Egypt is a whirlwind of ancient wonders. I recently had the chance to explore the country with my mom. It was a trip that blended the awe of pharaonic history with the joy of traveling with family.
From standing in the shadows of the Pyramids of Giza to drifting down the Nile past temples in Luxor and Aswan, our days were full, our steps countless, and our senses overwhelmed in the best possible way.
By the time we reached Hurghada, we were ready for a pause. The Sunrise Solara, an all-inclusive resort on the shores of the Red Sea, offered just that, a much-needed rest day in the middle of our otherwise packed itinerary.
We visited with Expat Explore. You can use my code GOWORLDTRAVEL at ExpatExplore.com for an additional 5 percent off.
A Different Side of Egypt
After days immersed in Egypt’s archaeological treasures and bustling cities, Hurghada felt like an entirely different world. Sunrise Solara isn’t the quiet boutique escape some travelers might seek.
It’s a family-focused resort with a lively aqua park, beach loungers, and buffet lines. But that’s part of what made it fascinating.
The crowd was a healthy mix of international tourists and local Egyptian families on vacation. Kids laughed and ran through the water slides while nearby, a group of young Egyptian men played a spirited game of beach volleyball.
The atmosphere was vibrant, not overly rowdy, but clearly designed for fun. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a hit. For us, it was people-watching paradise.
Despite the resort’s buzz, we found our sanctuary on the beach. We parked ourselves in the sand and did something we hadn’t done in days: nothing.
Just soaking in the sun, listening to the waves, and taking deep, intentional breaths. For the first time in the trip, our bodies weren’t in motion, and it felt like exactly what we needed.
Read More: 21 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Egypt: Lessons from Traveling with My Mom
Cultural Nuances and Comforts
One thing travelers might notice right away is the variation in dress. Most international guests wore standard beach attire, but many Egyptian women were fully covered, even at the pool, an important reminder of local customs.
It was a visual reflection of how Egypt manages to balance tourism with cultural values.
Food, as a vegan, required some navigation. While the buffet had plenty of options, identifying them wasn’t always straightforward. With the help of a translator and some patient staff, I eventually found my rhythm.
The real heroes were the freshly made pita and ful medames at breakfast, simple, hearty, and reliably plant-based.
A minor mishap with a travel adapter frying in the wall socket (a reminder that electricity standards differ) was quickly addressed by staff.
There was even a pharmacy on-site, which came in handy for minor stomach issues, another sign that the resort caters thoughtfully to its guests’ needs. Just be forewarned, you will probably be paying the same prices that you would in your home country as a tourist.
Heading Back
We checked out early to begin the six-hour drive back to Cairo, stopping halfway for a coffee and bathroom break. Watching the desert landscapes roll past from the car window was an unexpected highlight.
The Red Sea coast gave way to stark mountains and sun-drenched plains, a quiet, meditative contrast to the sensory overload of our trip.
By the time we arrived back in the city, we felt different. More grounded. Rested. Ready to take on the final stretch of our adventure.
Hurghada isn’t where you go to be wowed by antiquity, but it’s where you go to recover from it. Our resort was full of life. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a traveler needs, a day to just sit still, watch the sun set over the Red Sea, and appreciate the full arc of a journey.
If you’re planning an Egypt itinerary that’s long on history and movement, don’t skip the rest day. You’ll need it. You’ll be grateful for it. And your feet will thank you.
We visited with Expat Explore. You can use my code GOWORLDTRAVEL at ExpatExplore.com for an additional 5 percent off.
Book Your Stay at the Sunrise Solara Here
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- A Day Trip to Alexandria, Egypt: History, Culture, and Coastal Views
- Waking Up With the Pharaohs: A Mother-Daughter Journey Through Luxor and Beyond
- Why Aswan, Egypt Should Be on Your Bucket List
- The Ultimate Guide to Cairo’s Top Three Museums: Which Should You Visit?
- 9 Essential Experiences for Your First Trip to Cairo, Egypt
- A First Look at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): What’s New, What’s Next
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