Egypt Tour Was NOT What We Expected (I wish they told us...)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 มิ.ย. 2024
- EGYPT TRAVEL WARNING: 10 Surprising Reasons to Stay Away (#9 is a deal-breaker)
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Egypt is a beautiful country with so much to do and see. However, there are a number of things to consider before you decide to travel to Egypt for your next vacation. Here are 10 Must-know travel tips and a look at the reality of traveling Egypt that nobody talks about. From Egypt tourist safety, to unexpected costs to Nile River cruises and visiting the pyramids, this video dives into all the things I wish I knew before booking an Egypt tour.
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00:00 Introduction
00:24 Air Quality in Egypt
00:55 Never expected this...
01:30 Culture shock in Egypt
02:02 All-inclusive resorts in Egypt
02:22 Pyramid day trips
02:38 Nile River cruise
03:39 Deal Breaker (hidden cost!)
04:32 Tipping in Egypt
04:54 Unavoidable corruption
05:31 Food poisoning
06:02 BIG danger to consider
06:42 Is Egypt safe?
07:40 Nile Cruise vendors (wild!)
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For those who can't go to Egypt due to the reasons in the video- cats, smoking, etc- think of how lucky we are to live in an age where you can see ultra high definition 4k videos of just about everything you want to see there- or anywhere really. A hundred years ago all you would get were maybe a couple black and white photos or drawings, or if you were lucky a 30 second scratchy silent black and white film. I heard an expression once about this - "pixels will get you 95 percent there without the dysentery and heat stroke."
Egypt had been on my bucket list for many years and last summer I had the chance to go. One suggestion I might offer is do not go in summer. I nearly died from the heat going into the tombs and climbing out. I am not a stranger to heat living in Texas, but the heat in Egypt in the summer was really horrible.
Welcome, I can welcome you on a tourist tour around Egypt ❤
What month did you go ? I plan on early May - which is tech summer - but not heart of summer.
It's so wonderful. May the weather be nice
Other than food poisoning, which prevented me from seeing Edfu, I loved my entire visit to Egypt. The sites were extraordinary, and the people friendly. Yes, the vendors were annoying, but you get used to saying a firm “no”! Our guide was fantastic and even took us to visit the community of trash pickers, which I doubt is on the regular tours. I’m not sure if the old museum in Cairo is still open, or if the new one now is, but the old one was what every museum should look like: wood-trimmed glass cabinets, a little dusty, perfect! Egypt isn’t for the faint of heart, and you have to be willing to put up with its downsides. But it’s an experience of a lifetime!
Well said! I have to agree with you! It is an amazing destination!
What tour is that?
@@feryalighani-missaghi1649 I went with Wanderwomen tours. (It’s all women.)
Why is food poisoning so high there?
We went to Egypt in April 2022 with Memphis Tours. Had a
great time. Tour guides were very professional and knowledgeable. We had no security concerns. Food was great, no illness. If I could l would go back for at least two to three weeks.
Do you remember thee name of your tour company?
Many tourist hotspots arent even worth it anymore. As a kid I went to Disneyland every year with my parents but at some point the lines were 2 hours long and it only got worse from there. Egypt sounds better to experience through a Rick Steves video these days
I agree. Always thought a cruise down the Nile sounded ideal. Not after watching a vid of one. Sorry to say Machu Pichu wasn’t much better. 😮
Agreed! I’m in Egypt right now. Although the history is amazing I feel like it’s not worth it with all the traffic and noise and people literally demand a tip, even cleaners in public toilets 😵🤯🤯
Went to Egypt 6 months after their Arab Spring with a tour company. We only had 5 people in my group and enjoyed the lack of crowds. I was the only one without gut problems, but did suffer heat exhaustion at Abu Simbel- well looked after by the locals. Had fun with the flirtatious staff on the cruise on the Nile and this overweight middle-aged gal was able to climb inside the Great Pyramid. Loved this trip.
That is super to hear, Michele! Continue to have fun on your travels!
