Tourists discover only grime and unusual items upon arrival at the renowned vacation spot
In recent times, tourists visiting Hurghada, Egypt, have reported a mix of positive and negative experiences. While the sea remains warm and beautiful, some visitors have encountered issues with coral injuries.
A family from Perm, for instance, had an unsatisfactory holiday, staying at a four-star hotel in Hurghada. Upon arrival, they faced a delayed check-in and a room that was not ready. Outside the hotel, they encountered litter, decay, and a lack of infrastructure.
Their flight to Egypt was on Azur Air, and they endured a five-hour journey in an outdated cabin with worn-out seats and poorly functioning ventilation. Upon landing, they spent an hour and a half waiting outside in +35°C heat for their transfer. The bus was too cold due to overzealous air conditioning.
Upon entering their hotel room, they found signs of building wear and peeling paint. To their dismay, they also encountered maggots in their room and minimal service. The adults found no entertainment options, besides shisha for $3, which they described as low quality. Children's entertainment was limited to boring puppet shows.
Reviews of similar experiences in Egypt are common on tourist portals. Some tourists have raised concerns about food safety, with one fellow traveler experiencing food poisoning from the pizza. Tourist "star rating" can easily become a formality, and cleanliness and food at the resort can be a real lottery. The service at the hotel was described as being close to hostel level.
However, it's not all negative. Transfer services and local guides tend to receive positive reviews for reliability and helpfulness, suggesting that transportation and tour arrangements might be smoother aspects of visiting Hurghada.
In the bustling markets of El Dahar in Hurghada, tourists report being forcefully dragged into shops by salespeople seeking commissions. The area can be noisy, busy with traffic, and lacking proper pavements in some parts, making it less comfortable for casual strolling. However, haggling can lead to good bargains, and tourists who adapt to this environment sometimes find valuable souvenirs at reasonable prices.
To avoid poor experiences, Eugene advises relying on fresh, real reviews, not blindly trusting tour operators' attractive descriptions. He suggests being vigilant, especially regarding safety, as there are safety advisories related to the broader region's political situation. Some tourists might also find that peak seasons lead to crowded resorts, which can affect the holiday experience.
Despite these challenges, Hurghada continues to attract tourists with its warm, beautiful sea and unique cultural experiences. As always, it's essential to do thorough research and be prepared for any eventuality when planning a holiday.
- To improve their health-and-wellness during their trip, tourists should research food-and-drink options carefully in Hurghada, considering the concerns raised about food safety.
- After a challenging holiday in Hurghada, a family decided to focus on home-and-garden improvements to restore their sense of peace, using the memories of the Egyptian city's bustling markets to inspire unique decoration choices.
- While exploring the travel destinations for their next adventure, the family discovered various science-based wellness retreats, combining health-and-wellness practices with a lifestyle immersed in nature, which they found appealing.
