safty conserns in Egypt, need advice - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

chasing a dream · 03-08-2006, 08:23 AM

I am considering changing my travel plans to include 2 weeks in Egypt. Egypt has alwase been one of the top places I want to visit, but the current bad relations between musliums, and americans, have raised a safty consern with me. I am planning to go the solo traveler way in Europe, but would never consider solo travel in a muslium country. I have found a tour company (Trafalger tours) that has a vary good deal on a bus and cruise ship tour of Egypt (13 days for $2500 including airfare), and am thinking that I would be safe in a large tour group. Safty in numbers. But i also think that a cruise ship full of americans would make for a good target for a bombing. Anyone got some advice? Egypt would be an awsome place to see, but not if i'm putting my life in danger. Thanx!

**space virgin** · 03-08-2006, 09:26 AM

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Traveling always has its inherent risks no matter where you go. I have two very beautiful friends LIVING in Cairo right now and they're just fine.

Being with a tour group may make you stand out more as a "tourist" to beggars and people wanting to sell you tacky souvenirs, but that notwithstanding I bet you'll have the time of your life! GO!!

**beergal** · 03-08-2006, 10:53 AM

it's not just americans...anyway i say go! What's the point in life if you worry about things all the time! Have to agree with SV here though i probably wouldnt go in the tourist group as your more of a "target"

**U2fan** · 03-08-2006, 08:33 PM

I was there two years ago and would say based on my experience you will be completely fine; don`t avoid it just b/c you are worried about safety. They are very welcoming of Americans. Their economy depends heavily on tourism.

**Slacker** · 03-09-2006, 02:21 PM

I am going to egypt for almost a month this summer. From roughly june 23 till roughly july 20ish. If you are there in that time we should meet up!

Anyways, I have been reading the 2 guide books I bought for Egypt Rough Guide and Lonely Planet, and they both say it is very safe, just use common sense. And yes these are up to date, they are both 2005 or better. Also I believe one of them says that Egypt has the most police out of anywhere. Somewhere along a ratio of 1:5. (One cop for every 5 citizens).

Hope you go, I know I am!!

**goyincognito** · 03-13-2006, 07:29 AM

I was in Jordan right after the Al-Qaeda bomb attacks at the end of last year, at a time that most major security services in the West as well as Israel were strongly urging citizens away from traveling there under any circumstances...and I even stayed at one of the hotels that got blown up!

And...it was completely fine. Wonderful, in fact. Middle Eastern countries rely so heavily on tourism to keep their economies afloat that if you just keep your eyes open, stay focused and keep a low profile, you will be fine and feel very welcomed...Arabic culture is generally very warm to travelers.

You're gonna have a great time!

I'm going to Egypt for my birthday around November for a couple weeks or longer...tell me what you think of it!

chasing a dream · 03-22-2006, 02:43 PM

Thanks for the opinions

It's good to here from people who've been there. Egypt has alwase been on the top of my "to see" list. Still not sure If i'll do the tour group thing, it's just that it's a good deal. I've alwase prefered the solo travel way. Also, I'd be lost trying to communicat in an arab country. Totally clueless.

**Slacker** · 03-22-2006, 03:07 PM

I'm going to be in and around Egypt June 21, till the 19th of July. If your there same time I am we should get a beer.

**bellelass** · 03-22-2006, 04:10 PM

Usually I avoid package tour groups like the plague- both participating in them and giving them plenty of space when I see them as I travel. However, there are a few things to consider in taking a tour of Egypt-
1) They know the lay of the land, how to get you from point A to point B with a minimum of difficulty (which could be most difficult if you dont speak any arabic), where to stay, where to eat, what to eat.
2) Security. In egypt, the best of the best of the police compete with each other to be tourist security guards. They go with every tour group. They are armed.
3) If you havent traveled too much on your own, I dont think Egypt is the best place to cut your teeth.
4)If you're a woman, you will be harassed in the streets. Best to just ignore it no matter what, and wear a headscarf. It really helps.

People in the Mid East are exceptionally adept at separating hatred for the West and its governments and what they're doing on the international playing field and the people from said countries. Ive met many an arab who invited me to their house for tea, stuffed me full of incredible homemade delicacies and chatted my ear off about america and what its really like, etc. You have to keep in mind that most of what people know about the states comes from reports on what george is doing and from hollywood. Which is hardly representative. They want to know REAL americans. As long as you're polite and modest, you should have little trouble.

**joanofarc** · 03-22-2006, 04:17 PM

i'm just back from 10 glorious days in cairo and have have nothing but positive things to say about my experience. the egyptian people in general were utterly friendly and helpful, almost to a fault. given the political climate and all, i too wondered (a little) if i had anything to worry about but everything was more than fine. i did get into a couple of relatively deep political conversations, but i believe they ended up being very rewarding for both parties as opposed to uncomfortable. go, go and go. i would recommend egypt as a travel destination to anyone.

**Slacker** · 03-22-2006, 07:47 PM

Do many people in egypt speak english?

**bellelass** · 03-22-2006, 10:48 PM

most people consider it a bit of a badge of honor to speak a few words of english, and they will try all of them out on you. Probably in the touristy areas people will speak better english, but by and large I wouldnt count on it.

**tumblezweedz** · 03-23-2006, 02:48 AM

Just chiming in on the subject of Arab hospitality: it is a badge of honour to treat a stranger well. I went to Morocco shortly after the first Gulf War, with a couple of US military officers, and we were treated (with the exception of at the port in Tangier) with warmth and genuine hospitality everywhere. Even the ticket seller at the train station in Tangier took us out for mint tea while we waited for our train to Casablanca...