Do you mind sharing the tour company you used and when you went?
@@lazygirl10 It was Trafalgar Tours and I went in July of 2011. Wouldn't recommend that time of year normally, but my initial date was cancelled because, Arab Spring, and my visa would have expired if I waited too long to rebook it. I would recommend spring or autumn/winter though.
I spent a week in Egypt and yes, I agree with everything you mentioned in this video. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested because it was SO amazing. 😊
Worked in Egypt in 1997 and 1998 and have later visited as a tourist. Loved the place. To avoid getting sick, don't drink the water or eat anything that have been washed in tap water.
The problem is that you don't know what was done in the restaurant kitchen.
@@debbiericker8223 Agree. That's why I never ate salad, fruit etc. Only food that was cooked and hot.
Went to Egypt several years ago and it was quite memorable. As an Architect the ancient structures were of major interest. Also I had studied Egypt and our guide, being Egyptian and a historian was well versed id many back stories and history and was very proud of his country. I did find the vendors extremely pushy and annoying. Did not take no for an answer.
I have been to Egypt twice. Both a very long time ago and loved it both times! I did a Nile cruise the second time and was thrilled to see the little film at end of your video, with boat sellers throwing things to buy up to tourist boat. They did it on my cruise too, and that was at least 30 years ago! Happy memories. Great some things don't change 😁
I have European friends who have vacationed in Egypt. From their experiences I've heard mostly the the "pros" but very few "cons". The biggest "con" for me that Megan mentioned is the strong smoking culture. The smell of tobacco does not bother me. Tobacco becomes problematic when it is lit because the smoke can trigger acute bronchitis for me.🙁
I enjoy experiencing various cultures first-hand and Egypt has been on my "bucket list". But I don't want to prematurely "kick the bucket" due to a potentially serious health issue.
I organized a DIY 10-day trip to Egypt 5 years ago as single older male. I avoided many of the issues described here by going in October, where temperatures were cooler. I flew from Cairo to Aswan, tool a Nile cruise to Luxor, and then flew back to Cairo. In Cairo I took Uber everywhere and avoided any hassles with taxis. Any daily touring I did myself or had arranged by my hotel in Aswan. I had an AC car with driver for visiting Abu Simbel, and we arrived as the tour buses were leaving. I had the site almost all to myself. Being an experienced traveler helps in ignoring touts and scams. In October many of the Nile boats have stopped running, and I never had to dock next to another.
I never had any issues with food, but I never ate street food. The ice cream there is terrific.
I traveled to Egypt years ago..2004. It was amazing. My visit to Giza and the Pyramids was marred by aggressive hawkers. I struggled to take unobstructed photos because of their aggressive posture. Very disappointing....even the camel riding tourist police could not deter them.
Got back two days ago, you are spot on. The biggest issue I encountered was at the airport, corruption. Take your time in the airport if you are asked to shortcut it will cost you, then you will be introduced to another friend with an additional cost. And in my case another friend with an other cost. The edfu trip should be skipped don't support poor animal treatment, skinny and mistreated horses. Overall it was a great trip
I've never thought about going to Egypt and after this video, I never will
That’s a shame, but to each their own.
Awesome, Follow this mad ladies who doesn't like cats😂
@@SSMN2492 I have always loved and had cats all my life :)
@@renferal5290 She is advising potential tourists not to visit Egypt because there are cats everywhere 😂
@@SSMN2492 I see, LOL Makes sense now
I’m happy that you got to check that item off your bucket list, it must have felt wonderful 😊. Sadly, I took that destination off mine years ago, due to high risks of food poisoning.
Went to Egypt in 2001 on a "student" tour (there were 30 of us with 21 being adults!) and thank goodness everything (except going into Tut's tomb) was included. "Baksheesh" was a term we all learned before we went. We were told NEVER to drink anything not in a sealed bottle. In Abul Simbel the temps were in the 90s and the little kids were running around with sweaters on and shivering! Looks like they have added some sort of fence by the Sphinx. When I was there there was no barricade and, luckily, no one fell down from the ledge. All -in-all I loved the trip.
