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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Q- Is it safe to travel to Egypt 2020? A-Tourists have been visiting Egypt for centuries and Egyptians have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Egyptian cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequenty.
Q-What are Egypt's Visa Requirements? A-If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read More About Egypt Travel Visa.
Q-What is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?A-Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
Q-What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?A- The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the weather is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
Q-What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?A-You should pack everything you could ever need and but in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Q-Why Book With "JOURNEY TO EGYPT"? A-We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 10 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main concern priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the best atmosphere until you return home.
Q-What is the Weather is Like? A-The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts..