Egypt’s fame precedes it – right here, historical past extends again not simply centuries however to the very daybreak of civilization, with a powerful horde of in-situ historical monuments to show it. However the nation’s fame as a tricky place for solo ladies to go to would possibly function simply as prominently because the pyramids in tales swapped by travellers.
As a journey information author specializing in North Africa and the Center East, I’ve visited Egypt by myself, traversing the nation from prime to backside, from Alexandria to Aswan and past. Whereas I’m not going to faux prefer it was straightforward, travelling in Egypt on my own was massively rewarding and eye-opening. Interested by travelling to Egypt solo your self? Listed below are six hard-earned classes gleaned from my very own experiences.
1. Be a part of a small group tour
Hear me out: I do know that signing up for a tour would possibly seem to be the antithesis of travelling solo, however in Egypt, that call pays out dividends. Becoming a member of a small group and even simply getting a information for your self will vastly improve your time exploring.
The nation is not nicely arrange for impartial journey. Signage at Egypt’s historical websites is almost nonexistent, so in case you’re hoping to know the hidden meanings behind the hieroglyphs and study concerning the pantheon of pharaohs and gods, you’ll want an skilled Egyptologist in tow. Few costs are mounted, so that you’ll spend extra of your valuable vacation time haggling for transport to this temple or that, as a substitute of standing in awe of the traditional treasures. Would-be guides dangle round entrances to vacationer websites, however whenever you include your personal, you’ll skip the effort of their entreaties. Going with a information or group enables you to absolutely concentrate on having fun with your journey as a substitute of determining the logistics of creating it occur.
Keep in mind that travelling solo doesn’t essentially imply travelling alone. When you be part of a tour, you’re sure to fulfill different like-minded adventurers and solo travellers hanging out on their very own, so you possibly can alternate tales and expertise the enjoyment of solo journey collectively.
See it for your self on: Better of Egypt
2. Costume the half
Egypt is a conservative Muslim nation, and it’s essential for travellers to respect the native tradition. It’s greatest for girls – and males! – to decorate modestly, protecting from higher arms to knees. Bathing fits and shorts are superb on Nile cruise boats and at resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh and the Crimson Sea, but it surely’s thoughtful to cowl up extra within the cities and particularly in rural villages.
When you positively don’t must put on an abaya (a full-length costume worn by ladies that covers from wrists to ft) or a headband (until you’re visiting a mosque), lengthy and loose-fitting clothes will make sure you hold cool and cozy in each local weather and tradition. Go for lengthy skirts, relaxed athletic pants, t-shirts, flowy tops and cardigans in cooler climate. As talked about, the principles in fashionable vacationer spots (particularly in hovering temps!) are sometimes loosened.
See it for your self on: Highlights of Egypt
3. Convey your sense of humour
Egypt’s economic system is massively reliant on tourism and remains to be rebounding after the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability from the fallout of the Arab Spring in 2011. Greater than two million Egyptians are employed in tourism, and the competitors to clinch a sale will be fierce. Whereas being questioned and catcalled all over the place you go is exhausting, hardly ever is it malicious.
The trail main to just about each historic website is lined with tourist-tat-filled markets and makeshift stalls that one in all my guides jokingly known as the “valley of the distributors.” When you’re not enthusiastic about making a purchase order, simply hold strolling and ignore the cloud of questions and pleas so that you can step into their retailers. Strolling by way of such as you’re coated in teflon and letting the effort bounce off you is the most effective technique, but it surely’s not all the time the best in case you come from a tradition the place that’s thought of impolite.
The Egyptians like to joke, so in case you’re inclined to have interaction, bust out your sense of humour. Fully make up the place you’re from (normally the primary query requested) or if the gross sales pitch will get too tedious, snort and say that you have already got a set of canopic jars at house and don’t want any extra.
See it for your self on: Egypt & Jordan Journey
4. Pack your equipment
Egypt’s unrelenting desert solar implies that sun shades are important for a go to irrespective of the time of 12 months, however they will additionally assist you to keep away from eye contact and extra simply deflect the looking out salespeople.
Some ladies say sporting a faux marriage ceremony ring helps beat back undesirable advances from flirtatious males, although I’m not absolutely satisfied it is well worth the effort. Even when your ring is seen, anticipate to be peppered with questions – from each women and men – about why you’re travelling alone, whether or not you’re married and the way you can go away your loved ones behind.
You’ll get fewer second glances in Cairo and Alexandria, cities the place tourism is much less essential (although the city chaos is one other component to cope with). The Cairo Metro additionally has women-only automobiles.
See it for your self on: Solo-ish Egypt
5. Get an area SIM card
Solo travellers decided to navigate themselves round Egypt ought to decide up an area SIM card or make sure that their information plan from house works once they arrive within the nation. Having a knowledge connection is important for utilizing mapping apps to search out your means round, particularly within the mangled maze of Islamic Cairo and the well-known bazaar of Khan el-Khalili (however don’t overlook to place your telephone away, too – a few of the pleasure right here is getting misplaced).
Uber works in Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada and some different less-touristy cities, and its set costs are a godsend for these bored with haggling with taxi drivers. With telephone information, you possibly can keep related to pals at house and people you meet in Egypt, and lots of lodging and tour operators use WhatsApp to make bookings and ensure particulars.
Purchase a SIM card on the airport on arrival – you’ll discover telephone retailers round Egyptian cities, however the employees are much less prone to converse English.
See it for your self on: Egypt: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile
6. Keep versatile and have enjoyable
Egypt isn’t the best place on the planet for solo ladies travellers – or for impartial travellers in any respect – however if in case you have an urge for food for journey, Egypt extends an open invitation to dive in head first. Whereas in different nations it usually pays off to have a well-planned itinerary, in Egypt, a few of the greatest tales come from seeing the place the journey takes you. You by no means know who you would possibly meet on a tour, at a hostel, at a espresso store or on the evening practice.
Day-after-day in Egypt is an journey. Embrace it.
Initially revealed September 14, 2022.
