Egypt Travel - Getting There and Around

Egypt's mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Those travelling by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghaba in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airliners that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those travelling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travellers; the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Libya). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel.

Getting the right paper work and visa is essential to a stress free entry into Egypt. Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport. Visas can be obtained from either the Egyptian Diplomatic and consular Missions Abroad, the Entry Visa Department, or from Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). However it is possible for visitors to obtain an entry visa at any major points of entry.

Visitors entering Egypt at the overland border post to Taba to visit Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine can be exempted from visa and granted a free residence permit for fourteen days to visit the area. Citizens of the following countries are required to be in possession of a pre-arrival visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Those in possession of a residence permit in Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave the country and return to it within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less. There are three kinds of visas to Egypt. Tourist visas are usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis. Entry visa are required of any visitors arriving in Egypt for purposes such as work, and study that are not related to tourism. This visa is necessary for the completion of the residence procedure in Egypt. Transit visas are made available to travellers transiting through Egypt. Once in Egypt, visitors have different options to get around the country in an easy and comfortable way. The options range from car rental, luxury trains, and coaches to domestic flights to connect tourist cities.

If you are coming in through Cairo International, you have the option of renting a limousine with fixed fees according to your accommodation location from the airport, or use Cairo airport transportation service which covers all the country and airports. You can request for this service through your travel agent or from the information desk at the airport.

The easiest and most common way of moving within any city is by taxis. This are easily available in the major cities, Cairo, for instance, has a fleet of air-conditioned and metered yellow cabs. One is whoever advised to book their taxis at least an hour before their intended time for their trip. In some cases it is recommended that you ask for a receipt as proof of payment to avoid any inconvenience later. Alternatively one could catch a regular taxi on the street or even in front of their hotel. They are usually coloured depending on the city they operate in. in Alexandria they are yellow and black, in Cairo they are black and white. It is very important to know the colour codes in different cities so that you minimize risks.

Egypt's major cities have a healthy bus system within and between the cities. Examples of which are Super Jet, Delta and Upper Egypt buses. They go from city to city and they provide catering facilities, toilets and on board entertainment. The con in travelling with buses is that they stop far too often thus taking too long especially on long distance trips. Rail travel is highly recommended for long distance travel.

The underground, which is comprised of two long lines, is the cheapest and fastest way to move inside Cairo and Giza governorate especially in the rush hours (from 2 pm to 5pm). The first, from Helwan to El Marg has 33 stops; the second, from Giza to Shoubra El Khema has 18 stops. Note that the first carriage on each train is always strictly for women. Summer working hours are from 6:00 am to 1:00 am and winter working hours are from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Many transportation companies offer a wide choice of luxury cars and coaches with well trained drivers. Car rental agencies are represented in the major cities as well as the international and domestic airports. The train is one of the best ways to travel between major Egyptian cities.

Three kinds of trains are available: the ordinary, the express, and the turbo. The express and the turbo are the more expensive options, but they come with the advantage of a pampered journey taking you to your destination rapidly with all catering facilities and air-conditioning. An excellent turbo train service is available between Cairo and main cities around the country. The train takes about two hours to go from Cairo to Alexandria.

For those who prefer to travel by air locally, Egypt Air - the national carrier - links most of the tourist cities in Egypt with its reliable domestic flights. It is possible to fly directly from Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh or Alexandria.

Samuel Maina is online travel writer for Africa point Limited, an Africa specialist travel agent, offering online reservation services for hotels, airline tickets, rental cars, tours and safaris to 13 African countries. Read some of his works on http://www.africapoint.net and http://www.africapoint.com.

An Overview of Morocco and Her Famous Places

Morocco is one of the major countries in North Africa having an overall population of almost 39 million where lots of travelers travel each year making this country one of the top attractions in this North African region. This beautiful destination is a home to so many attractions and attracts most of the art lovers because of her natural and scenic beauty. Thus morocco flights can lead you to these destinations and famous hotspots and can be a source of delight and comfort during your air travel to this shining destination. The tourism industry has a major role in the economy of the state and the government on the other hand also facilitates and promotes the travel and tourism in the country.

