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I’ve been thinking about what to say in this blog post because I have mixed feelings following my month travelling alone in Egypt.
It is NOT the easiest place to travel solo, especially as a woman.
Did I do it? YES. Am I glad I did it? Very much so.
But was it easy? No, it was one of the harder places I have travelled solo (including destinations like India and Cuba).
However, if you are an experienced traveller, it CAN be done. Follow my tips and learn from my mistakes because there are plenty of things I would do differently with hindsight. This destination is well worth experiencing.
Is Egypt safe for solo travel?
Overall, yes, I spent a month travelling all over Egypt as a solo woman and, although it wasn’t always easy, I didn’t have any safety problems.
I found city centres were always lively at night with families out enjoying themselves. It was easy and affordable to call Uber when travelling longer distances, day or night.
However, because staff are almost always men, I sometimes felt slightly vulnerable, for example, in taxis at night and accommodations where there happened to be few other guests. However, nothing bad happened in these scenarios, so it was more about feeling uncomfortable at the idea of what COULD happen than unsafe.
Violent crime in Egypt is low; so is petty theft. What you ARE going to experience is street harassment, discomfort in male-dominated spaces, and potentially scams (though luckily I escaped these).
To summarise, I generally felt safe, but not always comfortable.
Is Egypt suitable for first time solo travellers?
No. Get your confidence and experience elsewhere; this isn’t the easiest destination for a first solo trip.
Almost anywhere in Europe is a better option for solo city breaks and holidays, while Southeast Asian countries provide your classic solo backpacker experience.
The exception is beach towns such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada for those who like resort-style travel, and Dahab for those who don’t.
Positives about solo travel in Egypt
- Decent hostels and, because it’s a conservative country, these are usually separated by gender. I don’t mind mixed dorms in general, but sometimes female-only ones are just easier to get changed in, plus I’m convinced women snore less!
- Affordable – travel in Egypt won’t break the bank so you don’t feel restricted to hostel dorms when travelling alone. With 30 minutes in an Uber costing around $4, you also won’t suffer from not splitting the ride.
- English is widely spoken – it’s very easy to get around without Arabic.
Negatives about solo travel in Egypt
- Harassment and hassle to buy – especially in Luxor and Giza, I received so much attention from men. Although the constant pressure to buy can be frustrating, I understand that many need to make ends meet. Travellers of all genders will experience this, and not only solo travellers. The cat-calling and harassment were what made me mad. Obviously, this is mainly aimed at female travellers. It was some of the worst I’ve experienced (and I’ve been to 80 countries).
- Long bus journeys – for example, when travelling from Cairo to Siwa, the only option is a 10-hour bus, and the more comfortable operators like GoBus don’t run. If you’re heading down to Aswan from Cairo, I highly recommend an internal flight (from $40) rather than the bus. I learnt this the hard way, and it was one of the worst journeys of my life!
- Not that many other independent travellers – Egypt is packed with tourists, but the vast majority visit on organised tours. You don’t always make friends to do things with as a solo traveller.
Best hostels in Egypt
- Dahab: for a social base, the Rafiki Hostels (there are two) are where to meet other travellers for social events, hikes and day trips to the Blue Lagoon. Book on Hostelworld.
- Cairo: I loved Holy Sheet Hostel and stayed three times (as you always have to connect in Cairo to reach places in Egypt). The staff are super friendly and the bunks are equipped with individual curtains, chargers and lamps. Book on Hostelworld.
- Alexandria: to my knowledge, there’s only one backpacker’s hostel, Ithaka. It’s a decent base with helpful staff and a home-cooked breakfast. I stayed in a female dorm that sadly didn’t have curtains on the bunks, but did have beautiful sea views. Book on Hostelworld.
- Aswan: otherwise basic but fine, the highlight of Go Inn is the riverfront area with seating and steps into the Nile. The water is clean and refreshing; take a sunset dip. Book on Hostelworld.
- Luxor: although not your typical hostel, Golden Rose is a family-run guesthouse on the East Bank with a female room (two single beds shared with you and another guest). For $10 a night including a huge breakfast of eggs, potatoes, beans, white cheese, salad and bread, it’s fantastic value. Book on Booking.com.
Dress code for solo female travellers in Egypt
Aside from beach towns where you can wear what you like, Egypt is relatively conservative. Sadly, the more skin you show, the more attention you may also receive.
I suggest wearing pants or a long skirt and a top that covers your shoulders. Long sleeves aren’t required but a cool layer can help you escape sunburn.
