A: Whilst Muslim countries are more used to seeing Western holidaymakers in little clothing, shorts and swimwear is acceptable around the pool or sundeck but not in public places.

Women should cover their upper arms and should not wear revealing tops or shorts in public  especially when visiting religious sites. It is also advisable for men to wear short/long sleeved shirts and long trousers.

A: Jordan boasts a year-round Mediterranean climate. Amman tends to be hotter from May to October but it can get very cold in the inter months. Aqaba and the Jordan valley are ideal winter resorts with a mild climate between November and April.  

A: Some museums and historical sites in Egypt may not allow photography while others may charge a fee, usually around E£5-E£10. While you may usually take pictures as you like from the outside of most monuments, many demand that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside. The use of video cameras is restricted, and a larger, additional fee is payable. Photography is strictly prohibited at military installations, public works and government buildings. Always ask permission before taking photographs of local people, and expect to be asked for a tip in return.

A: All of the countries we feature follow the Muslim tradition and it is important that local customs and etiquette are respected. Whilst these countries are more used to seeing Western holidaymakers in little clothing, shorts and swimwear is acceptable around the pool or sundeck but not in public places.

Women should cover their upper arms and should not wear revealing tops or shorts in public  especially when visiting religious sites. It is also advisable for men to wear short/long sleeved shirts and long trousers.

Ramadan: The holy month of fasting provides the opportunity to gain an insight into Islamic culture, the date date of which varies according to the Islamic lunar calendar. During Ramadan it is important to note that you should refrain from smoking, eating or drinking in public during the hours of daylight. Hotels will make provisions for guests during this time.

A:  Jordan: The currency is the Dinar and is divided into 1000 fils. 1.00 Dinar = approx £1.

Egypt: The currency is the Egyptian pounds (E£) and is made up of 100 piastres, and notes range from 25 piastres upwards. 10 Egyptian pounds = approx £1. You are most likely to be dealing with E£1, E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50 and E£100 notes. Some of these notes look very similar on first glance, so be absolutely sure which note you are handing over - 50 piastres or 50 Egyptian pounds.

US Dollars and Sterling along with credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted in all resorts that we feature.

There are a number of cash machines in some of the resorts and hotels but you should not plan to rely on their use as the service can be limited. Check with the hotel for locations.

A: In Jordan & Egypt 220/240 AC volts. An adaptor is necessary (usually two-pin).

A: Arabic is the official language although English is widely spoken.

A: In hotels you will find international and European-style cuisine widely available. Arabic dishes in all its variations is well catered for and visitors can try such dishes as

Jordan

Mansaf: Jordan's national dish made of lamb, rice and pine nuts
Farooj: Spit roasted chicken
Baklawa: Filo pastry with nuts and honey

A:

Wine: As Muslim countries, the production of alcohol has naturally been of restricted interest. However, spirits and wines are readily available in hotels, bars and restaurants, though they tend to be expensive. Local wines are available but may not be up to standards with which you are familiar in the UK.

Beer: Locally brewed beer is available and is served in hotels, bars and restaurants as well as supermakets and some liquor shops. Imported beers are available in cans or bottles in hotel bars but can be expensive.

Coffee & Tea: Arabic coffee is very strong and flavoured with cardamom. It is served in very small quantities whereas on the other hand Turkish coffee can be quite sweet, if neither takes yor fancy then just ask for a Nescafe! More hotels now have coffee machines so it is possible to order cappuccino, expressos, etc, but such machines are far from universal. Tea is served in small glasses and is incredibly sweet unless you ask for a medium amount of sugar or without.

Another thing is Nargileh in Jordan or Shisha in Egypt. Often known as "hubbly-bubbly", this usually ornate device is simplay a water pipe from which flavoured tobacco is smoked. Both are widely available in coffe shops and restaurants.

A: Most hotels have safety deposit boxes or in-room safes available for clients use, often at no extra charge.

A: Banks are usually open from 8.30am to 2pm daily, closed Fridays, Saturdays and most public holidays.

Shops are open generally from 10am to 9pm in the winter and 9am to 10pm in the summer. Many shops are closed on Sunday. In tourist areas and shopping malls, you will find shops open outside these hours.

N.B. The timings may differ from country to country and are intended for guidance only

In Egypt it is customary to be offered tea or a soft drink in larger shops. Bargaining is a common practice in all bazaars and can be fun. Your guide will be able to give you information on the best way to haggle and also guidance on what you should pay for common souvenirs such as papyrus, galabeyas, gold jewellery, perfume, spices etc.

A: No vaccinations are required to visit any of the countries we feature but it is worth checking with your GP about those which might be recommended.
Most of the larger hotels can obtain common medicines but of course please bring your own prescription medicine with you as although it may be available in pharmacies, it may be known under a different name. Stomach upsets can occur due to the heat and change of diet, so it is best to bring preventive medicine with you.
Remember to drink plenty of water while on holiday, particularly during the summer months, even if you don’t feel thirsty, this is to prevent dehydration. Drink only bottled water which is generally available in restaurants and shops.
To make the most of your trip abroad we recommend that you check the advice givenby the Foreign Commonwealth Office by either calling 0870 606 0290 or visiting www.fco.gov.uk/travel Foreign Office advice can also be found on BBC2 Ceefax page 470 or by contacting ABTA on 0901 201 5050 (calls charged at 50p/minute)

A: All British citizens require a full 10 year passport with at least six months validity. The name on the passport must match that on the ticket and newly-weds must bring proof of name change. All EU passport holders require a tourist visa to enter Egypt and Jordan. A single entry visa costs approx £10 sterling. Currency can be exchanged at the airport in order to purchase the visa, so it is import to carry some cash.