http://www.flyertalk.com/forum Listen as FlyerTalkers give advice on where to visit ancient civilizations that rose and fell, cruise the Nile, explore the rose-red city of Petra and shop among Dubai’s skyscrapers. And don’t be surprised if one offers advice on where to take tea in Iran. This is the land of deserts, seas and ancient ruins and the advice is very handy. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:51:43 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.flyertalk.com/forum http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1019250-cairo-options-taxi-etc.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:04:06 GMT My brother arrives in the afternoon in Dec into CAI and I wanted to get a private transfer for him to the hotel. Are there any good, recommended private taxi companies? I know the hotel does pickup/dropoff for a fee. And on the way back we are... My brother arrives in the afternoon in Dec into CAI and I wanted to get a private transfer for him to the hotel. Are there any good, recommended private taxi companies? I know the hotel does pickup/dropoff for a fee.

And on the way back we are staying in the Novotel Airport hotel. How does one get to the hotel from the MS terminal?

I found online companies like Cairo Shuttle Bus that seems to have good rates (55Le transfer) Not as good as the regular cabs, but I need something with no bartering, comfy, and waiting there that wont break down after the first bump. ]]> The Middle East jason8612 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1019250-cairo-options-taxi-etc.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1019204-israel-itinerary-help.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:34:39 GMT Hi all;

I've already gotten some great ideas, but now I'm trying to piece together an itinerary.

I arrive on a Thursday in Tel Aviv at around 1pm (arriving from Petra). My general plan is to base myself in Haifa to see the north, Jerusalem for Jerusalem, and squeeze in Masada some how. I can either leave on a Saturday (9 nights) or Sunday (10 nights), probably at 4pm from Tel Aviv.

I didn't want to go straight to Jerusalem, because I wanted some nightlife on Friday night and Saturday activities. So I thought I 'd go to Haifa for four nights and do day trips from there.

Then I thought of Jerusalem for 3 nights, the Dead Sea (Le Meridian) for one night, to see Masada mostly, and Tel Aviv for one night before I leave. (I have to overnight in London as well on the way home).

But that has the drawback of three one-night stands to end the trip. Any other permutation seems to have me in Jerusalem on the Sabbath.

A couple of questions:
1) Is it easy to get to Tel Aviv airport from the Dead Sea for an afternoon flight?
2) Is Tel Aviv worth an overnight or, given my preference to avoid one night stays, should I spend two nights at the Dead Sea/Masada?
3) Any other suggestions that avoid quiet areas on the Sabbath, and avoid three consecutive one night stands?

Thanks in advance!
Cheers
Beachfan ]]> The Middle East beachfan http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1019204-israel-itinerary-help.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1018420-jfk-cairo-egypt-air.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:36:25 GMT This is my first post to the flyertalk forum so I hope I'm in the right area! :) If not, my apologies. So far, I've read some really interesting and helpful posts and was hoping to get insight from anyone who has recently gone to Cairo on Egypt Air on their JFK-Cairo leg. I've been doing research all over the internet and have found a few posts here and there, but nothing very recent (unless I'm totally missing it).

My questions are really around what to expect with the flight, plane, etc. Has anyone had any luck updgrading to business class upon check in and is it even worth it? I'm flying coach and I think I'm in 21C. Are they usually on time/late? I'll be flying back to JFK on Christmas Eve which worries me a little but there's nothing I can really do about it now.

I haven't been to Egypt in 15 years so I know a ton has changed. I've also heard some decent things about Egypt Air and some really not so nice things as well. My reasoning for going with them was due to the price and convenience of a direct flight from JFK as I only have a week to visit family. So, any insight or helpful tips to make the flight more enjoyable would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!! ]]> The Middle East egypt2345 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1018420-jfk-cairo-egypt-air.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1018049-meeting-friend-dubai-during-3-hr-layover.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:33:47 GMT Is it possible for me to meet a friend in Dubai during a 3 hour layover at DXB? What are your tips to make this happen? What would he have to do and what would I have to do? Your help greatly appreciated... Thanks! Is it possible for me to meet a friend in Dubai during a 3 hour layover at DXB? What are your tips to make this happen? What would he have to do and what would I have to do? Your help greatly appreciated...

Thanks! ]]> The Middle East somenimit http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1018049-meeting-friend-dubai-during-3-hr-layover.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1017541-dxb-delays-airshow-week.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:29:53 GMT Are there any delays at DXB this week with airshow in full force? I am wondering if I should get there early for my Friday (early) a.m. flight? Are there any delays at DXB this week with airshow in full force? I am wondering if I should get there early for my Friday (early) a.m. flight? ]]> The Middle East sapman986 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1017541-dxb-delays-airshow-week.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014957-prepaid-sim-egypt.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:30:43 GMT I searched but could not find answer to this.

I will be travelling from the U.S. to Egypt (Cairo, Aswan & Luxor). I have an unlocked quad-band phone. Can I get prepaid SIM card in Cairo? Is it available at the airport. Would it be crazy expensive at the airport and better to wait until we get to the city? Is it easily purchasable by tourist.

Any suggestions/recommendations? I foresee using my cell for maybe max of 30-60 mins (calling hotel, making a few price enquiries etc)

TIA. ]]> The Middle East megabyte1024 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014957-prepaid-sim-egypt.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014647-saudi-transit-visa.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:40:24 GMT I am trying to get from Khartoum to Kochi. Saudi Airlines has flights on the day I need to leave Sudan, arriving into JED at 2205. There is an onward flight about 38 hours later at 1250. The Saudi Embassy page says we can get a 72 hour transit... I am trying to get from Khartoum to Kochi. Saudi Airlines has flights on the day I need to leave Sudan, arriving into JED at 2205. There is an onward flight about 38 hours later at 1250.

