You’ve finally committed. Egypt — the pyramids, the Nile, the magic — it’s calling. But before you dive headfirst into crafting that perfect itinerary, you need to lock down the three priorities that will make or break your trip. I’ve lived in Egypt since 2003, and believe me, even now, I’m still learning the hard way. So here are your first three essentials — not fluff, not optional, but crucial.
PRIORITY 1 – Insurance – Real Insurance
Not the kind you tick quickly in the booking box. I mean comprehensive travel insurance, medical coverage, and most importantly — cancellation protection. That last one gets skipped far too often. Tour operators, flights, hotels, cruises — in Egypt, most won’t refund if something goes wrong. We have all read and heard the horror stories of travelers stranded, sick, out-of-pocket, and furious because they trusted a “flexible booking” promise with no safety net. You’re not just protecting your health and belongings — you’re protecting the investment and excitement you’ve already built.
Tip from experience: Know the exact terms. Don’t assume anything. Ask what’s covered in emergency evacuation, visa delays, and family illness. And check country-specific clauses — Egypt isn’t always treated the same as EU destinations.
PRIORITY 2 – Watch for Hidden Extras.
Package deals look tempting: “Everything included!” Except they rarely are.
Most tours you find online will give you a list of jaw-dropping sites… then hand you a supplementary sheet on arrival with “optional extras” — entrance fees, camel rides, dinner shows, tipping funds, photo passes, and local guide charges. You’re suddenly budgeting hundreds more than planned.
Want to see the inside of the Great Pyramid? Extra. Want to take a boat to Philae Temple? Extra. Want to sit in peace without being sold something every five minutes? You guessed it — extra.
When you’re booking, demand transparency. Get that breakdown upfront or walk away.
At Mara House, my packages include exactly what’s promised. No bait. No switch. I believe your “dream trip” should feel like a dream — not a slow drip of unexpected charges.
PRIORITY 3 – Safe, Clean and Healthy Accommodation.
This one’s brutal.
If you’re traveling on a budget and booking independently, do not trust the photos. In Cairo, Luxor, Aswan — I’ve walked into rooms with airbrushed online images only to be greeted by grime, broken showers, ancient mattresses, and carpets that feel alive in all the wrong ways.
I once booked a room in Downtown Cairo — checked in late, glanced at the bathroom, and walked right out. I would’ve preferred the train station bench.
Another time? Found mosquito-smashed blood splats on the walls and a single sheet stretched across a double mattress like someone was making a bed for a doll. The pillow? No pillow case. No hope. I could write a horror novel on this — but I won’t. Instead:
Trust real reviews from experienced travelers. Avoid “too good to be true” prices. And bring a small can of insect spray if you stray from well-known hotels.
At Mara House, we’re obsessive about cleanliness and honesty. If something isn’t working or doesn’t meet our standard, we fix it — because I want guests to feel safe, not suspicious.
BONUS PRIORITY: Your Passport and Visa
Simple but essential.
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from Egypt. Entry visas are valid for 3 months and allow a stay of one month. Most nationalities can buy them on arrival — but you must pay in EUROS, DOLLARS, or STERLING. Not Egyptian pounds. Credit card won’t work either.
Tip: Buying on arrival is cheaper than pre-booking. Warning: US State Department officials may need to apply in advance — double check before you fly.
Final Thought
Booking your Egyptian adventure should feel exciting, not stressful. But I’ve seen too many good people have a bad time simply because they didn’t know what to look out for. That’s why I write these posts — to help you feel empowered, informed, and in control before your feet ever hit Egyptian soil.
When you’re ready, check out Mara House Luxor. You’ll get personal recommendations, tailored packages, and an honest experience — no tricks, no tackiness.
Before you book anything, check out my full Egypt travel guide to avoid costly mistakes.