Worldwide with Idalis

Egypt celebrated for its rich history that dates back to the 6th–4th millennia BCE, is recognized globally. Every traveler dreams of visiting Egypt to witness the magnificent pyramids, though it can feel overwhelming. My journey to Egypt marked my first experience in Africa when I was just 20 years old. It was an enlightening experience, and I often reflect on the incredible people I met, as well as the fascinating history and culture. If you’re considering a trip to Egypt, take that leap of faith; I assure you, it will be a decision you won’t regret.

---

Getting There

• Upon arriving at Cairo International Airport, I advise against taking a taxi, as many can be unreliable and may charge you excessively. Instead, I recommend having your hotel arrange for your pickup or scheduling a driver in advance at a reasonable price. Public transportation doesn’t appear to be a practical option in Cairo, so securing a driver ahead of time will make your travel experience much smoother. You’ll be grateful you did.
• In my opinion, the best time to visit Egypt is during the winter months (from October to April). This period offers enjoyable weather and allows you to steer clear of large tourist crowds. During my visit in June, I found the heat to be quite intense, particularly in the desert regions.

Where to Stay

• While visiting Cairo, I suggest choosing a hotel for your stay. Selecting a hotel gave us a sense of security, surrounded by professional staff and fellow travelers like ourselves.
• Cairo offers a variety of areas for accommodations. During our visit, we opted for a location that provided a view of the pyramids rather than being directly in that area. It was quite easy to find a hotel with a view, as the pyramids are quite impressive in size. You can even choose to stay in Giza, which is included in the larger Cairo metropolitan area.

---

Practical Tips

• If you are looking for an afforable and friendly tour guide, I highly recommend using the one I went with. He was so so friends and helpful.
• The most budget-friendly way to get around Cairo is by using TukTuks. These small, car-like vehicles can be seen throughout the city. They are more affordable than traditional taxis and are popular among both locals and tourists.
• Be sure to negotiate with vendors. As a foreigner, they may assume you have plenty of money and bump up their prices. We had a tour guide who handled negotiations for us, which made the process much easier.
• “Is it safe for women and solo travelers?” This is a common concern for those considering a trip to Egypt. Opinions vary, but I believe it depends on individual experiences. I suggest arranging a guide through your hotel or accommodation for all your outings. We did this and felt completely safe. Keep in mind that I was 20 and my friend was 22 during our visit, and we are both females.
• When dressing for most cities, comfortable shoes are a must, as you will be walking quite a bit. However, since this is an Arabic country, it’s important to dress modestly, as this is an unspoken religious guideline to adhere to. We chose to embrace this by purchasing traditional Egyptian clothing and scarves to help us blend in.

---

---

Other Places to Visit in Egypt

There’s so much more to Egypt than just Cairo and Giza. While I didn’t manage to explore everything this incredible country has to offer, I’ve researched and compiled a list of some of the most popular destinations, ranked by significance.

• Luxor: Known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” this UNESCO-listed site is brimming with historical treasures unmatched by other locations worldwide. The New Kingdom pharaohs established their capital here, once known as Thebes, and built magnificent monuments dedicated to their deities and themselves, many of which still endure today.
• Abu Simbel: The Great Temple of Ramses II is guarded by four towering statues of the pharaoh, each standing 20 meters high. This temple is uniquely aligned so that during February and October, the sun’s first rays illuminate the interior statues of Ramses II alongside the gods Ra-Horakhty and Amun.
• Alexandria: Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria was a hub of intellectualism in ancient times. Although the famed library was lost centuries ago, the institution has been revived as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern marvel with space for eight million books. The city also boasts ancient archaeological sites, including the Roman-era Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, and the 15th-century Citadel of Qaitbay along the coast.
• Siwa Oasis: Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Egypt’s larger cities, this serene oasis is inhabited by the Siwan Bedouin people who largely maintain their traditional lifestyle, resulting in minimal tourist impact. The locals, belonging to the Amazigh tribes, have preserved much of their linguistic and cultural heritage due to the oasis’s secluded nature.
• Aswan: Known for its relaxed atmosphere, Aswan is one of the best places in Egypt to experience the Nile. Cruises regularly depart from here, and you can also enjoy a ride on a smaller sailboat (felucca) to explore the Nile islands. Traveling by sailboat is often the easiest way to visit Aswan’s attractions, such as the Tombs of the Nobles and the vibrant, mural-adorned Nubian village of Gharb Soheil.

---

---

My time in Egypt was truly remarkable; the kindness and helpfulness of everyone I met enhanced my experience immensely. I now see why this city and country are so highly esteemed.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Keep an eye out for more posts from Idalis Worldwide, where I share insider tips for maximizing your travels to different cities.