The Roaming BoomersTravel Concerns About the Middle East
Travel Concerns About the Middle East
Travel concerns about the Middle East have been a relatively hot topic.
Understandably, whenever there are wars or rumors of war, this will affect tourism in the region.
When the war broke out in Israel in the early days of October, travel brands were quick to cancel or shift their itineraries away from Israel.
However, folks who might have a river cruise booked on the Nile wonder, “Is it safe?”
We were addressing similar questions when Russia attacked Ukraine. Hungary shares a small border with Ukraine, so some were afraid to be near Ukraine for fear that the war might spill into Hungary.
I understand people’s fear, but it was doubtful that Russia would involve a NATO country in its war with Ukraine, and the Danube river cruises continued without interruption.
I suspect the same thing is true here. Hamas is unlikely to let this war spill into Egypt as Egypt is the only place for refugees to escape the war.
Further, Cairo is over 300 miles from the Egpyt and Israel border. That is the distance from Phoenix to Los Angeles.
And while I’m no international relations expert, I don’t see this mess spilling into Egypt.
Further, the Nile River cruises are operating with no interference from what is happening in neighboring Israel.
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8 Comments on “Travel Concerns About the Middle East”
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We just returned from UNIWORLD Egypt cruise and felt very safe. There were armed guards everywhere but that has been in place for many years. The crew was so welcoming and happy we continued our travel plans in Egypt. Our Egyptologist was the best and made ancient history and architecture come to life. Go experience Egypt ~ it was a trip of a lifetime!
Thanks for sharing, Pam. Your boots-on-ground information is helpful.
Dear Carol and Dave ,
Floating down Nile river with small non luxury boat with only 10 of us woman total via Wild women tour. Started in Giza by van after easy arrival from Cairo airport, since Nov 3 pure joy and amazing times out to big and little adventures . Feel safe and well looked after. Used several modes transport including camels and having too much fun! Secure borders!!!
Hi Therese,
Thanks for sharing your perspective on the matter. We’ve been hearing the same thing. Egypt is safe.
Just got back from a Viking (Osiris) boat trip in Egypt, 20 days, 11/9/23, including an added 4 day land package to Jordan. While both countries border Israel, both countries also just announced before we left that they would absolutely under no circumstances accept Palestinian refugees into their countries. As a bonus, many people don’t understand that Egypt and Jordan are the two safest countries in the region and love tourists (because they are highly dependent on tourism!). We had no troubles at all. Our Viking river boat normally holds 82, but the actual capacity was lower due to people cancelling out of fear of the unknown (most people do not carefully follow the news or understand these facts), so that was great for us, with less crowding on boat and busses to Great Pyramid, Sphinx, Petra, etc. Just like sailing right after covid, which was our favorite time.
Hi Bert,
Thanks for sharing. Your in-country experience helps us to put the region into perspective.
Hi Dave,
As you know, 4 of us just canceled out January Nile cruise.
This is a personal decision with no right or wrong answer. But whatever the choice, that is the correct answer for the individual.
While the likelihood of a problem is remote, my thought is that if any member of a travel group is going to be concerned, then that negates the enjoyment of the trip.
The presence of armed guards does not reassure me. Instead it makes me concerned.
If Egypt is so safe, why are they necessary?
The fact that our cruise line is “carefully monitoring the situation” only means that once something happens, they will let us know.
Almost all the the future Nile cruises that were previously sold out, now have vacancies.
These cancellations are not due to “lack of understanding” or ignorance, but rather managing risk.
Understood. We’re certainly not criticizing anyone who feels that they want to cancel. And the armed guards have been there for many years. It seems to be something that happened after the Arab Spring back in the early 2010s. All the best. 🙂