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MARA HOUSE LUXOR
  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXORExpand
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPTExpand
    • TOURS IN LUXORExpand
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.Expand
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIROExpand
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARAExpand
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVELExpand
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTUREExpand
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara
MARA HOUSE LUXOR

Egypt Travel Planning

Planning a trip to Egypt can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to see, so many opinions to weigh, and no shortage of unexpected surprises once you’re on the ground.  This section is your calm in the storm.  Drawing from over a decade of firsthand experience living in Egypt and guiding hundreds of travelers, I’ve gathered practical tips that go beyond the usual lists and guidebook blurbs.

From booking advice and packing essentials to transport know-how, health tips, and cultural etiquette, these posts are here to help you feel prepared, confident, and in control.  Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of one of our custom tours, let this be your starting point for navigating Egypt with ease—and maybe even delight.

And when you’re ready to turn plans into reality, don’t forget: I’m not just a storyteller—I’m also your host in Luxor and your guide to Egypt’s wonders.

Frustrated tourist holding a phone near the Pyramids of Giza, showing disappointment with his travel experience in Egypt
Egypt Travel Planning

Wait. Please Don’t “Budget” Your Dream Trip to Egypt.

ByMara 18/10/202518/10/2025

Budget travel in Egypt isn’t what you think. Cheaper tours and guides often come with hidden costs — from poor hygiene and unreliable logistics to scams and heartbreak. Your dream trip deserves better. Wait, save, and do Egypt the right way.

Read More Wait. Please Don’t “Budget” Your Dream Trip to Egypt.Continue

Egypt Travel Planning

How to Plan a Stress-Free Luxor & Aswan Trip Without Missing Anything

ByMara 16/08/202529/09/2025

Dreaming of Luxor & Aswan but worried about where to stay, what to see and how to plan it all perfectly? Here’s a relaxed, local-style guide so you don’t miss a thing — from someone who’s spent 20 years helping guests experience Egypt without stress or surprises.

Read More How to Plan a Stress-Free Luxor & Aswan Trip Without Missing AnythingContinue

Mara at the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt – storyteller and host of Mara House Luxor

Egypt Travel Advice with Mara House Luxor

Read More Egypt Travel Advice with Mara House LuxorContinue

Egypt Tour Booking Sites: Insider Advice on What to Question & Clarify
Egypt Travel Planning

Egypt Tour Booking Sites: Insider Advice on What to Question & Clarify

ByMara 08/08/202529/09/2025

Discover the insider questions and checks every traveler should make before booking Egypt tours online—don’t get caught out by vague promises or hidden costs.

Read More Egypt Tour Booking Sites: Insider Advice on What to Question & ClarifyContinue

Compare Egypt Tours: Why Mara House Luxor Stands Apart in 2025
Egypt Travel Planning

Compare Egypt Tours: Why Mara House Luxor Stands Apart in 2025

ByMara 08/08/202529/09/2025

Compare Mara House’s 14-night Egypt tour with top operators side-by-side. Discover exclusive access, unique experiences, and unbeatable value for 2025.

Read More Compare Egypt Tours: Why Mara House Luxor Stands Apart in 2025Continue

Egypt Travel Planning

Plan your Holiday to Egypt – A Step-by-Step Guide

ByMara 26/07/202510/08/2025

Dreaming of Egypt but unsure how to start planning? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a smooth, unforgettable journey—from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and beyond—with practical tips, itinerary ideas, and personal insights.

Read More Plan your Holiday to Egypt – A Step-by-Step GuideContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

ByMara 15/07/202513/08/2025

Wondering when to visit Egypt? A Luxor local shares honest tips on weather, crowds, and the best time to explore.

Read More When is the best time to visit Egypt?Continue

Travel to Egypt 2025 – Is It SAFE?
Egypt Travel Planning

Travel to Egypt 2025 – Is It SAFE?

ByMara 13/07/202528/07/2025

Imagine reaching the age of 90, never having left your hometown, only to look back and realise that the places you dreamed of — Egypt among them — had been perfectly safe every time you let the media, fear, or noise hold you back. 

Read More Travel to Egypt 2025 – Is It SAFE?Continue

Don’t arrive in Egypt thinking it is easy to find a hotel, a guide etc at the last minute
Egypt Travel Planning

Don’t arrive in Egypt thinking it is easy to find a hotel, a guide etc at the last minute

ByMara 21/10/202401/08/2025

Don’t leave Egypt planning to chance — here’s why booking your guide and accommodation ahead is crucial. Avoid shady deals, bad beds, and last-minute chaos with this blunt advice for smart travel.

Read More Don’t arrive in Egypt thinking it is easy to find a hotel, a guide etc at the last minuteContinue

Insurance for Egypt

Insurance for Egypt

Read More Insurance for EgyptContinue

Hand holding a mix of Egyptian pounds and US dollars, showing the best currencies to bring when traveling to Egypt.
Egypt Travel Planning

What is the BEST CURRENCY to Take to EGYPT?

