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Is Egypt secure for solo feminine vacationers?
I’ve been to 50+ countries around the world as a solo feminine traveler, however I’ve to confess, I used to be slightly 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 should say that whereas I liked Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return sooner or later, it was probably the most difficult and exhausting nations I’ve ever been to on the identical time.
Overall, 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.
Here are crucial issues it is best to learn about solo feminine journey and security in Egypt:
1. It’s Safe, But It’s Not For The Faint Of Heart
Egypt is secure for solo feminine vacationers, however I would not suggest it for almost all of girls.
You ought to solely go to Egypt solo should you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a very good first-time solo travel destination.
While 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’d skilled elsewhere on the earth.
2. Scams Abound
One factor it is best to learn about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This will not be a problem so long as you come ready and know methods to determine and keep away from scams.
Never get right into a taxi with out agreeing on a worth with the driving force beforehand.
Know that if a vendor provides you a “gift,” it isn’t really going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.
And if you’re purchasing 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 Need To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place you might want to be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you have to be comfy being assertive, even when it feels “rude.”
If you do not completely ignore distributors on the street or firmly inform them “no” and maintain strolling, they may comply with you and maintain pestering you endlessly.
Don’t fall prey to the high-pressure gross sales ways that distributors will use as you stroll down the road or via markets and keep in mind you may at all times stroll away.
4. Tipping Is A Way Of Life
Tipping is a big a part of the tradition in Egypt, and there is actually no method round it.
If you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will probably take up a set of suggestions for everybody (mine was $75 per particular person for a 10-day tour) and maintain distributing them to drivers, porters, waiters, and so forth.
To use any restroom in Egypt, you will additionally often have to 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. Dress Conservatively
Egypt was the primary Middle Eastern nation I traveled to, and I knew it might be necessary to decorate conservatively.
But understand that should you’re a overseas lady, dressing conservatively continues to be not going that will help you mix in or keep away from catcalls and fixed hassling.
I at all times wore lengthy clothes (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 Visible In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of components of Egypt, and that is one thing try 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 should you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy photographs of the nation on-line.
One notably heartbreaking factor that is frequent to see in Egypt is youngster beggars.
As terrible of a state of affairs 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. Food Hygiene Is Questionable
As I’ve talked about a number of occasions, Egypt isn’t essentially an unsafe place — it could possibly simply be uncomfortable. Aside from the fixed hassling and scams, I might say one of many greatest points you may face is getting sick.
Food hygiene requirements in Egypt will not be the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which might result in many vacationers getting sick.
This is certainly a vacation spot the place you will need 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’s cheaper than shopping for bottled water on a regular basis and higher for the setting.
I actually by no means journey with out mine and I’ve used it to securely drink the faucet water in so many nations world wide.
8. There’s Not Much Of A Solo Travel Scene
One factor I discovered attention-grabbing about Egypt is that there is not a lot of a solo journey or backpacker scene.
I believe 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 frequent it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, e book backpacker actions, and so forth.
This is simply not as a lot of a “thing” in Egypt. So should you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my ultimate tip…
9. Traveling Solo Is Not Necessarily Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a gaggle tour.
There are loads of reasonably priced group excursions in Egypt (try corporations like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to value solely barely greater than should you had been to attempt to e book your personal lodging, transportation, and actions.
I’m not often one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% suppose it is the most suitable choice.
It additionally takes away the entire stress of navigating what generally is a difficult vacation spot so you may really get pleasure from Egypt.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
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