Personally loved visiting Egypt - about 3 weeks - a few years ago, with wife and daughter (she was about 10). Wife had a couple of ill days, but that can happen anywhere. We didn't take a tour but did it 'self-organised' which was fine. I personally find tours to often be 'crammed' with a schedule that doesn't always fit personal likes AND they are prone to immediately raising prices and 'tack' supplier activity whenever they arrive. We visited Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada by bus and train and never felt any pressure to ride camels of horse buggys.
Being from India, Egypt is mellow
We just got back from Egypt I agree re the pollution etc - it effected both my husband and I as we are asthmatics but we didn’t notice it too much until
we left. We had a package deal for a 12 day small group tour (including 5 days on the Nile) with a max of 10 people - but it ended up just being the two of us with our guide, driver and representative of our travel agent in Egypt - Egypt Promotion, they were all amazing, we were driven everywhere in comfort and our guides eased any harassment etc the Nile cruise was incredible and yes we had 4 boats tied together (MS Blue Shadow 3 was our boat) but it was not a problem at all. All the staff were amazing. Yes we had to tip
everyone on the trip but since 1 Egyptian pound is worth 5cents Australian and 3 cents US this was such an insignificant amount to us but meant a lot to them.
So great to hear you enjoyed your trip! It sounds like it was pretty amazing!
Please share your tour name and website.
Thank you
I have been to Egypt and it was a fascinating, but most challenging trip. In my opinion, a tour with qualified guides is essential. This is not a country for DIY travel on your own, both for safety and comfort. Be aware that every person you connect with will want and expect something from you. People are very poor and desperate.
There are many places with poor people but none in my experience are like Egyptians. Harassment is accepted there. Horrible place to visit. Other than the historical sites, Egypt has nothing to offer to the world.
The best part of my visit to Egypt was the ride from the airport around 9 PM on a Monday night, through downtown, then around Tahrir Square, and out to the hotel by the pyramids. It was beyond nuts. There are NO rules on their roads. Every driver is playing a real life game of Grand Theft Auto. Honking like crazy, weaving all over the place, squeezing between each other. Better than any roller coaster I've ever been on. Madness!
My mother traveled to Egypt in August (!) several years ago and she just loved it. I still have a wall hanging she purchased from a vendor she haggled with just before her group 's tour bus departed the stop. Egypt is definitely on my bucket list.
Hi Megan, love this vid.
What was the name of the tour company you hired and what was the all inclusive hotel you stay at?
Last on my bucketlist is Egypt and I already purchased my flight for the last week of January 2024! Thank you for all your great videos about traveling 😊
Awesome! Have a super trip!
This is a very informative video. Every destination has its pros and cons, so its is important to set accurate expectations. But if you want to see some of the most iconic historical sites (and I do), then you just have to deal with and/or figure out jow to mitigate some of the cons. Thanks so much!
You are so welcome, Linda! What you say is so true!
Thank you for all this info Megan! Very, very helpful :)
Egyptians do love their cats! Great idea about the 2 day wind-down. Definitely a bucket list item and would do as a tour as you did.
Girl, I love watching your reviews but I love your humor and facial expressions more than anything! Thanks!!! 😂
Please do more videos in destinations. I am going to Costa Rica next spring, have you been there?
Megan, Love your little animation at the beginning of your show. How much more did you spend on the extras you spoke of.
If you stay some places, like Las Vegas or now Chicago, IL, 26% tax is about what you end up paying after the so-called "resort" fees are included. In some cases, with Las Vegas for example, the base hotel fee may be less than half of what you actaully pay because the resort tax/fees themselves can be $40 or $60 per night, while they'll sell you the room for say $30 a night. Plus, you have to consider the overall cost of goods in other countries. If the cost of the good is cheap compared to what you might expect or be used to paying for some things, then the addtitional tax may not be as bad, but obviously should still be considered (personally I like some countries where tax is already included in the price of the good -- ie. the price you see is the price you pay). For the US, a good percentage I recommend people add is 10% for most things (goods and food), and maybe 20% for hotel and accomodations (simply because most hotels have multiple taxes to be added in, such as city tax and possible resort fees).
