Solo Travel to Amazing Egypt During the Pandemic Era
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Stories and photos by Sharon Kurtz (unless otherwise indicated)
There are two ways one can avoid the crowds while enjoying a visit to Egypt – hop in a time machine, or go during a pandemic.
Egypt is the ultimate travel destination with awe-inspiring antiquities and endless opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. From Giza’s pyramids to the timeless banks of the Nile, it’s a bucket-list destination for all who appreciate ancient history and architecture.
My Pandemic-timed Visit
I have had a fascination with Egypt ever since my school days; stories about mummies, pyramids, pharaohs fueled my imagination. My passion rekindled as an adult when I saw the King Tut traveling exhibit passing through Dallas in 2008.
While armchair traveling on my computer in October, my planned trips dashed due to COVID; I was longing to assuage my wanderlust for faraway places. I discovered Egypt had recently reopened its borders to American visitors without a quarantine period, only requiring a Passport, Visa, and a negative COVID PCR test. From that point on, it was “Game On”; I couldn’t resist the chance to explore the sights of Egypt without the pre-pandemic crowds.
Woman Traveling Alone in Egypt
I was a little apprehensive about traveling to Egypt on my own – is it safe or advisable for a solo woman to travel to an Islamic country? Even with my extensive experience traveling solo, I recognized the challenges of tackling Egypt’s customs, language differences, and culture, especially during these times. I knew I needed the safety and reassurance of a reputable tour operator.
The answer was an affordable, private tour I lined up with Egyptoria, which arranged a custom itinerary for me, complete with an Egyptologist guide, vehicle, and driver. I had 23 days to visit much of the country. In a flash, I had booked my flight. Within a month of that first online discovery, I was winging my way to Cairo.
I had independence, and peace of mind knowing that there’s a company in charge with my safety their utmost concern and top priority. I got to take in the ancient sites, go on a Nile River Cruise, drift over Luxor in a hot air balloon, and spend a relaxing sojourn in two Red Sea resort locations, among other incredible experiences.
Because tourism had so drastically diminished during the COVID pandemic, I was able to meander throughout the ancient temples, with only a few other souls in sight.
COVID Safety Measures
I felt safer in Egypt during these pandemic times than I did in the United States.
They enforced safety measures and requirements in the airport, hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants with temperature checks, hand sanitizing, social distancing, and masks. The hotels required evidence of my negative covid PR test at check-in and provided proof of Hygiene Safety necessary certificates to reopen in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tips for a Top Travel Adventure in Egypt
Dress Appropriately
As Egypt is a Muslim country, you should pack accordingly, meaning modest clothing. Western dress is acceptable, but it’s still advisable that women dress appropriately to respect the culture. Pack a lightweight scarf if you want to visit a mosque to cover your shoulders and head.
Buy Travel Insurance
Everyone knows the importance of having travel insurance for all those “what ifs” that can happen; it’s essential when you’re traveling to a place like Egypt.
The roads and walkways are poorly maintained, a broken ankle only a misstep away. Your policy will cover you if your bags are lost, as well as most serious emergencies.
The travel insurance industry has introduced new policies covering COVID-19 infection and related medical coverage and situations. It’s important to do your homework and get the best policy for you. I had trip insurance with Allianz Global Assist that included COVID-19 coverage, my family health plan if I became ill while in Egypt, as well as an anual evacuation insurance policy with Medjet. The good news is I didn’t need to use any of them, but the peace of mind of knowing I was protected if needed was priceless.
Bring Medications and a First Aid Kit
“Delhi Belly,” or more appropriately “Cairo Cramp,” is real; Egypt’s food health standards are different than what you are used to at home.
I always travel with a small medicine kit to cover any malady, from band-aids to pain relievers, including two prescribed medications for common traveler ailments. On this trip, I used both of them. I hate to think of the time wasted and inconvenience if I had needed to go to a doctor. I didn’t drink the water, but I did accept drinks with ice and eat unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables — so be cautious and prepared.
Currency Issues and Money Exchange
Bring a supply of Egyptian Currency with you, along with US Dollars in crisp, new bills. Make sure you alert your bank you are traveling to Egypt and carry a backup debit card. Request a PIN from your credit card issuer to get a cash advance on the card if needed. I ordered Egyptian pounds before my trip, and in a rush to get out the door, left them behind! When I arrived at the airport late at night, the ATM was not functioning, and finding an ATM or Bank the next morning was not easy or convenient. Except for large purchases, I very rarely had the option to use my credit cards.
Must Do’s and One Don’t When Visiting Egypt
Do — Cairo Egyptian Museum
I needed more time at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo. The red-hued building has a faded colonial charm and houses an incredible 120,000 artifacts.
I only had a couple of hours at the museum, not enough time to truly appreciate the incredible breadth of artifacts.
