What is there to do for female teenagers visiting Egypt? any reccomendations? do's and dont's?

Question

i'd LOVe to visit egypt!!!!

Answer 1

First, buy a recently published travel guide - the Lonely Planet Guides aren't too bad. This will give you an idea of what to do, what not to do, etc.

Secondly, dress modestly. You are a guest in the country and must understand that cultural traditions are a little different. You'll notice that not all tourists you will encounter in Egypt follow these rules, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't.
By dressing modestly, I mean don't wear shorts or short skirts. Don't wear sleeveless shirts - short sleeves are okay. Don't wear midriff/stomach bearing shirts. Now, in the tourist heavy areas, Egyptians are fairly used to people doing most of the above, but it's rude to show that much skin - male or female (but especially female) and as a young, attractive female, it may attract attention unwanted attention to you. For the most part you needn't worry too much attention is likely the worst you'll get - violent crime is quite rare in Egypt, but being in a group of men all leering at you can be uncomfortable and if you're showing a lot of skin, it's fairly likely to happen.
Frankly, you'll be more comfortable in loose-fitting, fairly covering clothing anyway - it's an extra level of sun protection and allows air to circulate to keep you cool.
There's been a lot of talk lately from various travel writers, etc. about how tourists, especially Americans should dress overseas. Any number of writers have pointed out that Americans are known for dressing like slobs throughout the world. True/fair or not, you might want to keep that in mind. Khakis and a properly fitting (ie. not overly tight or overly loose) t-shirt or blouse or tunic seem to me to be a fairly good wandering-around outfit. Good walking shoes/sandals are a must. A hat isn't a bad idea either, but I have a habit of forgetting them, loosing them, or looking like a dork in them, so I don't bother so much. :)
You might want to take a dress or skirt (at least mid-calf length) to go out for a nicer dinner, depending on your travel plans. You can find beautiful embroidered tunic/blouse shirts and gowns in shopping areas for very little money as well. In fact, a few of my friends pack lightly and buy alot of their clothes in country - but that may not be the best of ideas on a first trip.

I've known several female friends who spent a year abroad in Egypt while in their teens and I myself have experience a few incidents of sudden, unexpected marriage proposals either from a perfect stranger or someone you've gotten to know a little bit casually. Sometimes these are meant as a joke, sometimes not. Often it's a joke on the part of someone trying to sell you something. It's not threatening or meant to make you uncomfortable, it's just part of a different cultural background. If it happens just politely, but firmly change the subject and shrug it off. I got out of mine by displaying my wedding ring and a picture of my husband, but as you're in your teens, I doubt you have that option. :)

Also - if you are travelling by taxi try to avoid putting a woman in the front seat next to the driver - it's just something you don't do. Again, nothing BAD will happen, but it's a matter of cultural sensitivity.

Overall, Egyptians male and female (though you will probably encounter more males) are quite friendly and helpful. Being polite, patient, and firm will get you quite far if you have troubles. If you are ever uncomfortable in a situation, just walk away.

You're fairly safe travelling alone, but as a young female who has never been there, I don't recommend it (I wouldn't really recommend that for anyone travelling to any country for the first time if they could avoid it). Travelling as either part of a tour group or with a group of friends is a good idea. It's safe to walk the streets of Cairo at just about any hour (except for the traffic, which is scary) and, again, most people you meet are very friendly, and very helpful. Picking up a few phrases in Arabic helps - if only because it makes people laugh if your pronunciation is awful and it's flattering that you're making the effort.

Keep an open mind, read and take with you a good travel guide, check the State Department or equivalent information packets available from your country of origin, and enjoy yourself. You might also check out www.touregypt.net for some information.

As far as things to do - the touregypt site and a travel guide will help you out there, but aside from visiting the antiquities, you can visit the local open-air shopping areas wherever you are (suq) - usually pretty tourist heavy, but as you get in deeper you get into more areas where Egyptians themselves shop and that can be fun. Go to coffee bars or shisha bars (even if you don't smoke) with some friends or your parents to get some "local flavor" - it's a great way to spend a hour (or several), get off your feet and talk to people - either fellow tourists from all over the world and/or Egyptians.

I'll say it again, mind your manners. It's a pet peeve of mine watching people who are obviously tourists in any number of places behaving rudely because they didn't bother to look in to where they were going or because they think they're owed some sort of respect because they spent the money to travel. Misunderstandings do happen and that I understand, but a little research and a little basic politeness of whatever cultural origin goes a long way.

Answer 2

Do not go alone! I have traveled throughout North Africa and I can tell you single women travelers do not do well. I would suggest getting some friends to go with you. Cost can be a problem. Its cheapest if you fly to Europe first and get a flight from there. However, this means arranging your whole trip which can be difficult. Some religious groups have "Holyland" trips to Egypt and Israel but I have never been on one so I done know their arrangements. Finally, if you know someone living in Europe, you could arrange the trip to a local travel agent there probably for much less than you will pay here.

Good luck and have a safe journey if you go. MAKE SURE YOU GET MEDICAL INSURANCE!

Also prior to leaving, check with the US State Department travel warnings and register with the US Embassy when you arrive.

It all sounds like a hassel but I love North Africa and I think you will too. Its worth the effort.

Answer 3

be prepared for a lot of attention from people that want to sell you stuff, and know that its part of their culture to bargain for it, so if they say it costs x dollars, say 'what?!!' in outrage and offer them half of that, they'll make a counter offer and then you negotiate. Have fun
and child prostitution and kidnapping happens in the US too, you should be careful wherever you are and don't think that people in egypt or any other foreign land are a bunch of monsters, you'll find plenty of them everywhere. Running around scared your whole life will make you miserable

Answer 4

there r a lot to do not only in egypt but it is all will depond on your intresting. if u wanna know more u can contact me. and this website giving a good idea about some trips.

Answer 5

It is lovely, but pretty danger for a foreign teenage girl, either go with family, or at least with a large group of friends. . .

Know the traditions of the country, and never challenge them while you are there. . . .

Be safe. . . .

Answer 6

Try to wear some respectful clothes that cover most of your bosy. This is also good to protect your sking from the heat.

Answer 7

http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200511/20051102/slide_20051102_284_201.jhtml read this stick close to your parents