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Is Egypt protected for solo feminine vacationers?
I have been to 50+ countries around the world as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be a bit apprehensive about touring to Egypt alone.
So I booked a 10-day group tour of the nation to begin off with, adopted by some exploring by myself.
And I actually need to say that whereas I cherished Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return someday, it was some of the difficult and exhausting international locations I’ve ever been to on the similar time.
Total, I do not suppose it is a good vacation spot for almost all of solo feminine vacationers, however that should not discourage you from visiting in any respect.
Listed below are a very powerful issues you must find out about solo feminine journey and security in Egypt:
1. It is Protected, However It is Not For The Faint Of Coronary heart
Egypt is protected for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not suggest it for almost all of ladies.
You must solely go to Egypt solo in the event you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a superb first-time solo travel destination.
Whereas I by no means felt bodily unsafe in Egypt, the fixed staring, feedback, and hassling from males grew tiresome and was not like something I might skilled elsewhere on the planet.
2. Scams Abound
One factor you must find out about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This may not be a difficulty so long as you come ready and know tips on how to establish and keep away from scams.
By no means get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a value with the motive force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor presents you a “present,” it is not truly going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.
And if you’re buying within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means comply with the primary (or second, or third) value you are quoted.
3. You Want To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place you should be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you should be comfy being assertive, even when it feels “impolite.”
If you happen to do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and preserve strolling, they’ll comply with you and preserve pestering you endlessly.
Do not fall prey to the high-pressure gross sales techniques that distributors will use as you stroll down the road or by means of markets and bear in mind you may at all times stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Manner Of Life
Tipping is a large a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no approach round it.
If you happen to go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will possible take up a group of ideas for everybody (mine was $75 per particular person for a 10-day tour) and handle distributing them to drivers, porters, waiters, and so forth.
To make use of any restroom in Egypt, you may additionally often must tip the attendant a small quantity (5 to 10 Egyptian kilos, or $0.10 to $0.20.)
Going again to level #3 above, do not be afraid to push again and say no if somebody like a tour information calls for more cash after you’ve got already tipped them.
5. Costume Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Center Japanese nation I traveled to, and I knew it could be essential to decorate conservatively.
However remember that in the event you’re a international lady, dressing conservatively remains to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.
I at all times wore lengthy attire (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved high in Egypt and felt comfy.
6. Poverty Is Very Seen In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of elements of Egypt, and that is one thing you ought to be ready for earlier than you go.
It does not imply that Egypt is unsafe, nevertheless it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard in the event you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy pictures of the nation on-line.
One significantly heartbreaking factor that is widespread to see in Egypt is little one beggars.
As terrible of a scenario as it’s, it is best to not give cash to them as a result of it perpetuates the cycle of exploitation — the kids do not get to maintain this cash, and adults are sometimes forcing them to beg.
7. Meals Hygiene Is Questionable
As I’ve talked about a number of occasions, Egypt shouldn’t be essentially an unsafe place — it will probably simply be uncomfortable. Apart from the fixed hassling and scams, I might say one of many largest points you would possibly face is getting sick.
Meals hygiene requirements in Egypt are usually not the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which may result in many vacationers getting sick.
That is positively a vacation spot the place you may wish to journey with loads of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and be picky about the place you eat.
You additionally can not drink the faucet water in Egypt. I like to recommend getting a LifeStraw filtering water bottle. It is cheaper than shopping for bottled water on a regular basis and higher for the surroundings.
I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to soundly drink the faucet water in so many international locations around the globe.
8. There’s Not A lot Of A Solo Journey Scene
One factor I discovered fascinating about Egypt is that there is not a lot of a solo journey or backpacker scene.
I feel a part of the explanation I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through nearly all of Central and South America is due to how widespread it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, guide backpacker actions, and so forth.
That is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So in the event you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my remaining tip…
9. Touring Solo Is Not Essentially Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a bunch tour.
There are many reasonably priced group excursions in Egypt (try firms like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to price solely barely greater than in the event you have been to attempt to guide your individual lodging, transportation, and actions.
I am not often one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% suppose it is the most suitable choice.
It additionally takes away all the stress of navigating what generally is a difficult vacation spot so you may truly get pleasure from Egypt.
Learn Extra:
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Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
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