I like this format of video. I might still go to Egypt, but it's better to decide with open eyes. Thank you!
Very good information, Egypt is on my bucket list.
Love your channel! I did get a respiratory infection towards the end of my trip to Egypt. So much cigarette smoke!! And Cairo is so polluted! But when we got out on the Nile it was better! We did a Nile cruise on a Dahabiya which is a smaller boat (only 12 guests) Much nicer than the huge cruise ships!! No strangers came onto our boat!
Be ready to tip for everything!! Keep smaller currency available. It's kind of annoying, but the money tourists pay for the sites and the tours does not trickle down to all the workers. I eat a vegan diet, and the food in Egypt was delicious and perfect!! No problems there!
thanks for sharing such important information
You are most welcome!
Thank you for your transparency 😊
Just curious, Megan, what months you traveled to Egypt? Would the crowds be better in early spring or fall?
Great summary of the pros and cons! This is one location that is not for me. Safety, food/water quality, and washroom cleanliness are priorities and there are lots of other interesting destinations that are better in these areas.
Glad you liked it, Robert! Always good to choose a destination that suits your likes and preferences! Happy travels!
Great video and it made me curious if you would ever make a return trip?
We are going to Egypt next February, your video was very helpful. I'd love to hear more about your time on the Red Sea - I'm debating how much time to spend there, and where. And who to dive with! Thanks!!
Hope you had a good time
Great info, as always Megan,I am planning to travel to Egypt in the next couple of years. It sounds like I really wanna avoid summer.
You should, especially if you are sensitive to the heat! Have fun planning your trip!
In summer it is up to 40 C or more. you need to think about the time😂
Update! Sept 3, 2023 was the last day Canadians can no longer get a visa at the airport in Cairo. As of October 1, 2023 Canadians can no longer obtain or use an e-visa. The only way to get a visa is by going to the Embassy in Ottawa.
Just thought you should know.
Cheers
I discovered this after I booked my flight and trip but Ottawa is only a 5hr return trip for me. You have to apply in the mornings then when you get the call drive back in aft for PU. Supposed to be 2 weeks mine was 2 days. People from Vancouver were flying out and back twice. Egypt did this in retaliation for the way Canada was treating those trying to immigrate.
Yes, we hate smoking, crowds, bad air, pushy vendors, but can't wait for our Egypt trip this January!
I remember, as a child,the vendors at Gibraltar Straits throwing items up to the cruise liner. I was surprised how well they navigated.
thank you for being honest! truthful!
Of course!! It was an amazing trip for me and I wanted to share some of my experiences and observations. Glad you liked it!
Great video thank you for insight
Woot woot, love to hear it! Thanks for watching 🥰
Thanks Megan! Egypt is a destination that's been on and off my list for years now. Mostly for the reasons you stated, but also because I get seasick and all the tours include being on the Nile. How much did you feel the motion on the boat? The river is not the ocean, but I'm pretty sensitive. Thanks for all the great info.
I get a little queasy on a boat when I can’t see outside. I wore Sea Bands the whole time on the Nile cruise, and they worked great. Give them a try.
I get motion sickness on the ocean however I never had a problem on the Nile Cruise. Even if the wind blows and the Nile gets a bit choppy, the boats are relatively small, there is not enough water depth and the river is too narrow to set up waves with the periodicity which sets up sea sickness. Do the Nile Cruise; in addition to the easily accessible ruins, they have access to ruins which are hard to access from land. All guests who came to Egypt while we were living there loved their cruise - but don't get a low cost boat.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to Egypt in November 😬
Wow! That's great! Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Thank you!
I went to Egypt in 2021 and I had a smashing good time. I hope to go again soon.
