How to Plan for Cheap Hurghada Holidays
Hurghada, a popular holiday destination on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, is a budget-friendly resort and a great place to find cheap holidays.
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It offers plenty of activities and attractions for holidaymakers and is popular with UK travellers, thanks to its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, world-famous diving and snorkelling, and a year-round warm climate.
And with prices lower than other popular Mediterranean hotspots, we recognised on our very first trip here back in 2005, that it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, without breaking the bank.
Hurghada has something for everyone – including cheap holidays. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach break or an adventure-packed, adrenaline fuelled trip, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Sunbathe on the beach, swim in the Red Sea, explore the local market and nightlife, or take a day trip to nearby Luxor or Cairo. Choose from a wide range of accommodation, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, and it’s clear the area caters to all requirements.
But what we think really makes it stand out as a cheap holiday destination is its affordability. From package holidays to food and drink, everything is reasonably priced, helping you to make memories that last a lifetime, without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Hurghada for Your Next Holiday?
We think Hurghada, and the nearby destinations of El Gouna and Makadi Bay, are the perfect destinations for your next cheap holiday.
If you’re looking for some winter sun, temperatures here are much warmer than the UK. Or if you’re planning your next summer holiday, you’ll find stunning beaches, guaranteed sunshine, and affordable prices.
Put all this together and you’ve got an ideal location for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Here’s our Top 5 reasons why we think you should choose Hurghada for your next holiday.
1. Beautiful Beaches
One of the main attractions of Hurghada is the fantastic sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the local area. They really are up there with some of the best beaches in the world, and it’s clear to see why people return year after year to enjoy them.
There’s more than 30km of shoreline, so you’re sure to find a beach that you love, and with plenty of space to relax. Beaches in Hurghada are nothing like what you see in some of the Spanish holiday resorts, where there is little room to move or relax.
Check out our guide to the Best Beaches in Hurghada to discover quiet and secluded beaches, alongside those with lots more going on.
2. Great Climate
With sunshine throughout the year, Hurghada is a year-round destination for cheap holidays, popular for summer breaks and those seeking some much-needed winter sun.
The hot desert climate with low humidity is great for enjoying the warm weather, without feeling uncomfortable.
The Hurghada Weather means the resort is great for relaxing and soaking up the sun and enjoying water sports including diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and paddle boarding.
3. Affordable Prices
Working all year just to take a holiday is not anybody’s idea of a relaxing break. So whilst it’s important to find the best holiday available, the cost is one of the key factors in deciding where to go and what to do.
Compared to other popular destinations, your money really does go further here. Hotels, food and drink, activities and the general cost of spending time here is all reasonably priced. This puts Hurghada firmly in the budget-friendly holiday destination category.
4. Fun Activities
There’s so much to do here, and not surprisingly most of it is based outdoors! Explore the underwater world with diving or snorkelling adventures, go on a quad bike tour, or take a boat trip to explore nearby Orange Bay or Giftun Island.
Check out our guide to popular day trips from Hurghada.
5. Rich Culture
Hurghada is an excellent destination for those interested in culture and history. You can travel from Hurghada to the Pyramids, take a trip to nearby Luxor and the Karnak Temples, or head to the desert to visit a Bedouin village to explore its traditional way of life.
Hurghada is an excellent choice for your next holiday. With its beautiful beaches, great climate, affordable prices, and fun activities, you’ll have an unforgettable experience that will create lasting memories.
Top Things to Enjoy on a Budget
Are you looking at Hurghada for affordable and cheap holidays close to Egypt’s Red Sea? It really is the perfect place to go if you want a great value trip, combined with water sports, sandy beaches and lots of things to see and do.
Not everything has to cost a fortune, and we’re happy to share with you, some of our favourite things to do on a budget:
Snorkelling and Diving
Top of the Hurghada activity list for many people is exploring the Red Sea. Vibrant coral reefs can be explored by snorkelling, or diving for the more adventurous. And the good news is that you don’t need to be experienced in either to enjoy them.
Many local companies offer introductory diving courses and experiences, or guided snorkelling tours for beginners. It’s a great way to get to grips with the equipment and learn the skills needed to make the most of your trip. Many of these tours are reasonably priced and you can often negotiate a discount by booking in advance or as part of a group.
