Nothing like starting off the new year with a bucket list destination! This week we chat with Keri Hedrick, from Family Travel in the Middle East, about visiting Egypt with kids. We dig into what you need to know -- is it safe? how should you book? when should you go? and more.
ON THE PODCAST
00:30 - Talking with Kim and Tamara
04:11 - Talking with Keri Hedrick
06:25 - How long to spend in Egypt
09:05 - Getting around Egypt
15:50 - Visas/Money/Safety
21:50 - Tour companies
23:15 - Highlights of Keri's last trip
27:10 - How to dress
28:35 - Keri's favorite travel gear
29:10 - Keri's upcoming trips
31:30 - Shoutout!
ABOUT KERI HEDRICK
Keri is a British-Australian mum of three who has been based in the United Arab Emirates for the past seven years. She founded the website Family Travel in the Middle East to remove misconceptions about the region and encourage family explorers with inspiring stories and practical information. She also runs a personal family travel blog Our Globetrotters and is the co-host of the City Travel with Kids Podcast.
Follow Keri on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
TIPS FOR VISITING EGYPT
- The best time to visit the Middle East would be between October and April, though Christmas to New Years tends to be the busiest. Going just two weeks before the holidays, you will have a lot less tourists to deal with.
- Depending on the locations you would like to visit, you could need anywhere between 3 -14 days to visit Egypt. You can easily visit Luxor and Cairo in three to four days. If you plan on traveling along the Nile you could spend about a week seeing all of the highlights. Then if you plan on really exploring the country you will need 12 - 14 days.
- Traveling around Egypt by air is often easiest and the main airline is EgyptAir. Be prepared for a lot of security in the airports. You will need to take everything out of your bags and you will be thoroughly checked before being permitted on a flight.
- Another travel option is to catch an overnight train or even a short cruise along the Nile and visit different temples and other landmarks.
- Keep in mind that when you are negotiating any kind of price, whether it is for a tour or just buying a souvenir, that you want to be very clear on if you are talking about US Dollar or Egyptian Pound. There is a big difference and you don't want to be stuck paying more than you thought going in because of a misunderstanding.
- Be very mindful of your tipping. Anyone that helps you at all expects a tip.
- There are a lot of different kinds of security all around Egypt. Everywhere you go you will have to walk through metal detectors or you will see bomb sniffing dogs.
- Don't drink the water! You will see warning signs everywhere.
- You will find that tour companies can be very restrictive with their dates and if you have younger kids you will find it hard to book boat trips and things like that, so you may be better off finding an experienced travel agent or working with a local company to plan a custom trip.
- When visiting a temple, it is really great to take a tour with an Egyptologist that can explain what the hieroglyphics mean.
- Make sure dress a little more conservatively. Women and girls should have knees and shoulders covered. It is also a great idea to bring a shaw or light jacket with you in case you go anywhere that you need a bit more coverage. You should also make sure that you are wearing closed toed shoes when walking around. This is more for the dust and grime that your feet will end up covered in with sandals rather than being conservitive.
FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR
Keri loves to wear looser cargo pants that offer some air flow if the heat of the Middle East along with her casual Skechers.
MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
7 Day Egypt Itinerary
Is Egypt Safe for Travel
Egypt Nile Cruise
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Egypt Packing List
Bakseesh Tipping Culture in Egypt
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