Between writing for travel titles around the globe and trying to adjust to whatever time zone Im in, I also run a sustainable travel-focused blog, ecotravelist.com and recently wrote The Solo Travel Handbook, published by Lonely Planet. Next, its time to explore the gorgeous desert surrounding Sharm. Dress Conservatively: After all Modesty is the best Virtue Egypt is a highly conservative country and the locals are very traditional about their dressing. Not that somethinghappened to me, not even the fish wanted to eat me. They helped me organize a trip to Siwa and the White Desert, and both trips were highlights of my time in Egypt. Inside the valley are more than 60 tombs from Egyptian dynasties. Do not accept invitations from friendly strangers to show you around or take you for a meal unless you feel 100% safe. Based solely on my personal experience, Id say YES! Have you ever traveled to Egypt alone as a woman? The date they were posted. While there's no denying Egypt has much to offer travelers in terms of experiences and natural beauty it is home to the Great Pyramid of Giza, after all many have concerns about safety, especially women and solo travelers. Hi! You can either camp out on the beach, stay at a beach bamboo hut, or chalet. When I got there I couldnt believe Id been so apprehensive and Im very glad I didnt skip it. Traveling Egypt for solo women faces some challenges, so it is important to get cultural cues initializing the tour to minimize the potential problems and hassles. All trips can be customized to meet your needs so that you have an adventure that will take your breath away. June 7, 2022 | By jill. For a long time, I held off visiting Egypt. Their Genius loyalty program allows you to earn reward credits no bookings and 10%-20% off hotel prices. In hindsight though. Solo Travel Egypt, Travel to Egypt Alone, Solo female Travel Egypt 10 days in Egypt:Travel from Cairo to Luxor on a sleeper train. I havent had a home base since 2019, but you can usually find me in Mexico during the winter. One thing that surprised me when arriving in Egypt was the number of police security checks, especially in the Sinai region. Safetywing is perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads. So overall, my solo female travel experience in Egypt was amazing and I felt a lot safer than in many other parts of the world. I liked that on the last day of the cruise, we were still allowed to spend the day on the ship even if we had to check out in the morning. See the Philae Temple & Aswan Dam, then fly to Abu Simbel then a felucca in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Transported to a different location to make way for the Aswan Dam, Abu Simbel is only reachable via an internal flight which leaves incredibly early on various mornings. You can see the story in the video below. None of them tried to screw me over. If you start looking at the goods theyre selling, then the sellers will get pushy and will try to keep you there as long as possible. There are many other temples here such as Kom Ombo Temple, Dendera Temple, and the Temples of Abydos. Its ridiculously cheap (most rides seemed to be around $1-$3 USD) and I always felt safe because the ride is tracked in the app. Luxor 2 days, Nile Cruise 4 days, Abu Simbel 1 day, Cairo 2 days, Sharm el Sheikh 3 days. The best places for solo female tourists in Egypt are the smaller towns around the Red Sea and deserts. Every single one of my interactions with local men was deeply respectful (well, despite a few pushy vendors here and there, but they all revealed their friendly personalities after a cup of tea). For a more relaxing experience on the Red Sea choose Hurghada which is more tailored to the all-inclusive market. If you arrive with a guide they just dont bother approaching you. Plus, the water is breathtaking! We had an Egyptian food night, as well as entertainment each evening. The main highlights of Siwa are visiting the salt flats and going on a jeep safari through the sand dunes. The Royal Mummy Room is where youll be able to get up close to the most famous pharaohs such as Ramses I, and Seti I. Visiting Cairo is not just about seeing the ancient pyramids and the Sphinx. Cairo day trip tours from Sharm typically leave in the middle of the night and come back the following night. Some women had the times of their lives while others experiences werent as rosy. Pro tip: Make sure your sunscreen is reef-friendly, meaning it doesnt contain oxybenzone, butylparaben, octinoxate, or 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, before you enter the water! * Before you plan your Egypt solo travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Egypt. The boat left from Sharm, so its a good day trip if youre staying there you can also go snorkeling there! Pro tip: Although Sharm El-Sheikh airport may seem relatively small, you should nonetheless plan to arrive three hours before your flight. Suggested hotel: I stayed at Mountain Camp Ali Khaled,, a fantastic