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Top tips for holidaying in Egypt

Egypt is a rich and vibrant country boasting a range of historical wonders as well as a vast mystical landscape. From the glorious beaches to the ancient world heritage sites and blistering deserts, this country has lots to offer any budding holidaymaker.

It’s no surprise then that Egypt has become a top holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. If you plan on visiting the country, here are a few top tips to ensure you make the most of your time away.

When to go

Egypt is a dry and hot country with temperatures often unbearable during the summer months. Despite this, when to go largely depends on which part of the country you want to visit. Typically December to February is a good time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Egypt. This is considered the high tourist season with the low season occurring between June and August in all parts of the country; except from the coast.

Prices will naturally vary depending on what time you travel so it is always worth visiting sites such as Sunshine.co.uk where affordable holidays will always be on offer.

Where to go

Sharm el-Sheik and the neighbouring Na’ama Bay cater for package holiday groups rather than independent travellers. The coastal region offers so much more than golden sandy beaches and just two and half hours away, holidaymakers could enjoy quad biking in the Egyptian desert or glass bottom boat cruises.

Making holidays in Egypt a truly unforgettable region, these destinations offer entertainment, top class hotels, shopping malls and other facilities. For those more interested in the historical and archaeological side of the country, destinations such as Luxor and Cairo are likely to be more popular.

Luxor allows travellers the chance to visit the legendary Valley of the Kings (situated on the west bank of the Nile) whilst also playing home to the iconic Karnak Temple. Cairo houses many of the country’s best exhibitions within its magnificent museum and the world-famous pyramids at Giza are located just outside of the city’s parameter.

Other attractive destinations include Saqqara (Sakkara): Egypt’s largest archaeological site which stretches 7 km across the Western desert and also holds one of the best-preserved pyramids in the country.

Dress code

Whilst Egypt is a modern country, locals may still expect visitors to respect their way of life and this includes their dress code. Egypt is a Muslim country and share similar ways of life to other Muslim countries. Egyptians are generally conservative people so the dress restrictions are much more relaxed in this country compared to those in the Middle East. 

However, compared to western styles the dress code may still seem a little restrictive and it would be advisable for women to have their knees and shoulders covered. For men, the dress code is much less of an issue as trousers and t-shirts will be acceptable.

It is also advisable to dress modestly when visiting holy places such as a mosque. Some require more covering up than others which is when a shawl could become useful for women.