woman traveling solo; good or bad idea?

Hi !

I traveled by myself in Egypt a few months ago (I'm female) and had no serious problems. Having said that, you will be hassled in Egypt more so then other middle eastern countries, like Syria or Jordan.

Yes... Egypt is absolutely safe for single women. Safety is not an issue, but the "hassle factor" can be an issue for men and women alike. This takes the form of salesmen trying to get you into their shops, taxi drivers trying to take you to a family member's hotel, and blatant overcharging of non egyptian tourists. This is not done out of malice, but westerners are seen as money pits, and the majority of Egyptians are trying to support large families. However, if you hapen to talk to one of these "hasslers" when he is not doing business (for whatever reason) you will likely find him to be just as kind and hospitable as any other Egyptian.

The way you dress and act will dictate the kind of attention you get. All western women are stared at by most Egyptian men in most parts of Egypt, especially when they're alone. Egyptian men are just shocked by the fact that you'd be out and about by yourself ! And the will be curious about you. The question is... do you want to be stared at, or leered at ? If you don't want to be leered at, cover yourself from elbows, to neckline, to past the knees. Don't wear anything tight or low-cut. Covering your head is completely unnessicarry (but you'll probably want a sun hat with you) and even if you have your head covered but you are showing your elbows or knees, you'll be leered at. As far as your actions... carry yourself confidently and if you don't want to talk to people, wear sunglasses to help avoid making contact.

At this point, I should mention that Egyptians are some of the most hospitable, friendly, and curious people I have ever met. If you have the idea in your mind that all of them are out to sexually harrass you and rip you off, you'll miss out on some wonderful experiences of meeting locals. I've had several experiences with Egyptians trying to sell me something, and after I've made it clear that I WILL NOT be buying the thing, the vendor gives up on me as a customer and takes me off to have dinner and meet his family.

One unfortunate experience that many western women have had in Egypt is unwanted touching. I wouldn't say it's "common" (in my experience and the experiences of my friends who have traveled in Egypt... we think it's much worse in Southern Italy) but it does happen. If you are in a thick crowd, you might get pinched or patted. If you can grab the offending arm, do so and hold it up for everybody to see. If not, a loud and short (but don't curse !) dissaproving phrase in Arabic or English will help. If it's really bad, search for an older woman to help you, or scream "Polis !!!!". The worst thing you can do is nothing. You MUST make your offense known.

Likewise, while talking to an Egyptian man, he might place his hand on your shoulder or leg. This is NOT common between egyptian oppisite sex couples ! Tell him politely but firmly that you don't like that, and if he does it again he will regret it for the rest of his life. DO NOT try to ignore it or laugh it off, he will think you enjoy it, and it can lead to more trouble. At the same time... there's no need to run off and try to get him jailed. Let the seriousess of the offense dictate your reaction.

Alexandria and the Sinai are less sexual harassment centers, and more money hassle centers. I can't speak for Siwa personally, but I'm told modest dress and actions are ESSENTIAL. In Cairo, you will experience harrassment of all kinds.

I've never done the anti malaria meds for Egypt, but I'm a bit reckless :)

Long story short... go to Egypt, don't worry too much, and it will be an experience you never forget.

-- Lyra

Excellent reply from Lyra. As for the mozzies, the Red Sea area wasn't bad at all when I was there and if in doubt you could carry a good repellent with the highest Deet factor available.

No problem.
general tourist hassle, that's all. - Male or female, same thing.

Everything Lyra said is accurate.

Almost no problem in Dahab, except for marriage proposals from local waiters. And no problem in Siwa either, as the place has still not been corrupted by tourism, on the contrary of the Western oasis and Bahareya (where Beduin guides tend to harass the women since a few of them have married Western tourists and where locals don't hesitate to stare at women bathing in hot springs, which is unheard of in Siwa).

Egypt is perfectly safe, there are dozens and dozens of single women living in Cairo and travelling throughout the country and we are probably safer than in the US.

Hi, awnj
I've been in Egypt for the last three weeks, solo female, and so far, so good. Laracyst is right on the money with her advices. If I may add something: evoid smiling at strangers (male) on the street and making eyes contact...they may perceive it the wrong way (dark eyes glasses usually fix this problem) and PLEASE dress conservative. Currently I'm in Dahab, and so far not that many mosquitos...but still, bring some mosquito repelent, just in case.

Safe travel to you.

There is no malaria in Egypt.

May I suggest you read a guidebook before asking such simple questions ?

catw - sometimes people just want to do some investigating before making the decision to actually travel and thus needing to part with the cash for a guidebook - and sometimes there ain't no library to borrow such a book in the interim

I think there is malaria in some areas of Egypt but remote.

Check out the US center for disease control for malaria and other travel health issues : www.cdc.gov