Did you know that Egypt is the only country in the Middle East where you can go on a religious excursion? Well, you’re right! It’s true. You can also do a tour of the pyramids and visit one of the country’s famous sites for history or antiquities, but those are two of the things that come with an “excursion” fee. There are many other things you can do for free –like it or not – that would be much more adventurous than going to a couple of opulent ancient sites with an eye-rolling reception. Here are some things to consider before planning your Egypt tours:
Know the local language
Many people get excited when they hear they can “do” Egyptian and speak the language like a “native”. But this is not the case. Egyptian is a Romance language, not a Semitic language. The literacy rate in the country is about 40% as compared to 40-50% in other Middle East countries like Iraq or Iran, where the language is more in common.
Avoid the hot springs
Most tourists think of the hot springs at the Gobi Desert as a relaxing way to pass the time. But this is not the case. These springs are a popular tourist attraction and are very close to the desert. There is no mistaking the desert for the desert –it is just endless sand. This is why you should avoid the hot springs at the Gobi. Hot springs are not only a relaxing way to vacation, they are also a very hot place to visit. The desert temperature is about 40-50 degrees Celsius in the winter and 70-80 degrees Celsius in the summer. Hot springs are actually very close to being frozen. So you can imagine the difference in the desert temperature and your average tourist’s temperature in the desert. The hot springs are hot not only because of the sand but also because of the water that is constantly being heated by the sand.
Know your tour operator
Travelling abroad can be a great opportunity to learn new skills. You can learn how to cook in Vietnam or how to navigate the country’s traffic. You can learn about the history of your city or learn about the culture of another country. But there’s no telling what else you can learn from your tour operator. If you get an offer to do a “free” tour of a certain city or visit a certain site, take the opportunity to ask how they do it. You never know what other knowledge you could gain from a tour that would be much more adventurous than the average laid-back tour.
Stay in touch with the locals
This is one of the most important things you can do when you’re in an exotic country. You should be able to communicate with your local people. This is because you will likely spend the majority of your time in a remote area where people are rarely seen. You should also be able to identify any problems you face, whether they be in the form of a language barrier or with improving communication. If you’re unsure where to start, consider hiring a local guide. These people are experts at their field and can help you discover the best way to enjoy your trip.
Make an effort to visit sites where they are most active
This might sound like a positive, but when you’re in an exotic country and visiting a few sites at a time, you are missing out on some of the most interesting places in the world to visit. It’s best to explore the most populated areas first, but the same can be said about the drier areas. You should visit sites like the Indian Ocean that are rarely visited but are still incredibly beautiful to experience. These are also the easiest to identify and scale back traffic, making them great for alt- Destination planning.
Don’t forget to pack a lunch
Lunch is a critical part of any vacation. It gives you a chance to decompress from the day and bond with your fellow tourists. It also gives you time to unpack your bags and take a quick nap before heading to the airport. To make this a more comfortable experience, consider bringing your own lunch box. This will make every experience you enjoy more memorable and will also help you feel more connected with the local community.