ByMara 03/10/202429/09/2025

3 Sept 2025. Knowing how to pay for things in Egypt is vital if you don’t want to lose money. This goes deeper than a simple answer telling you always use Egyptian or always use ATMs. It’s complicated and to really know the answers you need to dig a little deeper than the usual typical responses given.

Read More What is the BEST CURRENCY to Take to EGYPT?Continue

Flight Booking Trick: Cash Sometimes Beats Points
Egypt Travel Planning

Flight Booking Trick: Cash Sometimes Beats Points

ByMara 27/09/202409/08/2025

Booking flights with points sounds smart—but not always. Learn why comparing cash and points prices can save you money and frustration on your Egypt adventure.

Read More Flight Booking Trick: Cash Sometimes Beats PointsContinue

Egypt is Becoming Too Expensive!
Egypt Travel Planning

Egypt is Becoming Too Expensive!

ByMara 18/09/202428/07/2025

Egypt is becoming a playground only the wealthy can afford – let’s solve this problem!

Read More Egypt is Becoming Too Expensive!Continue

What Do I NOT Need to Pack for Egypt?
Egypt Travel Planning

What Do I NOT Need to Pack for Egypt?

ByMara 21/07/202410/08/2025

Traveling light gives you more freedom and less hassle. Plus, purchasing some items in Egypt supports the local economy.

Read More What Do I NOT Need to Pack for Egypt?Continue

What to Take to Egypt
Egypt Travel Planning

What to Take to Egypt

ByMara 20/07/202409/08/2025

Essential tips what to pack for Egypt, the must-haves for your carry-on and your “Go-Everywhere-With-Me” bag. Learn what you can buy locally to travel lite.

Read More What to Take to EgyptContinue

Egyptian men and women, in traditional Egyptian dress, browsing and shopping in a traditional market in Egypt
Egypt Travel Planning

Should I Eat Fruit and Salads in Egypt?

ByMara 01/05/202431/08/2025

Egypt’s markets are bursting with fresh produce — here’s how to enjoy it without worry. From washing tips to water safety, this is your guide to eating well in Egypt.

Read More Should I Eat Fruit and Salads in Egypt?Continue

A group of people standing and sitting on the upper steps of Abydos Temple
Egypt Travel Planning

What Should I Wear in Egypt?

ByMara 07/04/202404/10/2025

Egypt’s climate, culture, and traditions mean smart packing matters. From modesty tips to heat-proof clothing and what to avoid, here’s your ultimate Egypt wardrobe guide.

Read More What Should I Wear in Egypt?Continue

Private Tour in Egypt .v. Private Time or Private Visit
Egypt Travel Planning

Private Tour in Egypt .v. Private Time or Private Visit

ByMara 10/02/202404/10/2025

Discover the very important difference between tours labeled Private Tours and Private Time Tours in Egypt and how to access closed spaces in the sacred temples

Read More Private Tour in Egypt .v. Private Time or Private VisitContinue

Egypt Travel Planning

Your trip to Egypt, if NOW is not the perfect time, then when will it be?

ByMara 06/02/202401/08/2025

Explore the real experiences beyond headlines

Read More Your trip to Egypt, if NOW is not the perfect time, then when will it be?Continue

A western tourist discreetly handing a cash tip to an Egyptian porter carrying his luggage outside a hotel in Egypt.
Egypt Travel Planning

Tipping in Egypt

ByMara 04/10/202331/08/2025

updated 31 Aug 2025. Tipping in Egypt isn’t just about money — it’s a cultural art. Get the essential guide to tipping, baksheesh, and avoiding mistakes that could offend or confuse locals.

Read More Tipping in EgyptContinue

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Mara House Update re solar eclipse tour Mara House — 2027 eclipse

Apologies if you’re waiting for an email from Mara — we’re currently very busy with bookings for the new 2027 solar eclipse tour.

I’m personally working through messages and will reply as soon as I can. Thank you so much for your patience.

— Mara, Mara House

Paula A********* message

Paula – you contacted me 24 Oct via email re private visit in Jan 2026 – please contact me again – my responding email bounced back to me.  –  Mara

Pausing for breath during the climb from the Pit of the Great Pyramid, overwhelmed by the blissful energy of the ascent.

