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Egypt experiences
Posted on 1/16/24 at 8:39 am
Posted on 1/16/24 at 8:39 am
My wife is looking into Egypt as a future trip and its been on her list for a very long time. Her grandfather went there on a trip as a young man and the pictures form that trip are very special to her.
It seems like a lot of people say the same thing: book either a travel package where everything is guided, or book a river cruise that comes with guides and then guided stuff while in Cairo or Giza, stay at 4 Seasons or Ritz, etc. Don't go off the beaten path, stay within the confines of those things.
Some of the prices for these experiences are quite outrageous.
What did you do when you went?
It seems like a lot of people say the same thing: book either a travel package where everything is guided, or book a river cruise that comes with guides and then guided stuff while in Cairo or Giza, stay at 4 Seasons or Ritz, etc. Don't go off the beaten path, stay within the confines of those things.
Some of the prices for these experiences are quite outrageous.
What did you do when you went?
8
Posted on 1/16/24 at 10:37 am to Fun Bunch
A couple of friends have been in the last few years and said it was exhausting since everything was not booked all together. They said for the most part people were nice but dealing with person after person trying to scam you or sell you something was exhausting. Never really felt unsafe but they were never able to fully relax.
This post was edited on 1/16/24 at 11:34 am
Posted on 1/16/24 at 11:13 am to Dizz
I suggest checking out some YouTube travel videos on Egypt because this is exactly what you see.
Posted on 1/16/24 at 11:35 am to Demshoes
There are some places where to enjoy it you just have to book the canned trip.
Posted on 1/16/24 at 11:46 am to Dizz
It can be a tough place for women to comfortably travel alone - and I really wouldn’t recommend that.
But I love Egypt. The archeology is incredible.
I will say, the people pushing wares, begging, scamming is among the most intense I’ve experienced (other than India which is just another level). I never felt unsafe physically, but it’s a lot.
It’s been 20 years since I was last in Egypt so I assume lord has chanced, but this is not country I would go budget accommodations, and would probably do as much guided as I could.
But I love Egypt. The archeology is incredible.
I will say, the people pushing wares, begging, scamming is among the most intense I’ve experienced (other than India which is just another level). I never felt unsafe physically, but it’s a lot.
It’s been 20 years since I was last in Egypt so I assume lord has chanced, but this is not country I would go budget accommodations, and would probably do as much guided as I could.
Posted on 1/16/24 at 12:02 pm to Fun Bunch
I gotta assume there are good deals right now with what's going on next door? Sometimes you can catch those deals for 6-12 months down the road when things have calmed down
Posted on 1/16/24 at 12:59 pm to Dizz
quote:
There are some places where to enjoy it you just have to book the canned trip.
This here. You don't have to book the most expensive trip and you can break it up into segments, but unless you are hosted by a person who lives in Egypt and knows how to get around you need a guide all the time. Egypt is one of those places where just having a guide to get you through the local airport(s) when you are flying across the country makes a big difference.
Posted on 1/16/24 at 6:28 pm to Fun Bunch
A family friend went to Cairo last year with his wife and kids. He’s a big history buff and was really looking forward to it. He’s also an experienced traveler who knows the ropes.
They cancelled the remaining part and left after being there for less than 48 hours.
He said the harassment from street vendors is unrelenting. Guys copping a feel of his wife and daughter while navigating crowds. The last straw was when a group of men separated the family and tried dragging his teen daughter away at a local market/bizarre. Some people in the crowd intervened; but, his wife had had enough at that point.
He said it’s far and away the worst travel experience he’s had.
They cancelled the remaining part and left after being there for less than 48 hours.
He said the harassment from street vendors is unrelenting. Guys copping a feel of his wife and daughter while navigating crowds. The last straw was when a group of men separated the family and tried dragging his teen daughter away at a local market/bizarre. Some people in the crowd intervened; but, his wife had had enough at that point.
He said it’s far and away the worst travel experience he’s had.