Welcome, we hope you have a happy visit to Egypt again. I can welcome you on a tourist tour around Egypt. ❤
I'm not interested in going to Egypt, but I think that some of the problems you mention apply to almost every country. Would I pass up an opportunity to go to Egypt? No, but not on my bucket list, and I would take a group tour like you did.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your travels wherever they take you!
Absolutely agree. I was currently in Bali the most overrated and hyped place ever. Just stomach issues. Dirty beaches dirty air because of burning garbage every. Super expensive because everybody wants to scam you!
I booked a cruise next year that stops at Alexandria for two days. I want to take a trip to Giza. Do you have a tour company that you would recommend?
Great info as always Megan!! For me? I'll pass on Egypt. Yes, it's got lots of great things to see, but I'm not a big history buff and if I want wicked hot days, I can just walk outside here in Dallas. LOL Keep em coming with the tips/trip ideas/reviews!!
Will do! Glad you enjoy watching!
Did I stumble into a literal Karen Convention?
@@LandRunProductions No, I think you ran into posting this comment on the wrong thread.
We visited Egypt a couple months ago and experienced just what you talk about. The "tipping culture" was the most annoying. It seemed like everyone had their hand out all the time and expected a tip for the most mundane of tasks, eg. putting your bag on the security belt for you at the airport. Glad we went, of course, but it was a "one and done".
Tipping culture? Sounds like America.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Do you need Covid vaccination to enter Egypt and to participate in boat cruise?
You're welcome! It is advised but I can't say if it is necessary to enter the country. I suggest you check the countries requirements when planning your trip. Things have changed since I travelled in 2021 and could change again. Safe travels!
Excellent ❤
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Good information! I’m sensitive to heat. That is a concern for me. I hope to visit one day.
It did take me a bit to adjust to the heat but I expected that! Hope you get to visit as it really is amazing!
Very informative. Thanks. (Egypt IS on my ‘someday’ list.)
I agree about cats in Istanbul! Thanks for info about Nile cruise. Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Can i buy the tours as I go? Or plan in advance?
I lived & worked in Egypt for 10 years. I worked as a geologist; my family was there with me and my son attended the American International school. Your assessment is fairly accurate however I will make a few comments to your observations. First Egypt is safe. I feel more at risk from the US gun culture than when I was taking daily pre-dawn walks alone in Cairo. I did not live in a gated community, my high $ SUV was parked on the street-no problems. Anyone on the street could walk up to the front door of my penthouse apt - 10 years never a problem. Can you get pickpocketed at a tourist morass? Yes. Violent crime is extremely unlikely. Never eat any uncooked salads or food that has obviously been sitting around unrefrigerated. So many visitors would not head my advice and eat salads and live to regret it for days. As a resident we had procedures to de-contaminate veggies at home and it worked. I don't care if you are at a 5* hotel, as Megan says don't risk your short vacation to have that very attractive salad bar. Nile Cruise is definitely worth it, however you get what you pay for. To avoid the "boat parking lot crowd" you will have to pay for one of the more expensive boats. If you do that you will either be on the outside of the "lot", so no one is walking thru your boat, or parked separately. Also keep in mind when the boats are parked, their engines are still running - fumes!! Yes Egypt is a tipping culture-have small bills loose in your pocket, tip a person who provided a legitimate service and then move on. There are many touts looking to take advantage of tourists and sell tourist junk or camel rides. If you don't want it firmly say "La Shukran" (no thank you) and move on - don't get sucked into their pressure by engaging with them. For an item you want be prepared to bargain. Think of these guys as US car salesmen - their final price is not their first offer. Bargaining is part of their culture, some are pros and they will try to take advantage of foreign tourists. As an expat who had a bit of Arabic, I could respectfully "signal" that I was not interested. Be respectful but firm and be prepared to walk away. There are dozens of guys selling the same stuff and they know how much $ they need to feed their family. Also remember the Egyptian economy is very weak, so don't be afraid to be a bit generous. If I felt a guy bargained in good faith, after the deal was struck, if I was happy, throw in a few extra pounds - he needs it a lot more than you do. Women traveling alone: never let an Egyptian man touch you - he would not permit another man touch his wife. Anyone who gets too close tell them to back off very firmly. My wife drove all over Egypt alone for 10 years and following that rule she never had a problem. The Red Sea is beautiful however Hurghada, although convenient to an International airport with nice hotels, is the last place I would pick for a holiday (unless you want to party with tourists in a fairly compromised environment). A far nicer experience to enjoy the natural beauty of the Red Sea will be had at stand alone hotels starting a hour south of Hurghada. Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing your experience and useful information about Egypt!
