Travel Advice for Egypt?

Question

I am going on a trip to Egypt in August, and I was wondering what areas I should avoid, or what I should go to. I'm doing an escorted coach tour through trafalgar tours, starting out in Cairo, then heading down the Nile. It is a 13 day tour, but I plan on going to Cairo a few days before the tour starts for exploring on my own. Any advice would be welcome, thanks!

Answer 1

If you're the daring type, I'd say check out the dead cities. They are cemetaries that have become inhabited by locals. It is pretty safe (at least during the day) and an errie experience that you won't get anywhere else.

Above it is the citadel, which was where former Egyptian ruler Mohammed Ali lived and governed. It provides quite a view of Cairo. In addition, there are FREE sufi dance performances there a couple evenings a week. Best show you'll find in Cairo if you ask me.

There is a nice jazz club on the edge of Mohandiseen (a more modern part of Cairo), near the Nile. I'm totally blocking on the name, it has been a couple years.

I figure you're going to see the Pyramids and old cairo on your tour. Might want to check out Coptic Cairo (ie the christian quarter) if that isn't a part of your tour. That's south of downtown.

I personally liked just walking up and down Talat Harb (a main st. in downtown Cairo) to people-watch and window-shop.

Be sure to stop at one of the ubiquitous kushari restaurants. That's the only middle eastern food I really miss.

Honestly,there are no areas where you'll be in danger. That being said, dress conservatively and be aware that you will likely have scam artists approach you, and you might get some sexual harrassment.

Answer 2

Hi, well you should have been more specific regarding where in Egypt. Anyways, before i answer, I strongly recommend you book through a travel agency. If u do, they will handle all the transportation details along with the assistance in different areas u intend on visiting and believe me this makes a huge difference.

If you are going to Cairo, then I suggest u use the Yellow cab service, not the traditional black & white taxis. Yellow cabs have a meter so no negotiations etc. The number for the service is 19155, call them from any phone and they will get u a cab anywhere in Cairo. Ask your hotel concierge for more numbers so that u r on the safe side. Public transportation in Cairo is VERY unreliable and packed all the time.

If you are going to Luxor, Aswan, Sharm or Hurghada, then your only choice is the regular taxi. You have no choice but to negotiate with the driver. Do not just get into one, agree the fare before u go to avoid negotiating later. They are safe, but it is sometimes annoying to negotiate with cab drivers.

If u r flying between cities, u can also take domestic flights via Egypt Air. Their web site is www.egyptair.com.eg, or have your hotel concierge arrange for any trips etc.

Final word of advise, take a nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. It is an amazing experience.

Enjoy Egypt

Answer 3

so EGYPT,,
it`s really safe ,don`t worry but i have some adviced for from my experience as contact person for 40 medical students each year comes to egypt from europe

1- DONT trust any one who works in the tourism,i mean guides will tell u,, i know shop who will give u great prices,,when he says that make sure that he will take commision from tthat shop

2- when any sales man say for examlpe this is for 200 pounds this mean it`s really not more than 30 pounds and u have to negogiate abut the price

3- it`s better to werqa long clothes BUT nt obligatory

4- it will be great if u have friend with u where u go to help u,,egyptian one to prevent the sales men cheating u ,

Answer 4

The weather will be EXTREMELY hot and humid...
BUT
do not wear hot shorts, mini or micro !! People in Egypt hate seeing things like that so that they take them off !

do not forget to have something to cover your head with if you're gonna visit mosques.

do not stay up late, unless you have a male companion.

Good Luck and have fun

Answer 5

have fun