Marsa Alam: our adventure in the heart of the Red Sea

Piero: ogni nostro viaggio inizia sempre allo stesso modo: una cartina aperta sul tavolo, qualche guida da sfogliare e tanta voglia di partire. Questa volta, però, c'è una grande novità.

Angela: niente van e niente spostamenti da organizzare?

Piero: esatto! Per una volta abbiamo lasciato il nostro amato van. Dopo tanti viaggi on the road ci siamo concessi qualcosa di completamente diverso: uno zaino, una valigia e un volo diretto verso il sole dell'Egitto.

Angela: devo confessare che non mi dispiace per niente. Ogni tanto è bello salire su un aereo, atterrare dopo poche ore e trovarsi davanti un mare che sembra uscito da una cartolina.

Piero: la meta scelta è stata Marsa Alam, una località che negli ultimi anni è diventata uno dei punti di riferimento per chi ama il Mar Rosso, lo snorkeling e la spettacolare barriera corallina.

Angela: non mi sembra vero che una volta tanto partiamo con l'idea di vivere una vacanza fatta solo di relax, lettini e ombrelloni.

Piero: l'idea è quella, ma non poniamoci limiti...

Angela: vogliamo sicuramente rilassarci, perché ogni tanto fa bene anche spegnere il cervello, ma conosciamo entrambi un piccolo problema...

Piero: che dopo qualche ora fermi in spiaggia iniziamo già a chiederci cosa ci sia oltre l'orizzonte!

Angela: e questo mi entusiasma sicuramente ma mi preoccupa un pò, visto che stiamo andando in una terra ricca di storia e paesaggi mozzafiato.

Piero: I won’t reveal anything yet, but I already have something in mind…

Angela: I’ll pretend I didn’t understand and start packing my suitcase. Do we need anything special? Do I have to do something to enter Egypt?

Piero: fortunately, not much. For Italian citizens, it is enough to have a passport with adequate remaining validity, or alternatively an identity card valid for international travel, accompanied by two passport photos if you enter using that document. We chose to travel with our passports: it’s the simplest option.

Angela: and then there is the tourist visa, which is mandatory.

Piero: it can be purchased directly on arrival at the airport, before passport control. The cost is around 25 US dollars and it is valid for thirty days. If you book a package holiday with a tour operator, the procedure is often handled directly by the organisation.

Angela: should we exchange our euros?

Piero: the official currency is the Egyptian pound, but in resorts and during many excursions, euros and especially US dollars are widely accepted. We brought some cash for tips and small purchases, while for everything else we paid without any particular problems.

Angela: when it comes to tips, it is better to always have some small notes and coins. In Egypt, tipping is part of the local culture, and it is common to leave something for waiters, drivers, guides, or resort staff. We should be prepared, because requests for tips will be frequent…

Piero: another aspect not to underestimate is the phone. Before leaving, we checked everything carefully because European roaming does not apply in Egypt.

Angela: the alternatives are a eSIM or a specific package from our mobile operator to extend data and phone coverage in Egypt. This way, as soon as we landed, we already had a data connection without having to look for a local SIM card. A really convenient solution, especially for using maps, sending messages, and sharing some travel photos. Without these precautions, phone usage can become expensive and limited to the resort’s Wi-Fi.

Piero: the heat should also not be underestimated, even though the wind, sea breeze, and low humidity can make it seem less intense. Especially during the summer months, temperatures can become extremely high. Between walks, swimming, and the many activities offered by the resorts, it is easy to become dehydrated without even realising it.

Angela: that’s why the obvious advice is to drink frequently and, above all, to pack some electrolyte supplements.

Piero: another important precaution concerns water. We always used only bottled water, avoiding tap water and paying attention to ice and raw foods as well.

Angela: and we should also be careful about temperature changes: you go from around 40°C outside to heavily air-conditioned halls, restaurants, and buses, where the temperature is often set very low.

Piero: let’s say it clearly: stomach problems are always around the corner. And you know something about that…

Angela: so it is better to be prepared, bringing the medicines we normally use for these situations, along with probiotics and everything needed to deal with possible problems without having to search for them once there.

Piero: in more delicate cases, almost all resorts have a small medical clinic on site, ready to provide assistance if needed.

Angela: before leaving, however, always check your travel health insurance carefully. A visit or treatment can solve the problem quickly, but without proper coverage, the bill could be anything but pleasant.

Piero: last detail, but always useful: electrical sockets.

Angela: great news! Most hotels in Marsa Alam use the same Type C and Type F sockets that we use in Italy, so we didn’t need any adapter.

Piero: in short, careful but simple preparation. A few document checks, the suitcase ready, and a great desire to dive into the blue waters of the Red Sea.

Angela: and now that everything is ready… we can finally take off. Four hours of flight, just a little waiting time at the airport, a transfer of about one hour, and we’ll finally be on the beach!