When visiting a mosque, you will usually need to cover your hair (aside from a few in Cairo that are popular with tourists and don’t require it). Generally, you can borrow cover-ups at the entrance.
Best season to visit Egypt
The cooler months of October to April are ideal. I visited in February and the weather was perfect. I didn’t have to visit attractions super early to beat the heat, and I never got sunburn. Pack a layer for the evenings, as it gets cool, especially in the desert.
December and January are known as the busiest times of year.
The summer (May-September) can be VERY hot, reaching 40 degrees Celcius. This season is best avoided!
Remember to check the dates of Ramadan. If you don’t have experience travelling during this holiday, it can be tricky as many restaurants and cafes are closed during the day. However, I travelled during this period without major problems. It may be worth checking there’s a kitchen at your accomodation to make lunch if necessary. As a coffee snob, I also brought my own coffee filter.
Where to travel solo in Egypt
Here’s everywhere I went during my month-long backpacking trip…
Cairo
Where to start with this crazy metropolis, bigger than any other city in the Middle East or Africa?
I loved Cairo (when I had the energy for it!) but found crossing the road pretty stressful. I generally love big cities, which I think is a requirement for enjoying Cairo.
I stayed downtown, close to museums, famous restaurants and nice cafes. However, it is busy and noisy so you might prefer getting an Airbnb in the beautiful Zamalek area. I visited several times to wander around, browse bookstores and cafe-hop. I could live here!
It’s easy to take an Uber to Giza in 30 minutes, but I chose to spend a couple of nights there. For that reason, I’ll share what to do there next. Here are my top picks for solo travellers in Cairo:
Things to do in Cairo
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar and Al-Azhar Mosque beside it. I visited both during a free walking tour (I use GuruWalk to find these) to learn more about the history, but you can easily explore solo.
- Saladin Citadel – this historic fortress ($10 entry) with sweeping city views is home to the famous Mosque of Muhammad Ali. This mosque is one of the most intricate I have ever seen, but it’s more of a tourist attraction than a practising mosque these days, so I recommend also visiting…
- Sultan Hassan Mosque (a short walk from the Citadel) – a practising mosque where tourists can experience the culture. Entry costs 200 EGP for foreigners.
- Al-Azhar Park – worth a visit to watch sunset over the city. The entry price of 200 EGP for foreigners seems steep to enter a park, however.
- Coptic Cairo – the Hanging Church and Coptic Museum are worth visiting, as is Ben Ezra Synagogue nearby.
- Egyptian Museum – if you’re in a rush, you can skip this in favour of the new GEM in Giza, but I felt the original in downtown is still worth a visit. Entry costs around $10.
- National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation: THE place to learn about eras of Egyptian history from hunter-gatherers to Ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman rule and, finally, contemporary Islamic history. Entry costs around $10.
- Museum of Islamic Art: I loved this place as I’m obsessed with geometric patterns and tiles. It’s small but worth an hour of your time. Entry costs around $7.
The Cave Church and Garbage City
For an offbeat attraction, find Cairo’s huge Coptic cave church. The Christian community in this poor neighbourhood not only built this beauty, but revolutionised waste management in the capital.
What started as gathering waste to feed their pigs turned into a mass recycling project, repurposing 90% of what they collect (most Western countries only recycle about 40%). You can even do eco-tours to learn about their work.
I caught an Uber to the Cave Church before taking a walk in the streets of Garbage City, along with a friend I’d met in the hostel. Although the streets were somewhat hectic, we felt safe and chatted with locals. If it sounds overwhelming, call Uber to the church and back.
Where to stay in Cairo: I loved Holy Sheet Hostel. The staff are super friendly and the bunks equipped with individual curtains, chargers and lamps. Breakfast is hearty, including eggs, bread, salad and potatoes. Book on Hostelworld for $10 per night.
Giza
I stayed here a few nights so I could visit the pyramids and GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) early, before the crowds. However, you can easily take a day trip from Cairo by catching an Uber or InDrive for around $5 (the journey takes approx. 40 mins). Cancel on any drivers who message you trying to negotiate a higher price.
Another benefit of staying in Giza is treating yourself to a hotel with pyramid views. I don’t recommend the one I stayed at overall, but you can use Booking.com to find one – just don’t forget to read the reviews and be wary of ones with 5-stars only from a handful of people.
Sadly, there aren’t any hostels in Giza, making it slightly pricier for solo travellers in Egypt.
