Tours and Holidays to Egypt in December

Absolutely! December is a fantastic time to visit Egypt. The weather during this month is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the country’s rich historical and cultural treasures. Whether captivated by the ancient wonders of Luxor and Karnak, the pyramids of Giza, or the vibrant markets of Cairo, December offers a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. The tourist crowds are typically smaller, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed experience at popular attractions.

Certainly! December is an excellent month for a holiday in Egypt. The weather is comfortably cool, and you can enjoy the beauty of Egypt without the intense heat that summer brings. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing, and you’ll find various festivities and events, particularly in Cairo, adding a festive touch to your holiday experience. From the ancient wonders along the Nile to the Red Sea’s stunning beaches, Egypt in December promises a memorable and enjoyable holiday.

In December, Egypt experiences mild and pleasant temperatures. Daytime temperatures typically range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit), offering a comfortable climate for outdoor activities. Evenings can be cooler, especially in the desert regions, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is advisable. This temperature range makes December an ideal time to explore historical sites, cruise the Nile, or relax on the beautiful beaches along the Red Sea.

Absolutely! December is a great time to visit Cairo. The weather is cool and comfortable, allowing you to explore the bustling city without the scorching heat that summer brings. Cairo’s historical sites, including the iconic pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, are more enjoyable to explore in the milder temperatures of December. Additionally, you may catch some festive events and celebrations happening in the city, adding extra excitement to your visit.

Generally, Egypt experiences very little rainfall, and December is no exception. Rain in Egypt during this month is minimal, if any at all. The country’s climate is predominantly arid, with the desert landscape dominating most of its territory. So, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt in December, you can expect dry weather, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the concern of rain affecting your plans.

Tipping, or baksheesh, is a common practice in Egypt and is considered a way to show appreciation for good service. It’s important to note that while tipping is not mandatory, it is expected in many situations, and it’s a good idea to carry small bills and change for this purpose.

Here are some standard tipping practices in Egypt:

• Tour guides: Tipping your tour guide at the end of your tour is customary. The amount will depend on the length of the tour and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 10-20% of the total cost of the tour.
• Hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, is familiar. A small tip of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day is appropriate.
• Drivers: If you hire a driver, it’s customary to tip them at the end of your trip. The amount will depend on the length of the journey and the level of service provided, but a good rule of thumb is around 50-100 Egyptian pounds per day.
• Restaurants: It’s common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so check before tipping.

In summary, tipping or baksheesh is a common practice in Egypt, and it’s important to have small bills and changes on hand. The amount to tip will depend on the service provided. Still, as a general rule, a tip of 10-20% of the total cost is appropriate for tours and restaurants, while smaller tips of 10-20 Egyptian pounds per day are appropriate for hotel staff and drivers.

When planning a trip to Egypt, it’s important to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some things to consider bringing with you:

1. Sunscreen: Egypt is a desert country, and the sun can be intense, so it’s important to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.

2. Comfortable walking shoes: Many of Egypt’s top attractions involve a lot of walking, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

3. Lightweight clothing: Egypt can be hot, so pack light clothing from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Packing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees is also a good idea, particularly if you plan to visit religious sites.

4. Scarf or shawl: Women visiting Egypt may want to bring a scarf or shawl to cover their heads when entering mosques or other religious sites.

5. Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important in Egypt’s hot climate, so bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day.

6. Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a problem in some regions of Egypt, particularly during the summer, so pack insect repellent to keep them at bay.

7. Camera: Egypt is a country full of fantastic photo opportunities, so bring a camera to capture all the incredible sights.

8. Power adapter: Egypt uses European-style power sockets, so if you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll need to bring a power adapter to charge your electronic devices.

Packaging these essential items will prepare you for a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Egypt.

Traveling as a woman in Egypt can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and comfort. Here are some tips for women traveling to Egypt:

1. Dress conservatively: Egypt is a Muslim country, and it’s important to respect local customs and dress conservatively. It’s a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees when in public places, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites.

2. Avoid walking alone at night: It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in quiet or poorly-lit areas. Instead, take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app to get around.

3. Use a guide or tour group: Using a guide or tour group can be a good idea, especially if you’re traveling alone. This can help you navigate local customs and culture, and can provide an extra layer of safety.

4. Be cautious with alcohol: Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in Egypt, and it’s important to be cautious with alcohol consumption. Stick to drinking in licensed bars and restaurants, and avoid getting drunk in public.

5. Be aware of your surroundings: It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling in a new place. Be cautious of pickpockets, scams, and other potential dangers, and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

6. Research local customs and culture: Researching local customs and culture can help you better understand the country and avoid inadvertently offending locals. For example, it’s important to remove your shoes when entering a mosque, and to avoid physical contact with people of the opposite sex in public.

By following these tips and being aware of local customs and culture, women can have a safe and enjoyable experience traveling in Egypt.

Learning a few Arabic words and phrases can enhance your experience when visiting Egypt, as it shows respect for the local culture and can help you communicate with locals. Here are some Arabic words and phrases to know:

• Salaam Alaikum: This is a common Arabic greeting that means “peace be upon you.” Locals will appreciate it if you greet them with this phrase.
• Shukran: This means “thank you.” It’s always polite to show gratitude when someone helps you or does something for you.
• Sabah Al-Khair: This means “good morning.” It’s a polite way to greet someone in the morning.
• Masaa Al-Khair: This means “good evening.” It’s a polite way to greet someone in the evening.
• Laa Shukran: This means “no, thank you.” You can use this phrase when declining an offer or a service.
• Min Fadlak: This means “please.” You can use this word when making a request.
• Afwan: This means “you’re welcome.” You can use this word to respond to someone who has thanked you.
• Aiwa: This means “yes.” It’s a simple way to answer a question in the affirmative.
• Laa: This means “no.” It’s a simple way to answer a question in the negative.
• Ma’a Salama: This means “goodbye” or “go with peace.” It’s a polite way to bid farewell.

By learning these basic Arabic words and phrases, you can show respect for the local culture and communicate more effectively with locals during your visit to Egypt.