Hello,

I'm usually a private person but have had questions in the back of my mind for months regarding our upcoming tour to Egypt and Jordan in December 2009. I suffer both from asthma (that's why we are going in December) and a thyroid condition that has made my weight go out of control and it's been an absolute battle to return to my body weight I had 4 years ago. Otherwise everything else is fine, doctor says strong heart and ambitious. I really want to live my dream of seeing Egypt and Jordan.

I would like to pull those out there that are also tourist on the heavy side that have travelled through Egypt and Jordan with Insight Vacations coach buses and air transfers between Cairo, Luxor, Amman etc. Were the seats large enough ? I would just fit in a International aircraft with 18" wide seats, a bit tight but doable.

Can someone 5 foot 5 inches weighing 290 pounds go on a camel ride in Egypt or a donkey ride up to the Monestry (suppose to be 900 steps up) in Petra. I do love animals and do not wish to cause them distress with me on them. Can such animals hold my weight with no problems.

Can anyone come forward with the truth please. I can take it. If needed I would work around them if possible.

Thanks !

Dear Bouflin

I am a very hefty 51 year old woman. Last year I did the Splendours of Egypt and Country Roads of Italy tours in May and June. I coped extremely well and at no time was made to feel different because of my size. The seats on the flight between Cairo and Luxor were a bit tight but it's only a short flight so don't worry. Same if you take the Abu Simbel optional (which you must do)

Due to the fact we did our tour of Egypt at the end of May it was very hot in Egypt but the coaches were very well air conditioned as were the river cruise boats. We were taken to the temples either early morning or early evening to miss the extreme heat. At the pyramids I did ride a camel and might add the camel owner lifted me into the saddle as if I was a feather!!!

The Country Roads of Italy tour was quite strenuous as it includes many hill top villages. There were lots of hills and many steps and it was hot but, again, I coped. I didn't miss a thing. I will add I had been going to the gym twice a week for several months to prepare for all the walking but was still a very big person. I also have osteo-arthritis in both feet but still made it.

Do not be embarrassed to travel. As long as you can fit in the airline seat go for it. I have long got over the embarrassment of having to ask for an extension to the seat belt.

Trying to keep my weight down has been a constant battle and I continue the battle with diet and exercise - I am still big but still travel. I'm hopefully off to Turkey, Israel and Greece next year.

You go for it girl!!!

Happy travelling.

Wow, thanks YonYon for all that information. It helps to calm down my concerns. Still would like to hear from someone who attempted riding a donkey.

Hearing your experience, I will definitely try a camel ride.

Another question: Did you legs hurt while flying long distances. Except from getting up several times and walking in the aisle of the plane, is there anything else that could be tried to reduce leg cramps.

bouflin,

There are many leg exercises you can do while sitting in the airplane seat.

Usually on international flights there is a video that explains some of the exercises or printed matter in the seatback that show various leg exercises.

Some things you can do are rotating the ankles or raising the toes and lowering the toes as much as you can. You might also ask your doctor for some leg exercises.

Good luck !

You can go to the chemist and have them measure your legs and feet for compression socks. These are excellent and do help to keep you circulation working and I found that they stopped my feet from swelling. Do plenty of exercises with your feet, flexing and stretching to work your calves. There is a demonstration video on the aircraft showing you how to do these exercises

I have been on a couple of tours with people who have been large, mostly they seemed to manage ok, though had trouble with stairs and hills. Our tour director arranged taxis in some cases, but the cost is bourne by you as Insight do not pay for these taxis.

Never have a fear to travel because of physical size, you will see many people, all different sizes. All deserving the same attention and consideration no matter what shape or size they are.

All the best
Gen

I must say that I have hysterics anytime I am sitting in Economy and see the videos or magazine articles describing leg exercises! At over six feet the amount of room I have to move my legs around is minimal, a strait jacket would allow more movement.

I ask for an aisle seat and go for a walk as often as possible.

I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to see this on the message board. We are going on the Splendours of Egypt tour in November. I too am a heavy woman and have been very concerned about the camel ride and even the dinner where you dress up in traditional egyptian wear. Are there plus sizes available in the shops in the boat or should I look in Cairo?

I was surprise that I too could not find anything on TripAdvisor or Insight Vacations on this issue. Happy to be see others out there in the same situation. Check TripAdvisor for replies there too.

As for Plus Size traditional egyptian wear for the Galabea Party on the cruise, is unknown if available.

Could anyone answer our question on egyptian wear please

There were several sizes of Galabea on the boat we were on. My husband is quite large and he found one to wear. It could be worn by a women too. I bought a short one that was quite blousy and wore it with pants.


Loretta

Hi bouflin,
Like the others have advised you, go and have a wonderful time in Jordan and Egypt. If you go to the "Tour Tales", you will find details on Jordan (like mine) and Egypt.

When you visit Petra, the tour company gives you the option of riding on a horse or walking (at least they did in Nov. '08). There are also carriage rides, but I don't know the price.

The day in Petra is very exhausting, if you run around like a maniac, as I did. But if you take your time, rest when you need to, you should do fine.

Do take a horse or donkey up to the Monastery. It's a looong 800 steps up. You should be OK going back down.

May I also suggest that you ride back at the end of the day. You'll be tired and going back is ALL UPHILL!