Last Updated
Is Egypt secure for solo feminine vacationers?
I’ve been to 50+ countries around the world as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be somewhat apprehensive about touring to Egypt alone.
So I booked a 10-day group tour of the nation to start out off with, adopted by some exploring by myself.
And I truthfully should say that whereas I beloved Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return in the future, it was some of the difficult and exhausting nations I’ve ever been to on the identical time.
Overall, I do not assume it is a good vacation spot for almost all of solo feminine vacationers, however that should not discourage you from visiting in any respect.
Here are an important issues you need to find out about solo feminine journey and security in Egypt:
1. It’s Safe, But It’s Not For The Faint Of Heart
Egypt is secure for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not advocate it for almost all of ladies.
You ought to solely go to Egypt solo in the event you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a great first-time solo travel destination.
While I by no means felt bodily unsafe in Egypt, the fixed staring, feedback, and hassling from males grew tiresome and was not like something I’d skilled elsewhere on this planet.
2. Scams Abound
One factor you need to find out about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This will not be a problem so long as you come ready and know the way to determine and keep away from scams.
Never get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a value with the motive force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor presents you a “gift,” it is not truly going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.
And if you’re buying within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means conform to the primary (or second, or third) value you are quoted.
3. You Need To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place it is advisable be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you have to be snug being assertive, even when it feels “rude.”
If you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and hold strolling, they may comply with you and hold pestering you endlessly.
Don’t fall prey to the high-pressure gross sales techniques that distributors will use as you stroll down the road or by way of markets and bear in mind you possibly can all the time stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Way Of Life
Tipping is a large a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no approach round it.
If you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will possible take up a set of suggestions for everybody (mine was $75 per individual for a 10-day tour) and handle distributing them to drivers, porters, waiters, and so forth.
To use any restroom in Egypt, you will additionally often must tip the attendant a small quantity (5 to 10 Egyptian kilos, or $0.10 to $0.20.)
Going again to level #3 above, do not be afraid to push again and say no if somebody like a tour information calls for extra money after you have already tipped them.
5. Dress Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Middle Eastern nation I traveled to, and I knew it will be vital to decorate conservatively.
But understand that in the event you’re a international girl, dressing conservatively remains to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.
I all the time wore lengthy attire (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved high in Egypt and felt snug.
6. Poverty Is Very Visible In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of components of Egypt, and that is one thing you have to be ready for earlier than you go.
It doesn’t suggest that Egypt is unsafe, however it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard in the event you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy images of the nation on-line.
One notably heartbreaking factor that is frequent to see in Egypt is little one beggars.
As terrible of a scenario as it’s, it is best to not give cash to them as a result of it perpetuates the cycle of exploitation — the youngsters do not get to maintain this cash, and adults are sometimes forcing them to beg.
7. Food Hygiene Is Questionable
As I’ve talked about a number of occasions, Egypt just isn’t essentially an unsafe place — it might simply be uncomfortable. Aside from the fixed hassling and scams, I might say one of many greatest points you would possibly face is getting sick.
Food hygiene requirements in Egypt will not be the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which may result in many vacationers getting sick.
This is unquestionably a vacation spot the place you will need to journey with loads of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and be picky about the place you eat.
You additionally can not drink the faucet water in Egypt. I like to recommend getting a LifeStraw filtering water bottle. It’s cheaper than shopping for bottled water on a regular basis and higher for the setting.
I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to soundly drink the faucet water in so many nations world wide.
8. There’s Not Much Of A Solo Travel Scene
One factor I discovered fascinating about Egypt is that there is not a lot of a solo journey or backpacker scene.
I feel a part of the rationale I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through virtually all of Central and South America is due to how frequent it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, ebook backpacker actions, and so forth.
This is simply not as a lot of a “thing” in Egypt. So in the event you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my closing tip…
9. Traveling Solo Is Not Necessarily Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a bunch tour.
There are loads of inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try firms like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to price solely barely greater than in the event you had been to attempt to ebook your personal lodging, transportation, and actions.
I’m not often one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% assume it is the most suitable choice.
It additionally takes away all the stress of navigating what could be a difficult vacation spot so you possibly can truly take pleasure in Egypt.
Read More:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans Starting At $10 Per Week
How To Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
↓ Join Our Community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the newest journey information, conversations, and Q&A’s occurring day by day!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail handle to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
Source link