This post was edited on 1/16/24 at 8:57 pm
Posted on 1/16/24 at 8:45 pm to Fun Bunch
Did the pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, and abu simbel.
My only hang up with the country is how truly annoying the locals are. They pester you nonstop, and want a baksheesh for merely pressing an elevator button for you. It’s easier on you if you’re in a group and/or with a guide who is somewhat independent and doesn’t lead you to vendor after vendor of people they’re friends with
Other than that, I had fun. It’s my favorite country for seeing ruins
My only hang up with the country is how truly annoying the locals are. They pester you nonstop, and want a baksheesh for merely pressing an elevator button for you. It’s easier on you if you’re in a group and/or with a guide who is somewhat independent and doesn’t lead you to vendor after vendor of people they’re friends with
Other than that, I had fun. It’s my favorite country for seeing ruins
This post was edited on 1/16/24 at 8:50 pm
Posted on 1/16/24 at 9:58 pm to Fun Bunch
If you're staying in Cairo, make sure you have Uber to travel around. It's cheap, and you won't have to deal with taxis trying to haggle with you, or possibly rip you off.
I went last year and spent time in Aswan at the Anakato wadi Kiki Nubian Houses
The owners booked a lot of things to do locally (visit archeological sites, a trip to the Philae temple, which was reall cool, and a local village named Seheil).
Spent about 3-4 days there and then flew back to Cairo.
There, I stayed at a hotel in New Cairo named the Landmark hotel. It's nice and pretty affordable (from what I remember it was definitely under US$200 a night, maybe even under $150).
Actually, everything in Egypt was really affordable considering the strength of their currency compared to the $USD.
In Cairo, I did typical things (went to the Egypt Museum near Tahrir Sq, The pyramids, and Old Cairo).
I enjoyed walking around Old Cairo the most. Really cool area.
I didn't book a trip with any agency, but knew a few people in Egypt from the States and met up with them here and there. Never felt unsafe at all, but what everyone says about people trying to get some money is true. Definitely need to be on your toes, even at the airport terminals there's people hustling trying to offer to carry your bags, or offer you this or that, etc. It can get tiresome but I didn't have any moments where I felt in danger.
Now, I hear it's different for women to walk around alone there. So since you're going with your wife, definitely use extra caution there. But I can say that I had no issues and walked around certain parts of New Cairo and the area around Tahrir Square by myself at night.
Now that I think of it, the scariest thing I encountered was trying to cross the streets near Tahrir squares during rush hour. The cars don't stop for red lights and just keep going at like 30-40 mph even if there's pedestrians in front of them. That was actually the only thing that scared the shite out of me while there.
I found the people were very friendly overall, despite the ones trying to sell hustle, and loved the experience. Looking to go back again soon.
I went last year and spent time in Aswan at the Anakato wadi Kiki Nubian Houses
The owners booked a lot of things to do locally (visit archeological sites, a trip to the Philae temple, which was reall cool, and a local village named Seheil).
Spent about 3-4 days there and then flew back to Cairo.
There, I stayed at a hotel in New Cairo named the Landmark hotel. It's nice and pretty affordable (from what I remember it was definitely under US$200 a night, maybe even under $150).
Actually, everything in Egypt was really affordable considering the strength of their currency compared to the $USD.
In Cairo, I did typical things (went to the Egypt Museum near Tahrir Sq, The pyramids, and Old Cairo).
I enjoyed walking around Old Cairo the most. Really cool area.
I didn't book a trip with any agency, but knew a few people in Egypt from the States and met up with them here and there. Never felt unsafe at all, but what everyone says about people trying to get some money is true. Definitely need to be on your toes, even at the airport terminals there's people hustling trying to offer to carry your bags, or offer you this or that, etc. It can get tiresome but I didn't have any moments where I felt in danger.
Now, I hear it's different for women to walk around alone there. So since you're going with your wife, definitely use extra caution there. But I can say that I had no issues and walked around certain parts of New Cairo and the area around Tahrir Square by myself at night.
