Hurghada Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Smart Spending for Your Trip

Making thoughtful financial choices can significantly extend your travel budget in Hurghada.

Cost-Effective Transport

Microbuses for short city distances.
Negotiate taxi fares before your ride.
Ride-sharing apps offer fixed fares.
Bargain firmly for services and goods.

Dining and Activities

Seek out happy hour deals and lunch specials.
Public beaches for free swimming.
El Dahar Souk for cultural exploration.
Stroll promenades in Sahl Hasheesh or El Gouna.

Budget Accommodation

Apartments or vacation rentals for groups.
Self-catering facilities for more value.
Hostels cater to solo budget travelers.
Consider resorts with all-inclusive packages.

Local Market Bargaining

Always bargain for souvenirs.
Be polite and persistent.
Agree on a price before purchase.
Confirm items are what you expect.

Maximizing Your Budget

Thoughtful choices for various aspects of your visit will stretch your funds further.

Smart Choices for Explorers

Pre-book major tours for better entry.
Flying offers speed over bus for distant trips.
Consider package discounts from tour operators.
Group nearby attractions for efficient travel.

Hidden Gems

Walking around Hurghada Marina, a free delight.
Exploring El Dahar Souk, a cultural journey.
Strolling along promenades for scenic views.
Swimming at public beaches, freely accessible.

Savvy Dining

Many places offer happy hour deals.
Look for promotions in Sakkala and the Marina.
Resort lunch menus can provide more value.
Local eateries often have better prices.

Travel Smarter

Microbuses for the lowest local fares.
Uber and Careem for clear pricing.
Negotiate taxi prices firmly.
Consider vacation rentals for longer stays.

Value and Experience

Maximizing your trip includes knowing when to save and when to spend for impact.

Common Traveler Mistakes

Forgetting to bargain for taxis and souvenirs.
Drinking tap water without caution.
Not carrying small denominations of local currency.
Underestimating the strong sun's intensity.

Local Deal Hunting

Inquire about package discounts for multiple activities.
Some resorts provide value bundles.
Discover happy hour promotions at dining spots.
Local eateries often present better pricing.

Beach and Souk Exploration

Public beaches for free access.
El Dahar Souk for a rich cultural atmosphere.
Admire yachts and the evening atmosphere at the Marina.
Enjoy the sights and sounds without spending.

Smart Travel Choices

Microbuses for cost-effective city movement.
Ride-sharing apps offer transparent pricing.
Always negotiate taxi fares upfront.
Consider vacation rentals for space and self-catering.

Optimizing Your Adventure

Thoughtful preparation and local awareness contribute to a smoother journey.

Journey Efficiency

Flying to Luxor or Cairo for significant time savings.
Weigh the value of time against travel costs.
Private transfers for group excursions.
Group nearby attractions for minimal transit time.

Planning Your Days

Pre-book major tours for faster entry.
Visit the Aquarium/Museum early or late in the day.
Souk is liveliest and busiest in the evening.
Boat trips typically start early mornings.

On-Site Smarts

Always bargain for taxis and souvenirs.
Carry small change for tips and microbus fares.
Avoid large notes; they are hard to break.
Protect yourself from the strong sun daily.

Cultural Engagement

Bargaining should always be lighthearted and friendly.
Polite persistence over aggression.
Once a price is agreed upon, the purchase is expected.
Learning a few Arabic phrases shows great respect.

Important Note on Time and Cost

Pre-booking popular tours, especially those to Luxor or Cairo, frequently leads to quicker entry.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning supports making the most of your moments enjoying Hurghada, minimizing waiting.

Advance Bookings

Pre-booking popular tours or attractions often streamlines entry.

Optimal Timing

Visit attractions during off-peak hours to avoid larger crowds.

Swift Transport

Choose faster transportation for distant excursions to save travel duration.

Smart Scheduling

Booking Ahead

Pre-booking flights.
Booking main accommodation, especially in high season.
Major tours, like multi-day trips to Luxor or Cairo, or liveaboard diving trips.

Attraction Timing

Aquarium/Museum: early morning or late afternoon for fewer people.
Souk: evening for the most feel, but also the busiest.
Boat Trips: early morning departures to maximize time and avoid strong midday sun.

Consideration

Flying to Luxor or Cairo, instead of taking the bus, cuts down on significant travel time, though at a greater expense.

Hurghada Travel Hacks