The weather in Egypt can be very harsh, so it is important to choose the right time for your trip. The months of October to April are pleasant and temperatures between 20°C and 30°C are suitable during the day. This season you can explore ancient ruins and enjoy a cruise on the Nile River without having to deal with extreme heat.

Also, avoid going to Egypt in the summer between May and September, especially if you cannot tolerate extreme heat. Temperatures in places like Luxor and Aswan can easily exceed 40°C. Also in the summer, between March and April, Khamsin can occur: hot, dry winds that create sand and dust can affect your experience.

If you decide to travel during the high season, that is, between December and January, keep in mind that prices will increase and tourist attractions will get crowded. But celebrating the New Year in Egypt can be a unique experience.

It is very important to have the correct documents and visas when traveling to Egypt. Make sure you have these requirements to avoid problems. First of all, we have a passport that must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter the country.

Regarding the Visa, there are several routes you can choose to obtain it, including e-Visa, which is an electronic visa. You can apply for this document online through the government website and it is valid for 30 days, but it depends on your country of citizenship. Another way to obtain a Visa is to apply for a visa when you arrive at Egypt’s main airports. Its price is 25 USD, valid for 30 days but only for citizens of certain countries.

The final visa is through the embassy, I recommend it if you have a long stay there or a difficult journey. You can apply for this type of visa from the Egyptian embassy in your country. Please remember to check the visa requirements for your nationality, as it varies greatly depending on your nationality and country of residence. We do have a post where we talk about this topic in more detail. You can check it here

When packing to go to Egypt, it is important to consider many things such as the weather, culture and activities you plan to do. Light, cotton clothing such as T-shirts, long trousers, skirts or dresses that cover the knees will take you a long way during the hot day. However, temperatures tend to drop at night, so some warm clothes will be required as well.

I made the mistake of taking some new shoes to my trip, which proved to be a bad idea, as I got a massive blister on my foot. Bring comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot if you plant to visit the temples and pyramids. Sturdy sandals are a good option. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. I also brought a couple scarfs in case I was entering holy places and needed to be a bit more conservative. Also, convertor if your plug is not the same as the ones in Egypt (The use Type F, which is the same the use in Europe)

Remember that it is important to dress respectfully, especially in rural areas and places of worship. By choosing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, you will both avoid being seen and show respect for the local culture.

Traveling to Egypt can be a wonderful experience, but we can get sick if we do not pay attention to things like water and food. Egypt’s sanitary conditions are not like in most developed countries, and although I didn’t have any problems (I am from south America), some people might. If you feel like you are in this group of people, Drink only bottled water and watch out for street food. Definitely bring some probiotics!

The sun is strong in Egypt, so it is important to use plenty of sunscreen, reapply regularly, and cover your head. Stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

When traveling to Egypt you will not only be able to learn about its ancient history, but also about its culture. Which is why it is vital to respect their customs in order to avoid inconveniences and enjoy an enriching experience.

The main thing is clothing, with modest clothing being the best option to choose, especially if you are going to religious or rural places. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, while men should avoid tank tops and shorts. As for photographs, many of these sites do not allow them or the use of flashes, so you must ask permission. If you travel to Egypt during Ramadan, I recommend being respectful of people who fast. If possible, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day.

Another behavior that shows respect is learning basic phrases in Arabic, for example Shukran for saying thank you or As-salaam-alaikum for greeting. Now, if you travel as a couple, it is very important to take care of displays of love in public, since they are not well regarded. Nor is alcohol consumption in most public areas. As for mosques, respect prayer times and take off your shoes before entering.

Bargaining is an integral part of Egyptian culture, especially in markets and markets, as it is considered a social interaction rather than a simple business. It’s important to know the approximate value of the item you’re interested in and set a limit on how much you’re willing to pay. One of the most powerful methods is to “walk”, which usually results in a better offer if the seller does not lower the price. Just please keep in mind, Egyptian sellers can be pushy. Negotiating is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if your first try doesn’t go well. Over time you will become an expert and enjoy the culture while traveling in Egypt.

To make the most of your trip to Egypt, it is essential to plan your trip in advance. This will allow you to avoid last minute issues and be prepared, specially if you, like me, are traveling as a solo female. In my case, I like to plan some things in advance, while leaving some space to do as I please in other cases. I buy my flights, transportation, my hotels and my tours in advance, but that’s about it. I do not have an hour by hour plan, except for what’s scheduled by the tour. I plan it in a way that I get some free time every day and sometimes even some days without plans, in case I came to discover something I want to do that I didn’t know about or if I’m too tired.

Getting around Egypt offers a variety of options, each with its own advantages. For long distances, internal flights are ideal, while the overnight train between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan provides a scenic experience. Nile cruises are a relaxed way to travel between Luxor and Aswan, usually including meals and excursions.

For medium distances, buses offer an economical option, and within cities, taxis and Uber are convenient. Although it is always important to agree on the price before the trip or make sure they use the meter.

For more authentic or adventurous experiences, local minibuses, although often crowded, offer an immersion into daily Egyptian life. At tourist sites, feluccas provide short, picturesque rides along the Nile, especially at sunset.

Camel or donkey rides are common near the pyramids, but it’s crucial to negotiate the price and duration before you ride. It is important to note that traffic in cities like Cairo can be chaotic, so it is recommended to plan extra time for commuting and, if possible, avoid rush hours.

Egyptian cuisine is very fresh and tasy. One of the main dishes is Koshari, a comforting mixture of rice, nuts, pasta and tomato sauce, considered the national dish. Other popular dishes include Ful Medames, a delicious broad bean for breakfast; Ta’meya, an Egyptian falafel made from fava beans; Molokhia, green vegetable soup; and Mahshi, stuffed vegetables.

As for food, Feteer Meşaltet and Umm Ali are delicious delicacies. Traditional drinks such as Karkadeh; Hibiscus tea and mint tea perfectly complete the dining experience. To fully enjoy the local cuisine, it is recommended to check out the frequently visited restaurants as they offer a more authentic experience than the tourist centers.

While it’s important to be careful when choosing where to eat, street food stalls may offer the best flavors. Many restaurants may have different operating hours during Ramadan, which may affect the options available.