Top tips for female travellers visiting Egypt - Lonely Planet Sunhat: Necessary, the sun is so strong!!! In my conversations with Egyptian women, they told me that while harassment has always existed, it was never at this scale. He preserved its natural beauty by building sustainable tourist lodgings. I know that people do sometimes have bad experiences with Ubers but, in my opinion, its a lot safer than just trusting a random cab driver. Looking For Some Pictures Of Egypt? It was founded by women in the Cairo community and they are continuing their work with universities and other organizations to bringing awareness to the prevalence of sexual harassment in Egypt. But Egypt is a welcoming country for female travelers, and solo female travel Egypt is becoming increasingly popular. The staff are really friendly and theres a rooftop terrace with fantastic views of each Pyramid. We had a great time with Egypt Western Desert Tours, the guide and cook we traveled for three days in the desert with acted like perfect gentlemen, but definitely be cautious! Women should take the same precautions as they would in any other country, such as avoiding walking alone at night, being aware of their surroundings, and dressing modestly. Cairo wasnt always this way. From swimming with rays in Australia to spotting lionfish in Honduras, if you're going to snorkel anywhere, make it one of these seven special spots. Ive compiled this list of the 10 best Hollywood movies about Egypt you can watch right now. Since the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak . Book Your Cairo Airport Transfer Now! Save the singlets and shorts for when youre on the beach. - YouTube Before you travel to any place, make sure you do your own research and make good judgment on the places you. The pyramids, the River Nile, Luxors glut of tombs and temples, and the Red Seas world-class diving are all major reasons to start planning your itinerary now, but some female travellers may be hesitant to start packing their bags straight away. The new, long-distance Wade Rum Trail lets hikers, trekkers and rock climbers discover the lesser-known parts of this magnificent desert landscape. Solo Female Travel Safety - 50 Best & Worst Countries Ranked The 50 Worst (& Safest) Countries For Solo Female Travel By Asher Fergusson & Lyric Fergusson Updated on July 15, 2019 A study of the world's most dangerous countries for women traveling alone reveals the good, the bad and the ugly There's hearsay. Travelling alone as a woman, however, is an unfathomable concept to most Egyptians, so you can expect to receive more attention than most women will be used to dealing with in their own country. Rooms either come with a balcony or terrace. I was fortunate enough to visit Cairo in the February of 2022. Their trips are carbon offset and their Intrepid Egypt trips range from an 8 day Egypt Adventure along the River Nile and the land of the pharaohs, a 15 day Explore Egypt trip beginning and ending in Cairo, to an epic 26 day trip uncovering the best of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. You'll find mini Sphinxes as well as the Royal Mummies collection featuring the famous Ramses II. Its fair to say that Egypt has a bad reputation with some travellers. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. This question of safety in Egypt gets more complicated when talking about safety for women and women traveling solo. In Cairo, if youre a bit of a foodie, consider supporting the women behind Bellies Enroutewho run food tours in the downtown area. ear modest clothing when you are away from the developed resort areas. Sometimes this attention is unwanted and offensive. I knew I wanted to visit the West Desert while in Egypt, a magical alien-looking place you can only access by driving out in an off-road vehicle and camping, usually in private small groups. If you ever do get lost and need to reorient yourself, dont stop in the middle of a busy area. Read More The ULTIMATE Taghazout Travel & Digital Nomad Guide I 2023Continue. BUT what you choose to wear does help a little bit! Please read our disclaimer. Travel advice and advisories for Egypt Arrange it at your hotel for a trusted operator. For solo female travelers, safety is a top concern. A law was passed to explicitly criminalize sexual harassment for the first time. On a couple of occasions when my friends and I were being mobbed by people ganging up on us and trying to take photos with us, get us to take a carriage ride with them, or let them carry our luggage, the only way out of it was to literally YELL La!!!! Make sure there are positive reviews online from other female travelers if you plan on going anywhere remote. Because of Egypts reputation, many women opt for the safety-in-numbers approach and book a group tour. But its now possible to book limited guided tours for a first peek. As one of the worlds most unique and iconic destinations, Egypt may have a reputation for being popular for family package holidays and last minute sunshine breaks thanks to its numerous all-inclusive resorts and