The weather and the climatic conditions in this state are considered to be quite assisting and helpful for the travelers and visitors. The beautiful scenery, lovely and charming beaches and some quite and relaxed paces make this country a hotspot for foreign tourists and investors and so many overseas property buyers who want to invest their finance in the real state. There are so many flights to Morocco flying from many major destinations of the world carrying travelers and tourists and the business professionals as well. The statistics and the past data reveals this fact that the country's pace of progress in increasing as it is becoming more and more developed and well recognized destination in North Africa.

Traveling to Morocco brings you to avail so many opportunities to travel so many famous and worldly popular destinations like Ait-Ben-Haddou, Asilah, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech City, Meknes, Sahara Desert, Tangiers, Tetouan, The Todra Gorge where you can feel quite comfortable and relaxed. There are lots of business opportunities in these glorious destinations where you can invest your finance to expect some decent returns. However mostly the business professionals prefer to purchase business class tickets for their flights to Morocco and experience a safe and secure journey.

If you are traveling to Rabat the capital city of Morocco you can find this city quite well developed where a huge flock of passengers travel to. There are three major airports in this country where you can travel through after having your cheap flights to Morocco as these three airports are located in Tangier, Agadi, and Casablanca. Those flights coming from long air routes arrive at Casablanca airport as Casablanca is one of the most glorious and dazzling city of Morocco.

Last Month I took a tour to Morocco with my family by reserving with flights to Morocco [http://www.flightstomorocco.org.uk/] and really enjoyed there

Best Travel Destinations to Visit With Cheap Airfares

Whether you are going with family, friends, or alone, for business or pleasure, or to enjoy the nature, adventures and romance, get on without any delay for your dream place. There are many destinations that you can visit with a cheap airline fare. Now-a-days, the travel agencies offer many all-inclusive packages, responding to the expectations of the tourists, at very reasonable rates. These agencies organize their stay, sight-seeing, and other additional activities as well. For instance, Wild Discovery, one of the most active travel agencies in the market, tries to offer the best services to the customer.

If you are planning to go for a honeymoon, then the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Thailand, Malaysia, or the Caribbean are the most-favored places. These dreamy destinations are full of a kind of romantic ambiance suitable for the newlyweds. The heat of the sun, enticing beaches, scuba diving to see the spectacular wrecks laden with corals and sponges and fish and turtle shelters, Getaway Sailing, care and massages based marine products; everything attracts the lovers. Couples like Europe: Prague, Budapest, and Vienna, and Central America.

With regard to families, the Mediterranean is the most-liked destination having Cyprus, Greek Islands, Morocco, Turkey, Tunisia and Cote d'Azur. Cyprus is an ideal place for relaxation. In Morocco, the family can enjoy the dunes, oases and palm groves. Enjoy exploring the valley of roses. Cheap airline tickets to Morocco are available online. China is also an attractive tourist destination. Its main characteristics are its legendary cities, wonderful scenes, its culinary arts, traditions and the charm of its modern cities.

To make your traveling safer, enjoyable, and above all, economic, you must select a travel agency that is renowned and experienced. It will help you to make your plans according to your budget, your tastes and requirements. Before buying any package, it is very important to know about the facilities included in the package. Though the all-inclusive schemes are very popular, you must see whether it matches your expectations or not. The global service includes not only low-cost flights, transfers and hotel, but also many other activities and some meals. It is better to use the prepaid cards instead of carrying cash that can be stolen or lost. Thus, enjoy the best travel destinations with cheap airfares.

Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Morocco 2007

The Moroccan government realised that the way forward for their nation in terms of creating employment and boosting the economy significantly was to increase tourism and to create an environment so attractive for investors that they would come in their droves and buy up real estate stock.

To that end the government has been promoting Morocco around the world - there is a permanent stand at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida heralding the virtues of this North African nation that practically touches Europe across the Mediterranean Sea that divides it from mainland Spain for example, and now the skies over Morocco are open to cheap flight operators from across Europe and the UK. The nation has year round sunshine and is directly south and a short flying time from affluent Western Europe and all of these factors are starting to affect Morocco positively.