A Nile River cruise is on my bucket list!
Where did you stay at a 5 star hotel all inclusive on the beach after your tour. This sounds like something we would love to do. How did you get there 0:02
Very nice video I'm Egyptian tour guide and ur explan very great
So nice of you! Thanks for watching!
Most subtly honest facts . Thanks . I am planning to visit in November December .
You're welcome! Have a great trip! So many amazing places to see!
bring some winter cloth as in the winter it gets cold especially if you going out at nights and early morning before the sun rise
How much does it cost for the Nile river tour ? Is it expensive
I went to Egypt independently and lived in an Airbnb in Giza for a month. Only drank bottled water and cooked my own food. I took public transport everywhere. I was annoyed by hawkers at the tourist sights but escaped them ok and it took me $100 to be let check out to Egypt at the airport. Corruption. All in all I loved my Egypt adventure but I usually love every country I visit also.
Spending a month gives you that opportunity to experience so much more than simply the tourist attractions! So glad to hear you enjoyed your time there! It is an amazing place!
I was there in June amazing but I agree with your cautions! Worst experience was at Cairo airport 😳
I really appreciate this! We are 68 and would love to go. So important to know ahead of time what to expect. I don’t go to Vegas because of the smoking. So that was important to know!
Always good to have an idea of what to expect! Not to stop you from going but so you can prepare accordingly! Happy travels, Leslie-Anne!
Thank you! I always research ad nauseam before travelling anywhere. Did you know that it is against the law to ‘curse’ in public on Sundays in Florida??? Lol. I actually ‘shood’ a loud mouth British traveller who was screaming and swearing at the paraglide guys for a REALLY stupid reason. I went up and told him to return to his hotel down the beach, as I was with my kids, and it was illegal to be swearing. He actually did! I really detest belligerent travellers. Respect the country you are visiting, or stay home! They don’t need to speak your language. You are visiting THEIR country. Good grief. While in Beijing with daughter, standing at a street light to pass over to go to Tianemen Square, 5 women (obviously American by accent), ‘I can’t believe how many Chinese people are here!!’ NOT. KIDDING. Don’t get me started……
I just wanted to mention, you’re extremely gorgeous! I love your videos. From your voice to everything you express. Thank you for doing these videos. ❤
You are so welcome!
May I know how much is the cost for hot air ballon ?
My family of three wants to go to Egypt on a fully guided tour between 7 days and 12 days with longer Nile cruise. Which tour operator did you use and which others can you recommend?
Megan, is the pollution worse in Egypt or Chiangmai, burning season? And when you have to pay the extra taxes, do they expect cash or take credit cards? Great video!
I lived in Cairo 10 years, travelled extensively during that period. I have also spent months in Chiang Mai & really love CM. Unfortunately it has far worse air pollution Jan thru April. During the monsoon season (now) CM has beautifully clear skies. In Egypt the worst pollution is in Cairo and the lower Nile Valley. Your River cruise will be in areas which may get a dust storm, but will not be exposed to urban pollution. There can be exhaust fumes from your boat when you are on your river cruise, but when I took the Cruise, it was not an issue.
Great advice not captured on other channels. Like someone else said in therapist below. Egypt is not the faint at heart.. Thanks!
This just confirms for me that if I ever do go, I am going to stay in a river cruise bubble. Just go where they tell me to, eat and drink only on the ship and go in the coolest month, which is December I am told.
