Hi Everyone
I will be on a 9 day tour in Egypt in Mid May and needed advice on what to take. How to dress during the day and the evenings? Any tips per the culture and weather??
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
I took an Egypt tour in 2005. All women on my tour dressed modestly when in public, meaning arms and legs covered. Not only is it respectful of the culture, it's practical in the intense sun. The only difference for men is that a short sleeve shirt would be OK in public. I bought some light weight clothes for the trip at REI that had a sun block in the fabric - worked well and dried quickly. I saw many tourists wearing shorts and such, but such attire is really only appropriate in a tourist area such as the hotel pool. It got cool some evenings (I was there in October), so take along a light sweater or jacket. Also, you will hear of bakshesh which is a modest amount given as appreciation for a service. One half to one Egyptian pound to a rest room attendant or a few Egyptian pounds to a hotel porter would be adequate. Remember that bakshesh is not a tip or a handout but a show of appreciation, so keep it small and never give it unless some service was performed.
Posted by
saskatoon, sk, canada
6 posts
Which tour companies have you used to travel to Egypt.? I have not decided which company to use or if I should go independently. Please provide info. Thanks. sonja
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Sonja - I used Adventures Abroad and would use them again. Their website is www.adventures-abroad.com. For Egypt, I'd recommend a tour. Independent travel is more challenging than in Europe, and those I know who've done it all used a company to arrange their transportation and lodging. Don't have any details on that option.
Posted by
saskatoon, sk, canada
6 posts
Many thanks Frank....I will get started on my search.
Posted by
OP
Union, NJ, United States
3 posts
Sonja
I am going on Contiki Tours. I have traveled with them before and so far have had great experiences.
Posted by
richmond, va, usa
3 posts
First, I prefer independent travel but agree that a tour is the only way I would recommend travelling in Egypt. We used Smithsonian and they did a fabulous job.
Dress moderately, no tank tops, short shorts, etc. We went in February and it was freezing in the morning, (like the 2am flight from Cairo to Luxor-only way to get to Karnak Temple in a day it seemed), hot enough for shorts in the valley of the Kings.