In 2006 in the first nine months alone tourism traffic was up almost 10% on the previous year with revenue generated from tourism up almost 30% which proves that the government are targeting the 'right' sort of tourist - i.e., the ones who come, stay, enjoy and spend money in Morocco! Looking to the longer term the Moroccan government has plans to increase tourism until 10 million visitors annually enter the nation by 2010. There are even plans afoot to build a tunnel under the sea to connect Morocco to Gibraltar in Europe...

'But why all this information about tourism' I hear you ask?

Because it is the tourism market that property investors in Morocco are targeting. On the one hand they are targeting those seeking villa and apartment rental and on the other hand they are aware that today's holiday maker is tomorrow's second, retirement or holiday home buyer. And investors really are in Morocco buying up and developing real estate stock. Already six brand new coastal resorts are in the planning and development stages, money is flooding in from Dubai and Qatar based development companies and European buyers are purchasing off plan knowing full well that their real estate assets are appreciating even before they are completed and handed over. Buyers in 2007 have a chance to buy in ahead of the continued predicted rise in tourism and before Morocco is established in many people's minds as a place to invest in real estate.

Consider buying off plan and flipping stock or better still, simply buying and renting to the tourism market on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts or in the mountainous ski resort of Oukaimeden. Rental income is earned tax free in Morocco for the first five years and those who hold property for ten years or more pay no capital gains tax when they resell, furthermore one is not subject to local inheritance tax in Morocco either. In conclusion - Morocco offers an investor a wealth of opportunity. Basically an investor needs to consider his preferred investment approach and his target market and then seek suitable real estate with room for growth or with prospects for returning good yields.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about property investment worldwide, to read more about property investment in Morocco [http://www.amberlamb.com/index.php/property/morocco/] in 2007 and beyond visit her site [http://www.amberlamb.com]

Visit Morocco With Flights to Casablanca Available at Budget Prices

Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, on the coast of North Africa facing the Atlantic Ocean, lies Casablanca. This cosmopolitan city blends the customs of the orient with the open ways of the Western world and is amongst the most fascinating cities to explore. With the wide range of packages and cheap tickets to Casablanca you can find nowadays, this city offers tourists fascinating cultural sites, natural spots and sparkling nightlife as well as an extensive choice of dining options.

All flights to Casablanca arrive at the Mohammed V Airport situated 30 km from the city center. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion and will soon be offering topnotch facilities for all travelers and increased chances to find cheap tickets to Casablanca.

Casablanca is no doubt Morocco's commercial capital, where Arab customs and western modern trends offer a kaleidoscope of contrasts within the walls of a city that essentially revolves around commerce and trade.

The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's landmark with its monumental structure that can welcome up to 2,500 worshippers within its walls and 80,000 in the outside gardens. The Old and New Medina are also worth visiting, notably the Old Medina with its two surviving gates through the old town walls where the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouni lies as well as a fortress and a jewelry market.

The best markets and restaurants as well as shopping centers lie on the northeastern fringe of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will also find the typical Souks and street markets where magnificent carpets and leather goods can be bought at extremely good prices.

Here, hotel luxury and superior service makes for a truly relaxing beach vacation under the warm dry sun. The Corniche Beach is a good place to consider when planning to relax or go for a swim. The Ain Diab is the nearest to the city center stretching for over a mile of white sand and dotted with beach clubs and dining facilities.

Casablanca offers international and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, downtown Casablanca being the best area in which to find a good restaurant. You may also try the Medina, where you can get a typical dish for only a few dollars.

With cheap flight to Casablanca you can also find great bargains for accommodation. Hotels range from luxury to low budget, whose prices vary considerably according to the rating of the hotel.

Casablanca boasts a warm Mediterranean climate with the summer temperatures averaging 24°C and winter temperatures usually remaining around 15°C.

Angelina Christy is a travel author who has written many articles that keeps on guiding the travellers throughout the world like flights to Casablanca. Angelina herself is an avid traveler who has travelled more than 22 countries. She also talk about travel options like Cheap Flights that explains how tourists can minimise the cost of their travel fares.

