How is the conflict in Israel and the Palestinian Territories affecting trips?
There has been a major escalation in the long running conflict between Israel and Palestine. On 07 October 2023, Palestinian militant group, Hamas, launched an attack on Israel. Israel then retaliated by declaring a state of war and striking targets in Gaza.
Much Better Adventures do not run trips in Israel & the Palestinian Territories.
We understand you might have some questions or concerns about travelling so take a look at these FAQs below:
1. Are trips to Egypt still running?
Yes. All trips are operated in line with the British FCDO travel advice and our expert security advisors. The FCDO advice does not currently advise against travel where the trips take place (the southern region of South Sinai). We have been in regular contact with our local hosts in Egypt: they have reported that local conditions remain peaceful and unaffected by recent events.
Given the dynamic nature of the situation, the proximity to the border with Gaza and the historical volatility of the Sinai region, we continue to keep a close eye on developments in the region. If the advice for Egypt changes, we will update customers with any news straight away.
Your safety, and the safety of our local host team, is our absolute top priority.
2. Should I travel if I am an Israeli National?
If you are an Israeli National due to (or planning to) travel to Egypt, we would recommend you postpone your trip for your own safety.
3. Can I travel on a US Passport?
US Nationals should check the US Department of State travel advice for Egypt. At the time of writing the advice for US nationals is 'Level 3 (reconsider travel)'. Should you choose to travel to Egypt against your national government travel advice then it is likely that standard travel insurance policies will not provide assistance or cover in the event that you make a claim. It is therefore advisable to follow your national government's travel advice.
4. Can I cancel my booking or change my date even if my trip has not been cancelled?
If you are booked to travel to Egypt and your trip is not cancelled then your standard booking terms will apply - check your booking for details, or get in touch with our customer service team on hello@muchbetteradventures.com.
5. Can I still book a trip to Egypt?
Absolutely. However we would strongly recommend making sure you take out travel insurance which includes cancellation cover at the time of booking, just in case you end up needing to make last-minute changes to your flights.
Visit the review section on our Trip Pages to read customer reviews, which we hope will provide some extra reassurance if needed! Alessandra travelled on our Nomadic Trek through Egypt's Sinai Desert in January 2024.
6. What happens if my trip does get cancelled at short notice?
You will get a full refund, or have the option to change dates or take credit to travel on a different adventure. Regardless of which option you choose we will provide you with a document to support you making a claim for flights with your travel insurance: do ensure you have taken out cancellation cover. We recommend deferring your trip to a future departure and we have lots of dates available on the website.
7. What extra travel advice is there to keep us safe while in Egypt?
- Monitor and follow your own national government's travel safety and security advisory scheme, such as that of the FCDO for UK citizens.
- Whilst on their trip, speak to your Host and follow advice specific to the area you are travelling in.
- Avoid public demonstrations, protests or gatherings.
- Avoid displaying any political or overtly religious symbols and conversations about politics, or the security situation, in public settings.
- Avoid taking photographs that aren't of tourist related scenes - ask your host if you are unsure.
8. What happens if the UK FDCO travel advice changes when my trip is in progress?
We receive real-time safety updates and travel advice for Egypt from the UK FCDO. In addition, our local host is based in South Sinai and provides us with regular updates from this area. Your safety is our priority so in the event that the UK travel advice changes whilst your trip is in progress, then measures will be taken to comply with the advice. Your local host and their team are able to support travellers on the ground and have contingency plans for their trips. We also work with an expert security and incident management partner who is available 24/7 to offer additional support, if required.
Nb. If you are not a UK citizen, you should monitor the advice of your national government's foreign travel advisory.
If anything changes, we will post further updates on this page. Our customer service team are also always here to help: you can contact them on hello@muchbetteradventures.com.
Last update: 1st November 2024