The main things to do in Giza are:
Giza Pyramids – the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World! The site features the famous Sphinx of Giza and three epic pyramids. The Great Pyramid was the tallest building in the world for over 1,000 years, made from 2.3 million limestone blocks, some as heavy as 15 elephants. Mind-blowing!
I visited at opening time (7am or 8am, depending on the season) in an attempt to beat the crowds. Entry is 700 EGY, and you can pay extra to go inside either of the three pyramids. As someone who did this, I don’t recommend it: they’re hot and crowded, plus there’s nothing to see inside. Save it for Sakkara!
GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) – opened in late 2024, this billion-dollar venue is truly incredible. If you just visit one museum in Egypt, make it this one. The Tutankhamun exhibition is particularly fascinating. Entry is €30 and I recommend paying a little extra for the audio guide. If you stay all day, eat lunch at Zooba.
Sakkara / Dahshur / Memphis – these three ancient sites are closer to Giza than Cairo, but organised tours can collect you from either. I recommend a tour because there’s no transport connecting the three locations.
I did a $50 GetYourGuide tour visiting Egypt’s oldest pyramid and fantastic tomb art at Sakkara and climbing inside the ‘Bent Pyramid’ (the second oldest, displaying the evolution of the building styles) at Dahshur. Finally, we visited the ancient capital of Memphis where there are a few interesting artefacts.
Alexandria
I don’t know if it was because I had some local friends showing me around (who I met while volunteering in Dahab), but I absolutely loved this city on the Mediterranean coast full of Greek and Roman history. It doesn’t feel as hectic as Cairo, there’s plenty of history – one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World was here – and the architecture is stunning.
Visually, Alexandria reminded me of Cuba, Eastern Europe and Spain, all bundled into one. I spent endless time wandering and snapping photos. There are plenty of nice cafes, making it an easy place to while away time. The waterfront is bustling with locals socialising and selling snacks like candy floss. It’s a great vibe, not to mention the stunning sunsets!
For Alexandria sightseeing, don’t miss:
- Qaitbay Citadel – this 15th-century fortress stands where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria once did.
- The Biblioteca pays tribute to the original Library of Alexandria, a hub of knowledge for the ancient world (eventually lost to a fire). The new one is modern and impressive; well worth a visit for bibliophiles.
- Greco-Roman Museum – this is easily the best museum in town, with tons of artefacts including a giant mosaic of Medusa that was found under the cinema, and a 2,000-year-old crocodile!
- St Mark’s Church – I’m usually not that interested in visiting churches but this one (allegedly the oldest in Africa) in Coptic style is very impressive with mosaic murals. It’s free to enter and open until the evenings.
If you have time: there are some catacombs and Roman ruins such as the old amphitheatre and Pompey’s Pillar, but don’t think they’ll impress those who have visited Greece. I also heard the Royal Jewelry Museum is inside a stunning buidling but I ran out of time.
Miss: I went to Montaza Gardens and found it overrated as it’s far from town (a 30-min drive), looks a bit ‘Disney’ rather than historic and is fairly expensive with a $10 entry fee for foreigners. It’s also so vast that you have to ride golf carts and pay extra for them.
Where to stay: Ithaka is a decent hostel for solo travellers with helpful staff and a daily home-cooked breakfast. I stayed in a female dorm that sadly didn’t have curtains on the bunks, but did have beautiful sea views. Book on Hostelworld from $10.
How to get to Alexandria: it’s easy from Cairo; the GoBus (my favourite bus network in Egypt) runs several times a day from Tahrir station downtown, taking around 4 hours and costing from $7 per ticket.
Siwa
This hidden gem on the backpacker trail is too remote for mass tourism, with the only option for arrival and departure being a 10-hour bus each way (from Cairo or Alexandria).
Although I was already getting sick of long buses during my Egypt trip, this journey was worth it!
Siwa is an oasis in the western desert. There’s a town with a golden fortress at its heart; a series of brilliant blue, salty pools perfect for bobbing; natural mineral springs known for their therapeutic properties, and historic temples and tombs in the desert.
Most travellers stay in out-of-town camps, often with pools. Since getting around can be tough, taking a day tour with your accommodation is a good idea, usually for around €30 a day. I saw some travellers cycling, but it looks hard in the heat, and very exposed.
I stayed at El Dorado Camp which was slightly chaotic but the owner is genuinely lovely. It’s a good base for the relaxed traveller, especially if you stay in the cool salt room! Book from $7.