Morocco - A Destination That Has Everything

Morocco is a top holiday destination with something to offer just about everyone, from relaxing beach stays to activity holidays walking in the Atlas Mountain. Marrakech, the busy, bustling city, dating back to the 11th century, is filled curious sprawling souks, (markets) with an abundance of local traders and craftsmen including jewelers, potters, shoemakers and more. It is the home of haggling and impossible to leave without some small bargain. In the infamous Djemaa el-Fna Square the atmosphere is intoxicating and is the heart of Marrakech. You will be overwhelmed by the smells wafting over from the food stalls, the moving colours of the jugglers and snake charmers that vie for your attention. Marrakech is so hectic, but a wonderful world away from any British city, that you will need a break after visiting. Away from the pushy dominating city, Morocco actually has a lot more to offer.

The Atlas Mountains are only an hour away from Marrakech but you feel you've been transported to another time. Tranquil valleys, fertile pasture lands and snow-capped mountains are home to the more traditional Moroccans, the Berbers, and the country villagers. Set between the Sahara and Atlantic coast, the mountains can be walked, or trekked, all year round. In the summer the Atlas provide a cooling breeze as you trek through villages of small flat-roofed Berber houses which blend seamlessly into the mountains. In winter, more serious trekkers head up Mt Toubkal to summit the highest mountain in North Africa, during the harsh, cold and snowy weather. To summit Toubkal which reaches 4,167m high, is for most trekkers a feather in their cap but it is achievable for experienced mountain climbers and the very fit during the warmer months. There are so many trails and paths to follow that it is advisable to stay up in mountains for at least two days to give you a chance to really explore the area. There are some fantastic cheap gite d'etapes, (village houses with simple dormitory rooms), offering basic but clean accommodation. For those looking for a little extra comfort, you'll find beautiful mountain retreats, set high in the hills perhaps with a pool. The Atlas Mountains are somewhere to get away from modern, fast-paced life and take a step back.

Away from the mountains heading south, lays the Sahara Desert. The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, borders the Atlantic to the west and the Red Sea to the east and the Atlas Mountains to the north in Morocco. Some of its sand dunes can reach up to 18m in height providing the perfect platform to view this vast sand sea. Watching the sunrise over this incredible landscape is breathtaking and something not to be missed on your Morocco holiday. The Sahara is of course the best place too, to try out camel riding. The camel has been the chosen mode of transport in the desert for centuries and these sturdy, if a little temperamental, animals will take you across the sands as revel in the silence and solitude. Sleeping under the desert skies is also a treat, as the clear skies provide optimum astronomical viewing and the chance to glimpse the Milky Way. For the more active you can sand board down the dunes, take bouncy jeep rides or trek through the desert.

If hiking in the Atlas and camel riding through the desert isn't enough, you can always head to the Ourika River for a spot of white water rafting or the coastal port of Essaouira to swim in the sea or sunbath on the long sandy beach. Morocco is a destination that has just about everything, it is cheap, has plenty of activities for adults and children, an abundance of history and amazing food. The weather is pleasant most of the year and there are plenty of budget airlines that make daily flights from the UK. Morocco is ideal for activity holidays, beach trips and cultural exploration.

Moroccan National Tourist Office launch the third edition of MEET Morocco 2014

The Moroccan National Tourist Office is delighted to announce the launch of the 2014 edition of MEET Morocco. This 92-page, high-quality publication highlights Morocco's suitability as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, with features on the kingdom's principal regions, the main visitor activities, new infrastructure and hospitality developments, meetings facilities and a comprehensive list of hotels.

The 2014 edition of Meet Morocco is now available to read online!

MEET Morocco, which will be officially launched at EIBTM in Barcelona on November 20th, is a valuable tool for meetings and event planners, offering comprehensive information about meetings, conferences and incentives facilities in the country.

Features in MEET Morocco 2014 include: Morocco and Vision 2020 - New developments - Meetings overview - Agadir - Casablanca - El-Jadida - Essaouira - Fez & Meknes - Marrakech - Rabat - Tangiers - Golf - Atlas Mountains - Eco Tourism - Spas and wellness - Hotel overview and factsheets - Alternative meetings venues - Shopping - Dining & Nightlife - Getting around.

Meet Morocco is the third collaboration between Nicholas Publishing International and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, following earlier MEET Morocco titles published in 2002 and 2009.