Travel to Hurghada

Thanks to airlines like easyJet, flythomascook and Thomson Flights, you can get direct flights to Hurghada from London Gatwick and Manchester. Average journey time is around four and a half hours. If you fly indirect, you get to choose from a wider range of UK departure points, including Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow International, but tickets can be considerably more expensive.

There are plenty of taxis available at the airport, which can whisk you to the city itself in 15 or 20 minutes. Just make sure you agree on the fare before setting off on your journey, and be sure the fare quoted is for everyonenot just per person. Alternatively you can take a bus to begin your holiday in Hurghadastops can be found close to the passenger terminal, and you have to tell the driver when you want to be dropped off. If you really want the freedom to roam on your own, another option is to hire a car in Hurghada, but be sure to arrange this online before you head out to ensure you pay a fair price and that there will be a car waiting for you.

Cheap hotels in Hurghada can be found if you look online before setting out. There is a range of budget hotels and self-catering accommodation available, so have a good search around to compare locations and prices.

When it comes to buying thing during your holiday in Hurghada, there's only one rule: haggle. When wandering through the bazaars in search of trinkets, souvenirs and clothes, just remember that the prices will be heavily marked up, and you'll be expected to use your negotiating talent to get them down by 50% or more! As for food, you'll be able to keep a tight hold of your budget if you avoid tourist traps and eat at more humble but no less delicious establishments. It's always a good idea to ask locals for their insider tips!

• Alexandria
• Aswan
• Cairo
• Dahab
• Luxor
• Sharm el Sheikh