Top Tips for Solo Female Travelers Before Travelling to Egypt

A mosaic of ancient history, cultural adventure, and modern urbanity, Egypt is one lively and momentous travel destination where you can sense the old, the new, and everything in between.

While maneuvering through this Middle Eastern marvel might become a bit overwhelming for women travellers at first, it's imperative to get the cultural clues correct in order to reduce the hassle and potential problems.

As a solo female traveller, you should not only take the safety in your own hands but also be prepared for the adventure. Here are top safety tips for solo female travelers for their Trip to Egypt:

1. Dress Conservatively: After all Modesty is the best Virtue

Egypt is a highly conservative country and the locals are very traditional about their dressing. So, it is recommended to dump your hot shorts and strappy tank tops that might draw negative attention from the crowd.

Women are expected to dress up modestly, covering shoulders, upper arms, chest and legs by wearing loose-fitting, opaque T-shirts (with a sleeve that covers upper arms), long pants and long skirts.

P.S: A huge part of how you are treated when you’re strolling through the streets of Egypt depends on how you dress up. So, making that extra effort to cover up not only improves your impression on the local people but it also gives off the message that you respect their culture, cutting short any negative, demeaning attention.

2. Find yourself a safe hotel: A Home away from Home

If travelling alone, it’s best to consider hotels that have security checks at all entrances and are generally deemed safe. In fact, the country is flooded with a number of safe, comfy, family-owned three-star hotels where the staff is not only warm and welcoming but they also look out for you, once they get to know you! They can become your home-away-from-home.

Pro Tip: Always carry your hotel’s business card when you go sightseeing. It’s a quick and easy way to get home in case you’re lost in a warren of streets and your Arabic isn’t really good. Simply hand the car to any cab driver and you’ll be home safe in a flash.

3. Book Local Female Guides: The Best Way to Explore Egypt

While we appreciate your choice and bold attitude to travel the world on your own, it’s always a good idea to partner with a local female tour guide. While Egypt is mostly a safe and welcoming country, it is recommended not to stroll alone at some places after the sunset. So, at such times, it’s better to be accompanied by a trusted local guide than moving alone. Plus, they can also give you some valuable insights about the rich Egyptian history.

Pro Tip: Inquire at the front desk of your hotel or consult your travel agent on how to go about finding one. In fact, for very little money you can book a professional guide (and driver) who go through strict training and years of classes on Egyptology.

4. Transportation Secret for Women

If you happen to be in two of the largest cities of Egypt: Cairo and Alexandria, then you’ll be extremely happy to learn that both share a secret pertaining to women. While Alexandria boasts of its safe and sound streetcars, Cairo takes extreme pride in its wonderful ‘Metro’ which is not only safe and clean but is also incredibly cheap.

Because Egypt is vastly a Muslim country, the front car (or two) on each streetcar or train is reserved exclusively for women. It’s an amazing experience to mingle solely with the local women who will come up and talk to you, laughing shyly.

P.S: Women travelers can also ride in the “mixed” compartments as you will be greeted with flooding smiles and invariably be offered a seat.

5. Mark Your Territory: Be an Aware Woman Traveler

As a woman travelling solo in Egypt, it is always wise to research properly about the places you’ll be visiting and get an idea about what it’d be like to travel through them alone. While the internet is undoubtedly the best place to get started for your research process, take out some time to visit government sites, travel blogs, and public forums to learn about the concerned places.

What’s more; it is strongly advisable to learn a few standard phrases of Arabic as it will not only help you break the ice but also sound more friendly to the locals.

Salam or Marhaba: Hello

Ibtihki ingleezi? : Do you speak English?

Jameel : Beautiful

Ismi…: My name is…

Shukran : Thank you

Afwan :You are welcome (Reply to Shukran)

Pro Tip: Learn the Arabic names of the tourist places you intend to visit beforehand. While Egyptians are known for being helpful and friendly, doing so will empower you to be more independent in your travel endeavors and help you avoid overly intrusive locals insisting on guiding you.

With the above measures taken properly, Egypt could turn out to be one of safest destinations for female travellers. Also, you should always inform your partner spouse, or family members back home about your travel plans so they can rest assured of your safety and wellbeing.