Egypt Sinai and Red Sea

Cairo's pyramids and bazaars, then the laid-back dive towns and desert monasteries of the Sinai coast.

• Stop: Cairo
• Stop: Dahab
• Stop: Sharm El Sheikh

• Common scams — camel/horse handlers, baksheesh, papyrus 'institutes': At the Giza pyramids, handlers offer a cheap camel or horse ride, then demand far more to let you dismount or charge 'per photo' — settle a total price before you get on, or pre-book through your hotel. Expect constant baksheesh (tips) for unasked 'help', and anyone who offers to take your photo may hold your phone until you tip. 'Papyrus institute' shops sell cheap banana-leaf prints as hand-painted papyrus; ignore touts claiming a site is closed or that they will 'guide' you inside, and buy your ticket only at the official gate.