Is it safe to travel to Egypt as a solo female traveler?

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Let me take you through my exciting experience as a solo female traveler in Egypt. Now, I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first, considering everything people told me about safety concerns for women traveling alone. They mentioned that Egyptian men might not treat women with the utmost respect, which only added to my worries. But, my curiosity and passion for discovering the historical wonders of this captivating country outweighed my concerns. 

Despite some uncomfortable moments, I can confidently say that traveling alone in Egypt is indeed possible and quite safe! But, of course, you must exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

I'll spill the beans on everything you need to know - what to avoid and what you should be careful of during your adventure in this Middle Eastern country. So, if you've ever wondered whether it's safe for you, a daring young wanderer, to explore Egypt solo, stick around!

What is it like traveling to Egypt alone as a woman? 

First things first, the locals in Egypt were incredibly friendly and welcoming. Now, something you should know is that Egyptian men can be quite flirtatious. They would say sweet things like you are their queen or princess, but most were just being friendly and making me feel at home. They consider it their duty to welcome and assist visitors in their country. So you can imagine how nice they were to me! People always asked if I was okay and offered their help whenever needed.

During my hot air balloon ride, the captain always ensured I was safe and comfortable. He treated me like a special guest, making me feel like a VIP adventurer! Another time, a kind local shop owner helped me carry my luggage and even guided me to find my Uber! And you know what? He didn't even want any money in return. He only wanted to leave a good impression of his country on me.

But I have to be honest with you, there were also a few uncomfortable moments during my trip. At times, people would approach me and ask to take selfies or pictures with me. It happened almost every day! I even had a hotel employee who asked for a hug and gave me a flower. Don't even get me started with a flight attendant that gave me whistles! These situations were a bit surprising and took me aback at first, but as I spent more time in Egypt, I began to understand and accept these gestures as part of their culture.

Overall, people in Egypt treated me with kindness and respect. It's important to note that while most interactions were pleasant, taking precautions and ensuring your safety is crucial. Being aware of your surroundings and setting boundaries for yourself is always wise, no matter where you travel.

Be aware of SCAMS!

Pay close attention to this important tip: Beware of scams in Egypt! You might have heard it before, but it's super important to be cautious and take some precautions. Not everyone who seems nice is always genuine. Some people might try to take advantage of you, even if it means asking for money.

One common scam is when someone tells you story, like how they just had a little girl who they want to grow up just like you. It might sound touching, but be wary! These stories are often used to get extra money from you or make you buy something from their shop. I actually heard this story at least three times during my trip to Egypt!

Let me tell you about one encounter I had. There was this man who waved me over near a tourist area in Cairo. He warned me about possible scams and told me that everything inside was supposed to be free. He seemed kind and caring, so I chatted with him for a while. When I returned, he invited me into his shop, offered me coffee, and started telling me about his life and business. He said he didn't care about money but wanted visitors to feel welcome.

But here's the tricky part. After a long conversation, he started showing me his products, and I decided to buy one of his essences that he claimed was terrific. Can you believe it? He charged me a whopping $100 for just 10ml of essence! What made me even more upset was that he didn't tell me the price until he had my credit card in hand, even though I asked for the price multiple times before giving him my card. Luckily, it got declined because I didn't have enough money on it. He got really angry, but I quickly left his shop.

This is just one scam example, but many more are out there. People might pretend to be friendly, but they're actually just trying to get money from you. So always be careful and question before you make any purchases or hand over your money.

What to wear as a female traveler?

Let's talk about what to wear as a female traveler in a Middle Eastern country like Egypt. I saw many women wearing revealing clothes like leggings, tank tops, and shorts because of the heat. But some of you might be worried about whether those outfits could attract any trouble. Well, here's what I found out: I talked to locals and even other tourists, and they said it's okay!

However, it's still important to be cautious and show respect for the local culture. I don't think wearing anything too short or revealing while exploring Egypt alone is a good idea. It's not just about staying safe but also about showing respect for their traditions and customs. You know how you wouldn't want anyone disrespecting your culture in your own country? Well, we should treat others' cultures the same way, right?

So, here's my advice on what to wear. Choose long dresses or pants, but make sure the fabric is breathable because Egypt can get super hot. Of course, if you're at a hotel or a beach resort, feel free to wear your favorite bikini and show off your summer body. But when you're in the city, visiting temples, or exploring the pyramids, it's best to dress a bit more conservatively. You don't have to cover your hair or wear long sleeves, but wearing a t-shirt that's not too revealing is a good choice. If you visit mosques, they will provide you with something to cover your head and shoulders, so no worries!

Overall, it's totally up to you to decide what you want to wear, but I believe it's important to respect Egyptian culture and stay safe while traveling. Respecting their traditions and wearing clothes that show respect is a great way to enjoy your trip without any worries. 

All in all, my solo journey in Egypt was absolutely worth it. I learned so much, made new friends, and experienced a fascinating culture firsthand. With a good balance of caution and an open mind, traveling alone as a young solo female explorer can be an unforgettable and eye-opening adventure. So, have fun exploring Egypt, and remember to dress comfortably, stay cool, and respect the local culture!

If you're itching to see the beauty of Egypt for yourself, I invite you to check out my Egypt photo album. Trust me, seeing these images will make you even more excited to embark on your own Egyptian adventure. Get ready to be amazed and start planning your journey to Egypt, where your dreams of ancient history and breathtaking landscapes come to life.