Simon Calder's Holiday Helpdesk: After Egypt warnings, can I request a change of holiday? Q I have booked a cruise with Thomson to Egypt with ports of call that provide the chance to visit Cairo and Luxor. After reading the comments from the Foreign Office about the dangers of travel in these areas, can I request a change of holiday from my travel agent? Mike Pratt A The Foreign Office advice does not look encouraging: "There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Egypt ... which could be indiscriminate, including in public places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers." The Australian government has gone one step further: it is urging its citizens against travel anywhere in Egypt except the resort of Sharm el Sheikh. However, since the FCO warning against travel refers only to specific parts of Egypt, which you will not be visiting, there is no obligation for the company to offer a change of holiday. Were you to cancel, you would lose some or all of your money - though you could always pass on the holiday to someone else, for a nominal change fee. I would be happy to travel to Egypt now - as I have done three times in the past three years, including two calls aboard a Thomson cruise ship. The drop in tourism makes this an excellent time to explore the treasures of Egypt without the usual crowds. Thomson takes holidaymakers" security very seriously, and excursions are well organised.