Practical guidance for planning a trip to Egypt, including safety, costs, best timing, logistics, itineraries, and clear advice to help travelers avoid common mistakes.
A lot of people write to me hoping to share the cost of a private visit to the Great Pyramid, the Osirion, or the Sekhmet Chapel. Here’s what actually makes that work: letting me plan your whole trip, not just that one visit.
How the cheap tours make their money A $45 or even a $75 day tour doesn’t cover its own costs on the tour fee alone. A private vehicle, a driver, a licensed guide, fuel, entrance fees, transfer permits and insurance cost more than that to provide. The gap is closed in a few places –…
According to Google, the question people ask most often about travelling to Egypt is still, “Is Egypt safe?” The simple and truthful answer is yes. I’ve lived and worked in Egypt for more than 25 years and, during that time, I have never had to cancel a single guest’s trip, tour or hotel booking because…
Last updated: June 12, 2026 Every week I hear from travelers who have already booked their Egypt holiday through a major tour company, luxury travel agency or online platform. They have booked VERY expensive trips – there is still a mindset out there that subconsciously and automatically, without detailed investigation associate a high price tag…
You have been emailing. You have been researching the best packages. You have been ruminating. You have been asking questions. You have been holding back on confirmations and deposits. Now I want to explain why that could cause you to lose the entire trip. You have been holding back because the normal way to book…
What if the insect bite had caused a more severe reaction? What if the balloon accident had left someone unconscious? What if someone on blood thinning medication was in an accident, bleeding, unconscious and nobody is thinking – blood thinner? These aren’t dramatic hypotheticals – they are real situations that real travelers face. How to prepare for the unexpected?
My journey from Ireland to Egypt yesterday began as it was destined to end – with delays. But given what’s happening elsewhere in the world, I actually felt more patience than usual. Either I’m maturing like a fine whiskey, or the bar has simply dropped that low. First up: the Dublin-to-Cairo flight took off about 30…
Procedures in Egyptian hotels and Nile cruises have changed — and most travellers don’t know it. This article explains the Egyptian tummy bug, why early treatment matters, and the essential steps to take before leaving home.
Most online guides on tipping need to be revised. 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.
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.
Discover why booking your Egyptian adventure directly with Mara House ensures a seamless, personalized experience, flexible tours, and honest advice for a trip of a lifetime.
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.
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.
Choosing a hotel in Luxor is about more than price or stars—it can shape your entire experience of Egypt. Here’s what to look for, and why Mara House might be exactly what you’re seeking.
Wondering when to visit Egypt? A Luxor local shares honest tips on weather, crowds, and the best time to explore.
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.
Have you ever used “GROK” on X (Twitter) to search for information? I’m more than a bit tired of social media and I suppose I was looking for something different just now, so I asked GROK this question: “What characteristics or interests would a digital nomad need to have to spend three months in Luxor,…
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.
Insurance can feel like a bit of a maze, especially for people like me! I always recommend that anyone coming to Egypt gets the usual health, travel, accident, and cancellation insurance. Before you go buying new coverage, though, check if you’re already covered through your bank, credit card, or even your flight purchase—sometimes it’s included….
Knowing how to pay in Egypt matters more than people realise. This isn’t generic advice — it’s what actually works on the ground, and what quietly costs travellers money when they get it wrong. Last Updated 24 Jan 2026