Egypt 2011 ***IMPORTANT UPDATE 2/4/11 Post # 190***

[tufbuf]

This is so exciting!!! I booked already, anyone else going?

 

[prattpak]

This is so exciting!!! I booked already, anyone else going?

Just got the insider today!!! This is on the agenda for dinner discussion tonight, not as to if we want to go, but for the WHEN do we go!!!

 

[figmentfan2009]

when are you going?
are there any discounts?
we are hoping to book but not sure when (100+ is kinda warm)

 

[tufbuf]

Aug. 2011. We were the first to book and they did not offer any discount. The lady said though we got the lowest rate for the tour.

She went on mentioning that tourists are normally escorted by armed guards in Egypt, just an fyi and hotel security is similar to the airport's, I guess bags go through xrays all the time?

 

[wdwsos]

I already told my family that this is our trip for next year! I have a few clients/friends interested in going with us, so need to coordinate dates with everyone. Luckily (or not, depending on what jobs they're on), two of my boys work in film so their schedules are somewhat flexible.

Tufbuf, which date did you book? The 7 or 9 night? I'm leaning towards the 9 right now. We've been trying to get back to Lebanon, so will just add it to the end.

Dotti

 

[Bobo912]

Aug. 2011. We were the first to book and they did not offer any discount. The lady said though we got the lowest rate for the tour.

She went on mentioning that tourists are normally escorted by armed guards in Egypt, just an fyi and hotel security is similar to the airport's, I guess bags go through xrays all the time?

If you have a specific trip and date that you want, you should by all means book early, so you don't end up disappointed. But ABD said the very same thing last year when they announced the trips (after dropping the EBD) that the posted rate was the lowest you would get. Then they very discreetly lowered the price on the Yosemite trip by $400. And they sent out PINs during the year with $200 off on a lot of dates for almost all of the intineraries. The only trip that I saw a price increase on was the Italy trip and it is one of their most popular. But if you have your heart set on a particular trip and don't have a lot of flexibility in your travel dates, it's probably a good idea to book sooner rather than later.

 

[tufbuf]

That's the 9-night booking. I think the addition is the Red Sea snorkelling. I really haven't looked at the 7-night one, just decided we're doing the 9-night tour. The activities are so wide and varied, it promises to be an amazing trip!!! I'm just a little wary about maiden tours but that would be their 6th year doing ABD so I guess they ironed out the problems already. I did mention that I hope they have kid-friendly food since my little girl is very picky and not so adventurous in trying new foods.

 

[figmentfan2009]

tufbuf... we's gonna be travlin together...

 

[smep013]

So exciting! Have fun!!!

 

[tufbuf]

tufbuf... we's gonna be travlin together...

Really! That's cool! I guess, you booked already?

 

[figmentfan2009]

yep, dh booked right after lunch... and is totally creeped out by the armed escort deal

 

[tufbuf]

Yeah, but i asked if they will be carrying huge firearms and they said not. It'll be more nerve wracking if they are carrying big ones.

 

[figmentfan2009]

how many peeps do you have in your group...

 

[tufbuf]

There are 3 of us, me, hubby and will-be 10-y/o then daughter.

 

[Raya]

Just booked the first tour out. Anyone else counting down the days until April?

 

[figmentfan2009]

<grin>Nope... AUGUST

 

[jjb52]

when are you going?
are there any discounts?
we are hoping to book but not sure when (100+ is kinda warm)

I was in Alexandria and Cairo in November and it is HOT. 108 degrees at the pyramids but totally awesome experience. I think it is always hot but sometimes hotter so I would check temps for the time you want to be there if heat bothers you or your kids. We had an armed guard all day long-guy in a suit with small machine gun under the suitcoat. We didn't know if we should be comforted or afraid but had been told it is how the tours are done. Very scary after dark-we were glad to be back to the safety of our cruise ship. This was my experience on a day long excursion on RCCL-ported in Alexandria and bus to Cairo for Pyramids and other hot spots. We got up at the crack of dawn and back to the ship late at night. This new ABD trip sounds fantastic but I don't think I could stand the heat for that many days-I'm a cool weather traveler. I look forward to the trip reports and pictures that I am hoping many of you post.

 

[tufbuf]

Hey jjb52! Thanks for your input.

I just have a question. The exchange rate for the Egyptian pound to a US dollar is 20 cents. I just wonder, how much will it cost for a decent meal there? I don't know if 1000 Egyptian pounds will get far. Any suggestions?

 

[abdmom]

I just booked this trip too, for the August 2 departure. I asked the lady at ABD and she said there are 18 spots left (out of 44). It will be me and my daughter (turning 13 on the trip).

 

[tufbuf]

Great!!! Looks like this trip will push through and no chance of them cancelling it!!! So exciting!