Jetset to Egypt
Oh, the beautiful wonders of Egypt! I’ve dreamed about traveling to Egypt since I was a kid and learned about Egyptian History in class. The Egyptian Gods, hieroglyphics, and the power of humankind to construct such massive archeological beauties mesmerized me. There is a reason why the Great Pyramids are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Before Traveling to Egypt
- 1 Day in Giza
- 1 Day in Cairo/Alexandria
- Evenings in Giza or Cairo
- Foods to Try in Egypt
- Souvenirs to Bring Home from Egypt
Egypt Travel Guide – Before Travelling to Egypt
There are a lot of things to consider before taking your first trip to Egypt. Our Egypt Travel Guide will answer all the questions running through your head that I had to research and answer for myself:
First, is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Absolutely! If you look at the US Department of State, Egypt ranks at Level 2 of 4, which means to ‘Exercise Increased Caution’. I felt very comfortable traveling in Egypt, and felt safe at every location I went to, both touristy and not-so-touristy.
All of the law enforcement officers, tourism police, and hotel security walk around with large firearms and it can be a shock at first, but it is all to ensure your physical safety. Any vehicle entering my hotel would be stopped to look inside the vehicle, and even bring a dog to sniff for any suspicious activities. Every standard hotel would have a metal detector and a scanner as you enter the building.
Do I need to hire a driver and/or tour guide?
I would highly recommend hiring both a driver and a tour guide in Egypt. The roads, traffic, and driving rules in Giza can be very chaotic. First of all, the roads in Giza particularly are unpaved, and lanes are not clearly drawn out. Oftentimes, the drivers are merging into multiple lanes at a time, and pushing themselves through a heep of traffic. The stop-and-go-traffic is also not the friendliest to tourists who want to maximize their time, and where parking may be challenging. In fact, driving around Egypt can be so challenging, that legally the driver and the tour guide must be separate individuals. You cannot have a driving tour guide as in other countries where they can be one in the same person.
Next, a tour guide is highly recommended if you can afford it. There is so much to learn about the rich history, key people, religion, and traditions. I personally booked a tour with an Egyptologist, who had her Masters in Egyptian History, and a wealth of knowledge. If you are looking for a reference, I would recommend my guide, Manar Atwa from Let’s Explore Egypt!. Special bonus is that she takes phenomenal photos! The tour company will take care of booking the driver for you.
Can I travel alone?
Sure, you can travel alone if you wish. However, I would recommend again a driver and a guide to get around. You can book transportation from a trusted company from the airport and back as well, if you don’t feel comfortable taking a taxi.
How long do I stay?
There is so much to see in Egypt! I feel I was short-changed because I only had 2 days to sightsee. I would highly recommend a minimum of a week if you can spare the time, but 2 days will afford you at least the highlights in Cairo and Giza.
Where in Egypt should I go?
The highlight of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx are located in Giza, and an absolute do not miss! Cairo, however, is the capital of Egypt, where you will find the remnants of all of the treasures collected from a variety of pyramids and tombs throughout Egypt. When in Cairo, you can also trek to Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt. Giza and Cairo are approx. 1 hour away from each other due to traffic, and I would recommend a minimum of 1 day in each
If you can afford more time, you should plan time in Luxor, to the Valley of the Kings. There is no major international airport in Luxor, though, and you will need to fly to Cairo first and then connect to Luxor (approx. 1 hour flight). You can also go by car (7 hours) or by a cruise along the Nile (4 days) if you have more time.
Where should I stay?
Because I’ve always dreamed of the pyramids, I chose to stay in Giza at the Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa where there was an amazing view of the pyramids at poolside for some relaxation. The Marriott Mena House is also available with a view of the Giza pyramids if you are a Marriott Loyalist! There is nightlife in Giza – jazz bars, rooftop bars, restaurants, shows, and the most famous pyramid light shows. However, if you want to be near the main nightlife, Cairo is the place to be, will allow you a central location, and more time in the evenings to sight-see closeby.
As a female, what is appropriate for me to wear as a tourist? Can I wear tank tops and shorts in this hot weather?
Egypt is a conservative Muslim culture, and clothing that is too revealing may draw some unwarranted attention. However, it is common in the touristy areas (ie. at the pyramids) for tourists to wear shorts and tank tops. I recommend covering your shoulders and wearing longer shorts (to the knees) if possible. During visits to the mosques, they will require you to cover up if your attire is not appropriate.
