egypt, safe for children?

black-saturn

Becles wrote:

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What about one of the Canary Islands? Maybe one of the quieter resorts - it would be cooler for baby, and better hygeine.

My dad was violently ill when he went to the Canary Islands but they werent ill in Egypt.

Becles

LOL - I was violently sick in Scarborough, so people can get sick anywhere!

nottslass_2

hi,
took our little boy to sharm whem he was only 18months old and had no problems at all. we were,of course,carefull ie only using bottled water etc.
Had a great time, waiters took great pleasure in "kidnapping" him wherever we went .
We went in july and the sea was so warm it was like bath water,which was fantastic for a baby,again were were very carefull,big hat, total sun block etc, people did express concern about the heat before we went but to be honest the tempratures in england this summer have been extreamly high,
the only difference is that at least you can put the air con on in a hotel room and get a good nights sleep !
Have a great holiday

chewbacca_2

got some excellent feedback from all you peeps, still leaves me unsure though. Went to spain in june when she was 4 months and was fine as the temps were about 25-30.

we didnt really want to spend too long on a plane if considering alternatives, did go to florida 2 years ago in january and found the temps werent that great, but would consider down on the keys this time.

Julieboo

Hi,
I went to Egypt (cairo) last year without my children (thank god) as I have to say it was the worst place I have ever been in my life. From the moment you step off the plan you are constantly harrassed by egyptians for services for money. I even had a cleaning lady in a loo chasing me around the loos as I couldn't have any loo roll until you guessed it I paid her!
Safety for me as well was a major issue-I have never been in a place where I felt so vulnerable and couldn't wait to get on th eplane to go home-anything goes traffic wise and yes the flies are a problem. I got bit all over and had huge raised red lumps-not a pretty site.
As for taking kids I would never, well I know the pressure from egyptians i felt and don't think they could have handled it. I always wanted to go to egypt from being little but I would never ever go back again.
As for sharm el sheik-it may be a different story there as not city centre but can only add offer my experience,
best of luck
J

lisyloo

From the moment you step off the plan you are constantly harrassed by egyptians for services for money.

I think you have to expect a certain amount of hassle if you go to poor countries.
If you were extremely poor and had children to feed then you would do exactly then same to (relatively) very rich tourists.

There are steps you can take to avoid some of the hassle.
1) take loo roll etc. with you
2) decide in advance what you want to give and be firm. Personally I am not adverse to giving 10p for the loo. I don't think I should have to pay European prices as they don't have European costs (or standards) but it helps out some locals feed their children and won't add up to much. If you don't want to give anything be firm.
3) Get yourself educated. Tour guides can be useful in this respect. If you travel independently then obviously you have put greater reliance on yourself.
For example some locals will try to charge for airport trolleys when they are in fact provided free.
4) Going on tour buses or in a taxi directly from the hotel rather than independent travel is much better than going on foot. We paid a taxi driver from the hotel to have his cab all day. It was about £30 which was very good value compared with excursions and we had complete freedom to go wherever we wanted. He provided us with some protection. For example walked us to the door of the sound and light show so we didn't get hassled. Of course he tried to sell us papyrus and perfume but that's all part of it.

Definitely decide in advance who you want to pay and who you don't, and if you don't want to then simply be firm. There are toursit police everywhere so they will not be allowed to hassle you incessantly.
If you are having real trouble, walk towards the nearest tourist police person. The hassler will soon dissapear.

I have never been in a place where I felt so vulnerable

Not disputing your feelings but I have never been anywhere where I felt so safe.
There were police on everywhere.

and yes the flies are a problem

We had no problem with flies but as always it helps to go prepared.
We use Avon soft & fresh.
The SAS and road workers use it.
It is extremely good as a repellent (although not advertised as such).

Chichi_2

Didn't think I'd ever say anything negative about a country. Apart from the fantastic historical monuments, there's nothing really else to say about Egypt. I had a terrible bout of food poisoning (luckily only 24 hours) and that was from an apparently clean 'Western style take away'. It spoilt the first few days of my trip and I actually considered flying home. Unless you feed your baby with bottled food from U.K, DON@T RISK IT!!!! Please wait until your baby is at least 25!!!