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Hurghada Travel Resources

Hurghada Travel Resources

Hurghada Red Sea Coast, Egypt Travel Guide

Online Tools

Essential Apps for Your Journey

  • Google Maps:

    Navigation, offline maps download.

  • Uber/Careem:

    Reliable taxi services with transparent fares.

  • Google Translate:

    Overcomes language barriers; offline Arabic pack.

  • Xe Currency:

    Real-time exchange rates for budgeting.

  • WhatsApp:

    Widely used for communication in Egypt.

Accommodation & Travel Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com:

    Hotel bookings and management.

  • Expedia:

    Flights, hotels, and package deals.

  • Airbnb:

    Apartments and vacation rentals.

  • Official Egyptian e-Visa Portal:

    Visa2egypt.gov.eg for your e-Visa.

  • Go Bus Egypt:

    Gobusegypt.com for intercity bus tickets.

Online Planning Guides

TripAdvisor

Check ratings for restaurants, attractions, and activities.

Google Reviews

Further perspectives on local places and services.

Online Travel Forums

Connect with other travelers for questions and experiences.

Dive into Information

Specialized Research

  • Explore specific dive sites and certified dive centers directly.
  • Look up liveaboard diving trip details.
  • Travel blogs focusing on Hurghada or the Red Sea.
  • Consider online photography courses at Skillshare.

Connecting and Learning

  • Follow community tourism boards online on social media.
  • Dive centers and resorts have active social media updates.
  • Podcasts on Egypt travel or Red Sea diving to understand the context.
  • Explore traditional Egyptian music before your trip.

Print Resources

Guidebooks

  • General Egypt guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Rough Guides) for broad coverage.
  • Consider a detailed Red Sea diving guide if diving is a main focus.
  • Physical maps of Hurghada for orientation in areas with limited connectivity.
  • These resources are helpful for offline access and reading.

Books on the Destination

  • "A History of Egypt" by Jason Thompson for an overview of Egyptian history.
  • "The Cairo Trilogy" by Naguib Mahfouz (fiction) for cultural insights.
  • Fiction works portray Egyptian society plus the daily routine.
  • Such reading deepens your appreciation of Egyptian culture.

Local Publications

  • Resorts or the tourist office points may offer free local magazines.
  • These frequently contain listings for current events.
  • Discover dining recommendations and local advertisements.
  • They provide quick, relevant local knowledge.

Emergency & Medical Information

Immediate Assistance

Local Emergency Services

  • Police: 122
  • Ambulance: 123
  • Fire: 180
  • Tourist Police: 126 (for tourist-related concerns)

Medical Facilities

  • Nile Hospital Hurghada: El-Nasr Street.
  • The Venice of the red sea Hospital: In El Gouna, north of Hurghada.
  • International Hospital Hurghada: Sheraton Road.
  • Private facilities are generally well-regarded for tourist care.

Embassy & Consulate Information

  • Most foreign embassies are in Cairo.
  • Keep your country's embassy contact details handy.
  • Include emergency phone numbers for your embassy.
  • Some countries may have honorary consulates in Hurghada.

Health and Well-being

Staying Well

  • Hydrate constantly, especially in the heat.
  • Drink only sealed bottled water.
  • Consume food from reputable establishments.

Minor Ailments

  • Over-the-counter remedies for common travel issues.
  • A basic first aid kit for scrapes or cuts.
  • Insect repellent, especially for evenings outdoors.

Travel Security

Personal Safety

  • Pay attention to your surroundings.
  • Avoid isolated locations, especially at night.
  • Share your itinerary with someone.

Document Protection

  • Keep physical and digital copies of documents.
  • Store copies separately from originals.
  • Consider using a VPN like NordVPN for secure online access.

Critical Information

Lost Document Protocols

  1. Report loss or theft to local police immediately.
  2. Obtain a police report; this document is required for procedures.
  3. Contact your embassy or consulate without delay.
  4. They give assistance with emergency travel documents.
  5. Keep copies of your passport and visa separate.

Weather Alerts

  1. In rare severe weather (e.g., sandstorms).
  2. Heavier rain is infrequent.
  3. Follow the advice of local authorities.
  4. Heed guidance from your hotel staff.
  5. Hotels typically have established safety protocols.

Important Contacts

Emergency Hotlines

Save police, ambulance, and fire numbers in your phone.

Local Hospitals

Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals and clinics.

Consular Support

Know how to reach your embassy or consulate.

Further Reading & Exploration

Inspired Journeys

Documentaries & Films

  • Red Sea Marine Life:

    Appreciate the underwater ecosystem.

  • Ancient Egypt:

    Gain historical context.

  • Egypt Travel Films:

    General inspiration for your trip.

Music & Art to Experience

  • Traditional Egyptian Music:

    Explore artists like Umm Kulthum.

  • Contemporary Pop:

    Listen to popular artists like Amr Diab.

  • Local Performances:

    Seek Tanoura or belly dancing shows.

Online Engagement

Online Communities

Join forums like TripAdvisor for Egypt or Hurghada.

Travel Groups

Discover Facebook groups dedicated to Egypt travel.

Language Learning

Utilize apps like Babbel or Duolingo for basic Arabic phrases.

Practical Information

General Egyptian Guidebooks

  • Lonely Planet or Rough Guides.
  • These cover Hurghada but may lack extensive city details.
  • Consider specific Red Sea diving guides for detailed info.
  • Paper maps for orientation, especially without connectivity.

Historical & Cultural Readings

  • "A Past of Egypt" by Jason Thompson.
  • "The Cairo Trilogy" by Naguib Mahfouz (fiction).
  • Gain a rich portrayal of life and culture.
  • This deepens your broad understanding of Egypt.

Local Insights

Common Tourist Considerations

  • Always bargain for taxis and souvenirs in local markets.
  • Drink only sealed bottled water.
  • Carry small change for tips and microbus fares.
  • Protect yourself from the incredibly strong sun.

Local Customs & Social Norms

  • "Inshallah" and "Mashallah" are common phrases.
  • Egyptians are generally very friendly and welcoming.
  • "Baksheesh" (tipping) is a pervasive culture.
  • Things often move at a slower pace; patience is a virtue.

Digital Journey

The digital world provides many tools for your Hurghada planning and your experience on the ground.