Here’s the best advices for other solo ladies considering a trip to Egypt.
There are a lot of fearless women travelers in the world that are ready to take a chance and live a true adventure. But some feel a little apprehensive about traveling to Egypt on their own – due to some factors that don’t exactly inspire confidence in a lone female traveler. But, during an Egypt tours, Egypt! with its awe-inspiring ancient relics and endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion, it’s known to be the ultimate travel destination, with its incredibly hospitable culture and people, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore the sights and live an awesome adventure.
Here’s the best advices for other solo ladies considering a trip to Egypt.
Come prepared…for Egypt to challenge your perceptions
Everyone will be blown away by how incredibly welcomed everyone will feel in Egypt – indeed, the first word most locals learn in English is “welcome” which you can expect to hear often. Traveling alone as a woman, however, is an unfathomable concept to most Egyptians, so you can expect to receive a little more attention than most women used to dealing with in their own country. While some of this attention will be unwelcome, most of it will be the opposite – as all lone females will be more likely to be befriended by Egypt’s naturally hospitable locals, and you’ll miss out on some memorable awesome moments if you’re too scared to speak to them or indulge requests for some selfies.
Consider taking a tour
It is advised 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 your own as it feels more comfortable. This allowed all solo travelers to ease into the destination in the comfort of a group before tackling it on my own.
It would feel comfortable returning solo, but some women’s might find traveling to Egypt independently for the first time a little challenging, due to:…
The hassle factor of sexual harassment and catcalls (ranging from “hello, my future wife!” to more sleazy lines) are unfortunately common, as they are in many countries, all-female travelers will be pleasantly surprised to receive a far lower volume of unwanted attention than they expect, but aside from a few curious stares, everyone won't have any problems exploring the downtown area. The streets will be buzzed with families into the wee hours, and you will love soaking up the atmosphere – and posing for a few family photos – as you stroll between kushari (the national dish) restaurants, museums, and galleries.
Getting around
it is advised to hire a driver in Luxor for an afternoon to explore the sights of the west bank that weren’t included in my tour to avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers at each stop, and this option is recommended to other solos who aren’t keen to fork out for expensive organized day trips. you can also sign up for several excellent Urban Adventures in Cairo, to fully explore Egypt’s cosmopolitan capital in full depth, or comfortably if I’d opted to go it alone. As for traveling 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).
Tips for solo women travelers to Egypt:
• Dress appropriately.
•Covering up (a long skirt or pants and a t-shirt is fine, though a long-sleeved shirt is ideal) also conveys your respect for Egyptian culture.
• Keep a scarf handy for visiting mosques, churches, and religious sites.
• Always sit in the back seat of taxis, and stay alert, because there have been reports of assaults.
• Arrange drivers and taxis through your hotel where possible, or use Uber, which many local women state that it is safer.
• Even friendly conversation can sometimes be interpreted as flirting; avoid engaging if you don’t feel comfortable, even if it feels impolite.
• Likewise, politely decline selfie requests if you’re not comfortable.
• Do not accept invitations from strangers to show you around or take you for a meal unless you feel 100% safe.
• If you’re using Cairo’s metro, always seek out the women’s carriages.
• Resist the ‘assistance’ of staff or unregistered guides at tourist sites as All will expect a tip, and some may try for more.
• Do not eat, drink (even water) or smoke in public during Ramadan, which is considered impolite and sometimes an offense.
• Egypt has been brewing beer for 3000 years and drinking is not taboo (even for some Muslims), but you will attract attention if you go to a public bar on your own.
• Trust your instincts.
• If you enter a hotel, restaurant or cab and get a leery vibe, don’t brush it off and Get out of there immediately.
• Wearing a wedding ring or inventing a husband (and children) may help you to avoid any unwanted attention.
• Bring your own sanitary products; as tampons can be expensive and difficult to find in Egypt.