glorious weather but, its also an amazing country for the historical and beach Girl about the Globe. Is Egypt safe for solo female travellers? - Reviews & Experiences For a depiction of daily Egyptian life, Deir el-Medina is a remnant of a workers village with paintings of the tomb walls. With its awe-inspiring ancient relics and endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion, its the ultimate travel destination. In Sharm El-Sheik, Dahab, and Hurghada you can wear whatever you want. If youre looking for a site guide and feeling like you need a break from all the testosterone, look for female guides on guide-booking websites or specifically request a female guide with a local tour company. If you do lose your cool, its important to realise that everybody reaches breaking point at some stage: be kind to yourself. How Hard is Italian for English Speakers? You wont want to leave! Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travellers? Absolutely not! Its not common to touch women you dont know pretty much anywhere in the world, but especially in Egypt. Only 25% of South African women said they felt safe walking alone at night, the lowest of any country. If you only have two weeks to spare, heres an itinerary that incorporates the best of Egypt. Solo Female Travel Safety - 50 Best & Worst Countries Ranked Best Time To Travel To Egypt Alone March, April and October for Cairo. Blue-eyed travellers, black travellers and travellers with curvier body-shapes seem to attract more. There are several a la carte restaurants onsite and 6 bars to mingle with others, after a long day of snorkelling or diving. Listen to article. Some of the best times to be had in Egypt are these random interactions, and female travellers would do well to not shut themselves off from chatting to Egyptian men for fear of being harassed. One of the worst experiences we had was at the Great Sphinx when some teen boys asked to take photos with us. Unfortunately, the short answer is yes. I learned fast, like on my second day, to tell everyone I was married (even before they asked it!) Tourism here is booming as people are realising what this dynamic city has to offer. The best way to deal with 99% of verbal harassment is to ignore it. Share your itinerary . It happens, but its not allowed, and if people (especially cops) are made aware of it they will come help. (See, While Egypt is still very much ahead in terms of womens rights compared to other countries in the Middle East, Cairo remains one of the, Fortunately, there are significant efforts pushing to change perceptions and improve the treatment of women. As for that other hassling that Egypt is famous for the souvenir-tat vendors, boat and camel touts hustling for business take comfort in the fact that theyre equal opportunity hasslers: theyll happily harass both male and female tourists until you crack and buy that toy pyramid and gold glitter snow globe. For a more relaxing experience on the Red Sea choose Hurghada which is more tailored to the all-inclusive market. Do not accept invitations from friendly strangers to show you around or take you for a meal unless you feel 100% safe. Woman in temple looking at hieroglyphics. What to expect as a female foreigner in Egypt, Its three light beeps which means ba-hib-bik, which means I love you in Arabic. It wasnt until I went to Egypt that I learned why we call them catcalls. If youre using Cairos metro, seek out the womens carriages. There is no electricity at all, thus beeswax candles light up the rooms at night, providing for a starry night. Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt as a Woman? [2023 Guide] - Egypt Tours Plus Weve written about general Egypt safety here. Go prepared, but bring an open mind. Id recommend checking out, Taroko National Park The Ultimate Hiking Guide, Arabic & Middle Eastern Restaurants in Paris, 20 Epic Airbnb Big Bear Cabin Escapes (2021), The Ultimate Valle de Cocora Hiking Guide, My Running Diary in Iten: 12 Days in the Home of Champions, The Reality of Full-Time Travel (and Why Were So Lucky), worst major cities for the harassment of women, United States Travel Guides and Resources, Korean vs Chinese Complete Analysis of Similarities and Differences. Our favourite kebabs, falafel, tajines, and koubideh of the City of Lights. Ive met plenty of women who have travelled to Egypt independently and had a good time, but I felt more comfortable signing up for a small group tour taking in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor for the first part of my trip, then staying on for a few days in Luxor, and then in Cairo, on my own. Solo Travel Egypt, Travel to Egypt Alone, Solo female Travel Egypt Very well written and balanced. * Check all day tours, prices and availability for Egypt. If I could do it again, I would have liked to have a more accurate picture of day-to-day life as a woman beforehand and to mentally prepare myself. Women traveling alone should take the same precautions they would in any country, such as dressing modestly, avoiding . A large, sheer-fabric scarf will come