While we do love Sahel, a lot, we are growing weary of how ridiculously expensive it’s becoming. As the prices of everything in the country rises, the trend is multiplied tenfold in Sahel! It has become quite impossible to have a good time in Sahel without spending a minimum of 2000EGP; any party’s entrance fee is at least 1000EGP! Why is it that we should spend our hard earned money year in and year out on the same experience? The alternative is very easy to find. What about traveling abroad? It might come as a surprise, but traveling abroad might cost the same, if not even less, than going to Sahel. Let’s do the math.
“What about traveling abroad? It might come as a surprise, but traveling abroad might cost the same, if not even less, than going to Sahel. Let’s do the math.”
Getting There!
First off, plane tickets. While arguably the most expensive part of the whole trip, think of it as an investment in exchange for a change of scenery and getting to visit a new country. Also, let’s not forget the fact that you’ll pay an amount close to that of the plane ticket over one day’s fun in Sahel!
Getting Some Beach Time
With that out of the way, what’s next? Ah, the beach… Let’s compare the prices, shall we? While the beaches in Sahel are breathtaking, they require an entry fee of 200EGP. Call it corporate greed, call it supply and demand, but the fact remains; you’ll pay to use the beach. That’s not even to mention the hassle non-residents have to go through to get past the gates. On the other hand, traveling abroad whether to Barcelona or Greece, you end up paying from nothing to 10 Euros to use the beach! It’s close to the fee we have here, but significantly less sometimes, and did we mention the part where you’re in Barcelona?
Partying
For our fellow clubbers, things also change drastically when you’re abroad. For example, while 6ix Degrees now charges around 600EGP, in Lisbon you can usually get in a club for 10 Euros or reserve a table for six people for about 50 Euros. In Majong Club in Barcelona, some drinks go as cheap as 1.40 Euros!
“While the beaches in Sahel are breathtaking, they require an entry fee of 200EGP. “
Shopping
Then there’s this story of a girl who forgot her swimming suit back home and thought of buying one from one of the many boutiques at Lakeyard. Only to find out that prices inflate uncontrollably in Sahel, and what she would have paid 500 or 600EGP for in Cairo, she would pay 1000EGP for in Sahel. When you’re in Europe, you don’t have to deal with that. You can go to any retail store and get yourself a bikini. There’s always an H&M where you can shop.
Accommodation
Last, but definitely not least, accommodation. For those who don’t own a chalet or villa in Sahel, usually nice ones range from 700 to 3000EGP a night. On the other hand, you can go to Majorca, Barcelona or Santorini, Greece and stay at a lovely hostel for a about 11 Euros to 30 Euros a night. If you go to Santorini’s hostel Caveland, you can pay as little as 400EGP a night!
The purpose of this article was not to take a jab at our country’s beautiful coast, but rather to make us stop and think for a second. Sahel, while undeniably beautiful, has become a place where social appearances are more important than having fun. And not only that, but fun has become heavily linked with spending copious amounts of cash on things that sometimes aren’t worth it. This article is there to show you that traveling to Sahel can be as costly as traveling abroad. So the next time someone tells you that everyone is in Sahel, suggest exploring the other endless beauties of this country. Whether it’s camping in the white dessert, or visiting the Siwa Oasis or the UNESCO world heritage site Wadi El-Hitan.
