Destinations
Ageless Egypt
Blue sky and hot sands, the Pyramids, and the Nile...few countries stimulate the imagination like Egypt! Travelling through this land whose culture straddles several centuries can be the experience of a lifetime. More so if you have young children with you, since Egypt offers a host of attractions for people of all ages – from heritage sites and buzzing cities to fabulous Red Sea resorts and the Sahara, you have a holiday that packs in adventure, education and fun.
How often do we care to read up in depth about a holiday destination? When it comes to countries as culture rich as Egypt, the sheer quantity of information out there can be pretty daunting. And yet, this is especially relevant for young children. Reading about what they can expect to see and do builds up anticipation and interest. Also, a little advance knowledge helps them to deepen their understanding and appreciation – which means that as you explore Egypt’s museums, archaeological sites and monasteries, there are less chances of long, bored faces and more of excited, curious minds thirsting to know more!
The Muddy Shoes guide to Egypt is written especially for children between ages 8-12. Its friendly tone and easy-to-read format make it a fun read, with information that covers several aspects of travel. There’s a general section about Egypt’s geography, climate, population, people, languages and culture peppered with quirky, little-known nuggets of information that help children connect what they read with what they see around them. While you’re preoccupied with visas, flight arrangements and other nitty-gritty’s of travel, the kids would have boned up on hieroglyphs, Egyptian-style hospitality, how to cook kushari, ancient Egyptian sports and the entire pantheon of Egyptian gods. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised at their knowledge of basic Arabic phrases, what clothes to pack, Egyptian toilets and what not to say in Egypt!
For facts on Egypt click here.
Travelers (and more so, children) visiting a developing country for the first time can be left confused and bewildered at the huge contrasts they see around them. Slums and palaces. Limousines and beggars. Crazy traffic! Here, Muddy Shoes steps in with insights that allow children to appreciate ways of life different from their own; the guide sensitizes them to the beauty as well as the complexity of other cultures. It is also a handy ready reckoner which children can dip into from time to time. There’s even space provided for jottings, while on the move. The book inculcates among children, the need for being environmentally aware and responsible travelers.
For tips on responsible travel click here.
There’s far more to Egypt than the pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s ruins! A Nile cruise is a must to fully savor Egypt’s Pharaonic heritage. When you’ve thoroughly explored Cairo’s famed attractions, you can take off to natural reserves like the sprawling Wadi El Gemal and spend a night camping in the desert. If you’re a water sports lover, you’ll be delighted to know that the Red Sea is a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise, with a huge diversity of marine life and coral gardens. There’s also windsurfing, parasailing, pedal boating and water skiing, to keep everyone happy! The many resorts along the Red Sea offer a host of activities for families – a great option for a relaxed weekend.
