Frequently Asked Questions
and
Things to Know


Airfare Questions

  • Each traveler will need to make their own air travel arrangements.

    Baird Tours is available to assist with your flight arrangements. Since airlines do not pay commission to travel agents we will add $100 to an economy ticket and $250 to a premium or business class ticket.

    Guests need to arrive at the Cairo International Airport (CAI) no later than February 9, 2024.

    Guests should not schedule departure time from Cairo earlier than 4:00 PM on February 17, 2024.

    You can search for airfare on your preferred airline website or using a service such as Expedia or Google Flights

  • Yes you can use airline or reward miles to purchase your ticket.


Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance

  • We highly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance covering the cost of your trip. The cost to you of cancelling a trip due to sickness or injury to yourself or a family member, flight delays, lost luggage, medical costs during the trip are all covered if you purchase a Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance policy. Coverage is subject to the amount of insurance purchased for trip cancellation and limited by other terms of the policy.

    There are numerous Travel Insurance providers, in addition to General's Global Assistance, that you may want to price and compare policies. If so we suggest you go to www.insuremytrip.com

  • Yes. Baird Tours offers a Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance policy through Generali Global Assistance as an option for its travelers. We have worked with this company for many years. If you are interested in getting an immediate online quote for Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance through Generali Global Assistance click the button below. There is no obligation. The interaction is completely online.

    For questions contact Darla Baird

  • There are a number of reputable companies that provide Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance. You can find them by searching for “trip insurance” on the internet. There are also sites that offer policies from multiple companies and show comparisons between them. Two such sites are www.insuremytrip.com and www.squaremouth.com.

  • Many policies combine trip cancellation and travel insurance into a single policy. Trip cancellation insurance is the portion of a policy that covers the non-refundable portions of payments for trip in the event the traveler is not able to go on the trip due to reasons such an illness or injury of yourself, a traveling companion or a member of the traveler’s family. Travel insurance is the portion of a policy that covers costs associated with trip delays, lost baggage and medical costs while on a trip.

  • Some premium credit cards provide trip insurance benefits for trip costs purchased using their credit card. These benefits vary by credit card and are usually capped. Contact your credit company to determine terms and limits of your benefits.

  • Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance policies should be purchased as soon as the non-refundable amount paid for tours, airfare or lodging grow larger than the cost of the policy. The date on which the policy is purchased can effect eligibility for some benefit provisions such as coverage for pre-existing conditions.


Covid-19 & Other Vaccination Questions

  • No. At this time, Egypt does not require any vaccinations and you do not need to have a Covid-19 vaccination to enter. However, you may want to consult with your personal physician or the CDC with regards to recommended shots, malaria medication, etc based on what you have had in the past and your physician’s advise. These requirements could change at any time. If any of these requirements should change, those registered will be notified.

  • At this time, there are no Covid-19 testing requirements for foreign tourists. And there is no longer a requirement for Covid Health Insurance for entry into Israel or Jordan. As Covid-19 requirements are constantly changing, we will notify all those registered of the entry requirements as we get closer to our departure date.

  • At this time, there are no Covid-19 testing requirements for US citizens returning to the US. But as these things are constantly changing, we will notify all those registered of the entry requirements as we get closer to our departure date.


Travel Tips

  • Egypt requires all passengers have a valid passport that does not expire less than 6 months after the return day of travel.

  • Egypt’s weather in February is very pleasant. Cairo’s temperatures are similar to the national average, with highs of 70° and lows of 50°. The usually hot city of Luxor also has balmy weather conditions in February with highs around 80° during the day. At night, the mercury can drop to 45°. The winter months are typically when Egypt receives most of its rain but it is still only 0.2 inches for the month.

    The temperature on Mt Sinai at night and early morning can be very chilly so keep this in mind but you can also rent a blanket along the way.

  • Please know that these tours require a some walking each day, but not an extensive amount. The walking is generally in short intervals but it can be up and down steps on dirt and rocky terrain. We highly recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and/or sport sandals with soft soles and be sure to break them in ahead of your trip. For those planning to climb Mt Sinai, a good pair of trail or hiking shoes/boots is important.

