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Is Egypt protected for solo feminine vacationers?
I have been to 50+ international locations world wide as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be somewhat apprehensive about touring to Egypt alone.
So I booked a 10-day group tour of the nation to start out off with, adopted by some exploring by myself.
And I actually must say that whereas I beloved Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return sooner or later, it was probably the most difficult and exhausting international locations I’ve ever been to on the identical time.
General, 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 learn 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 advocate it for almost all of girls.
You need to solely go to Egypt solo if you happen to’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a superb first-time solo journey vacation spot.
Whereas I by no means felt bodily unsafe in Egypt, the fixed staring, feedback, and hassling from males grew tiresome and was in contrast to something I might skilled elsewhere on the earth.
2. Scams Abound
One factor you must learn 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 how you can determine and keep away from scams.
By no means get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a worth with the driving force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor provides you a “present,” it is not really going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.
And in case you are procuring within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means conform to the primary (or second, or third) worth you are quoted.
3. You Want To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place it’s worthwhile to be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you should be snug 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 may observe 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 markets and keep in mind you’ll be able to at all times stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Means Of Life
Tipping is a big a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no method round it.
If you happen to go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will possible take up a set of ideas for everybody (mine was $75 per individual 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 will additionally normally 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 extra money after you’ve got already tipped them.
5. Gown Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Center Japanese nation I traveled to, and I knew it could be necessary to decorate conservatively.
However take into account that if you happen to’re a overseas lady, dressing conservatively remains to be not going that can assist 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 snug.
6. Poverty Is Very Seen In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of components of Egypt, and that is one thing you have 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 if you happen to’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy pictures of the nation on-line.
One notably heartbreaking factor that is widespread to see in Egypt is baby 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 youngsters 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 just isn’t essentially an unsafe place — it may well simply be uncomfortable. Apart from the fixed hassling and scams, I’d say one of many greatest points you would possibly face is getting sick.
Meals hygiene requirements in Egypt should not the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which may result in many vacationers getting sick.
That is undoubtedly a vacation spot the place you will wish to journey with loads of Pepto-Bismol and Imodium, and be picky about the place you eat.
You additionally can’t 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 atmosphere.
I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to securely drink the faucet water in so many international locations world wide.
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 rationale I’ve discovered it really easy to journey solo all through virtually all of Central and South America is due to how widespread it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, e book backpacker actions, and so forth.
That is simply not as a lot of a “factor” in Egypt. So if you happen to do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my closing 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 inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try firms like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to price solely barely greater than if you happen to have been to try to e book your individual lodging, transportation, and actions.
I am not normally one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% suppose it is the best choice.
It additionally takes away the entire stress of navigating what could be a difficult vacation spot so you’ll be able to really 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.