Things to do in Siwa
- Visit historic locations like the Mountain of the Dead (tombs with ancient murals) and the Temple of Amun (Oracle Temple), where Alexander the Great visited to have his fortune told, confirming he was a ‘son of the gods’.
- Float in crystal clear salty pools. My accommodation took me to a fantastic place that’s technically an active salt extraction site, but no one minded us going in.
- Soak in mineral pools. The most popular place is Cleopatra Pools, but I don’t recommend it because I saw captive animals in cruel conditions. My accommodation took me to a hidden gem where we did a mud bath; I forgot the location but I’m sure your place can help you, too.
- Climb the 900-year-old fortress in Siwa town made from mud and salt rocks.
- Watch sunset from Fatnas Island – best with a mango, lemon and basil juice in hand!
Getting to Siwa: I took a coach (West Delta) from Alexandria that took around 9 hours. It was very basic. On the way back to Cairo, I took the slightly more expensive option of a minivan with Siwa Bus; judging by the other passengers, this is the tourist option. Bus 12Go to book.
Black & White Desert
To be transparent, this wasn’t my favourite place in Egypt. The main way to visit is with a tour, and although I researched a company with good reviews, I wasn’t too impressed. The guides didn’t share any information, and we stopped at natural formations alongside many other buses.
If you have the time, the Black and White Desert may still be worth visiting, although it’s a long drive from Cairo – 5 hours each way – to spend just one night there (but I don’t suggest staying longer as there’s not much to do). I paid $100 for the trip, including transport, accommodation (tent), and three meals.
The highlight was camping under the stars, which are spectacular. Seeing sunset and sunrise as our guide prepared us tasty food on the campfire was also wholesome, and a digital detox from city life and phones. In the morning, we spotted footprints of a desert fox!
For solo travellers in Egypt, your experience will likely be determined by whether you click with the other travellers on your tour. Luckily, I had a nice bunch.
Aswan
I enjoyed visiting the city of Aswan in the south of Egypt as there are several fantastic temples nearby, alongside the unique Nubian culture. I didn’t find much to love about the city itself, but I enjoyed its spectacular sunsets over the Nile.
Things to do in Aswan:
- Philae Temple – this Greco-Roman temple on an island, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is truly stunning. Annoyingly, it has a rubbish system: AFTER you buy your ticket, you have to fight with the boat guys for a reasonable price on the five-minute ride. Hopefully, you have good luck like I did and meet other travellers at the port to split it with. To get there, ask your accom to call a taxi that will wait and bring you back (around 300 EGY).
- Abu Simbel Temple – near the Sudanese border sits this vast temple featuring 20m statues of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertiti. Caveats about visiting include that it’s a 4-hour drive each way, tours generally depart at 4am, and it’s VERY crowded. Is it worth it? I don’t know, to be honest.
- Nubian village on Elephantine Island – jump on a local ferry (15 EGY) to wander around this colourful village. UNESCO protects the language and traditions of this 5,000-year-old indigenous group. Visit the Animalia Museum to learn from local women, and shop for colourful spices and scarves at weaving workshops.
- Sunset felucca ride – organise boat trips with local ticket sellers from 300 EGY.
How to get to Aswan: I took a night bus from Cairo which I do NOT recommend for solo travellers in Egypt. Only poor-quality operators with dilapidated vehicles run this route. In retrospect, I wish I had flown (from $40). I hear mixed reports about the train ($100 for tourists): some people seem to rate it, while others say it’s overrated.
If you have the budget, a Nile cruise is also an option.
I chose to visit Aswan before Luxor, as I had a flight out of Hurghada, which is much easier to reach from Luxor. However, another option is to take the bus from Cairo to Luxor (GoBus run this route so it will be more comfortable), then fly from Aswan to Cairo.
Where to stay: for the best sunset views in town (apart from maybe Feryal Garden), Go Inn steals the show. The hostel is otherwise fairly basic, but I loved dipping in the refreshing Nile after a busy morning sightseeing. The staff can help you organise tours and activities. Book on Hostelworld.
Getting between Aswan and Luxor (and vice versa)
- Nile Cruise – these typically start from $300, taking 2-3 nights and stopping at the famous Kom Ombo and Edfu temples en route.
- Train – taking around 3 hours and costing $25-60 depending on the class, this is a scenic option but doesn’t let you stop at the temples.
- Bus – I don’t recommend this as only low-quality operators run, and the buses are slow and dilapidated. This option also doesn’t let you stop at the temples.
