Book a tour for a vacation of a lifetime

With the Covid vaccine providing light at the end of the long pandemic tunnel, travel lovers can start adding to that bucket-list again by making plans for a much-needed vacation.

Egypt has long been a popular destination for holiday makers looking for sun, sand and relaxation alongside a glimpse into the wonders of the ancient world.

After the year we’ve had we could all do with a well-earned break. Booking an Egypt group tour can take some of the stress out of travelling by letting someone else do the organising for you. This will give you an opportunity to see all the major historical sites such as the Pyramids in Cairo and temples of the Nile Valley as well as experiencing exciting locales like the bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar while having a tour operator take care of the logistics and tailor the itinerary to suit your interests. Itineraries vary in length and budget, based on your interests and availability. 

Group tours have sometimes had an unfair press because of the outdated image of large crowds following an umbrella with no say in where they go or what they do. But booking a tour doesn’t mean you can’t tailor the trip to your interests and compared to planning your own trip, taking a tour can alleviate many logistical headaches. Tours are like a package in that they include hotels, transportation to and from the airport, as well as local visits and a guide at your destination. If you’re not fluent in the local language having an English-speaking guide during certain portions of the tour can also help you make the most of the experience by introducing you to locations off the main tourist track.

That said, even with a tour there are still checks to be made. Although it may sound obvious to check your passport is current and will not expire before or during your trip, but many travellers don’t leave enough time to renew and end up with stressful journeys to Liverpool to do quick turnaround renewals. For many destinations, such as Egypt, it’s important to check to see if your itinerary requires you to get a Visa. And, regardless of whether you have visited Egypt or any neighbouring countries before, it’s important to refresh your knowledge of their local customs. It’s always wise to know about the location you’ll be spending time in before you go. Always check the weather before you go. I’ve seen tourists on glaciers in shorts and sandals wishing they’d done this. Even if the days are sweltering, think about how the temperature can change in the evening or on a trip and if you’ll need a jacket or specialist clothing.

For this reason, a proper packing list is always in order when preparing for a vacation. It’s helpful to add one to your phone and change it for each trip, based on weather and destination.

Always pack a proper hat for sun protection and comfortable shoes for all of the time you’ll be on your feet exploring the sites. If you need any medication, ensure you pack it in the original bottles. In today’s technological world, pack the proper cords and adapters for all of your electrical devices you’ll be bringing along. And remember, your glasses are an essential part of your packing list, should you wear them.

Once packed, there are two essential tasks to accomplish before you go. The first is to contact your credit card company to let them know when and where you will be traveling. This way, they will not assume fraudulent charges since you’ll be using your credit card outside of your normal purchasing patterns. This is also a good time to ask whether your credit card purchases (including your payment for the tour) are covered by credit card-backed insurance. Second, contact your mobile phone provider to find out if international calls, texts, and data plans are covered in your monthly package. If not, you may be able to add international calling for a specified period of time to cover your travels.

Finally, instead of thinking about planning your trip as another daily chore, think about it as part of the joy of the holiday. Use beautiful photos of your destination as screen savers to  help you dream about the adventure to come. And, of course, when you come back, we want to see those selfies in front of the pyramids.