Sometimes you just need sun, beach and a short break. I had exactly that feeling last summer, so I decided to go on a solo trip to Egypt. Not everyone around me was immediately enthusiastic; Egypt as a destination for a female solo traveller evoked mixed reactions. Nevertheless, I decided to go on an adventure. In this blog, I share my tips and experiences and show you why Egypt, and especially El Gouna, is a perfect place for a solo escape full of relaxation and adventure!

 

Travelling to El Gouna

 From the Netherlands, you can fly to Hurghada, the nearest airport, and from there it is about a 30-minute drive to El Gouna. I booked my trip through TUI Netherlands and also arranged my visa easily through them. Should you book a trip separately and a transfer is not included, it is advisable to arrange a transfer in advance through your accommodation or a reliable local provider. An eSIM, such as Airalo's, can be handy to stay connected without the hassle of local SIM cards.

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Three Corners Ocean View

During my trip, I stayed at Three Corners Ocean View, an ideal place for solo travellers. This resort offers everything you need: beautiful views, swimming pools, a private island for kitesurfing, and even a gym and spa to unwind. Besides, you can find a lot of other solo travellers there. What's also nice is that they understand food allergies well and even offer gluten-free options.
 

El Gouna

In El Gouna, I particularly enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at Three Corners Ocean View. I spent hours lounging by the pool, took a boat to a nearby beach, and treated myself to a relaxing massage. Of course, I also went into the cosy centre of El Gouna. What's nice about El Gouna is that security is present in many places, which makes for an extra safe feeling during your stay! 

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Day trip to Luxor

A visit to Luxor is not to be missed and, for me, was a nice break from lazing by the pool or beach. I booked a day trip through GetYourGuide and visited a number of iconic sites:

• Karnak Temple: A huge religious complex, perfect for taking a moment to reflect on Egypt's history.

• Short Nile Cruise: A delightful, refreshing trip down the Nile-ideal for cooling off in the heat.

• Valley of the Kings: Here we visited the impressive royal tombs, a unique glimpse of ancient Egypt.

• Hatshepsut Temple: A beautiful site paying tribute to a powerful female pharaoh.​

 

Tips for a day trip to Luxor:

• Travel time: The drive from El Gouna to Luxor takes about 5 hours one way. It's a long day, so be prepared for a lot of travel time.

• Entertainment: Provide music, podcasts or a good book to keep yourself occupied on the way.

• Hydration: It can get very hot in Luxor, especially at the Valley of the Kings. Bring plenty of water and wear breathable clothing.

• Clothing: Wear light, airy clothing that covers your skin from the sun and bring a hat or cap.

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Travelling safely in Egypt as a woman

Egypt is beautiful, but as a solo traveller, there are a few things to consider:

• Be discreet about your trip: Don't just tell everyone you are travelling alone. It is better to pretend you are travelling in a group when you are outside the resort.

• Avoid pushy salesmen: Keep a healthy distance and don't be afraid to say no politely but clearly.

• Group activities: Platforms like GetYourGuide offer a safe way to explore the area in a group.

 

The beauty of travelling alone? You have all the freedom to go wherever you want. You can set your own pace, explore the world in your own way and fully enjoy the unique experiences Egypt has to offer.