Eid is on the horizon, with the public holiday falling around spring break for many — which means it's time to get out of town. This year, we’ve curated a condensed “Where to go” guide of destinations in Om El Donia.

Aside from the appeal of being getaways, they’re also easier on the pocket — or can be — depending on how much you intend to spend.

IT’S GOOD TO BE PREPARED- Whether you choose to stay put or travel, you can make your trip seamless and hassle-free in the hands of a travel agency to handle the nitty-gritty details of everything. This is a list of companies that are here to whip up your dream trip:

DESTINATIONS-

MARSA ALAM-

THE WEATHER- Endless sunshine in this coastal town with highs of 32°C and moderate lows of 19°C, according to our favorite weather app.

TRAVEL- It’s a two-hour flight from Cairo to Marsa Alam. Driving will be around eight hours, whereas buses typically take 10 hours.

WHAT TO DO-

#1- HANKORAB BEACH- Imagine golden beaches with crystal-clear blue water, perfect for spending an afternoon snorkeling. The reef wall is just a short distance from the shore where you can explore vibrant coral formations. Lucky snorkelers might even catch a glimpse of stingrays.

TRAVEL- It’s almost an hour drive from Marsa Alam. Stretch out your stay a bit earlier and visit Qulaan Mangrove Beach — a salt water lagoon that connects to the sea on high tide — which is around an hour away from Marsa Alam and 23 mins from Hankorab beach.

#2-AL NAYZAK- Meaning ‘meteorite’ on account of the pool being shaped by a meteorite impact. The natural pool features warm waters year-round, perfect for a cozy dip.

TRAVEL- It’s 15 minutes away from Marsa Alam, a perfect location for a quiet afternoon.

#3- SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS- Take a boat to Sataya Reef — dubbed ‘the dolphin house’— to snorkel with the wild spinner dolphins.

#4-...OR EVEN TURTLES AND DUGONGS- At Abu Dabbab, explore and snorkel the sandy-bottomed lagoon frequented by turtles and dugongs.

TRAVEL- The drive to Abu Dabbab is about 30 minutes.

PRO TIP- Ensure you have enough cash on hand, as ATMs can be limited, and some establishments may not accept cards.

SHARM EL SHEIKH-

THE WEATHER- You’ll find plenty of sunshine to bask in with highs of 30°C and clear evenings with a low of 22°C, according to our favorite weather app.

TRAVEL- It’s a long haul with 6 hours ahead of you. For those who want to skip the road, flights from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh are typically an hour. If you can take the drive but don’t want to do it yourself, Go Limo and Go Bus are options.

WHAT TO DO IN SHARM EL SHEIKH DURING EID:

#1-BEDOUIN DINNERS- Go on an excursion in the desert and dine with the Bedouins and traverse the Sinai Desert aboard a jeep for an unforgettable adventure. As the desert light fades, arrive at a Bedouin camp for traditional dance performances and savory, farm-to-table cuisine under the stars.

PRO TIP- Pack a cardigan/jacket it might get chilly in the desert during the evening.

#2-DAY TRIP TO DAHAB- Visit Dahab’s village and savor local cuisine at cozy restaurants like Ali Baba. With kite surfing on the table of activities, this laid-back town draws a friendly crowd. Indulge in waterfront dining and try Tim’s Munch for brunch. Don't miss the renowned Blue Lagoon — but there is a high possibility of large crowds during Eid.

TRAVEL- It’s just a one-hour drive from Sharm el Sheikh.

#3- YOLANDA REEF DIVING-Swim with the fish and sharks at Ras Mohammed Marine Park ,the most popular activity and the primary reason people visit Sharm el Sheikh is for its incredible dive sites.

TRAVEL- It’s a 20-minute drive from inside Sharm El Sheikh.

#4-FARSHA- It’s the locals’ top pick for a trendy hangout. More than just a café or bar, it’s an unforgettable experience, situated on a cliffside overlooking the Red Sea, its many terraces are decorated in a chaotic fashion. Farsha is bustling from dawn till dusk, making it a must-visit in the city.

#5- NIGHTLIFE- Sharm el Sheikh’s nightlife pulsates with energy. With many venues open until the early hours, the city’s vibrant nightlife ensures unforgettable evenings. You can go to Pacha for the House Nation Party, Osprey Ras Mohamed for the Boho Sands Party, and Echo Temple for their Luxury Camping experience. Reservations through their instagram pages are required.

NOTE- Many hotels can provide these excursions for you for different rates.

SOMA BAY-

THE WEATHER- Sunny rays shining over Soma Bay with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C, according to our favorite weather app.

TRAVEL- It's more than five hours from Cairo, but for those wanting to save some time — and spend some extra pennies — you can fly to Hurghada airport from Cairo, which is a one-hour flight, and take a one-hour drive to Soma Bay.

WHAT TO DO IN SOMA BAY DURING EID:

#1-AQUATONIC- At Cascades Spa & Thalasso they offer a variety of luxurious relaxation treatments, whether it's lounging in tonic or saltwater pools, enjoying massages, or experiencing hydrotherapies. This spa offers a comprehensive array of rejuvenating experiences to help you unwind and pamper yourself.

#2- KITESURFING- For those looking for the right wind and wave, 7BFT KiteHouse is the ultimate destination. Set in Somabay, it offers ideal kitesurfing conditions, boasting flat waters and strong winds, ensuring an exceptional experience for enthusiasts.

#3- HORSE RIDING- Ever thought of riding off in the sunset on a stallion? Well, now you can. Try riding off on beach sunsets, in the desert, or even swim with the horse with Jasmine Stable.

#4-SPRING FESTIVAL- Lighting up the stages this Eid weekend are Badra the belly dancer at Sobar Rooftop, renowned Egyptian singer Mostafa Amar, and from Italy, The Esteriore Brothers at Mazeej Platform — all performing on different nights. To get your tickets contact Soma Bay’s hotline.

#5- TAKE A STROLL AT THE JETTY- It’s a long pier-like 420-meter-long walk leading to stunning house reefs — suitable for divers of all skill levels and snorkelers — you’ll find all type of marine life, including fish of various species and occasional larger inhabitants like turtles, barracudas, and rays. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the resident whale shark — Wally.

PRO TIP- Gouna is also an hour away, where you go to concerts like Amr Diab, Djs, Solomun, or island hop to Mahmya Island or even Go Karting.

CAIRO-

If you can't travel beyond the city, don’t fret, there’s plenty to explore in our capital.

#1- IL CAMPO RESORT- This venue is an oasis that provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. They have a number of activities to do, too, as well as an eco-lodge for you to unwind in its country-like serenity.

#2-BUNKER- Let your inner child roam free at this new arcade concept where nostalgic and modern games intertwine with the Floor is Lava, Axe Throwing, Car Racing, Bowling, and more.

#3- WELLNESS- Who says you can’t pamper yourself? Take a yoga class or two at Ahimsa, spend the day at NEV Spa — and if you have a larger budget visit one of the hotel’s spa facilities — or have a Moroccan bath at Moroccan Touch.

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