Frequently Asked Questions

Over the past 85 years, we've been asked a huge variety of questions by our clients. To avoid you having to ask us personally regarding common issues, we aim to answer the most frequent questions here.

If you've got a question that you can't find the answer to here, just email sales@peltours.com and we'll do our best to reply within 1 working day

Q. Do I really have to check in 3 hours prior to departure for my flight?

A. Yes, security checks are taking longer and therefore airline check-in desks are closing earlier.

Q. I’ve travelled all around the world without travel insurance. Why do you require me to take it?

A. It is essential when travelling abroad to have comprehensive travel insurance. At Peltours, we do not accept any passengers without it. Hopefully, it will be a waste of money and you won’t need it….but if not, you’ll need it for medicine, hospital, doctors, ambulances, replacement of lost luggage or personal belongings and alike, or possibly even a flight home. This may be refused to you if you are not insured, or you may have to pay in full yourself, locally.

Q. Am I allowed to take my camera into the sites in Egypt?

A. In the Egyptian Museum (Cairo), the Valleys of the Kings and Queens (Luxor), and certain other sites, cameras are permitted but flash photography is not allowed. You will have to pay a small charge to take your camera into many sites

Q. Is there a big difference between a 3/4* Nile cruise and a 5* Nile cruise like the Peltours ones?

A. The Nile Cruises offered by Peltours are on officially graded 5* or deluxe boats and are far superior to a 3* or 4* boat. Indeed, Peltours cruises include the services of a private Peltours guide (we do not rely upon the boat guides) throughout for all your touring, all excursions are included in the package – no hidden extras or paying locally to enter sites; and, you are treated like an individual – the personal touch

Q. Is tipping really necessary?

A. Yes, it is a way of life in Egypt and as wages are generally very low, they rely heavily on them. It is expected for almost everything. HINT: Take a handful of US$1 notes wherever you go

Q. Are the hotels and the service in Egypt the same as in the UK?

A. No, and you should not expect it to be. Service can be quite slow in Egypt and this is typical of the way of life. The hotels are modern as are their facilities generally. Remember, resort hotels will not usually be as efficient or as high standard as a city hotel, but may have more holiday facilities. A 5* hotel is not a deluxe or 6* hotel

Q. Do the hotels have tea and coffee facilities in the bedrooms?

A. Some do in the cities eg. Cairo. However, in Taba Heights, Taba and Nuweiba, the hotels do not have these in the room. If it is important to you, we recommend you bring a travel kettle and adaptor or a heating element

Q. Do I need to wear a jacket and tie in the dining rooms of the hotels ?

A. In the Red sea resorts, including Taba Heights, the dress code is very relaxed, so no tie or jacket is necessary. In the cities, eg. Cairo, dress is more formal but again, no tie is necessary

Q. I have heard that some people suffer from a gippy tummy from time to time. Is it normal?

A. It is quite normal with the change in temperature, atmosphere, food and surroundings for some people to have the odd tummy problem for a day or so. It is a good idea to take your own medication for this just in case

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Egypt?

A. Probably – check with your service provider before you depart for your holiday

Q. I’m flying to Taba and am not familiar with Astraeus, the airline. Who are Astraeus ?

A. Astraeus is a UK charter airline set up in early 2002. One of their First Officers is Bruce Dickinson – lead singer of rock band Iron Maiden

Q. Are meals and drinks included on flights to Taba?

A. Meals are included. Drinks are payable on board

Q. We are booked on half board, what does that mean?

A. You are entitled to breakfast and dinner to be taken in the main dining room / restaurant of the hotel, all buffet style basis

Q. Are there ATM (cashpoint) machines in Taba Heights or Nuweiba ?

A. No. However, most hotels have a bank on the premises

Q. Do I really need to drink lots of water even though there’s a cool breeze ?

A. Yes, when the weather is hot, you should drink a minimum 3-5 litres of water per day. Bottled mineral water is recommended, not tap water

Q. I want to try some SCUBA (self contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving, but suffer from asthma. Is that ok ?

A. No. in order to scuba dive, you must NOT suffer from any problems with: asthma, breathing difficulties, claustrophobia, heart, chest, ear, nose ,eye, throat. You must also not fly within 24 hours of diving

Q. Do I need to bring my own towels to sunbathe on by the swimming pool ?

A. No. The hotel will provide these for you

Q. Can I take my own drink into the hotel ?

A. No. You should only consume drinks purchased at the hotel

Q. Can I take food from the dining room at breakfast or dinner to make myself a snack later?

A. No. It is not acceptable and not appreciated. When on buffet style meals, you can take as much as you want during your meal at that sitting. The hotel is entitled to charge you if you take food out of the restaurant as it is not paid for

Q. During the holy festival of Ramadan, will alcohol still be served in the hotels and will services be affected?

A. Alcohol will be served. Some services, excursions and entertainment may be limited. Please show consideration and respect at all times – it is a holy month.