in handy in conservative countries like Egypt to drape over any outfit for added modesty. Luxor has a third of the worlds monuments. No! Arrange drivers and taxis through your hotel where possible, or use Uber, which many local women say is safer. For all other Egypt accommodation, click the link below. Theres plenty of evening entertainment too, or just relax in the steam room or sauna. Google Egyptian men, and youll find plenty of online stories from women about their negative experiences with local men. If you want to visit a mosque, cover down to ankles and wrists and have a headscarf on hand to wrap over your head. Intrepid is committed to using travel as a force for good. In America and in Australia, our homes, we take, Read More The Reality of Full-Time Travel (and Why Were So Lucky)Continue, Hi Jo, thank you so much for sharing this absolutely phenomenal article! You need at least two weeks to see most of Egypt's iconic sites. Thanks for helping. You can summon taxis on the streets of the bigger cities but agree a price before you go. From maintaining eye contact to managing arousal, here's her ultimate etiquette guide for a respectful and . The truth is Egypt is the most tiring place Ive ever traveled as a woman, both in a group and solo. This giant temple carved out of solid rock is definitely worth the flight, and as you gaze up at the famous temple of Ramses II, youll wonder how this magnificent structure was ever created. And while sexual harassment and catcalls (ranging from hello, my future wife! to more sleazy lines) are unfortunately common, as they are in many countries, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a far lower volume of unwanted attention than I expected. Stay in an apartment along the River Nile or with a view of the Pyramids in Cairo. All women are Shakira in Egypt) to greet you on every street. Harassment drops off a cliff for women rocking grey hair, but women are very likely to run into some sexual and verbal harassment. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when youre there. . I hired a driver in Luxor for an afternoon to explore the sights of the west bank that werent included in my tour (dont miss Nefertaris tomb! Try to map out where youre going ahead of time and keep track of your route. Whether youre travelling solo or with friends,Intrepids range of small group trips in Egypt are a fantastic way to see the country. If you need directions, ask a woman or ask a storekeeper instead of a man on the street. The short answer is, Sure, but with prudence and common sense, especially if you're alone on the street at night. The two temples were constructed during the reign of Ramses II, and are 3000 years old. Its a littttttle bit assumed that women are more impressionable and easy to get to do things. With public transport, the Cairo metro has women-only carriages, which, as an added bonus, are always less crowded. An impressive avenue of Sphinxes line the entrance of this temple city which dates back 4,000 years. Unfortunately, there is no amount of clothes you could wear in Egypt that would protect you from harassment. With everything we hear in the media, it's not surprising this is top of mind. Egypt is no different. Is Egypt Safe for Travel? (2023 Safety Guide and Tips) If you are concerned about your safety in Egypt but want to travel there anyway, there are some ways to mitigate risk. There are bus services between the main cities and towns. One of the worlds oldest continuous civilisations. These spit-and-sawdust drinking dens are often frequented by a clientele who are there to get drunk, not just have a few beers. But, Egypt! To the contrary aside from a few curious stares, I didnt have any problems exploring the downtown area, where I stayed on my own. For a budget option just a 5 minute walk from the Pyramids and the Sphinx, this guest house is a great choice. Egypt is relatively easy to get around with long distance buses and trains. Egypt has a reputation of sexual harassment and assaults against women, both local and travelers. A Sustainable & Solo Female Travel Guide to Cairo, Egypt 2022 More than anything else, we wanted to remember how lucky we are. Sunset and turquoise ocean in Sharm el Sheikh. (Scary) Pro Tip: Delete Your Old Flashcards. Is Egypt Safe for Female Travelers in 2023? - Nomadic Matt's Travel Site If you want to experience the often hilarious, warm natural friendliness of Egyptians, dress respectfully bycovering knees, cleavage and upper arms. It is thought that Abu Simbel took twenty years to build. Here youll find good nightlife and a plethora of restaurants. Prices from 22/$28 USD per night for a double room with city view, Prices from 85/$118 USD per night for a double room, Prices from 49/$68 USD per night for a single room, Prices from 80/$110 USD per night for a dorm bed. Nope. Transported to a different location to make way for the Aswan Dam, Abu Simbel is only reachable via an internal flight which leaves incredibly early on various mornings. Wondering if traveling to Egypt is safe for women travelers? Note: Most of