In many ways Egypt hasn’t changed much since its 2011 revolution – politically the military is back in power, media reports it’s more dangerous than Yemen (based on a truly bizarre conclusion by the World Economic Forum), and life in Hurghada sails along peacefully for tourists and kite surfers.
Terrorism, Protests Out Of The Way
There are a lot of good reasons to visit Hurghada and one why you’re probably hesitant to – it’s in Egypt. Although our brains are wired to generalize bad news, like most places, national borders are too broad to define boundaries of safety. Egypt has more land area than Germany, Malaysia, and New Zealand combined. Hurghada, where there hasn’t been an incidence of terrorism since 1994, is isolated from Egypt’s main population centers by 450 kilometers (250 miles) of land and physically separated from the Sinai Peninsula by 30 km of sea.
There is a single road leading to Hurghada which is strictly controlled by an Egyptian military who is well aware that tourism brings over 10 billion dollars into the economy each year. Even the U.S. State Department, generally the most cautious western power with its travel warnings, advises that travel to Hurghada is safe.
Protests in Hurghada are something of a local running joke – there was one on August 16, 2013 – during the height of unrest that year in Egypt. Political revolutions don’t begin in resort towns and everyone, demonstrators included, knows it.
Low Crime Rate By High Common Sense
According to a 2014 Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) report on Egypt, crime in the country as a whole remains low despite increasing over the past 4 years. The biggest worries for tourists are pickpocketing but women in particular should take specific advice from my related live chat and this Solo Friendly article.
Roads in and around Hurghada are fairly well paved concrete running straight through flat desert terrain which is probably why most the traffic accidents happen to and from the city – not in it. Egypt’s roads are about as safe as India’s, so buckle up whether you’re in a car or bus.
Paradise Oasis
Recent news might have you wondering if you should cancel your travel plans but as others do, it’s the best time for you to make some if you haven’t. Prices at resorts like the Kempinski and The Breakers in Soma Bay are relative bargains as Turkish Airlines adds more weekly flights direct from Istanbul. As it was 4 months after Egypt’s 2011 revolution, there is now a rare travel window of opportunity you can take advantage of along the shores of the Rea Sea.