Escorted Tour FAQ

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Egypt is getting to be one of our most popular destinations. Even though tours to Egypt are offered year round, Cairo can be very hot during the summer months.I was there in September/October and it was quite hot in the sun(up to 105 degrees during the afternoons), but tolerable in the shade. Light, comfortable clothing is recommended with good walking shoes. We walked for miles in and out of stuffy tombs, but well worth every minute. Valley of the Kings was a highlight. And not to be missed, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx! The Mena House Hotel overlooks the pyramids. They were within full view from the terrace of our room.

The safety of tourists is a main concern of the Egyptian authorities. It is mandatory for each tour group to proceed throughout Egypt with an armed security guard along on the motor coaches and visiting the attractions. An Egyptologist is assigned to each group and travels with the group from attraction to attraction. They are so knowledgeable and many of them have participated in digs before becoming licensed Egyptologists.

The Nile Cruise was a highlight of our trip. The river boats are luxurious, with comfortable cabins and serving gourmet food. I was so pampered, I felt like Cleopatra floating down the Nile. Not only are the river boats luxurious, but most of the hotels are, as well.

Every attraction we went to was awesome. The Egyptian Museum is huge. There are 120,000 items on display and more in storage, not yet restored. It is so amazing when you realize you are looking at things thousands of years old. The temples are overwhelming and once again you wonder how they could possibly build these structures thousands of years ago with the primitive tools they had to work with. Abu Simbel is the southernmost spot on the tour. These cliff-built temples were moved stone by stone to higher ground as the project to erect the Aswan Dam would submerge them under Lake Nasser. Depending on which tour you decide on, if Abu Simbel is offered as an option, it is a must see.

You should choose one Light and Sound Show. The one offered at Luxor Temple, right in the heart of the city is the best with it’s great views.

Egypt is awesome! 2010 is a great year to go as there are great promotional offers. http://www.escortedafricatours.com

Feel free to email or call me with any questions about travel to Egypt.
 
Contributed by CKennedy
866-503-6423
kennedy@atlastravelweb.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

There is still time to take advantage of some great specials on Europe vacations. Globus and Trafalgar currently have the best offer available. Both companies are offering $500 off per couple on air-inclusive bookings. Atlas is also offering an additional 5% off of the land for early bookings.

These special offers have been extended for new bookings made by December 15, 2008. Remember, a deposit secures your tour space, and then final payment is not due until 45 day prior to travel.

Monday, November 10, 2008

There are over 8.8 million applicants for US passports each year.  For that reason, there are around 7,000 passport offices in the country. Generally it takes around 3 to 4 weeks to get a passport. But what if you need to travel soon? If you have 2 weeks, you can usually get an appointment at one of the 13 regional passport offices and get the passport sooner.

Need it even faster? Perhaps "immediately" like one of our clients who arrived at the airport only to realize his passport had expired? You can use ItsEasypassport.com who can usually get you a passport the same day, or within 24 hours. They work in conjunction with US Passport offices in New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Houston and other major U.S. cities & even have an office at the JFK airport. The fee for same-day service for a new passport or renewal, is currently from $249 plus standard government passport fees.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Common question asked by clients:

How can they possibly travel for a length of time with just one suitcase not to exceed 50 lbs & one carry-on?

Answer:

You would be surprised how many things can be packed and not exceed 50 lbs. There are some wonderful no wrinkle, light weight fabrics for traveling and you don't need a pair of shoes for each outfit. When staying in the same hotel for more than 1 night, you can take advantage of the laundry facilities they have to offer.

Make a list before packing and make sure to mix and match outfits. Always pack tightly. Scarf or jewelry can change the look or a blouse. Packing loosely will waste space and cause clothes to wrinkle from moving around. Use all the space you have available to you, such as putting socks & under garments inside of shoes.

You can get a great packing list from Frommers.

Keep in mind that the airlines are changing their restrictions and charges often these days. Make sure and go to their web site or call a couple of weeks before travel to get the latest information.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Clients often ask when they will get "more" information about their tour. I always tell them after final payment is made, they will receive their documents delivered to their home by UPS 2 to 3 weeks prior to travel, and not to expect anything from the tour operator in the interim.

There are exceptions, especially with adventure trips or luxury travel, where preliminary documents are sent, as well as personal registration forms to be filled out.

You will of course always receive written confirmations from us for your records.