I went to Egypt with Trovatrip
Egypt was always a place I wanted to see. I grew up watching “The Mummy” with Brendan Fraser often so seeing tombs and temples was a complete dream come true. However, I knew this was not a place I should visit solo. I have heard too many negative things about solo female travelers going there. While this may not be everyone’s experience, I wanted to ensure I would have a great time. This is why I booked into a group trip with Trovatrip.
How I Booked this Trip
I booked this trip through the TrovaTrip website after seeing the host, Lindsay aka One Girl Wandering, post about it on her Instagram. Lindsay specializes in encouraging people to solo travel and had hosted many group trips so I thought this would be the perfect trip. As a fellow solo traveler, I resonated with Lindsay and felt that her audience would be the same like minded women.
Where we stayed: Hyatt Grand Regency Cairo West & Sonesta St. George Luxor Hotel
My favorite sites
Pyramids of Giza: This was the first stop of the trip. We got there early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds — and I’m so glad we did! We were done within a few hours and we had the opportunity to go on a camel ride. The only thing I advise here is when you are with a group, your guide should be able to tell which camels are treated humanely. We had the best guide, Hany, who knew the owners of one of the groups. Unfortunately, around the pyramids and larger tourist sites, there are horses and camels that are not being treated well.
Karnak Temple: This was one of my favorite temples of the entire trip! We went early morning after the overnight train ride from Cairo to Luxor. This is where you’ll get the Instagram worthy shots. The temple is so huge and filled with so much history — it’s definitely a must see!
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor: We were surprised with this as it wasn’t initially on the itinerary. It was an additional $120 USD to go on but honestly, it was SO worth it. I am afraid of heights so I didn’t lean over and look down too much but the views were amazing and watching the sunrise over the Nile River is something you don’t forget!
Good to Knows
Transportation: The traffic in Cairo is INSANE to say the least. If you are used to the American system of stop signs, people staying in the road lines, blinkers, etc., Egypt is definitely different. They do have Uber here but they might ask you to pay them in cash instead. Refuse this offer! They might over charge you and change the agreed upon amount after getting you to your destination.
Come in a guided tour: I would definitely recommend coming here in a group with a tour guide. We were assigned a tourism police officer that was with our group the entire time. I was there during a time when there was heightened conflict in the Middle East but having an armed officer with us was normal practice as Egypt takes their tourism seriously and want people to have a good time.
Overall
Would I go back to Egypt?
Honestly, probably not. While Egypt has amazing history and very hospitable people, the street vendors and beggars were a little much for me. Usually a strong “no” worked but sometimes it wouldn’t. The way some of the animals were treated is another reason I wouldn’t go back. It made my stomach hurt seeing horses, dogs, camels, and cats being in pain and homeless. It is a hard reality to see.
Would I travel with Trovatrip again?
100% Everything was planned out well and made the trip very unique to where you could experience Egyptian culture to truly appreciate it. I do think I lucked out with such an amazing host in Lindsay and would travel with her again to any destination. Now, I do think you are paying for things to be planned, having a local guide, etc., so the trip is pricier than going on your own. But like I said perviously, I would not go to Egypt if I wasn’t already in a guided tour.
