Should you go to Egypt for the New Year? What will the weather be like, can you go for a swim, will there be anything to do with the children? Current prices for New Years 2022 celebrations in Egypt
New Year's holidays are already very close, and many Ukrainians are beginning to think about where and how they will celebrate the year. Black Water Tiger. Long "vacations" are not planned, but the first working week of the new year will last only three days. This is a great opportunity to take time off from work and fly abroad. For those who want to relax on the hot sand, there are quite a few options for a beach holiday today. However, the most budgetary of them has been Egypt for many years. We are figuring out whether it is worth going there for the New Year, and what surprises on vacation you need to prepare in advance.
Weather for New Year in Egypt
It is quite windy in many resorts in Egypt in January / istockphoto.com
Despite the fact that Egypt is in Africa, there is also a kind of climatic winter there. Truth. It is not at all similar to our winter, and rather, it resembles the weather in early July. The average air temperature in January in Egypt is kept at the level of + 25-27 degrees. Compared to summer +40 in the shade, this is a real paradise for family tourists. The sun's rays are not direct, and do not "hit" in the head, so you can relax with your kids on the beach at almost any time of the day.
The water temperature in December-January is not suitable for every bather. The sea in Egypt at this time cools down to + 20-22 degrees. If you love fresh milk, swimming can be uncomfortable. In this case, it is worth choosing hotels with a heated pool. In principle, this option is almost everywhere in Egypt in winter, but in some budget hotels only children's pools are heated. Heat-loving tourists should definitely check this nuance with the tour operator, otherwise they will have to spend their rest in the "paddling pool".
Also, keep in mind that in winter in Egypt, the season of winds begins, which blow throughout the day. Of course, they do not penetrate to the bone (as in February or March), but going into and out of the water will most likely be unpleasant. Therefore, try to choose resorts for recreation where there are bays protected from the wind by mountains. Sharm el-Sheikh (Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, Ras Um El Sid, Sharm El Maya, Ras Nasrani), Dahab and El Gouna are best suited in this regard for winter holidays. But in lowland Hurghada in January it will be quite windy, so it is not recommended to go there with children.
In the evenings, when the sun sets over the horizon, coolness comes to Egypt. The air temperature drops to + 18-20 degrees, so all tourists are advised to take jackets and windbreakers with them. Remember that in January the evening in Egypt begins at about the same time as in Ukraine: that is, at 17.00 it is already dark here, and even the most inveterate beach-goers are kicked out of the sea and from the pools. So the active phase of rest should be shifted to the first half of the day, which is great for early risers, but may not be very convenient for owls who like to sleep longer on vacation.
New Year in Egypt: pros and cons
Winter is a great time for excursions and travels in Egypt / istockphoto.com
There are only two arguments against celebrating the New Year in Egypt - the weather, which may not be to everyone's liking, and the prices (which we will talk about below). However, the same weather can be a weighty argument "for" such a vacation. Tourists have the opportunity to travel on excursions and wander around the city, which is almost impossible to do in the summer heat. It is in winter that a tourist trip to Egypt can give you real pleasure, and believe me - this country has something to offer you, besides all inclusive, beach umbrellas and sun loungers.
The most popular excursion in Egypt for the New Year is, of course, a trip to the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Also, depending on the resort where you will be resting, you can go to Luxor, visit ancient Cairo with its famous museums (here you can immediately arrange shopping), look at the Egyptian Venice El Gouna or the Colored Canyon, located on the border of Egypt with Israel. If time and money permit, it is even possible to visit another country: excursions to Petra (Jordan) and Jerusalem (Israel) are carried out from Sharm el-Sheikh.
Another disadvantage, which is at the same time a plus, is a large number of people for the holidays. The flow of tourists begins to arrive in Egypt from the end of December (25th - Catholic Christmas) and until mid-January (14th - old New Year). On the one hand, lovers of a quiet and relaxing holiday will have nowhere to hide from the hustle and bustle. On the other hand, children's clubs and animators will definitely work at this time. In many hotels, entertainment programs are canceled for the winter, so children (and many adults) can be bored. But if you go to Egypt for the New Year, rest assured that you will not be bored.
Prices in Egypt for New Year 2022
You can go to Egypt for New Year's mood after the holidays / istockphoto.com
Perhaps the most significant drawback of celebrating the New Year or Christmas in Egypt is the cost of the tours, which fall clearly on the holidays. Prices are an order of magnitude higher than in early December or late January, and are often even higher than during the peak season (September-October). For example, now it costs about 30-32 thousand to book a New Year's tour to Egypt for a family of three (two adults and a child) for 6 nights. hryvnias in the "four" of the average hand and from 43 thousand. UAH into a good "five" on ultra all inclusive. But to fly there, but in early December, you can for 22 and 32 thousand. UAH (four and five, respectively). Agree, the difference is quite significant.
At the same time, the celebration of the New Year is not always included in the price of package tours. There are frequent cases (especially in 3-4-star hotels) when you have to pay the hotel separately for a festive dinner and show program, and this expense item belongs to the category of compulsory expenses. Therefore, immediately check with the tour operator if the New Year itself is included in the New Year's tour, so that upon arrival at the place there are no unpleasant surprises.
In general, the Egyptians have a pretty busy New Year's program. Despite the fact that they themselves traditionally celebrate the New Year in September, the requests of tourists are the law. Therefore, already from the middle of December in many resort cities of the country there are decorated Christmas trees, festive garlands sparkle, and tanned Santa Clauses are pacing the streets. The holiday spirit will stay here until mid-January, and this is a good opportunity to save money on your vacation. If you take the tour a week and a half before the new year itself or a few days after Orthodox Christmas, it will cost 30-40% cheaper. At the same time, a festive mood will still be provided to you.
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