The traffic
The honking
Lots of people
Harassment by vendors
Hand gestures
Wow sounds like New York city
Ever since I was a young girl (I’m 64), I always wanted to go to Egypt. I would love to see the pyramids. But after watching your video, which by the way, was wonderful, love your channel, I am having second thoughts about it. I have cats and love them so that’s not the problem. I live in Southern California and am used to 100’ plus heat and traffic and crowds but not as bad as they have it. Not a fan of cigarettes and smoking smell especially while I’m eating, not comfortable with it. We have strict laws here regarding smoking and strict rules to reduce smog. My concern is traveling and getting sick in a their country which seems to be a big problem there, in addition to the high tax rate to site see and stay there. My husband and I have traveled to many countries and never got sick thankfully. Egypt seems a bit too crowded and too busy for me. I don’t think I would be comfortable going there but may change my mind. It is on my bucket list too. Still want to see those pyramids! 😊
I stayed in Hurghada and did day trips to Cairo and Luxor. I think I would have been overwhelmed staying in Cairo. Had a fabulous trip.
Hello, thanks for this. Can you share the details to your travel/tour guide agency to Egypt? Thank you
I am Egyptian. I can welcome you on a tourist tour around Egypt ❤
Hello do travelers neer a yellow fever or any vaccinations shots before traveling to Egypt
I went in January/february and it was very comfortable! Overnight lows in 40s/50s and daytime highs in 60s/70s
Great video as usual. I guess Egypt is out for me. My stomach is very sensitive 😢
Mine too but I'm already signed up to go 😰
What about swimming in Hurghada compared to Bondi Beach, Sydney?
Very timely information for me. I keep looking at Viking,'s Nile River cruise and a couple of other companies'. You definitely pay extra for those, but I think I'd feel more secure. You've got to book way in advance, though, to get a good cabin during the cooler months. I've heard about the pervasive tipping expectation (for doing nothing but standing by a door you have to walk through, etc.) and aggressive vendors. I think the pricier cruise tour guides will protect us from some of that. It's not the $. It's the annoyance.
We did Viking in November and I'd highly recommend it as a travel company. Whilst it was more expensive than others they'd thought of everything. I never felt unsafe at any point, everything was well organised and our egyptologist guide was very experienced. He manoeuvred us through everywhere, knew many of the site vendors so was able to manage their hassling to some degree. A once in a lifetime experience so worth splashing out a little more money
@@andreaward6478 Thanks for the info. I'd definitely rather pay extra on a trip of this sort since we know it's highly unlikely we'd ever go back. We've happily returned to some cities throughout the world (and will again), but this trip (like our trip to India few years ago) will be a "one and done."
We took a Viking cruise in March and loved it! As part of the cruise we flew on domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor, and to Abu Simbal). There were very strict, serious airport security practices: men and women in separate lines, multiple screenings, and in addition to emptying your pockets, remember to remove your wrist watch before you walk through the scanner. That caught me more than once!
We stayed 3 days there in June 2023 in a large group. Definitely memorable, hot, and exciting. The tips, generally 1 usd, and we actually found ourselves kind of giving money to the kids that were selling 😢. A dollar apparently went a long way there. The bathrooms… definitely memorable, my squatting came in handy, and at most places we could have 2 or 3 people for a dollar 😅. As far as the food it was tasty but no one that I know of in our 50+ group got sick maybe we weren’t there long enough. When we went out we had a tourism police that stayed with us but the vendors would swarm us at any destination. They can be pushy but we were taught some local lingo and when we used it they would wave at us and walk away. I definitely would go back, three days for me was not enough. Also, many people spoke English so that was very helpful when bargaining or asking for directions… awesome trip, I’m glad you were able to go!!!
Just returned from Egypt a month back. We went with Archaeological Paths and had a wonderful time. It was a fantastic tour and worth every penny! No one had any issue with being ill and the private access to the Great pyramid and the Sphinx alone was worth the extra cost.
Spot on!!!
Thanks! Glad you think so!