Beach Bumming
Read any travel blog or pick up any travel brochure, and you’ll quickly see people relaxing on beautiful beaches. It’s what many of us associate with our summer holiday.
And there’s nowhere better to do this than the beaches in Hurghada. Long stretches of white sands where you can relax, sunbathe and swim for hours.
Head to some of the most popular beaches in the local area, which are public and free of charge, including Old Vic Beach and Al Mahmya Beach. Or if you want something more private and secluded, then we’d recommend booking a private tour to somewhere like Giftun Island, which will cost a bit more but is totally worth it.
Local Markets
Part of the fun of exploring new places and cultures is finding something to take home as a memory. Things like souvenirs, spices, clothes, or jewellery, are all popular items and the best place to get them is the local markets.
Head to El Dahar Souk or Sekalla Souk, where these colourful bazaars not only offer some potential bargains, but are a great experience in terms of understanding and enjoying more about local culture and lifestyle.
Be prepared to haggle hard with the vendors to get the best deals – it’s a way of life! And bring cash, many of the traders won’t accept credit cards.
Desert Safari
Think of Egypt, and you immediately think of the desert. And Hurghada is no different, bordered on three sides by miles and miles of sandy landscapes, well worth exploring.
There are plenty of opportunities to join a desert safari tour that usually includes riding on a quad bike or a camel, watching the sunset over the dunes, before enjoying a Bedouin-style dinner under the stars in a traditional village.
Book online before you travel to make sure you have a guaranteed reservation and to secure the best price.
Local Food
Although it might be tempting to spend all of your time in your All-Inclusive hotel, we’d strongly advise heading out to enjoy the real taste of Hurghada and Egypt.
There are many street food stalls and local restaurants, where you can enjoy grilled meats, fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, and sweet desserts at affordable prices.
Dishes to look out for include:
Koshari – a popular street food made with rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, and topped with crispy onions and a spicy tomato sauce.
Foul – a dish made with fava beans, usually served as a breakfast food and topped with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Ta’meya – also known as falafel, a deep-fried patty made from ground fava beans or chickpeas and served in a sandwich or as a snack.
Shakshuka – a dish of eggs poached in a tomato and pepper sauce, usually served for breakfast or brunch.
Um Ali – a traditional Egyptian dessert made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins, similar to bread pudding.
Find the Best Deals for Cheap Hurghada Holidays
Getting the best value for money when booking Cheap Hurghada Holidays is really important to most people.
There are several ways you can try and make your trip more affordable, and here are some of our favourite tips to help your find the best deals and save money on your break:
Check for Special Offers
Many travel booking websites, hotels and travel agents offer special deals and discounts throughout the year. Keep an eye out for these promotions.
One of the best ways of keeping in-the-know is to sign up to newsletters and alerts. Not only will you find out when things go on offer, but you may also pick up a handy discount code, offering 5% off or more.
If you find a good deal, you’ll need to move quickly as many of them are limited to a certain number of packages.
Book Early or Late
Securing your Hurghada holiday well in advance can often help you secure a better deal.
Although last-minute deals do still exist, it’s our feeling that booking early tends to provide the best rewards.
It also gives you a longer period of time to save up for your trip, and research and book any activities you might want to do.
Compare Prices
We can’t emphasise enough how important comparing prices is. Not only should you compare different holiday companies, but you should also compare different ways of booking your holiday.
For example, are you better booking your holiday as a package, which includes the flight, hotel and transfer. Or is it better value to book your flight yourself, search for your hotel on a site like Booking.com and then get a taxi or transfer from the airport to your accommodation.
It’s also well worth playing around with departure dates and holiday durations, as sometimes the dynamic pricing means you could end up with a 10 day holiday for a similar price to a 7 day one.
Timing is Everything
The peak season for people spending time in Hurghada is from November to March. This is because the temperature is more manageable then, and the contrast to the colder days and nights at home is more stark.
Stay in the Right Area
Location location location. Staying in the right area can make a big difference to the cost of your holiday.
Cheap hostels and budget hotels are generally found in the El Dahar area, whereas staying in Downtown or Sakkala, means you’re more likely to fine more luxury hotels.
Consider an All-Inclusive Package
An all-inclusive holiday appeals to different people for different reasons. They’re really popular with families, when children can place a huge demand on any holiday budget, with a steady stream of soft drinks, ice creams and snacks throughout the day.
