St. Tropez – and Nabeul, in an area that has the best beaches in the country, according to Mohamed El Gendy, leisure outgoing team leader at Excel Travel SAE. Manal El Helaly, marketing manager at Thomas Cook Overseas Ltd. agrees, noting that the towns are not overly crowded yet, but that is quickly changing.
Travel to Tunisia in early June is ideal for those who appreciate a more low-key holiday. In the summer, clubs such as Le Pacha in Hammamet attract large crowds of young people looking for nightlife. A tour of Tunis en route to Hammamet is an itinerary that should appeal to anyone looking for a quiet, relaxed getaway. “The weather is great and Tunis, like Cairo, is very relaxed and very, very safe,” says El Gendy.
Another benefit is that resort prices are typically lower than those found at Egypt’s popular tourist attractions, such as Sharm Al Sheikh or Gouna, and Cairo-Tunis flights are three hours, direct and reasonably priced.
Turkey
For a springtime destination that combines the best of Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is an ideal holiday spot. According to El Helaly, charter flights to Turkey are widely available in April, while packages that include roundtrip airfare and hotel stays through several travel agencies can be found for as little as LE 2,000. When the weather warms up in late May, Antalya and Bodrum are amazing beach destinations. Traveling lightly is recommended since trendy, brand-name items are readily available at good prices. Shoppers can find the best deals in May and June, says El Gendy. Istanbul, in particular, is a great option for budget travel during April, May or June.
A word of caution: according to El Gendy, pickpockets and thieves in Turkey are the quickest and most creative in world – don’t leave valuables or anything that you’d like to hold on to unattended.
Kenya
El Gendy warns that travel in Africa, especially safaris, is most expensive from June to October and in January and February. He suggests going to Kenya and similar countries in the spring to take advantage of reduced travel and safari prices. “It’s the best time of the year to go,” he insists. However, while prices are significantly reduced, the overall trip is no budget vacation. El Gendy and El Helaly both recommend Kenya, in particular, since it is the closest safari destination and special offers are frequently available.
Extensive medical checkups and immunizations are required before going, however, but a five or seven-day safari with full room and board promises enough outdoor sights and sounds to last a lifetime.
South Africa
While traveling to and touring South Africa is generally expensive compared to other African countries, El Gendy suggests making your way there in early June this year in light of the 2010 World Cup, which begins June 6. El Gendy insists that the atmosphere of the tournament, which only occurs once every four years, will make whatever you spend well worth it. “Thirty-two countries will be there – everyone from all over the world will be there,” he says. An abundance of activities and entertainment will be available and the general energy of the country incredible, he says.
Normally crime can be a major problem in South Africa, but security will be extra tight during the World Cup. On the downside, nearly all available accommodation is booked, so arrangements need to be made soon.
Thailand and Malaysia
Cheap, tropical and relaxing, Thailand and Malaysia have popped up on the tourist destination map in recent years thanks to their affordability and climate. Thailand can be very inexpensive and Malaysia about on a par with Egypt in terms of the cost of food, lodging and activities. El Gendy recommends going in spring since flights and hotels are cheaper than during the rest of the year. While it rains a bit every day, El Gendy insists the weather is always very warm and tropical – perfect for lounging on the beach. Humidity is not a big issue, either, he notes. “And it’s very clean,” says El Helaly.
An added bonus is that Malaysia is one of the few countries that does not require Egyptians to obtain travel visas, and securing a visa to Thailand is easy.
If you liked the Hollywood hit The Beach, then head straight to Thailand’s Phi Phi islands, which is where the movie was filmed. The town of Phuket promises great shopping with all the low- and high-end brand names as well as extensive nightlife. Make sure to check out Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where affordable shopping and equally great beaches are plentiful.
Travelers beware, however. El Gendy warns that identity theft and fraud are rampant in both countries. For that reason, he suggests that visitors avoid using credit cards and instead pay cash. Be weary of pickpockets, says El Gendy, and stick to seafood and grilled dishes.
Sri Lanka
While the small island of Sri Lanka is seldom visited by Egyptians, El Gendy says it regularly offers promotional packages and special offers targeting honeymooners and beach lovers. Located a little more than 30 kilometers from India and lying almost directly on the equator, Sri Lanka is home to lush tropical beaches and forests. It boasts steady, warm weather ranging between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius nearly year-round as well as many old Buddhist temples and other historical sites.
Travel to Sri Linka is best in April; May, when the monsoon season begins, is the hottest month of the year. The flight to Sri Lanka will take nearly a day, but the airfare from Cairo is surprisingly inexpensive in April and May. Additionally, everything inside the country generally will be less expensive than in Egypt.
China
Guangzhou is near Hong Kong and Macao – the veritable Las Vegas of the Far East. It is home to the annual China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, where merchants and other consumers can go to purchase everything their hearts desire. A huge selection of cheap electronics, furniture, accessories and clothes is available, says El Helaly, over three phases of the fair that each last five days: April 15-19, April 23-27 and May 1-5.
As an industrial city resembling 10th of Ramadan City, Guangzhou is best for shopaholics and bargain-hunters.
Traveling to Beijing – with the nearby Great Wall of China – is about a three-hour flight from Guangzhou.
Czech Republic
Prague is an old city that lives and breathes history and culture, and pulses with nightlife year round. El Gendy says it is best to travel there during April and May, when the city is relatively uncrowded.
Prague is known for its affordability vis-à-vis the rest of Europe, but with all the perks and advantages of European cities. Prague is about a four-hour flight from Cairo and perfect for those seeking a high-quality vacation without a very high price tag. “Packages to the Czech Republic are very attractive,” says El Helaly, who notes that securing a Shengen visa is necessary.
However, El Gendy warns that gang-related crimes are still an issue and advises travelers not to stray far from the city center.
Romania
El Helaly cites Bucharest as an increasingly popular destination. A rapidly developing country, Romania offers a variety of packages for budget travelers and prices are generally more affordable than in Egypt. Romanian airline Tarom offers three-hour non-stop flights from Cairo.
Romania is a good choice for those with limited time and funds. Bucharest, in particular, offers temperate weather and a vibrant nightlife. The former communist country may not be the best destination for families with small children.
Submit
your comment
Top
|
