My son has never been abroad

black-saturn

Theres warnings for everywhere in the world. There were bombs in London just over a year ago and London is always at threat of terrorist attacks. But no one would think twice about going there for a break.

shannon

Can i ask who you booked your holiday with black-saturn?

livinginhope

We went to Egypt a few years ago,we actually went to Queen Hatshepsuts tomb the day before the shootings.I personally would discourage taking children to Egypt,I have travelled and lived around the world and Egypt was the only place I never felt at ease.My son wants desperatley to go,but we have said a definate NO.In my opinion it just is not safe,everywhere we went,we had armed guards escorting us,although we enjoyed it,that is not a holiday for a child,especially one who is so little travelled and is not worldly.
As someone said,go to the museums in London and maybe try somewhere more 'civilised'

black-saturn

shannon wrote:

Can i ask who you booked your holiday with black-saturn?

I booked it with First Choice. And we are all really looking forward to it

livinginhope

Black-saturn,just seen you're off with 2 kids in December,I don't want to sound patronising but please make yourself aware of your surroundings at all times,also explain to the kids about the tourist police who are everywhere fully armed,this can be quite scary for a young child,they also escort you on every trip.
I think you maybe a little naive if you need to question why it isn't safe,yes there are terrorist threats in England,but you cannot compare the two,Egypt is very volatile.
Good luck with the trip anyway,I hope you enjoy it as it is totally awesome!

mrcow

shannon wrote:

Actually, i think i'm having second thoughts on Egpyt. Not sure what to do now.

You have to be really careful in Egypt with the food/water too. Even if you think you are being safe / doing everything right / staying in 5* accomodation, you could well go down with something nasty (not something you'd want for your son's first foreign holiday).

livinginhope

That's right mrcow forgot about all that,cor remember that tummy,also you have to take malaria tablets.

black-saturn

My doctor and Boots the chemists have both told me that you don't need malaria tablets to go to Egypt.

livinginhope

Maybe things have changed in the last few years,but we were advised to take them and so was my SIL 2 years ago!
Oh just looked on department of health website and they recommend malaria tablets for Africa.

lisyloo

I have been to Egypt a few times and I have to say that I don't think it's an ideal destination for children.

It's isn't unsafe (well not any more than anywhere else, like the tubes or buses in London as there's a chance of being caught up anywhere) but there are a number of problems.

Firstly there are the health issues. You have to be very careful with water and food. The fruit etc. looks lovely on the Nile cruises but we daren't eat it.
The first time I went I was ill and the only thing I did was clean my teeth in tap water.
The second time we were really careful and weren't ill.
I suspect it's quite hard to demand that children follow this regime strictly (it's very easy to get a drink of water from the tap or clean your teeth from the tap by mistake) so clearly there is a greater chance of illness.

Then there is the hassle you get.
Again I'm not saying it's unsafe, but you will get hassle from sellers and beggars. Occassionally you have to be stern with someone.
I don't have any children, but I don't think it's the kind of environment I'd want to take them in.

If you really want to go then there are safe ways to travel.
When we went to the pyramids sound and light show we got a taxi from the hotel.
It wasn't far to walk but we were practically escorted to the door.

So if you really want to go and go on escorted excursions or taxis then you can minimise the hassle.
Walking around freely is much more difficult.
We walked from our hotel to the pyramids one day and go SO much hassle that we went back to get a taxi.