21 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Egypt: Lessons from Traveling with My Mom

This year, I had the chance to visit Egypt with my mom, a location I’d dreamed of visiting for years.

Walking side by side through ancient temples, standing in awe beneath the towering pyramids of Giza, and cruising the Nile together was more than just a vacation; it created memories with my mother that I will treasure forever.

Our recent tour of Egypt with Expat Explore was unforgettable, not just because of the sights but also because I got to experience them with family. (Use promo code GOWORLDTRAVEL to get a 5% discount.)

We started our trip in Cairo and saw the Pyramids of Giza. Then we made our way to Aswan, where we saw incredible historical sights such as Philae Temple and later Abu Simbel.

Then we would make our way north, cruising on the Nile, visiting incredible places like Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. We finished back in Cairo, where we started, and made sure to get in three fantastic Egyptian history museums.

READ MY MOM’S ARTICLE: From the Great Pyramid to a Nile Cruise: Our Epic Adventure

Throughout the trip, I grew an appreciation for Egypt and learned some tips to make any trip to Egypt more comfortable.

Egypt is one of the most unforgettable places you can visit. It’s awe-inspiring in scale, rich with emotion, and steeped in history that humbles you.

But traveling there can also be physically and mentally demanding. Between the intense heat, early mornings, and constant sensory stimulation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re not ready.

The good news is that a bit of preparation goes a long way. These are lessons we learned so you can spend less time stressing over logistics and more time soaking in the magic of the pyramids, temples, and desert landscapes.

1. Pack Electrolytes. They’re Not Optional

We thought water would be enough. It wasn’t. One of our travel companions actually passed out from dehydration on a tour. The sun is brutal, and the early mornings don’t help. Electrolyte sachets became our daily ritual.

We recommend at least one per person per day. Bring extras. Someone else in your group will almost certainly need them.

2. Bring Two Battery Banks

Even though we came prepared with power banks, we still ran low. Between snapping photos of hieroglyphics and taking endless videos, your phone dies faster than you’d expect. We kept one charging in the hotel and carried the other with us. You’ll thank yourself.

3. Don’t Forget a Travel Plug Adapter

This seems obvious, but it is crucial. Don’t assume your hotel will have spares. Bring your own and maybe a backup. This Universal Travel Adapter with multiple plugs was helpful, when there were only a few outlets in our hotel room.

4. Get Traveler’s Diarrhea Antibiotics Before You Go

We laughed when we packed these. Then someone in our group got sick on day five, and the local pharmacy charged even more than you would pay for them back home. In the U.S., you can get antibiotics through Amazon’s telehealth service. It’s better to have them and not need them than the reverse.

5. Use an eSIM or Get a Local SIM Card Immediately

Hotel Wi-Fi was spotty at best. Our Airalo eSIMs saved us more than once when the hotel Wi-Fi wasn’t cutting it. Keep in mind: Airalo is data-only. For calls, consider an international phone plan or a local SIM. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave home.

READ MORE: Why Airolo is My Go-To ESIM When Traveling Abroad

6. Bring a Stack of Single Dollar Bills

Tipping is constant, and U.S. dollars are accepted nearly everywhere. We found it helpful to carry a fat envelope of ones for bathroom attendants, hotel staff, and small purchases at street markets.

7. Carry Toilet Paper Everywhere

You will be so glad you packed some in your day pack when you find yourself at a remote temple bathroom with no TP, soap, or warning. A roll should live permanently in your daypack. Also, don’t flush toilet paper unless signs say it’s okay.

8. Learn to Say “La Shukran” (“No, Thank You”)

Street vendors can be extremely persistent. Learning to confidently and calmly say “la shukran” was key to maintaining our sanity in markets and tourist zones.

9. Use an International Credit Card

Credit cards are accepted at many museums, historical sites, restaurants, and even some taxis. However, always keep some cash on hand.

10. If You Have Dietary Needs, Come Prepared

One of our group members was vegan, and the language barrier added complexity to explaining their dietary needs. Print out a translation card with your dietary needs.

Also, bring protein bars. Ful (a fava bean dish) and Koshari (Egypt’s national dish made with a blend of pastas, lentils, and rice and topped with tomato sauce and a garlic sauce) were lifesavers, but options can be limited when you’re on the go.

11. Plan on Very Little Sleep

You’ll be waking up before sunrise to beat crowds and heat. We didn’t anticipate how draining this would be. Naps became sacred. Steal them whenever you can on long bus rides, between excursions, or even lunch breaks.

12. Use ATMs at Actual Banks Only

We heard of one traveler who almost lost their debit card to a sketchy ATM. If it happens at a bank, you’ve got a better shot at getting your card back. Also, smaller bills are gold for tipping.

13. Only Drink Bottled Water and Skip the Ice

Someone in our group drank one iced coffee and was down for two days with stomach trouble. Stick to sealed bottled water, and be wary of ice even in drinks that seem safe.

14. Have a Game Plan for Markets and a Buddy System

The markets are amazing but overwhelming. One of us got trapped in a high-pressure sale we didn’t want. Going in with a buddy and a code word (“Let’s go check the bus,” for example) gave us an easy out when we needed one.

15. Eat a Big Breakfast Every Day

Skipping breakfast can be a big mistake. Meals on the road are unpredictable, sometimes just snacks grabbed between sites. Fill up in the morning while you can.

16. Arrive at Sites Before the Crowds and Heat

On our tour with Expat Explore, we often reached sites early in the day. For example, we reached Abu Simbel just after sunrise, and it was magical, quiet, cool, and almost empty. By 9 AM, it was swarming with people. Early is worth it.

17. Dress for the Sun

We saw more than a few sunburned tourists. Loose, breathable clothing was essential. Think long-sleeve linen shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and full-coverage shoes, even in the heat.

My mom bought these linen pants before the trip, and found they were breathable, comfortable and worked well in the Egyptian heat.

18. Bring Real Walking Shoes

Fashionable sandals are great for the pool. For everything else, especially temple visits, full-coverage walking shoes or broken-in sneakers are a must. We clocked thousands of steps on some days.

19. Use a Reputable Tour Operator

Our tour with Expat Explore made a huge difference. Their expert guides shared their in-depth knowledge of each place we visited. They also knew where to get medicine and how to avoid scams and gave us incredible insights at each site. It was worth every penny to join our group tour with Expat Explore.

20. Do Not Attempt to Drive

We’d advise travelers not to rent a car and drive in Egypt. It’s best left to the experts. Egyptian traffic is chaos. Lanes are suggestions, not rules. Trust us. Don’t do it.

21. Expect Scams and Stay Calm

We had an Uber driver message us to demand more money before pickup. When we said no, they canceled. Also, watch for “helpers” at ATMs who expect a tip or bathroom attendants who insist on one even when signs say it’s free. Just smile, decline, and move on.

Egypt is an excellent destination for curious, flexible travelers. With a little planning, it can be an unforgettable place full of cherished memories.