janel.

Wi;; be taking a group tour to the usual places in Egypt this upcomong January. Any reason to think it may not be safe due to the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict that is going on now? Has anyone just returned
from Egypt? Were you aware of any hostility towards tourists?

Amy

We went end of June. Everyone was wonderful. If it were me and I was going to leave now, I would still go, but that is my opinion. There are metal detectors and armed guards everywhere....I felt in awe at first, but definately safe. I can only speak for myself, but I would go.

Lee

Hi Janel
Having just returned (after cancelling the Isreal/Jordan portion of our trip), I wouldn't recommend anyone go right now until things improve in the region. Hopefully you will be OK by January, but hard to say now. There were demonstrations in Cairo against Israel and virulent anti-Israeli articles in the English newspaper there. We noticed lots of grafitti against both Israel and America. Even as Canadians we were very happy to leave.

Lynda

Just returned from a trip to Cairo on 11/6. I had no problems and found the city to be friendly and safe. Yes, there is a strong military presence everywhere, but I never felt threatened in any way. I think the problems have been magnified by the press beyond what they really are. Unless things heat up over the holidays, I would keep the travel plans for January.

cash

We just returned from Turkey, Jordan,Egypt, and Kenya 11/21. We always felt safe and comfortable and had a fabulous time. yes, Egypt has an obvious police presence but that has been true for at least 3 years and not new. Many people on the street stopped us and thanked us for coming. As our guide in Luxor said -"every one of these people would go to America in a second!" Jordan was especially welcoming and Petra was worth the years I have been waiting to go!

Patricia

Returned from Egypt on 11/23/00 (Thanksgiving Day). Never felt the least bit unsafe or threatened in any way. We had a wonderful time. People were friendly and helpful. Lots of tourist police, etc., everywhere. But I don't think they were even needed. Felt they were just to reassure the tourists. Don't hesitate to go! Egyptians are the peacekeepers and they love the Americans and the American dollar. The temperature was high 70s to low 80s. Mosquitoes were almost non-existant.(I know because they LOVE me!)
We loved our stay (which included a week cruising the Nile)and didn't want to leave. GO!!!!

Sarah

Hi,
I agree with Patricia's reply. I also just returned on 11/9 and had no problems at all. I wouldn't hesitate a moment if I had the opportunity to go back right now. It was just amazing! Have a great trip!

Sarah

Gwen

We went in November - spent one week on the Nile in an organised group, and the second in Cairo independently. No problems at all. We were there last year and noticed hardly any change. The tourist sites are well guarded but the guards do seem startlingly young and half-asleep. The coaches with tour buses are generally accompanied by armed guard. We actually felt a lot better just wandering about on our own - the local people were charming and very friendly, and we were much less likely to be targeted because we were harder to track. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Just have a great time.

Emin

Yes, you will be safe from the terrorists attack but not so sure of the touts, crazy car drivers, horse carriage driver or market stall owner though. My friend and I went to Cairo's Khan kilili (Spelling?)with the intention to shop, but as soon as we got in the shopping alley, my friend, a good looking British Chinese, was grabbed by one of shop owners and pulled forcefully to his shop, the shop owner let go only after my friend threaten to hit him. Same thing happened three times on this shopping alley which put us right off from shopping there. In Aswan market, my friend's bottom was pinched and propositioned, he was very upset as he's not effeminate nor dressed outrageously.

Another incident involved a horse carriage driver. We agreed the price before we boarded the carriage but when we reached our destination and paid the driver the agreed fare, he asked for bashee, we refused. The driver then switched the notes we paid him into small notes and yelling at us that we hadn't paid him the correct money, and was going after us, fortunately our hotel was a few meters away, and a hotel security guard was there, we were able to seek refuge in the hotel. We're told later that the incident was quite common.

We shut our eyes when we took a cab ride in downtown Cairo. The car drivers didn't seem to obey any traffic regulations, not stopping at the traffic lights,pushing and cutting in whenever they liked. We were told later that most car and cab drivers in Egypt are not insured, if you meet a road accident, tough luck.

Despite all these, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Egypt. It is a trip everyone should make once in their life time. But just be alert.

andy

I returned from Luxor on 11/12/2000 and we had no problems at all. There is a heavy Tourism Police presence outside all the major hotels, outside all the temples and tourist sites, and throughout the town centre. The locals were genuinely friendly and we felt totally safe. Be warned though, you do get approached a lot by taxi drivers and by horse and carriage drivers trying to get you to use their services. We found that a friendly refusal is met by some form of humour and there were no problems at all.

Go and enjoy yourself, don't worry about it and you'll have a wonderful time.

Virginia Parr

Just returned from Egypt and Jordan on December 7. Traveled with OAT (Overseas Adventure Travel). Felt totally safe at all times. Yes, there is a strong security presence everywhere one goes, and our tour buses were always accompanied by "Tourist Police", armed officers, in both Egypt and Jordan. The trip was marvelous, and with tourism at an all time low due to fear the crowds are minimal. Sure there are some negatives--haggling over the price of every little thing got to be a bit much.
But the positives far outweighed everything else--it was a great trip, and I really recommend going NOW.

Riche

Hi Janel
We are tour operators in Egypt and Africa
Visit our website at www.tourism.to
I have just returned from 2 weeks in Egypt and Jordan- it's as safe as houses and really friendly. Don't hesitate- go tomorrow.
Write to me if I can be of any assistance
Best wishes
Riche

Ematthew

Hi Riche, Do you know of tour operators in Israel or Jordan? Thanks.

Ematthew

For anyone who has been to Jordan, which cities are the best to see from an architects point of view? Petra in Malan, or Umm Qais? I know Ajlun is famous for the Al-Rabad Castle. Any suggestions?

P_M

Ematthew, please accept a few words of friendly advice. The title of this thread has nothing to do with your question. Furthermore, you have posted a question to Riche, but his post was made in 2001.

It would be far better to post this question on a new thread instead of bring up a thread that was originally posted 8 years ago with an irrelavent title. Please try again and start your own thread with a title specific to your question. Good luck, I hope you will get the answers you need.

Ematthew

ok thanks.