place to meet other travelers. The best time to visit Egypt is in the shoulder spring season from March to May. Many of you will probably think Im crazy for recommending only a day in Cairo, however, I strongly believe that a guided day trip from Sharm El-Sheikh is the best option for solo female travelers to avoid uncomfortable experiences of roaming around alone. Although it was a short experience, I really loved Hurgada, especially for the lovely people around and the beautiful marine life it has to offer. My office now ranges from exotic airports to Bedouin tents, Himalayan teahouses to hip co-working spaces. The sea is so clear that you have amazing visibility just snorkelling. Ive met plenty of women who have travelled to Egypt independently and had a good time, but I felt more comfortable signing up for a small group tour taking in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor for the first part of my trip, then staying on for a few days in Luxor, and then in Cairo, on my own. Handcrafted in the USA and printed on premium quality archival paper. For every meal, there was a chef cooking food to order: in the morning, eggs, while the afternoon and evening two different courses. I searched all over the street for my wallet, but no luck. Having just come off a 19-hour flight all bleary eyed I was definitely starting to lose my patience. When you arrive at the airport in Cairo, you can book transportation through your hotel or use Cairo Shuttle Bus, which has its own office inside the airport arrivals hall. As always, you should be flexible and adjust your plans according to your own interest, but I sincerely believe that this 2 weeks Egypt itinerary is one of the safest and most comfortable ways to explore the country alone as a woman. Aswan had some of the most hospitable locals I met in Egypt, and I felt safe walking through the markets. Yes they are still in business. The trek is around 7 km long and the last part consists of 750 stairs. Blue-eyed travellers, black travellers and travellers with curvier body-shapes seem to attract more. ), which was well worth the E250 (about US$20) to avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers at each stop, and I recommend this option to other solos who arent keen to fork out for expensive organised day trips. Luxor is also home to the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple. Instead of putting my passport and my wallet away immediately when I got in the car, I sat in the back seat holding them in my hand. Top tips for female travellers visiting Egypt - Lonely Planet SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL IN EGYPT. The rooms are beautifully decorated and there are terraces where you can see the River Nile. As a blonde young female too lol. There is no electricity at all, thus beeswax candles light up the rooms at night, providing for a starry night. Visiting the major tourist attractions with a guide will mean that the sellers and scammers will usually leave you alone. So, off I went! It was only when I got to my hostel and they asked for my passport that I realized Id left my wallet and passport behind. What to do before the Covid situation started to get out of control? It would be a sin to skip Dahab in this 2 weeks Egypt itinerary! Ras Mohammed is a national park at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and the most popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The police station was located inside a crumbling mansion with cats wandering around the hallways. As a tall, blonde, decidedly un-Egyptian-looking woman, I was bracing for more hassle in Cairo. My trip was only supposed to last 7 days! It really made our trip to Egypt so much better.." Destinations Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor, Hurghada Age Range 10 to 68 year olds Room Type Singles, Shared While I myself haven't visited Egypt (yet! Just note few of my tips to maneuver around Egypt like a 'boss girl'. Supposedly he found my passport wedged between the car door and the car seat, so he suggested perhaps the wallet fell out onto the floor. Its very budget-friendly and has everything one might need. It was indeed so peaceful and full of kind people ready to help you. All of the old seven wonders of the world have gone except for the pyramids. The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). I researched quite a lot before deciding to go ahead andbook a cruise on the Nileon my own. There were lots of dramatic pauses as they examined my statement, and at one point I couldnt help but feel like I was at a poker table in a Bond movie. Solo trip (M) to Egypt : r/solotravel Most visitors bypass Abu Simbel but if you do have time, travel to southern Egypt to see this ancient complex that isn't comparable to any other site that I've seen. Egypt is FAR safer than the media makes it out to be. 12 Comments Everything you hear and read online basically says: "You cannot travel to Egypt alone and you should always have a man with you." I tend to disagree with this statement as the reality was way different for me. So, in the middle of the night, a worker from the hostel gave me a ride on the back of his moped to the nearest police station, which was quite the experience. If you prefer the underwater world to the historic sites, head to the Red Sea to swim with turtles, stingrays and sharks. If youre into nightlife, there are open-air bars including bedouin bars with carpeted floors and hookah (flavoured tobacco in a pipe). Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) Ancient Civilisation GatG, Beach GatG, Diving GatG, History GatG, Market GatG, Museum GatG. Plus, having data is convenient for getting around using Google maps and looking up information as needed. Subscribe to Girl about the Globe and receive 101 Solo Travel Tips for your next solo trip! One of the worlds oldest continuous civilisations. Sharm El Sheikh is the place to meet others. I organized my trip through Egylust. I got mine for 40 USD, which is one of the best value hot air balloon experiences in the world. ), I asked my friend and fellow blogger Katie Foote of Gypsy Soul . Not particular about solo travel in Egypt, but avoid coming in the summer months as its just too hot, and you wont be able to visit half of these attractions. The beach and dessert around Sharm can be replicated in ANY of the middle eastern countries . Time to explore Sharm on the second day of this 2 weeks Egypt itinerary! When I told people I was going to Egypt a lot of them warned me that Id attract a lot of extra attention with my blonde hair. But I wont deny I was a little apprehensive about travelling to Egypt on my own the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region combined with Egypts political instability and reputation for sexual harassment doesnt exactly inspire confidence in a lone female traveller. Don't travel through that many European countries, most look the same with just worse infrastructure After Morocco, Spain, Netherland (optional, shit country) Italy, Egypt, Turkey, continue with route. Find Tours: For day tours and multi-day trips I always use GetYourGuide and Viator. Forgot to ask you about Egylust companyare they still in operation as Im having trouble locating them online. She was so patient, took great photos and explained everything in a really engaging way. As with anywhere be careful walking alone at night and wear modest clothing when you are away from the developed resort areas. Best places for solo female travel in Egypt, Taking public transportation in Egypt alone, stuff stolen in the safest country in the world). I had originally priced everything up with domestic flights, nice hotels, taxis and day trips and had a rough idea of what that would cost. I didnt have the chance to take a Nile cruise while in Egypt, but its one of the most iconic things to do. Here you can learn about Egyptian history from papyrus paper to the last two dynasties of Egypt. The following day, my guide bought me food to cheer me up and helped me get to the embassy. I cant tell you how many people Ive met who only go to Cairo and Luxor and say they didnt like Egypt. That said, would I recommend it as your first time solo experience? I personally had a great experience staying at Dive Inn Resort. Did you know? Hurghada OR Sharm El Sheikh OR Dahab. Cairo 3 days , Luxor 3 days, Aswan 1 day, Abu Simbel 1 day, Cairo 2 days. Always protect yourself with travel insurance! Tour Guide Egypt: Solo Female Travel - See 65 traveler reviews, 104 candid photos, and great deals for Cairo, Egypt, at Tripadvisor. Im glad I did because Aswan and Luxor were amazing and definitely worth the visit. TIP To make your most out of the sites, sign up with a tour guide and get up extra early to avoid the crowds just before midday (plus you miss the heat too). And I wouldnt have it any other way. The Valley of the Queens is an ancient burial site which is smaller than the Valley of the Kings. The Red Sea is a divers dream and has over 1000 species and more than 200 types of coral. How to travel in Egypt as a solo female. "Solo travel can be a huge confidence booster and can help with resilience," she explains. Required fields are marked *. In all honesty, I had a terrible start to my trip. What would happen to a solo woman diving alone witha man instructor? Lets check out this awesome 2 weeks Egypt itinerary for solo female travelers! You can fly from Alexandria airport to Luxor, Aswan and Sharm al Sheikh, each can be reached in about an hour by air. For more inspiration and tips, see my Egypt travel guide, which is full of itineraries, practical tips and ideas for things to do. Lora Pope is a full-time digital nomad, on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as I can along the way. Whether you want to set sail along the River Nile or roam the incredible Valley of the Kings, theres a new adventure around every corner when you visit Egypt. Now its time to reveal my special 2 weeks Egypt itinerary for solo