Now that I think of it, the scariest thing I encountered was trying to cross the streets near Tahrir squares during rush hour. The cars don't stop for red lights and just keep going at like 30-40 mph even if there's pedestrians in front of them. That was actually the only thing that scared the shite out of me while there.
I found the people were very friendly overall, despite the ones trying to sell hustle, and loved the experience. Looking to go back again soon.
This post was edited on 1/16/24 at 10:02 pm
Posted on 1/17/24 at 8:53 am to Fun Bunch
Went on a tour Feb 22 and had a wonderful time. Tours mostly focus on ancient Egypt, but you can hire a private guide for a day seeing contemporary Cairo.
Not only should you join a tour, but get transfers to and from hotels. Cairo traffic is a 24hr zoo. Crossing a street is harrowing.
Our small tour group (5) sometimes had a plainclothes tourist cop with us, gun under coat. Anti-terrorist security is high but mostly unobtrusive.
Costs in 2024 may climb higher if the new Grand Egyptian Musuem really does open this year. If it lives up to its hype, it will be one of the greatest museums in the world.
I should note that I've traveled through India by car. Egypt is far easier.
Not only should you join a tour, but get transfers to and from hotels. Cairo traffic is a 24hr zoo. Crossing a street is harrowing.
Our small tour group (5) sometimes had a plainclothes tourist cop with us, gun under coat. Anti-terrorist security is high but mostly unobtrusive.
Costs in 2024 may climb higher if the new Grand Egyptian Musuem really does open this year. If it lives up to its hype, it will be one of the greatest museums in the world.
I should note that I've traveled through India by car. Egypt is far easier.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 9:07 am to wiltznucs
quote:
They cancelled the remaining part and left after being there for less than 48 hours.
He said the harassment from street vendors is unrelenting. Guys copping a feel of his wife and daughter while navigating crowds. The last straw was when a group of men separated the family and tried dragging his teen daughter away at a local market/bizarre. Some people in the crowd intervened; but, his wife had had enough at that point.
I've heard about the harassment but this is truly terrifying.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 9:34 am to Fun Bunch
quote:
I've heard about the harassment but this is truly terrifying
I’ll admit that seeing the pyramids has always been on my shortlist of places I’d love to visit. After hearing their experience and reading of people basically hiring an armed attaché to escort them around I think I will pass.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 10:53 am to wiltznucs
I just visited this past December and had no problems. I have been to Egypt numerous times and neither myself nor my teen daughters have ever been harassed or touched by anyone. Opportunists of all sorts are numerous but it’s very easy to ignore them, keep your hands in your pockets and do not engage. Peak tourist season is very busy and can be chaotic but good planning should help. If one doesn’t have a personal connection in Egypt a reputable agency/guide is absolutely necessary. Uber is super convenient and cheap if you know where you want to go.
The ancient sites, Valley of the Kings, Luxor & Aswan, Nubian Village & Abu Simbel can all be done via Nile cruise or bus depending on preference.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is now open in a limited capacity with one fantastic exhibit, Tutankhamun, being offered. However the hall of statues and building itself is phenomenal and worth the visit. I’m not sure when they will move the mummies and other exhibits from the downtown museum which was the plan originally. The museum looks out at the Pyramids of Giza so those could be done at the same time.
The ancient sites, Valley of the Kings, Luxor & Aswan, Nubian Village & Abu Simbel can all be done via Nile cruise or bus depending on preference.
The Grand Egyptian Museum is now open in a limited capacity with one fantastic exhibit, Tutankhamun, being offered. However the hall of statues and building itself is phenomenal and worth the visit. I’m not sure when they will move the mummies and other exhibits from the downtown museum which was the plan originally. The museum looks out at the Pyramids of Giza so those could be done at the same time.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 3:29 pm to Fun Bunch
We went to Cairo last year with our 10 year old daughter. Stayed at a resort in New Cairo.
We don't like tours, but a private driver is a must. Roads are crazy and it is pretty spread out. Reminded me of a 5K-year-old Houston at times.
Pyramids are amazing, as is the Museum (the new museum already had the mummies when we went). It is true what they say about the local sellers being incredibly aggressive. When we were in the city checking out the bazars and Mosques, I had a death grip on our daughter.
I would skip a Nile river cruise (It reminded me of the Mississippi River and they had Chilis and other American chain restaurants along it).
Hookah bars are a great spot to take breaks off the beaten path and hang with locals.
We really wished we had more time. We would have combined Cairo with a desert stay or the Red Sea. We heard so many great things about Dahab and Sharm-El-Sheik from locals while we were there.
We don't like tours, but a private driver is a must. Roads are crazy and it is pretty spread out. Reminded me of a 5K-year-old Houston at times.
Pyramids are amazing, as is the Museum (the new museum already had the mummies when we went). It is true what they say about the local sellers being incredibly aggressive. When we were in the city checking out the bazars and Mosques, I had a death grip on our daughter.
I would skip a Nile river cruise (It reminded me of the Mississippi River and they had Chilis and other American chain restaurants along it).
Hookah bars are a great spot to take breaks off the beaten path and hang with locals.
We really wished we had more time. We would have combined Cairo with a desert stay or the Red Sea. We heard so many great things about Dahab and Sharm-El-Sheik from locals while we were there.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 4:01 pm to Tree_Fall
Should add that we went with Overseas Adventure Travel which advertises itself as supporting women travelers. The guide for the entire 2 weeks was a young woman Giza resident. Tour groups work very closely with the Tourist Police to avoid problems.
We never experienced any overly annoying hawkers, beggers, or rude locals. The presence of a Tourist Policeman probably made a difference. The average Egyptian you might interact with is certainly friendly and polite.
With the current situation in Gaza I suspect that tensions within Egypt are higher than usual.
We never experienced any overly annoying hawkers, beggers, or rude locals. The presence of a Tourist Policeman probably made a difference. The average Egyptian you might interact with is certainly friendly and polite.
With the current situation in Gaza I suspect that tensions within Egypt are higher than usual.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 4:40 pm to wiltznucs
quote:
I’ll admit that seeing the pyramids has always been on my shortlist of places I’d love to visit. After hearing their experience and reading of people basically hiring an armed attaché to escort them around I think I will pass.
Nah, going to Egypt and skipping that is foolish. You’ll want to see them.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 4:43 pm to Jrv2damac
quote:
Nah, going to Egypt and skipping that is foolish. You’ll want to see them.
He's saying he will skip Egypt altogether.
It would be humorous if he went to Egypt and skipped the pyramids though.
Posted on 1/17/24 at 5:43 pm to Tree_Fall
I was in Egypt in Sep 2001. Tension was sky high and I never felt in danger as a male traveling in a small group that included women and was supported by locals we knew.
Did the museum in Cairo, pyramids, Sphinx and was underwhelmed for what were bucket list items for me.
The constant badgering of the hawkers really diminished the trip. Seemed the local friends helped avoid sexual harassment, but not the borderline begging.
That said, the theme I see here is its generally safe, good if you have locals to help and best if you hire a tour group.
Did the museum in Cairo, pyramids, Sphinx and was underwhelmed for what were bucket list items for me.
The constant badgering of the hawkers really diminished the trip. Seemed the local friends helped avoid sexual harassment, but not the borderline begging.
That said, the theme I see here is its generally safe, good if you have locals to help and best if you hire a tour group.
This post was edited on 1/17/24 at 5:44 pm
Posted on 1/18/24 at 10:49 am to s0tiger
I'm assuming most of the begging/ hassling is in Cairo and the big cities and not outside of them? Or is it literally everywhere in Egypt? I know its a dessert for the most part so civilization is somewhat centralized around water but I'm just curious if its a nationality thing or a city thing?
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