7 tips for planning an unforgettable trip to Egypt

Egypt is one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations that feels like an impossible task until you actually get there. The attraction of the Nile; the mysteries of the pyramids; the Grand Egyptian Museum and all the antiquities and wonders that we have been fascinated by since primary school history lessons…

If you’ve had Egypt on your bucket list for as long as we have, then you’ll want to read on. Here’s everything we learned while planning a trip to Egypt and exactly what you’ll want to do (and avoid) while planning your own dream trip. Whether you want to plan a whirlwind Ancient Egyptian experience or simply kick back and enjoy a comfortable Nile cruise, keep these tips in mind to ensure your trip goes smoothly:

Check your visa requirements

US citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, but it is one of the easiest visa procedures and more of a formality than anything else. You can apply for the visa online before you arrive, or you can simply pay for the visa upon arrival at customs. Please note that a single-entry visa costs $25, while a multiple-entry visa costs $60.

Consider a Nile river cruise

Egypt – especially Cairo and Luxor – is vibrant and busy. It can be tricky to navigate and certainly doesn’t fall into the ‘relaxing holiday’ category. That’s why we highly recommend adding a Nile cruise to your itinerary (or opting for a cruise tour). Look for a cruise that combines both an organized tour and a relaxing river cruise with Egyptologist-led day trips to places like the pyramids and Karnak Temple.

Choose between an organized tour or a do-it-yourself trip

Egypt’s main tourist sites are heavily policed; they have to be to control the chaos that comes with being one of the biggest tourist hotspots in the world. That said, they are still very hectic and can be very busy during peak season. There are no requirements that require you to hire a private guide or book an organized tour, but we highly recommend you consider it.

Highly rated organized tour groups such as Contiki or Trafalgar will ensure that you are well looked after, so all you need to focus on is experiencing the magic of Egypt. There are many ins-and-outs involving the major tourist sites that only local guides know about, and unless you’ve traveled extensively, you’ll want to seek the help of a professional.

Pack it properly

What to bring to Egypt will depend on your itinerary and the destinations you plan to visit, but it’s a good rule of thumb to bring modest clothing if you’re likely to be visiting places of worship or heading into the city . Tourists tend to be given an easier pass than locals when it comes to things like shorts (or skirts and dresses for women), but you might consider bringing at least a few breathable garments that cover your legs and shoulders for trips to mosques or shrines. You’ll also want to bring a hat or scarf and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Please note that you are expected to take off your shoes and hats when entering these types of places. So make sure you wear a pair of socks that you can show off in public!

Check the weather

The weather in Egypt can be extreme depending on the time of year you visit. Summer (June through August) will be the hottest and driest months of the year, with temperatures reaching 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). January is usually the most comfortable month to visit, but you can still expect temperatures of up to 20°C.

Learn some basic Arabic

It’s true that no one will expect you to have a fluent conversation in Arabic while traveling in Egypt, but showing that you’ve made the effort to learn a few key phrases will go a long way. The most common greeting is salamo alaikum (peace be upon you) but knowing shukran (thanks) and Ana Asef (excuse me or I’m sorry) will also get you a long way.

Bring cash

Most places allow credit cards or Apple Pay, but cash is still king when you’re in Egypt. The country’s official currency is the Egyptian pound, but if you want to tip for service or haggle at the market, most establishments and street vendors will be just as happy to take USD.