Travel to Egypt on a Budget
Egypt should definitely be on your list of “must visit places”, especially if you are fascinated by history. So today, I am going to give you some tips on how to travel there, and stick to a budget. Ready? Let’s delve into it!
Accommodation
The very first place to save cash is to find somewhere affordable. Here’s what you can do:
Choose hostels over hotels, even if you have to share a bathroom! A shared dorm is between $5-8 USD per night and single rooms are about $15 USD per night.
Looking for cheap hotels or guest houses? Use websites to compare prices. Travel with a friend and split the cost!
At times you can find breakfast and local tours offered as package deals with accommodation.
Websites like Airbnb offer vacation rentals and Booking.com lets you stay in a local’s house – these are great if you want private stays for longer periods.
Food
Want to sample delicious Egyptian cuisine on a budget? Forego the Western chain food joints!
Stick to local dishes and street food. Stuffed falafel sandwich, shawarma, Arabic bread, hummus etc. are tasty, filling, and quite cheap.
Eat at kosheris, which are small local restos that serve plentiful portions of pasta, chickpeas, lentils, etc. often for less than $1 USD.
Of course, you can always save by cooking your own meals, provided you have access to a kitchen.
Transportation
When you take a taxi, it is advisable to take an unmetered one and agree on a price before getting in. (Note: bargaining skills required)
Taking the train between Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan is the most popular mode of transport for this route.
Get the Flight Pass so you can travel at low fares in domestic flights. Purchase minimum of 4 flights or credits, select a time to travel in the next 12 months, and then book the flight up to 7 days before departure.
Tours and Guides
Don’t book online as they charge exorbitant prices – you will pay less if you deal directly with the tour company or opt for local guides.
Be flexible with your dates.
Use your bargaining skills yet again to negotiate.
Hire local guides who have a wealth of knowledge and information – they have the inside scoop on best vantage points at the vital landmarks.
Get a travel pass – it could be a Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass from the Ministry of Antiquities, the Egyptian Museum, or the Giza Plateau for about $80 USD. It grants you a whopping discount of about 50% at entries to several attractions in Cairo and Giza. (Note: You have to inquire about this pass by visiting an attraction as not much is available online).
To put it in a nutshell, here’s what you should do to vacation in Egypt on a budget:
Stay in dorm rooms or hostels.
Eat street food.
Plan your schedule so you can opt for train travel.
Hire local guides.
Don’t forget to hone bargaining skills – you need it while booking taxis, excursions, etc.
Have you started your planning yet? Don’t waste time – get on with it!