A typical all-inclusive package includes your accommodation, meals, drinks (sometimes it’s only locally-produced alcoholic drinks) and various activities. It’s worth checking exactly what’s included as it can differ from hotel to hotel.
By following these tips, you can find the best Hurghada Cheap Holidays and make them that little bit more affordable. Remember to be flexible, compare prices, and book at the right time to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Where to Stay on a Budget and get Cheap Hurghada Holidays
As we’ve said earlier in this guide, accommodation in Hurghada can be found at reasonable prices throughout the year. There are so many options ranging from simple 2 star hostels and hotels, right through to 5 star luxury resorts.
Here are some of the best budget-friendly hotels and resorts that we’ve found:
AMC Royal Hotel & Spa
The AMC Royal Hotel & Spa is a 5-star resort that offers great value for money. Located in the resort district in the south of the city, this hotel has a private beach, two swimming pools, and a spa. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and come with a balcony or terrace. The hotel also has a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.
Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel
The Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel is another great budget-friendly option. This 5-star resort has a water park, several swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a spa. The rooms are modern and stylishly decorated and come with all the necessary amenities.
Bella Vista Resort Hurghada
The Bella Vista Resort Hurghada is a 4-star resort that offers excellent value for money. Located on the beachfront, this hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, and a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. The rooms are comfortable and come with air conditioning and satellite TV.
Jasmine Palace Resort & Spa
The Jasmine Palace Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort that offers great value for money. Located near the beach in the south of the city, this hotel has a private beach, several swimming pools, a kids’ club, and a spa. The rooms are spacious and come with a balcony or terrace.
Sea Garden Hotel
The Sea Garden Hotel is a mid-range option that offers great value for money. Located in the heart of the city, this hotel is close to all the major attractions and has a rooftop pool with stunning views of the city. The rooms are basic but comfortable and come with air conditioning and satellite TV.
Overall, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options in Hurghada that are perfect for a cheap holiday. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a mid-range hotel, you’ll find plenty of options that suit your budget and preferences.
Tips & Tricks for a Cheap Holiday in Hurghada
Being a savvy traveller not only helps you get more out of your trip, but also saves you money when you’re booking your flight, hotel and activities.
Hurghada is a great place to find budget-friendly holidays, high in quality but without the price tag of other more popular destinations.
Here are some of our favourite trips and tricks to help you make the most of your break:
Choose the Right Time to Travel
Travelling between May and September (the “off season”) can save you a lot of money. Hotels and flights are usually cheaper, and there are fewer tourists, meaning there is greater availability and you can enjoy the attractions with less crowding.
Keep in mind that the temperature can be quite high during the summer months, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing and stay hydrated.
Look for Deals and Discounts
When planning your holiday to Hurghada, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for deals and discounts. You could find discounts on flights and hotels, free or reduced-price tours, and even discounts on meals and drinks.
These can be in the form of flash sales or perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to find a discount code.
Stay All-Inclusive
All-inclusive holiday packages can be an excellent value for your money. They often include meals, drinks, and activities, for a fixed price.
This can save you a lot of money in the long run rather than paying for everything separately. Plus, it’s a proper holiday when you don’t have to worry about how much you’re spending and worrying about the cost of food or drinks.
Plan Ahead for Cheap Holidays in Hurghada
Before setting off on your cheap holiday to Hurghada, do some research and plan what things you would like to do, and when.
Decide which attractions you want to visit, which tours you want to book, and how much you want to spend on each activity. This will help you budget your money efficiently and make the most of your time in Hurghada.
Check out our guide to day trips from Hurghada for some inspiration.
Be Mindful of Your Spending
Try to take advantage of the free or low-cost activities in Hurghada, such as lounging on the beach or visiting local markets. Avoid expensive souvenir shops or restaurants and try to eat street food over expensive restaurants every time.
By following these tips and tricks, you can have a fantastic time in Hurghada while still sticking to your budget.
Our Final Thoughts
Hurghada is a fantastic destination for those on a budget. With incredible value-for-money deals on offer all year round, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular destination amongst UK holidaymakers.
When it comes to finding a bargain, Hurghada is hard to beat. So what are you waiting for? Book your next holiday to Hurghada today and experience all it has to offer.
