Does EGYPT seem to volatile to bother with? (crime, country, tourists)

[Tiger Beer]

Does EGYPT seem to volatile to bother with?

When I was a kid, Egypt was a place I always wanted to visit and see.

However, it seems that the kidnapping and terrorism....they seem to specifically target foreigners.

Does that element put you off the idea of visiting Egypt?

[azoria]

I wouldn't be much concerned with kidnapping. I'd be more concerned right now with unpredictable outbreaks of public unrest and turmoil.

However from what I've read, this could be a great time to visit the pyramids as tourism has dropped to almost nothing an you'll have the whole place to yourself.

I know bunches of people who've been to Egypt (before the uprising). Nobody has had much good to say about it. A lot of poverty, lots of tourist swindlers.

But kidnapping? Nah.

Here's a list of the 10 most dangerous cities in the world. You'll be happy to read that Cairo isn't on it.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World in 2011 !!!
http://urbantitan.com/the-10-most-da...ities-in-2012/

For accurate travel danger assessments, I far prefer the British Foreign Office to the US Dept. of State website:
Egypt travel advice
(note that most of violent crimes reported are in the Sinai area, not Cairo)

[Trimac20]

Tourism dropped to nothing? A former colleague of mine visited over a year ago (before the outbreak) and had positive things to say about the experience.

I would like to visit too, but it's some way down my list. Maybe by the time I reach it things will have settled down a bit.

[minibrings]

I'd hesitate to visit any place where I'd be the only tourist.
I was in Bali weeks after the bombing and I was the object of aggressive touts since they were desperate.
I felt bad, I could not help everyone or buy everything.

[tijlover]

I've always yearned to be "part of history in the making", and I'm sure there are more adventuresome tourists who think likewise.

When I saw the video's of the Athens' riots recently, I was saddened that I wasn't there to witness it. I missed the massive road blockades in Bolivia by just a few days. But I was able to enjoy being right smack in the middle of the Farmer's Protests in Argentina, roads blocked all over the country. Just some inconvenience, that's all!

My biggest concern going to Egypt now, with the lack or absence of tourists, would be being hounded to death by street/store vendors in the tourist areas!
The Arabs are rather aggressive/pushy salesmen to begin with (learned that from an earlier trip to Morocco), and with lack of tourists, yikes!

[chielgirl]

I wouldn't be heading to Cairo or Luxor at the moment, but the beach areas are well touristed and safe. One of my office mates just returned from Hurgada and another is on the way to Sharm el Sheik in 3 weeks.

[domfromco]

I felt uncomfortable in Egypt when it was relatively peaceful (2010). Couldn't imagine being there now with such political instability.

[Huckleberry3911948]

the entire mideast is off limits to me and my native friends. vietnam is much safer. LOL.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by tijlover

. I missed the massive road blockades in Bolivia by just a few days. But I was able to enjoy being right smack in the middle of the Farmer's Protests in Argentina, roads blocked all over the country. Just some inconvenience, that's all!

yikes!

I experienced blockaides in Bolivia. Stranded for over 24 hours with very little food and water, and tons of very worried mothers with hungry children. Not much fun, and the story takes too much to explain to people, so I usually don't.

[C.E.O]

Originally Posted by chielgirl

I wouldn't be heading to Cairo or Luxor at the moment, but the beach areas are well touristed and safe. One of my office mates just returned from Hurgada and another is on the way to Sharm el Sheik in 3 weeks.

Actually I advise everyone will visit Egypt to avoid Cairo, you are right about the beaches, especially the north coast.