- Minibus tour – as I wanted to see the temples without breaking the bank, I was thrilled that Go Inn hostel organised a $20 minibus trip, leaving the hostel at 7am, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples and arriving in Luxor by 2pm. If you stay elsewhere, try WhatsApping them at +201227952197.
Luxor
To be transparent, I found visiting Luxor very frustrating as a woman travelling alone due to the hassle and harassment from the local men. It’s such a shame as Luxor has some of the best-preserved Egyptian temples and tombs, yet a small percentage of people (since most Egyptians I have met are lovely) spoil it for everyone.
However, it’s worth pushing through to experience the wonders of Luxor! I preferred the West Bank as it feels more tranquil (fewer big hotels and cruise ports) than the East Bank. Aside from Karnak and Luxor temples, most of my favourite temples are on the West Bank, alongside the majestic Valley of the Kings.
It’s easy to travel between the West and East Bank by local ferry for 25 EGY. It departs every 15 minutes.
Visiting the Valley of the Kings: Obviously, this can’t be missed! The underground burial tombs of the New Kingdom pharaohs are renowned for their intricate murals and hieroglyphics. Your entry ticket (750 EGP in 2026) includes 3 tombs.
I recommend visiting these tombs at the Valley of the Kings:
- Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2)
- Tomb of Ramses III (KV11)
- Tomb of Ramses IX (KV6)
- Extra cost (but worth it) – Ramses V & VI (KV9). This was an extra 220 EGP when I visited.
Other West Bank attractions:
- Temple of Hatshepsut – the tomb of the famous female pharaoh is vast, set against the striking cliff face.
- Ramesseum – far less crowded than the Valley of the Kings, this temple is intriguing for the giant head of the statue of Ramses II, lying broken on the ground.
- Deir el-Medina – my personal favourite place that I had almost to myself! These tombs of the workers who built and decorated the Valley of the Kings are smaller but just as intricate in design.
- Colossi of Memnon – these huge statues along the road back to Luxor are impossible to miss.
How to visit the above: I organised a taxi tour via my accommodation and paid around 500 EGP to visit the above places, including waiting time. Three hours was enough; add on two hours for the Valley of the Kings (which I did on a different day). Or, hire a bicycle and cycle between them – early before it’s too hot.
Where to stay in Luxor: Golden Rose is a family-run guesthouse on the East Bank with a female room (two single beds shared with you and another guest). For $10 a night including a huge breakfast of eggs, potatoes, beans, white cheese, salad and bread, it’s fantastic value. Book on Booking.com.
You can also rent bikes from the guesthouse to cycle between the West Bank attractions. However, I suggest taking a taxi to the Valley of the Kings as it’s mostly uphill, so cycling is tough.
Where to eat in Luxor (West Bank):
- Wolf Restaurant, next to Golden Rose Guesthouse, is a hidden gem with local dishes like kebabs and tagines (Egyptian and Moroccan).
- Wannas Art Cafe is a vegetarian restaurant/art gallery with lovely staff. The aubergine tagine ‘wannas way’ was sublime with yummy sides.
- Temple View – for proper coffee and decent food with Nile views, this is where I spent the afternoons after my morning sightseeing.
Things to do on Luxor East Bank
- Karnak Temple – the largest religious building ever constructed would be a travesty to miss! It was built over 2,000 years, as each king added something to the design. Provided you buy tickets for both temples, you can walk along the 2-mile Avenue of Sphinxes to…
- Luxor Temple – another fantastic temple with huge statues and centuries of history. It’s a popular sunset spot. If you don’t like crowds, visit early in the morning.
The coast
Aside from the history and archaeological sites, another appeal of Egypt for me is the rich marine life. Snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea is truly world-class!
Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are better suited to those taking package vacations, so I generally recommend Dahab for a more relaxed beach town. There’s a friendly community of open-minded locals and foreigners, making it a good spot for solo female travellers in Egypt. Just be aware you may plan a new life there!
There are so many dive operators that you’re spoiled for choice. You can do anything from introduction dives if it’s your first time, to fun dives if you have your Open Water already. Otherwise, stay a while and get qualified!
In Dahab, you can snorkel right off the beach or take a day trip to the Blue Hole and Abu Galum, usually including a stop at the picturesque Blue Lagoon.
Freediving is also popular in Dahab and there are countless instructors who will help you learn. The same goes for windsurfing.