Private Pyramid Visit

Share your Cairo dates and I’ll let you know if I can fit you into a small group for a private visit inside the Great Pyramid, after dark.

maraegypt@gmail.com

No obligation

Recent Posts

  • Wait. Please Don’t “Budget” Your Dream Trip to Egypt. 18/10/2025
  • The Narrow Gate of Destiny: Thutmose III at Megiddo 16/10/2025
  • An Invitation from a Keeper of the Keys 10/10/2025
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Categories

  • Egypt Tours & Experiences (26)
  • Egypt Travel Planning (48)
  • Egyptian History & Culture (33)
  • Living in Egypt: Personal Insights (144)
  • Luxor Travel & Accommodation (26)
  • Mara House Updates & News (12)
  • Recommended Books, Films on Egypt (4)
  • Transformative-Travel-Egypt (52)
Mara - your host at Mara House Luxor standing outside the ornate wrought Iron door of Mara House Luxor
A personal moment at the door of Mara House — Mara seeing guests off with warmth and gratitude
  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXOR
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPT
    • TOURS IN LUXOR
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIRO
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARA
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTURE
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara
Mara - Mara House Luxor

Meet Mara

Hi, I’m Mara — the heart behind Mara House Luxor.

Over twenty years ago, I came to Egypt on an ordinary tour. It could have been so much better. And so, over time I created the kind of memorable experiences that I should have had. If you want to know more about the face behind the website, stories and business, click on Who is Mara.

You can book everything directly with me via email. I respond to all emails personally: maraegypt@gmail.com

Tags

Abydos Temple (11) Ancient Egypt (17) Cairo History & Heritage (25) Cairo Tours (15) Dendera Temple (6) Egypt cultural etiquette (8) egyptian harem (8) Egyptian Rulers & Legends (42) Egypt Temple Tours (7) Egypt Tours (11) Egypt travel costs (10) Egypt Travel Health (6) Egypt travel mistakes (7) Egypt travel safety tips (7) Egypt Travel Tips (46) Family Egypt Tours (7) family friendly (8) famous women in Egypt (12) Food in Egypt (7) Giza Plateau (6) Gods of Egypt (8) hidden gems (20) history-culture (46) how to plan a trip to Egypt (12) Is Egypt safe (12) living-in-Egypt (33) Luxor History & Heritage (11) Luxor Travel Tips (10) Luxor West Bank (7) Mara House Luxor (11) medieval (6) Muhammad Ali Dynasty (13) Personal Story (14) Pharaonic Egypt (11) Sacred Symbols (7) Small Group Tours (6) Solo Female Safety in Egypt (6) stories-in-stone (12) Temples in Egypt (15) Temples of Luxor (11) TheSevenKeys (9) tourist traps (16) transformative-travel (49) what are the best temples in Egypt? (6) What to Pack for Egypt (8)

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Please note that some pages and posts contain affiliate links to Amazon.  If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Rest assured, I only endorse products I’ve personally used and would recommend to a friend.

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  • EGYPT TRAVEL ADVICE from Mara
  • MARA HOUSE LUXOR
    • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
    • The Salahadeen Feast
    • Compare Mara House to 3 Top Tour Companies
    • Guests’ Photo Gallery – Mara House Luxor
    • Mara House Luxor – Hotel Gallery
    • Guest Book
  • TOURS in EGYPT
    • TOURS IN LUXOR
      • Abydos and Dendera tour
      • Karnak Temple Tour
      • Luxor Temple Tour
      • Luxor Holidays – 3 night package deal
      • Luxor & Aswan
      • West Bank Tour – Valley of Kings etc.
        • Medinet Habu: The Pharaoh’s Bargain with Chaos
    • TOURS IN CAIRO
      • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA
      • Abdeen Palace
      • Antiquities Museum at Tahrir Sq.
      • Cairo Basic Tour – 3 Nights
      • Coptic Cairo, Cave Church & Garbage City
      • Gayer Anderson Houses
      • Giza Plateau
      • Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
      • Ibn Tulun Medieval Mosque
      • Islamic Museum
      • Medieval Cairo
      • Saladin Citadel, Sultan Hassan and Rifaii Mosques
      • Saqqara 7-Step Pyramid & Serapeum
    • SMALL GROUP TOURS WITH MARA
      • Family Tour of Egypt – A Child’s Eye View of Ancient Egypt
      • Egypt Tour with Mara – A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
    • First-Time in Egypt? Here’s the Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for You
    • Egypt – 9 nights incl Nile Cruise
    • 2027 Eclipse: The Hero’s Journey — and Yours
    • Insider Advice – Hidden Pitfalls in Tour Websites
  • TRANSFORMATIVE TRAVEL
    • PRIVATE ACCESS to the GREAT PYRAMID of GIZA – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
    • Sacred Journey of Remembering Along Egypt’s Chakras
  • NOMADS! – Mara House: Your Home in Egypt
  • EGYPT HISTORY & CULTURE
    • Egyptian Rulers & Legends
    • Cairo History & Heritage
    • Luxor History & Heritage
    • Gods of Egypt
    • Muhammad Ali Dynasty
  • Who is Mara?
  • Mara’s Blog
  • Contact Mara