Ultimate Guide To Visiting Egypt

27 June

Egypt is a dream destination for those wanting a luxurious resort experience while experiencing an exotic culture and rich history. American tourism isn’t as frequent, but many Europeans view Egypt as a quick getaway and often travel there to escape their brutal winters.
If you have chosen Egypt as your next travel destination, you’ve just made the best decision of your life. Egypt has so much to offer, from delicious food and luxurious resorts to guided tours through ancient and mysterious temple sites. Let's dive into Egypt travel guide.

Tip #1: What to Wear

In our first tip of Egypt travel guide we will talk about dress codes. Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, and specific types of dress is expected from both locals and foreigners. Both men and women should generally weather clothing that covers their knees and shoulders at all times. When you visit a mosque, these hems must be extended to cover your wrists and ankles. Women are required to cover their heads when entering a mosque, but not when they’re out seeing the rest of Egypt.
These rules may be new to foreigners, but they do more than adhere to Islam. The desert can get extremely hot, and wearing natural fabrics like linen and cotton will help protect your skin from the sun while promoting air flow. Try to stay away from synthetic fabrics that trap moisture.

Tip #2: Safety First

Before embarking on any trip, be sure to check the U.S Department of State or your local government organization to make sure your destination isn’t on a travel alert or warning list. Civil unrest, protests, and even terrorists attacks have plagues the Middle East for decades. It’s always a good idea to be knowledgeable of the political climate when you travel.
That being said, Egyptians are incredibly welcoming and hospitable. Locals love visitors, and areas that are dependent on tourism are usually safe to visit no matter what.

Check out our most popular packages in Egypt here!

Tip #3: Cultural Learning Curve

In the wake of civil unrest and a hostile political climate, Egypt has been working hard to rebuild its tourist industry. As a traveler, this means you can to enjoy lower than normal prices and less crowded streets.
Like many countries in the Middle East and Africa, Egypt is known for aggressive tout in bazaars and market places. Travelers who aren’t accustomed to the practice of bargaining can easily pay far too much for goods and souvenirs. It would be wise to do your research beforehand to know standard local prices, so you can stand your grand during a negotiation.
Foreigners should expect to get more attention from locals than they are accustomed to, especially women. Many Egyptian locals, particularly children, have never been outside of the country and are incredibly curious and excited about new people from around the world.

Tip #4: Where to Go

Continuing with our Egypt travel guide, here's a list of places you should visit while on tour to Egypt:

 Cairo

This large, bustling city is the largest in all of Egypt. Most visitors will land at its International Airport and stay there overnight before beginning their journeys. Cairo has been a hub for culture and trade for centuries, and it’s almost impossible to experience the wealth of history, culture, and architecture all in one day.

 Aswan

Not nearly the size of Cairo, Aswan is a small town that resides further south along the banks of the Nile River. It’s a common starting point for Nile River cruises headed for Luxor. Along with the local charm of any Egyptian city, travelers should make a special visit to Philae Temple, an ancient temple of the goddess Isis. It’s located in a small island in the Aswan Dam reservoir. Abu Simbel is also a must-see while visiting Aswan.

 Luxor

Most of the grand sites in Egypt are tombs and monuments dedicated to pharaohs. However, Luxor is uniquely set apart as a place where pharaohs, queens, and nobles alike are buried and enshrined. The Valley of the Kings houses tombs of pharaohs, and the Valley of the Queens likewise holds some of their well-known wives, such as the famous Nefertari.

The Karnak Temple complex also lies within the ancient city of Luxor and demands an entire day to itself. Within, the Great Hypostyle Hall is a labyrinth of 134 sandstone columns shaped like papyrus stalks. The obelisk of Hatshepsut watches over the entire complex from the Temple of Amo at a staggering 96 feet (30 meters) tall.

 Hurghada

If you want a break from the heat of the desert, the coastal city of Hurghada is the next stop on your list. It borders the Red Sea and has your choice of beach resorts and small islands for you to enjoy. Travelers can book snorkeling tours to explore the coral reefs or book parasailing, waterskiing, and other water sports.

Tip #5: What to Eat

Egyptian cuisine is a variation of Mediterranean food. You will likely have heard of much of their food: falafel, kebabs, hummus with pita bread, olives and vegetables, etc. However, Egypt’s national dish is quite unique to the area. Kushari, as it’s called, is rice, lentils, and macaroni mixed together in a spicy tomato sauce and topped with chili sauce, chickpeas, and fried onions.
If you have a less diverse palette, there are plenty of Western-style restaurants in large cities like Cairo and Luxor. However, if you are venturing out into the countryside, be prepared for far fewer options.

Tip #6: When to Visit Egypt

The peak travel seasons in Egypt are fall and winter, October through April. November and December are the most popular, so if you book your trip right before or after these months, you can enjoy much cheaper rates.
Winter in Egypt is quite pleasant during the day and usually stays in the 70’s or 80’s Fahrenheit. However, once the sun sets, the temperatures will drop into the 60’s Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to dress warmly if you’re enjoying the local nightlife. They key to surviving Egyptian weather is layering clothes throughout the day.
Try to avoid traveling to Egypt in the summer if you can. The heat is brutal and consistently reaches triple digits. Even if you enjoy warmer weather back in your home country, the dry heat of desert can make sites like Giza and Luxor quite unbearable. Here's our best recommendations for Egypt travel guide, hope you enjoy your trip.