Hiking is also popular. Day trips include to the Red & White Canyons (the white was my favourite) and Mount Sinai beside St Catherine’s, the world’s oldest monastery. I did a gruelling overnight hike here, starting at midnight and reaching the summit for sunrise. Incredible but never again!
Simply relaxing at waterfront cafes is another way to kill time in Dahab. And if you want to do a good deed, volunteer at Dahab Cats viaWorkaway. Tell them Rose says hi!
Use my link for a discount on your Workaway subscription.
Dahab is hassle-free unlike places like Luxor. It’s my happy place.
Steal my solo Egypt itinerary
Here’s how I spent 1 month in Egypt, and you can, too.
2 days in Cairo: or more if you are a city lover! I spent about five.
2 days in Giza: split one day between the Pyramids and GEM, then another visiting Sakkara and Dashrur during a day tour.
2-3 days in Alexandria: visit the historic sites and relax in cute cafes. Ecuador Coffee has modern, speciality coffee, while Brazilian Coffee Stores is a historic establishment.
2 days (1 night) on a Black & White Desert tour (if you have time – this wasn’t my highlight of Egypt; see above).
2-3 days in Siwa: spend one day seeing the nature (salt lakes and mineral pools) and another at the historic sites (Mountain of the Dead and Oracle Temple). Don’t miss sunset at Fatnas Island!
After passing back through Cairo…
3 days in Aswan: I spent one day visiting Philae Temple, another on a day trip to Abu Simbel, and another visiting the Nubian Village. These were really half-day trips, and I spent the afternoons dipping in the Nile from my hostel.
After a 1-day minibus trip stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu Temple…
3 days in Luxor: I spent a day visiting Karnak and Luxor Temples, then split the West Bank attractions between the following two days.
Remaining time at a beach destination: Luxor is close to Hurghada. I spent one night but I didn’t love its resort focus and having to pay for the beach. Instead, you could take a direct flight to Sharm el-Sheikh then head to Dahab for a chilled vibe.
Getting to Egypt
Except the handful of travellers who get a ferry from Jordan, flying into Egypt is by far the most popular option.
Many travellers fly into Cairo International Airport, but the resort towns of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada can be viable entry points because resort-style package holidays keep prices low.
Hurghada is a 4-hour bus ride from Luxor, whereas Sharm is close to backpacker beach town, Dahab.
Staying connected in Egypt – SIM cards
You can get very affordable deals with local operators like WE. I picked up a SIM in the airport with 13 GB of data for under $7. If you’re staying under a month, you can top this up freely in any WE store.
I was staying three months in Egypt volunteering, travelling, and working remotely but unfortunately, my WE SIM card expired after 30 days, and I wasn’t allowed a new one without fresh visa details (which I didn’t have because my visa was for three months). I’m told Orange sell montly SIM cards without asking for visa details.
Alternatively, get an e-SIM with Airalo. This is a guarantee you’ll be able to get online as soon as you land; there was no Wi-Fi in Sharm airport when I arrived. Browse Egypt SIM packages with Airalo.
Do you need travel insurance?
Yes, I never have and never will travel without insurance. It could save your life!
I recommend True Traveller which I use myself. I pay around £30 (€40) a month when getting a year’s plan. As well as pre-existing health conditions, they’ll cover you if you’re already travelling and/or don’t yet have your flight home booked. The claim process is easy; I’ve done it twice and received the money within days. Click to get a quote.
True Traveller is just for European residents (including the UK) so, for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.
Final thoughts
In Egypt, there’s such a difference between mass tourism destinations (Luxor, Aswan, Giza, the Black & White Desert, and certain destinations in Cairo like the Citadel) and other areas of the capital and Alexandria and Siwa. Although I wouldn’t have skipped the popular spots, I found the latter places more authentic and enjoyable to spend time with less hassle.
Overall, I had an incredible trip. I’d been fascinated by Ancient Egypt since age 10, and the reality of visiting places like the Valley of the Kings and Sakkara surpassed even my wildest expectations. It’s truly a world wonder. I’m so glad I went!
However, it was one of the hardest places I have travelled solo. The harassment in Luxor and Giza was exhausting. Also, I didn’t make many friends to navigate the experience with, compared to other countries where there’s frankly a livelier hostel scene and more independent travellers.
I’m an experienced solo traveller, which I think you need to be here. Don’t be put off. But do be prepared to constantly say ‘no’ and feel hassled. It’s worth it!
Thanks for reading!
