America’s coastal areas don’t have a monopoly on great beaches . . . or groovy beach towns.
21.07.2023 - 08:05 / roughguides.com
Egypt is the Nile, and the Nile is Egypt, or so the saying goes. But there is much more to this ancient land than that. Egypt has long exercised a potent spell over ordinary people. It has inspired poetry and literature, architecture and more. Here is our guide to the best things to do in Egypt.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.
The monumental sun temple of Ramses II is the most spectacular of the Nubian antiquities that were relocated to higher ground on the shores of Lake Nasser. The mostly Nubian village of Abu Simbel south of Aswan, has some restaurants and cafés, as well as a few comfortable hotels. It is a relaxed kind of place, where people play backgammon in cafés or listen to Nubian music at night.
The lake looks beautiful at different times of the day, but it’s especially wonderful to visit the temple at the crack of dawn before the crowds arrive, or late afternoon.
Explore the history and culture of Egypt and its ancient rulers on this tailor-made trip to the best of Egypt throughout the country. Start and end in Cairo and make your way down to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Nefertari Temple in Abu Simbel, Egypt © Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock
The descent into the Underworld, the Judgement of Osiris and the rebirth of the pharaoh are vividly depicted on the walls and ceilings of the royal tombs. After being embalmed and mummified, the New Kingdom pharaohs were transported in the solemn cortège Valley of the Kings. This tomb was hidden in a secluded wadi in the Theban hills.
The entrance to the valley is from the visitors' centre. Here, guides will take you through the history behind the Valley of Kings. A noddy train then takes visitors to the entrance of the valley, but it is easy enough to walk.
Hieroglyphs on the wall in King Tut's Tomb © bleung/Shutterstock
Sold from pushcarts or in sit-down diners, Egyptian street food is tasty, cheap and nourishing. In the Middle Ages, Egyptian cuisine enjoyed a high reputation all over the Islamic empire. However, few now travel to Egypt in search of a culinary experience.
Nevertheless, Egyptians love to eat – and to share a meal. Street food in Egypt includes a variety of dishes, ranging from savoury snacks and sandwiches to sweet desserts and beverages. Some popular street food items in Egypt include:
Shawarma with chicken on wood table © MOUTASEM PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock
The centuries-old tradition of raqs sharqi is best seen at clubs frequented by locals. Egyptian belly dancing is noted for its controlled and precise movements. Experiencing this artform will open another window into the country’s colourful culture.
Bellydancing is an ancient art form with roots in
America’s coastal areas don’t have a monopoly on great beaches . . . or groovy beach towns.
Vibrant, culturally rich and visually stunning – the islands of the Caribbean are like nowhere else on Earth. From cocktails to coral reefs, hiking to heritage, they offer something for all tastes and tempos. Here are seven unmissable highlights of the Caribbean.
OAG, which dubs itself an “air travel intelligence company,” has released its top-10 rankings of the most and least punctual airlines in 2016. The group analyzed 54 million flight records using full-year data from 2016 to compile the list, and for the purposes of the study defined “on-time” as “a flight that arrives or departs within 14 minutes and 59 seconds (under 15 minutes) of its scheduled arrival/departure time.”
Dreaming of visiting the pyramids? You no longer have to face the hassle of getting an Egypt travel visa through a consulate, or worry about long lines at an airport visa counter after a long-haul flight.
Skytrax is out with its annual list of the World’s Top 100 Airlines, perhaps the most recognized worldwide ranking of best airlines. As usual, and to the chagrin of travelers here in the states, most of the top performers are not U.S. airlines. Instead, the list is dominated by Asian, Middle Eastern, and, to a lesser extent, European carriers.
With rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft taking over, you might be wondering where in the world it’s still possible to take a cheap taxi. Cabs aren’t dead, yet: These countries still heavily rely on them.
If you were going to design a child- or family-friendly destination for travelers, it would look something like Norway. Norway has famously family-friendly working and pay conditions and this commitment to inclusivity extends to travel.
Marrakech is an incredibly vibrant and culturally-rich destination that should not be missed by anyone. From the bustling souks of the medina to the magical Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech is a mix of both modern and ancient influences which make it unique. Visitors can enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine, experience mesmerizing historical sites, and explore the stunning natural landscapes that surround the city. With its bright colors, lively atmosphere, and friendly people, Marrakech is a great place to visit for those looking to experience something truly special. These Airbnbs highlight the city’s distinct beauty.
With its long, sunny days, and kids out of school, summer is typically a busy season for travel. But jam-packed planes and sky-high airfares mean that many Americans aren’t able to plan for as much travel as they’d like this year.
For most travellers, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula means one thing: the coast. Package tourists flock to the bold and brash resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and neighbouring Na'ama Bay, while backpackers and independent travellers favour the more laid-back charms of Dahab and Nuweiba. The inviting Red Sea, sandy beaches and seemingly endless diving and snorkelling opportunities mean that relatively few people take the time to explore the interior of the Sinai Peninsula. Those who do rarely venture beyond a handful of well-worn and over-crowded camel, jeep and quad-biking 'safari' routes.
New York's ski resorts are the envy of the world.The service is reliably slick, the lift queues move quickly and there's huge versatility, from the mellowness of Québec's Most Treblant to the sophistication of Aspen, the rawness of Jackson Hole and the steep slopes of BC's Fernie. But ploughing down perfectly groomed pistes all day long can feel restrictive, and while you'll often find fresh powder in-bounds, there will always be the temptation to go out of bounds into the real wilderness. Here are six of our favourite ways to enjoy the backcountry bliss in Northern America.
From city breaks to romantic countryside escapes, options for weekend breaks in the UK abound. Whether you're looking to get active, overindulge or just chill out, we've got you covered. Here's our pick of the best weekend breaks in the UK. Need more inspiration? We've also rounded up 20 of the most memorable places to stay in the UK.