If you take everything Megan says here AND read all the comments, you will be well informed before choosing whether to go or NOT. We went on a private tour in November 2019 (this allowed us to set the start time and make adjustments). We spent the last 3 days sick in our hotel room from something we ate and yes, Abu Simbel was incredibly hot!!! We thought by going at the end of November it would not be so bad - wrong. The Valley of the Kings was not as bad as Abu, but it still was hotter than these Canadians are used to. Yes, the constant expected tipping is annoying so have a cash cushion that you were not expecting! BUT..... as Megan and others below have said, we are glad we went. We brought back incredible memories and beautiful pictures.
Weird, rarely saw a cat when we were there. Vendors on the tour stops were worse than street vendor's. Yes, Cairo was intense but we took it in stride. The rest of the trip was incredible. Included Abu Simbel. There and back in a day and so worth it. ❤
NEVER accept the tea! Anywhere. 😂 Bring an umbrella for sun ❤
I visited Egypt not long ago. While cats were indeed common, stray dogs were also EVERYWHERE. At night, they roam the streets in packs & you can hear them howling like coyotes. During the day, you see them sleeping in every available shady spot (like under parked cars). Some friendly ones may follow you, looking for a handout, but they seem feral for the most part. This was true in both the metropolitan and rural areas that I visited.
Wow I am glad I went in college in 1976 and visited for only 4 days.
Glad you went to Egypt, my wife and I loved our time in Egypt. Taxes are common in every country, personally I dislike the countries that have built in service charge for lousy service. 🇨🇦
It really is an amazing place to visit!
I've always wanted to visit Egypt, but after your enlightening information, I know I would be miserable! If it weren't so dangerous, I'd prefer to have a guide drive me through isolated Sudan desert to see the pyramids there and camp. That would be awesome!
Welcome, I can welcome you on a tourist tour around Egypt ❤
I loved Egypt!🇪🇬
You must take the good with the bad. We went to Egypt in October 2022. Simply Amazing. I want to return someday.
So true! Hope get to have your return visit!
My aunt went on a 7 day tour about 10 years ago and had absolutely no complaints or issues but on the other hand, I've heard some not-so-great reviews from others. Me having severe asthma and smoke being one of my worst triggers, not to mention it's super gross, makes me more cautious about the environment I put myself into and try to avoid those places.
Egypt is on my bucket list, or at least it used to be. In recent years, I’ve given more thought to a visit. It’s not the heat. I’m from Texas, and heat and high humidity are given. Additionally, I once lived in Morocco, and I experienced the heat of summer. There is an especially hot period when the winds blow from the Sahara, and I can recall temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
What I dislike most about Egypt is the crowds. So many tourists and Egyptians working in the tourist trade are present that it is difficult to get much more than an abbreviated tour of the major sights. I am a photographer, and the stories concerning the harassment of professional photographers are legendary, in addition to the constant demand for tips or fees. While Egypt is generally safe for foreigners, the existence of petty crimes is great. Pickpockets are everywhere, and as a photographer, I carry a lot of high-profile camera equipment, which can make me a target. The last time I was in Morocco, I was about to be mugged when I used my walking to dissuade my attacker, how shall I say … in a very decisive way. I was almost thrown in jail for defending myself, and ended up paying a fine directly to the police to take care of the “paperwork” I would have spent half a day filling out.
Finally, while Egypt is the real deal, there is still too much fraud, and you need to be aware that all is what it seems. Staying with a good tour group protects you, but in doing so, you must travel at their pace. My photography can take longer than a simple snapshot.
Larry from Texas
Australian here. I went to Egypt in 1988. Loved it but everything you say is true. I can see how a Canadian might not handle the heat.
I haven't been to Egypt. Comments that I've heard from family, friends and colleagues who have been there strongly echo your views. It may happen, but it's well down my list.
Top of my list for a long time was St Helena Island in the South Atlantic ocean. I went there last month and enjoyed it immensely.
Okay, Egypt is off my list! 🥲
That's too bad! It really is fascinating!