The Saudi Embassy page says we can get a 72 hour transit visa. Has anyone had luck with getting one of these?

Gulf Air does not fly on the day I need to leave Sudan and there seem to be few airlines that serve both.

Thoughts? ]]> The Middle East DesertNomad http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014647-saudi-transit-visa.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014189-dxb-transit-visa.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:36:26 GMT Hi,

I'm travelling from IAD-DXB-HYD this Dec. The IAD-DXB leg is on UA and DXB-HYD on IC. I was planning for a 3 day layover in dubai. Does anyone know how I can get the 96 hour transit visa in DXB airport? I have an Indian passport. I done a lot of research online and cant find any conclusive answers.

The Maharba Services folks are asking for $220 per pax. They said it includes my hotel. I have a hotel thru my marriott points. The hotel folks want $250 per pax. Both those number seem a little high to me. The UAE embassy said it doesnt do transit visas.

Can I land up at DXB and get a visa on arrival?

ps: I realize this is the wrong forum. I was hoping to catch someone with an Indian passport and has experience around DXB. ]]> The Middle East kiran_kom http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1014189-dxb-transit-visa.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1013527-jordan-israel-babys-passport-question.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:29:46 GMT We will soon take a family trip to Jordan + Israel. We are 5 adults + a 1.5 year old baby. The baby has his own passport that has been issued only a few days after his birth, about 1.5 year ago. So his photo on his passport is not very close to what... We will soon take a family trip to Jordan + Israel. We are 5 adults + a 1.5 year old baby. The baby has his own passport that has been issued only a few days after his birth, about 1.5 year ago. So his photo on his passport is not very close to what he actually looks like.

The question is : will that cause any trouble at the Jordan immigration, at the Israleli border (Allenby bridge), then at TLV airport when leaving Israel?

Thanks for your inputs. ]]> The Middle East bodory http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1013527-jordan-israel-babys-passport-question.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012926-taxi-amman-airport-sheikh-hussain-bridge.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:31:39 GMT DEL, which leaves at 8:15pm. I'm planning to cross by the Sheikh Hussain Bridge (Jordan River border). Are there taxis waiting on the Jordanian side? Are the official...]]> I'll spend a few days in Israel before crossing to Jordan to take a flight AMM->DEL, which leaves at 8:15pm. I'm planning to cross by the Sheikh Hussain Bridge (Jordan River border). Are there taxis waiting on the Jordanian side? Are the official fares posted there? How much is the taxi fare to Queen Aliya airport?
To get to the airport by 5:15pm, at what time should I be at the border, i.e. how long should I expect the border crossing formalities to take, and how long is the taxi ride? I was thinking that being at the border at 3pm would be enough. What do you think?
Many thanks. ]]> The Middle East salomonrobyn http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012926-taxi-amman-airport-sheikh-hussain-bridge.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012745-possible-posting-beirut.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:08:18 GMT It's all very tentative at the moment, but there is a possiblity I may be posted to Beirut some time next year.
So the obvious question is : What is Beirut like to live in?
Any info gratefully received.... :cool: ]]> The Middle East flyphilrun http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012745-possible-posting-beirut.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012462-should-i-take-my-laptop-egypt.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:11:23 GMT I fell in love with Egypt 20 years ago. Traveled on our own, and got to see a bit of the "real" Egypt. We finally get to go back. Advancing years militate a tour group this time, so I have no iterary choices to make.

But should I take my notebook computer? What are the odds it will:

1. Be useable? WiFi access in the Marriott and on our river cruise?
2. Get stolen?

We will stay at the Cairo Marriott, which has mixed reviews, some of which mention theft. (Not the JW Marriott, which has vituperative reviews. The good ones mention theft, the bad ones bedbugs.)

The cruise boat is the M/S Anuket, run by Grand Circle Tours. Any FT'ers have computer-doen-the-Nile recommendations? ]]> The Middle East scubadiver http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1012462-should-i-take-my-laptop-egypt.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1011881-travel-book-recommendations-abu-dhabi.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:39:27 GMT Can anyone recommend a good travel guide book for Abu Dhabi? I'll be visiting for 4 days, and am interested in finding out what sites there are to see, and if there any recommended activities in the surrounding areas. The few books I've seen at the local bookstores have been very limited in their information about Ahu Dhabi, or were published 2-3 years ago and contain old information.

Thanks! ]]> The Middle East AAMCI http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1011881-travel-book-recommendations-abu-dhabi.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1011387-damascus-syria.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:01:11 GMT Any FTers in Damascus?

I need to send a package via Fedex to a friend in Damascus but with no current address. Fedex doesn't have a actual physical store over there.
I'm thinking of possibly sending it to a hotel where he can pick it up.

any ideas? ]]> The Middle East Benjh http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1011387-damascus-syria.html http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1010831-looking-flight-new-york-riyadh-saudi-arabia.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:19:50 GMT Hi Everyone, I am looking for a round trip flight in mid December from New York to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. It seems that most convenient are flights by Saudi Arabian Airlines (direct - Boeing 777) or by Royal Jordanian (via Amman 1h50min layover,... Hi Everyone,

I am looking for a round trip flight in mid December from New York to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. It seems that most convenient are flights by Saudi Arabian Airlines (direct - Boeing 777) or by Royal Jordanian (via Amman 1h50min layover, Airbus A340 over the Atlantic and from Amman to Riyadh Airbus A321). Return seems like Emirates offer best connection via Dubai and 2h layover.

Does anyone have any experience with this route and airlines. Which one offers better quality and less hassle (Saudia or RJ)? or should I look for different airlines. Any tips would be useful and thank you in advance.

J ]]> The Middle East yarek http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/middle-east/1010831-looking-flight-new-york-riyadh-saudi-arabia.html