female travelers. The pyramids are in Giza, but its only a 40-minute drive from Cairo, so many people visit on a day trip. Booking your accommodation: I use Booking.com to book all my hotels. Tombs of Jabal el Mawta and more, are on the agenda. While baring your shoulders and knees doesn't imply a woman is 'asking' for anything, it can be interpreted as such by some men. Egypt Solo Female Travel Safety Tips and Advice With such a rich history and unique culture, it has always fascinated me. For a depiction of daily Egyptian life, Deir el-Medina is a remnant of a workers village with paintings of the tomb walls. Four statues of Ramses II stand at the entrance to the temples and inside are three main halls with more statues of Ramses II. Female solo travel to Cairo (Egypt)? The company I eventually found creates custom itineraries/tours; you just tell them your approximate budget and what you want to do and theyll try to work something out. The drive is super comfortable but takes around nine hours each way, so make sure to plan enough time for the trip. Maybe thinking wisely before another pandemic is on its way. Its easy to believe that Egypt is all about beaches and mosques, but did you know that the biblical Mount Sinai, where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments, and St. Catherines Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world lie in Egypt as well? This is not advice for anyone's decision. Suggested hotel: Sukoon guesthouse is a great spot to meet like-minded travelers in a beautiful setting. I would for sure come back to this little piece of paradise! 8 tips I wish I knew before traveling solo to Egypt I only spent two days in Hurgada and didnt get the chance to go diving, so Ive asked Giorgy ofG-Extreme Travel to share what her personal experience was like diving in Hurgada as a solo female traveler. You can always book a guided city tour of Cairo! Clothes in Egypt are cheap to buy, and they are fabulous! Is Egypt Safe For Solo Female Travelers? You may be wondering if its safe to take public transportation in Egypt alone, and in my experience yes, it is! * Use Rome2Rio to help you plan your journeys. In all honesty though, I would have preferred to organize everything myself and it wasnt for me. As for travelling between tourist areas, solo women may find it more comfortable to fly, which costs about the same as first-class train tickets (the safest option). I hope this 2 weeks Egypt itinerary for solo female travelers helped you get an idea of what a perfect two weeks in Egypt as a woman traveling alone could look like. The white desert is a magical place. I didnt want to stick around in Cairo, so I decided to wing it and just try my luck at the airport. So dont feel nervous because of your hair color! I had a guide at all the attractions so my guides took them for me. Save $20 off your first stay with this Airbnb link. Wear modest clothing while away from the resort areas to avoid unwanted attention. Always sit in the back seat of taxis, and stay alert, as there have been reports of assaults. Rooms come with air conditioning, and a kitchenette and tea, coffee and water is available all day. I asked people I know whether Egypt was worth visiting and the responses I got were a mixed bag. Check out this video about Im in about solo female travel in Egypt. Find out more. From the various accounts online, there clearly have been women whove had issues with things like sexual harassment. Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each tour. Book your personal airport transfer here! After all, I only know what female friends tell me. I booked mine through Egylust, which included transport from Cairo. I never felt unsafe walking around by myself, be it in empty streets or busy market areas, during the daytime or at night. Lots of influencers have used them and I figured perhaps it would be safer to have a contact on the ground who could help. * Check all day tours, prices and availability for Egypt. Siwa is home to the ancient Oracle temple where Alexander the Great went after conquering Egypt. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, Im Lora! As I prepared for my trip, most people responded to me with shock that I would even consider going to Egypt as a woman alone. Hire a guide if youre visiting popular tourist sites like the pyramids; it will help you avoid getting hassled. Situated on its own private sandy beach, this sociable resort is a short walk to Hurghadas Old Town. There were tales of hassle at airports, scams and sexual harrassment. Egypts first eco-lodge was established by Sherif El-Ghamrawy in 1986, when he found a beautiful beach nestled in-between two hills in a remote corner of South Sinai. These fine art prints showcase destinations from around the world. The next day I made my way straight to the embassy as soon as it opened, but there was an enormous line outside and they wouldnt let me in without an appointment.
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