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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 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 alone.
And I truthfully need to say that whereas I beloved Egypt and wouldn’t hesitate to return sooner or later, it was one of the vital difficult and exhausting international locations I’ve ever been to on the similar time.
Overall, I do not assume 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 a very powerful issues it is best to find out 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 ladies.
You ought to solely go to Egypt solo in case you’re extraordinarily assertive, assured, and skilled touring by yourself.
This is not a great 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 find out about Egypt earlier than you go is that vacationer scams abound.
This will not be a difficulty so long as you come ready and know the right way 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 gives you a “gift,” it is not truly going to be free, so simply ignore them and stroll on by.
And in case you are purchasing within the markets, prepare for some hardcore haggling and by no means comply with the primary (or second, or third) worth you are quoted.
3. You Need To Be Assertive
Egypt is a vacation spot the place it’s good to be in your guard on a regular basis and the place you should 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 are going to observe you and maintain pestering you endlessly.
Don’t 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 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 means round it.
If you go to Egypt on a guided tour as I did, your information will possible take up a set of suggestions for everybody (mine was $75 per individual 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 normally 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 will be vital to decorate conservatively.
But take into account that in case you’re a international girl, 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 attire (with a sweater or scarf to cowl my chest and shoulders) or flowy pants and a long-sleeved prime in Egypt and felt comfy.
6. Poverty Is Very Visible In Egypt
Poverty is extraordinarily seen in lots of elements of Egypt, and that is one thing try to be ready for earlier than you go.
It does not imply that Egypt is unsafe, however it’s one thing that may actually catch you off guard in case you’ve solely seen Instagram-worthy images of the nation on-line.
One notably heartbreaking factor that is frequent to see in Egypt is youngster 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. Food Hygiene Is Questionable
As I’ve talked about a number of instances, Egypt isn’t essentially an unsafe place — it could possibly simply be uncomfortable. Aside from the fixed hassling and scams, I’d say one of many greatest points you would possibly face is getting sick.
Food hygiene requirements in Egypt aren’t the identical as they’re within the U.S. or Europe, which may result in many vacationers getting sick.
This is unquestionably 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 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 surroundings.
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 all over the world.
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 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 frequent it’s to remain in hostels, meet different solo vacationers, guide backpacker actions, and so forth.
This is simply not as a lot of a “thing” in Egypt. So in case you do not journey Egypt solo, you are not lacking out on a lot, which leads me to my last tip…
9. Traveling Solo Is Not Necessarily Cheaper
You will not save a ton of cash touring independently in Egypt versus reserving a bunch tour.
There are loads of inexpensive group excursions in Egypt (try corporations like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel) that work out to value solely barely greater than in case you had been to try to guide your individual lodging, transportation, and actions.
I’m not normally one for group excursions, however in Egypt I 100% assume it is the best 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.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, 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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