Hi,
I'm hoping to take one of the Egyptian Tours (probably the River & Reef Tour) and was wondering if there is anybody out there who could share their experiences of going on one of these tours as a lone traveller?
My main considerations are:
1) Would I end up spending much time on my own (if my tour is due to start when I arrive)? Is there an option to be picked up from the airport? As a 25 year old female, would it be relatively safe for me to arrive on my own?
2) Obviously I know that each group will differ, but are the tour groups generally a mix of all ages/nationalities?
If anybody who has been on one of these tours could drop me a quick line saying what happened when they arrived in Egypt etc I would be grateful.
Cheers!
Re: Any single travellers taken an Egypt tour??
Hi,
I did the River and Reef tour in oct 2002 and was travelling on my own. In our group there were four other people also traveling solo, and four couples. I found the tour leaders were excellent at suggesting activities when there was free time in the itinerary, and people then decided what they wanted to do (for example, the first night in Luxor half of us went to the sound and light show at Karnak, the other half went shopping to the souk). The group tended to stick together for meals and activities, or split into at most two groups, so you shouldn't worry about being on your own after the tour starts. Also, I arrived a few days early, and had no problems going round on my own (and if you go to the hotel bar you'll probably find other travellers willing to explore with you)
I think the tour generally includes being picked up at the airport on arrival - it did when I went.
Our tour had mostly English and Australians, with an Italian and an American as well. Age range was probably from early twenties to mid thirties.
If you want to check out what we did on the River and Reef, you can check out my egypt page [url=http://www.melissalawrence.com/egypt_main.htm]http://www.melissalawrence.com/egypt_main.htm[/url]
It was a fantastic trip - I'd thoroughly recommend it!
Re: Any single travellers taken an Egypt tour??
Hello,
I have done 2 tours in Egypt with Im Trav. On both occasions I was travelling alone. I believe you have to book the "meet & greet" within a month of your arrival, but am not certain of this. Perhaps Brendan or Kelly could help here?? I have been met at the airport both times & it certainly takes the worry out of your arrival. Let me assure you that you will be quite safe upon arrival & throughout your tour. You have a tour leader with the group 24/7, who headcounts at all times. I have found that group members tend to look out for each other as well.
Both tours had a mixture of nationalities. There is plenty of time to join in with the group & time for you to go solo if you wish. Once you get over the culture shock you will feel more capable to venture off on your own.
Have a lovely time. Don't forget to pack an open mind & your sense of humour. All the best...Debbie.
Re: Any single travellers taken an Egypt tour??
Hi Brendan,
Thanks for that information!! I wasn't certain if my memory was correct or not. It really is a wonderful service & takes all the worry off your shoulders upon arrival. It's so nice to see that Im Trav sign in someones hand when you walk off the plane at the Cairo airport.
The first time I visited Egypt I & was met at the airport, I was really had it after a very very long flight from Australia. The Im Trav rep took over & all was well, I think he could see I was really tired. For a woman travelling solo it's a true comfort to know that you will arrive at your Hotel safe & sound not matter what time of day you land.
All the best Brendan. I'm working this wekend, so no fun for me![[Frown]](frown.gif)
, but people are sick 24/7 & I knew that before I became a nurse, so I have to work whenever.....but the money is nice ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
.
See you.........Debbie.
Re: Any single travellers taken an Egypt tour??
When getting into egypt my flight had ben delayed in zurich and when i arrived at the airport it was dark and completley crazy with no one to greet me.
i was worried about being by myself at night and the propect of getting to a hotel i didnt know the location of, i managed to figure out customs and then got whisked away by "airport" staff who lead me to a taxi rank (i know that lonely planet says that this can be a scam to bumf up the proce - but you don't care when you just want to get to bed.)
anyhew- the driver was mental as they all are over in cairo and i wondered whether i would see the hotel.
but i made it okay and it made me a more confident traveller, i think by not being met i felt i had the ability to get along by myself in a different country- and it is now a fond memory.
so dont stress you'll make it there in the end, think of it as an adventure
Re: Any single travellers taken an Egypt tour??
I've traveled into and all over Cairo alone numerous times without the slightest problem or worry. The Egyptians are very friendly and eager to help (sometimes too eager![[Smile]](smile.gif)
) Just be sure you take along plenty of money for tips and dress modestly. You'll be fine.