this post references travel in Cairo. Built for the Pharaoh Khufu, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids and is UNESCO listed. Are you planning a solo trip to Egypt? So, going out at night in Egypt is fine (and fun!) Here you can learn about Egyptian history from papyrus paper to the last two dynasties of Egypt. Below is an example of a solo itinerary for Egypt from 10 to 14 days. Read More Arabic & Middle Eastern Restaurants in ParisContinue. Everything you hear and read online basically says: "You cannot travel to Egypt alone and you should always have a man with you." I tend to disagree with this statement as the reality was way different for me. This impressive city is home to the Valley of the Kings which is situated on the riverbank. (local) bars are best avoided if youre by yourself. The 15 best Egypt tours, vacations and excursions in 2023 for American travelers May 29th, 2023. Staff will nearly always keep a protective eye on you, but your presence causes them undue stress as they attempt to stop inebriated patrons from staggering over to your table. You can dress a bit more freely in certain areas, like the more touristic cities of Aswan and Luxor. Im glad you found the article helpful. At this point, you might get the impression that every man in Egypt is a creepy perv. Four statues of Ramses II stand at the entrance to the temples and inside are three main halls with more statues of Ramses II. There are plenty of options to choose. Regional risks South Africa is notorious for sexual violence. The two temples were constructed during the reign of Ramses II, and are 3000 years old. What is the Safest Way to Travel Around Egypt? Yes, Cairo has a negative reputation for female harassment. Nomadic Matts Travel Site, Where to Stay in Nashville When Your Visit, How to Make Your Money Last When You Travel, Certain cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, have rideshare apps like Careem and Uber, my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites, We Need to Stop Telling Women Theyll Get Assaulted If They Travel Solo. Egyptians are some of the most hospitable and garrulous people in the world. The path to see the pyramids and the other top ancient sites is well trodden, but its possible to get off the beaten track on your adventures in Egypt. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Nobody has saintly levels of patience. I took a bunch of photos with little kids in Egypt. Essentially, the higher the foreigner to local ratio, the more liberally you can dress. Analysis Of Solo Female Travel To Egypt - Mauresque Travel A former New Yorker, Katie grew up in the USA and frequently writes about her travels both close to home and abroad for an audience of over 76,000 monthly readers. Egyptian women recall that prior to the revolution, when a man harassed a woman on the street, other men would come out to protect the woman and rebuke the offending man. I write this post with immense respect for the country. Egypt has a very special place in our hearts. If you are on a budget there are cheaper Egypt hotels called pensions. Dress Conservatively: After all Modesty is the best Virtue. They specialize in small group tours, so it doesnt feel like the typical tour group experience. Traveling in Egypt was an incredibly rewarding experience but a difficult one. Most visitors bypass Abu Simbel but if you do have time, travel to southern Egypt to see this ancient complex that isn't comparable to any other site that I've seen. While some of this attention will be unwelcome, most of it will be the opposite as a lone female youre more likely to be befriended by Egypts naturally hospitable locals, and youll miss out on some memorable moments if youre too scared to speak to them or indulge requests for selfies. Is it Safe to Travel Solo in Egypt? - Days to Come - TourRadar If you dont get a chance to visit the Pyramids, the museum has mini replicas of the Sphinx in addition to giant statues of the Pharaohs. Choose from a day trip to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, a skip the line ticket for the Cairo Egyptian Museum, or a 3 hour quad bike and camel ride on a desert safari. All visitors to Egypt, whether they are female or male, receive a great deal of attention/hassle from the Egyptians. Especially if youre traveling alone, what kind of tour guide and company you go with. There are absolutely no traveller-points awarded in staying somewhere you dont feel comfortable. Most Dangerous Countries for Women 2023 - World Population Review My Top Travel EssentialsGirl's Safety Guide To Egypt. They also arrange airport shuttles. Thank you for the well written, informative article. There are a variety of accommodations in Egypt including all-inclusive resorts along the Red Sea coast, luxury hotels, guesthouses and camping. Dressing modestly doesnt necessarily lessen harassment (Egyptian women suffer just as much), but it helps hugely in other interactions. *Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and startdates.
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