Due to open towards the end of 2022, hopes are high that the new, $1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will put Cairo firmly back on the tourist map.
The impressive modernist glass construction, which will feature an earth-to-heaven viewing platform of the pyramids, is heralded as the world’s largest archaeological museum. If I needed an excuse to return, this is it.
Do — Spend Your Time in the Famous Khan El-Khalili
This vast, vibrant open-air market is an authentic slice of modern-day Cairo life and a far more colorful experience to round off your time in Egypt. No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting this bazaar; I could have people-watched for hours.
Do — Have Plenty of Small Egyptian Pound Notes On Hand.
Have lots of 5 – 10- or 20-pound notes with you at all times for tipping. Egypt is a tip-based society – be prepared to reward every person who does even the slightest kindness for you. A “backsheesh” is expected from anyone who offers you a service, and even from some who have not.
Do—Take A Nile Cruise
A Nile River cruise is the most relaxing and scenic way to travel. My home for three days between Aswan and Luxor, I let the tranquil flowing waters of the Nile carry me along, observing daily life along the river unfold; rural villages little changed by time. Cruising along the Nile offers a great way to hop off to visit the Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to the crocodile-headed Sobek and falcon-headed Horus, as well as the Temple of Edfu. With intact hieroglyphics adorning its walls, it provides a fascinating insight into Egyptian culture.
Do—Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings
You have not seen the land of the ancient Pharaohs until you have looked down on it from the heavens, or as close as we can get to that in a hot air balloon.
Having a bird’s eye view of the Valley of the Kings from above should be on everyone’s bucket list, and there is no wonder why Luxor Egypt is a top location to take one. Just an hour-long flight can have you soaring over some of the most famous ancient structures in the world.
Do — Visit the Winter Palace in Luxor and Have a Drink at the Historic Bar
Allow yourself an afternoon to visit the historic Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor, which had hosted countless royalty and celebrities, including Princess Diana, when she visited Egypt in 1992. Situated on the Nile banks amid luxuriant tropical gardens, it was formerly the Egyptian Royal Family’s winter retreat in the 1800s. Howard Carter of King Tut’s fame announced his discovery here in 1922.
Enjoy an elegant wrinkle in time and have a gin and tonic in the historic Royal Bar with its deep red walls, damask fabrics, and rich wood paneling, imagining all the famous guests who have graced their doors through history.
Do — Add Alexandria to Your Egypt Itinerary
Alexandria is one of Egypt’s greatest hidden treasures, a cosmopolitan city with its faded charm, Mediterranean ambiance, and legendary history. Seeing the ancient historical wonders of the Pharaohs are the main reason why most people come to Egypt but heading to Alexandria feels like you are walking into a different world. On the Mediterranean coastline, facing Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece, as you stare out to sea, you can feel the pull and the influence of these lands far more than you can from the rest of Egypt.
The feeling comes from Alexandria’s history as the center of the Hellenistic and Ptolemaic eras, with influences from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire stronger than ancient Egypt’s force.
Do — Visit Red Sea Resorts & Relax
Situated between sea and desert, the Red Sea Riviera along the eastern edge of mainland Egypt offers miles of coastline, beautiful pristine beaches, gorgeous blue seas, and dazzling coral reefs. It’s a relaxing respite from early morning departures and a busy schedule of Temple visits and Royal tombs.
I spent time in both Hurghada on the west Red Sea Coast and Sharm El Sheikh, on the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where I went snorkeling on glorious coral reefs in Naama Bay.
It would be a shame to go all the way to Egypt and not experience Egypt’s seaside locations, relax on the beach, participate in the many watersports, or explore nearby sights of interest.
Don’t — The Sound and Light Shows are Not Worth the Money
As night falls every evening, the 45-minute sound and light show are touted as a must-do at the Temples and Pyramids, and I say it is a definite don’t. I expected more from the promised thrilling laser extravaganza. The illuminated ‘light’ part of the show consists of the Pyramids in a rainbow of colors, and a booming voice, reminiscent of an epic British biblical 1950s movie (think Charlton Heston in Ben Hur), crackles over the speakers to take the audience through the history of the pharaohs. There are much better things to do.
In Closing
Because tourism in Egypt has taken such a hit in recent months with COVID, The Ministry of Tourism is doing everything it can to ensure that visitors have a positive experience. They are hoping that not only will we return, but that we’ll spread the word about the great time we will have in their country to our family and friends. I’m one of those who was thoroughly impressed, and am doing my part to spread the word about Amazing Egypt!
If you go: Egyptoria is a Luxury Egypt Tour Company for adventurous travelers tailored to the client’s needs.
Sharon is a freelance writer who shares her passion for travel and food by exploring unique customs, cultures and flavors from around the globe. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and three spoiled dogs, but her carry-on is always packed ready for the next adventure. Follow her travels on instagram.