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Halloween Midterm Getaways - Egypt



Looking for the best place to go for a week long relaxing holiday with the family for the Halloween break? Look no further, here is Schooldays.ie’s breakdown of the best spots in beautiful Egypt this autumn.

* According to the Dept of Foreign Affairs, the current unrest in parts of Egypt has prompted the department to release a warning for Irish citizens not to travel to certain areas of the country. However, most tourists resorts are open and perceived relatively safe to travel to.

Where is it?


Egypt is located on the northwest corner of Africa, right above Sudan. With over 86 million inhabitants, Egypt is the largest country in the middle east. There are no direct flights to Egypt from Ireland, but with one stopover it is possible to set down in Egypt in approximately 8 hours.

What’s the weather like?


The temperatures in Egypt are not as excessively hot in the autumn compared with the summer months, making it the ideal time to take a trip with the kids. In October, the weather is still reliably dry and sunny with average temperatures of 27 degrees. Sea temperature is at its warmest at this time of year, equalling air temperatures at 27 degrees. Egypt experiences very little rainfall in October, with an average of 2 mm falling throughout the month.

Best bits for families?


Sharm el-Sheikh - Sharm el-Sheikh is the perfect destination for families looking for a sunny beach holiday. Sharm el-Sheikh boasts lots of fascinating coral reefs and is the perfect location for those interested in diving. The Red Sea is home to some fantastic marine life and with plenty of water oriented activities, the whole family can enjoy everything the Red Sea has to offer. Glass bottom boat rides, skydiving, parachuting and lots of watersports are all available in Sharm el-Sheikh. Cleo Park water park is a fun Egyptian themed water park that is sure to be a hit with the kids.


Ras um Sid - Ras um Sid is much quieter and calmer than the nearby bustling centre of Sharm el-Sheikh. Known for its fantastic snorkeling and diving, this is the perfect location for families looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful marine life. Sea front hikes will satisfy the more active visitors while others can spend time simply relaxing on the sand.


Hurghada - Hurghada is a luxury resort town with much to offer families travelling with kids. Although the town is known (like many others!) for its diving, there are plenty of other activities on offer. With spas, golf courses and an abundance of water sports available, there is no time to be bored in Hurghada. The areas dry, desert climate results in warm days but cool nights. This is of benefit to families with young kids as sleeping at night time shouldn’t be an issue. The nearby Makadi Water World and Mahmaya Island are great options for day trips with the kids.

Where else to go?


Cairo


*Please see Dept Foreign Affairs site for latest travel restrictions.


Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and is the largest city in the middle east. Here, you can take a walk along the Nile or take a river taxi with the kids. The Egyptian National Museum is a must see for anyone travelling to Cairo, with a large Tutankhamun exhibit and more than a dozen unwrapped mummies, the kids will be fascinated by all that the museum has to offer.


Luxor


Luxor is often praised as ‘the world’s greatest open air museum’ with lots to see and do in the area. The city is divided by the Nile into two areas, the East Bank and West Bank. The East Bank is the modern part of the city, while the West Bank is home to The Valley of The Kings and lots of historic tombs. You will find the tomb of tutankhamen here, as well as lots of others. Kids will love the donkey rides available in the area.


Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza lie just outside of Cairo and are a must see while in Egypt. As the oldest of the seven wonders of the world, the pyramids are a spectacular and unique sight to visit. Also in Giza is the Great Sphinx, standing over a dramatic 20 metres tall and 70 metres long. Camel rides are popular among kids in Giza, and offer an exciting way to see the area around the pyramids.


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