  • While traveling in Egypt, casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are essential. The weather can vary from daytime to nighttime; so layers clothing can help and clothes with sun-protection but suitable for temps in the 70-80’s during the day with direct sunlight. At night, it can be cooler so you should pack a light jacket or pullover. You may want to take a water-resistant jacket in case of rain. This should keep you warm enough in the evenings or in the event of cooler weather. Full-brimmed hats or caps are recommended for sun protection. Be sure to pack a swimsuit for the pools at hotels and especially while cruising the Nile.

    Casual attire is all that’s needed. You may want to pack nice casual for dinners similar to eating out in Dallas.

  • Camera, extra memory cards, sunscreen, sunglasses, roll-up wind/rain jacket, small umbrella, swimsuit, notepad, Bible, mobile phone, laptop, chargers, adapter plugs, short extension cords (with multiple outlets). Compression socks help circulation on long flights. A small tote-bag or day-pack comes in handy carrying things on and off the bus each day. A collapsible duffle is helpful in case you buy more souvenirs than your luggage can hold. Bottled water will be readily available and easy to purchase.

    Carry-on Bag Packing. In case your checked luggage is delayed or lost you should pack any items that you must have upon arrival such as medications, glasses, contacts, chargers, an extra change of clothes, your walking shoes, and any items you can’t easily buy in a local store.

  • Please limit your baggage to one checked bag and one carry-on bag and a personal bag such as a purse, small backpack or laptop bag. Most airlines will accept one checked bag WITH NO FEES with a maximum weight of 50 pounds (22 kg) and a maximum outside dimension of 62 inches (157 cm). If your bag exceeds the weight limit or size requirements, the airline will charge you a fee at check-in. Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.

    Remember the TSA limitations on liquid and aerosol products that can be in your carry-on bags.

  • In Egypt the outlets are European-style (type C and F) that provide 220 volts of electricity. This compares to US outlets which have 120 volts. All US plugs will require a European plug adapter to fit in Egyptian outlets. Hairdryers are provided at all hotels and on the ship. Important: If you take any electrical devices other than those used for charging phones and computers, we recommend you purchase dual voltage devices (e.g. hair dryers, curling irons, etc.) Dual voltage appliances can usually be purchased at places like Target, Walmart, CVS and Walgreens. In our experience, voltage converters either don’t work or burn the device or your hair. Plug adapters can be purchased in luggage departments at Target, WalMart, etc. for less than $10.

    Pro Tip: Bring a short extension cord with multiple plugs on one end. This is handy when you have several devices to charge at night.

  • Hotels and larger stores will accept most major credit cards. Additionally, most ATM cards can be used to get local currency (Egyptian Pounds). But check with your bank to be sure your card can be used in Egypt. It is not necessary to exchange money in advance. We suggest you notify your credit card company that you are traveling abroad and will be in Egypt if you plan to use your credit cards.

  • All gratuities are generously included in your tour package price to appreciate the services of your guides, drivers, hotel staff and luggage porters. You would only need to tip for meals in transit and in Sharm El Sheikh or for individual services you purchase such as spa treatments or beverages.

  • You should plan to pay for any beverages you purchase at lunch or dinner, bottled water, snacks, any individual services such as room service, laundry, spa treatments and souvenirs. For those on the Mt Sinai 7 Red Sea Extension lunches and dinners are not included so you will need to plan to pay for these but credit card payments should not be a problem.

  • If you don’t have Global Entry which also includes TSA Pre-Check and you are interested in getting this before your trip here is some information but know that this is not required for travel or for this trip. These programs will help you short-cut some of the long security and passport lines within the US and upon return. CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL SITES TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/enrollment-centers

    Just complete the online application and they will contact you to set up an interview. Note: Passport Offices and Global Entry/TSA offices have been overwhelmed with applications so don’t delay if you want to apply. However, it is not required.