How Many Days in Luxor?
Not sure how long to stay in Luxor? I’ve been welcoming guests here for years, and this guide gives you the perfect itinerary to see the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Abydos, Dendera, and more — without feeling rushed.
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Eat Like an Egyptian – fun
Western meals often mean waste. In Egypt, meals are shared, small, and full of variety. At Mara House Luxor, our Salahadeen Feast brings this beautiful tradition to life — come and taste it for yourself.
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Cairo Airport – Lost Luggage Problems
Lost luggage in Egypt isn’t rare — it’s recurring. After hosting guests without bags yet again, I’m sharing what to do, how to prepare, and why you must stay proactive.
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Booking Your Holiday in Egypt – First 3 Priorities
Dreaming of Egypt? Before diving into Nile cruises and pyramids, set three priorities: insurance, budgeting for hidden extras, and vetting accommodation. Skip these and your dream trip might turn into a horror story.
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Sustainable Tourism & Responsible Travel
In recent years there has been a growing awareness, especially within Europe, regarding the planet and the need to develop sustainable tourism and encouraging responsible travel. Following are some suggestions of areas directly within our control as tourists and global travelers. It is entirely up to you how far you want to go with these…
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Travel Lite – Packing for Egypt
You will find the contents of this post now here “What to Take to Egypt”
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Slow Travel in Egypt – good idea or not?
What Is Slow Travel, Really? “Slow travel” was a new phrase to me until recently—but the idea isn’t. I’ve been talking to solo travelers for years, and many of them say the same thing: “I don’t want to be rushed from temple to temple.”“I like to take my time, explore alone, and soak things in.”…
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Winter Weather in Egypt: What to Expect (and How to Pack)
Prepare for a different side of Egypt during winter. Discover the need for warm layers, cozy nightwear, and jackets for chilly evenings. Explore temperature variations across Egyptian regions and stay comfortable while sightseeing, even amidst the sunshine. Pack wisely for your December and January trip to Egypt.
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Communication Problems in Egypt
Speaking the same language doesn’t guarantee understanding. Here’s how cultural differences in Egypt can derail conversations—and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.
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Relaxation in Egypt
When I first moved to Luxor in 2003 and wanted to buy material/cloth, curtains, sheets, house furniture etc. I had to go to Cairo for them. Anything available in Luxor was NOTHING even remotely near what I needed. Finding a laptop to buy was impossible. It took me 18 months and 6 trips to Cairo…
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Egyptian Tummy Bug – Pharaoh’s Revenge!
The saddest thing for me is when a tourist arrives at my door suffering from Egyptian Tummy – the worst part is that it’s not that hard to avoid it when you know how and carry the remedy in your pocket – just in case. There is a local, fast acting remedy and every traveller should buy it on arrival in Egypt.
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Transport in Luxor
Avoid rookie mistakes when getting around Luxor. From taxis and calèsh to ferries and Uber, here’s what to ask, check and clarify — plus how Mara House guests avoid the hassle.
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LUXOR TRAIN STATION – Not for the Faint-Hearted!
Avoid tourist traps at Luxor Train Station! Learn about common tactics used by touts and taxi drivers to divert travelers to hotels for commissions.
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Rising Cost of Egyptian Holidays
The overnight devaluation of the Egyptian pound a few months ago meant a short term ‘bargain basement’ bonanza for foreign tourists coming here. The value of the Egyptian Pound to the dollar was halved, which meant that tourists were able to buy some goods at half the previous price – a bonus for the tourists…
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Egypt Noise Pollution – bring earplugs!
If you live in country which has noise control levels and are used to getting a good night’s sleep in quiet surrounding…..please don’t expect this anywhere in Egypt unless you are going to the Desert! Noise pollution levels in Egypt must be among the highest in the world. There is no awareness in Egypt on…
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Egypt Airports – Arrivals, Departures, Lost Luggage
Luxor and Cairo Airports – what you need to know about your arrival and departure, entry visas and taxi transfers
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“Follow Me” – Don’t do it!
Learn about the intriguing encounters that lead travelers to unexpected experiences, both genuine and questionable. Embrace caution…
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Travelling With Baby – Egypt
Though I have lived in Egypt since 2003 I never really looked at what was available for babies until last January when I travelled with my two year old grand-son, Jonny. Consequently most of my luggage was taken up with everything I thought I would need for him. When we travelled again in May, I…
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Luxor Hassle Capital of the World?
Secret to dealing with street hassle in Luxor! Learn how to navigate the persistent calls of “Fellucca! Tax! Calesh!” and more.
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Bad Day on the Giza Plateau – A Guide’s Worth on Egypt’s Most Sacred Ground
“Where once walked kings and queens in awe and reverence — today you step in the faeces of horses and camels.” After years of guiding tours across Egypt, I returned to Giza hoping for quiet reflection inside the Great Pyramid. What followed was intimidation, scams, and heartbreak at what the site has become.
