Traveling in Hurghada
Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada is the kind of place where your toughest daily decision might be whether to spend the morning underwater with parrotfish and butterflyfish, stretched out beside the Red Sea, or bouncing across the desert in a 4x4. Once a small fishing settlement, Hurghada has grown into one of Egypt's biggest Red Sea resorts, with miles of coastline, large beach hotels, coral reefs, marinas, restaurants, watersports and easy access to offshore islands.
But Hurghada is not one single resort strip. El Dahar, the older part of town, offers markets, local shops and a more everyday Egyptian atmosphere. Sakkala is busier and more commercial, with restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Around the Hurghada Marina, things become more polished, with yachts, waterfront restaurants and evening promenades. Farther south and north, large resorts stretch along the coast, while nearby destinations such as El Gouna, about 25 kilometers north, offer another version of the Red Sea experience built around lagoons, marinas and watersports.
Hurghada is particularly good for travelers who want a beach vacation without being confined to a beach chair. Divers and snorkelers get world-class Red Sea conditions, families have plenty of boat trips and resort activities, and adventurous travelers can trade the sea for desert mountains in the space of an afternoon. You can also use Hurghada as a base for a much longer excursion to Luxor, although that is a substantial day and is better treated as a serious sightseeing expedition than a casual side trip.
The climate is sunny and dry for much of the year. Summers can be fiercely hot, particularly away from the water, while autumn through spring generally makes sightseeing, desert excursions and evenings outside considerably more comfortable.
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
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Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Hurghada on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $ per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A significant number of visitors to Hurghada will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $ per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a premium budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Authentic Hurghada Experience with Private Guide & Local Transfer - offered by Viator.
