DealStays guide
Cheap Egypt Holidays 2026: Where the Money Actually Stretches
Last updated · 2026-07-03
Egypt quietly resets expectations about what a holiday should cost. A five-star all-inclusive week in Hurghada in October is cheaper than three nights of B&B in Cornwall. That promise is real, but not every cheap Egypt package is the same holiday — pricing, base and what's included in "all-inclusive" all change the maths.
What a cheap Egypt holiday actually costs in 2026
| Package type | Typical UK price pp (7 nights, flights, AI) | When you'll find this price |
|---|---|---|
| 4-star AI budget | £399–£549 | October–March; mid-August bargain window |
| 4-star AI mid-range | £549–£799 | Most of the year including school holidays |
| 5-star AI premium | £749–£1,150 | Off-peak; school holidays add £150–£300pp |
| Ultra all-inclusive 5-star | £900–£1,400+ | Any time — check what's included |
Where to base yourself
- Hurghada central strip — cheapest, biggest choice, easiest airport transfers; best for first-timers under £600pp.
- Makadi Bay — family mega-resorts with large aqua parks, 30 minutes south of the airport.
- Sahl Hasheesh — quieter five-stars around a calm swimmable bay.
- El Gouna — walkable resort town north of the airport; smart couples' feel at surprising value.
- Nabq Bay (Sharm) — ten minutes from Sharm airport; best house reefs and diving focus.
Three named cheap-but-good hotels for 2026
We deliberately exclude Desert Rose Resort from recommendations while active renovations run until December 2026 — it's a well-known name on other lists, but we'd rather flag it than see a family arrive to scaffolding.
Sunny Days Palma De Mirette Resort & Spa
Hurghada
Four-star all-inclusive on its own beach with shared aqua park access across three sister hotels — a strong budget family pick on the Hurghada strip.
Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Neverland
Hurghada
Family all-inclusive built around a serious waterpark — part of a three-hotel Pickalbatros complex where guests can use all facilities.
Barceló Tiran Sharm
Nabq Bay, Sharm
Five-star with private beach and house reef access — polished Red Sea value in shoulder season if you want Sharm rather than Hurghada.
The single biggest thing to check before you book
Standard all-inclusive usually covers buffet meals, local soft drinks, Egyptian beer and basic house spirits. International branded drinks and à la carte restaurants often cost extra unless you book ultra all-inclusive.
If a package looks unbelievably cheap, check exactly what AI includes — and whether the aqua park is included or charged separately.
2026 costs to build into your budget
- UK visa (2026): $30 per person — cash at airport or online in advance.
- Departure tax: approximately £1.50 per person on exit (usually in flight cost — check).
- Tipping: budget $5–$10 per day per couple across housekeeping, restaurant, pool and transfer staff.
- Bottled water outside meals if you drink heavily — tap water isn't safe to drink.
When to go for the cheapest 2026 prices
October to April is Egypt's peak value season — 5-star weeks have run from £399pp in recent Novembers.
Mid-August is a bizarre and often-overlooked bargain: 35–40°C heat puts off European families, but resorts run cold pools and warm seas — saving £200+ per person versus mid-July on the same package.
Avoid Christmas and New Year weeks — busy and expensive despite the sun.
DealStays verdict
Egypt rewards early booking and late booking equally — and punishes the middle. If you're 90 days out, book. If you're inside 21 days, watch for last-minute charter drops. Always check what "all-inclusive" actually includes before you compare headline prices.