Moments of Awe on a Solo Trip to Egypt: Goddesses, Legends and Myths

The Verdict: What’s a Solo-ish trip like?

Is the “soloish’ product ready for prime time, and the women 50+ traveller? At the time I visited in June 2025, this was the second ‘soloish’ trip in Egypt. These small group trips average 12 people, and max out at 16. This nine-day tour has a base fee of approximately C$1800. While the website states there is no single supplement, there is an additional charge to have your own room (approximately 25% or $500) for a single room, bringing the cost to about C$2200 (plus airfare).

In addition to the community kitchen visit, the trip includes local experiences including two meals with local families. There is also a stop at the Funtasia Project Center, a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop an innovative approach to developing life skills and social consciousness, with the aim of contributing to the development of stellar citizens.. They work with youth in after school programs that teach art, communication, and social skills and receive funding from Planeterra.

I don’t mind a rugged experience, but the hotels were extremely basic. Three of us stayed at a different hotel on the last night at our own expense, so that we would end the trip on a high note. There were also many exclusions, notably meals, a farewell dinner and transfer to the airport. If you try the ‘soloish’ product, make sure you ask about what’s included or not, check the hotel ratings before you book, and practice good hygiene. The trips run all year, but summer is unbearably hot, so look for a cooler time to visit.

Safety in Egypt

As always, regularly check your government’s travel advisories as they can change and become an issue if you go somewhere during an “avoid all travel” advisory. Canada currently says to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Egypt due to ongoing tensions in the region and demonstrations. I walked alone in Cairo and Luxor and my only awkward moment was when a group of boys followed me for a few blocks, took selfies with me and asked me to buy bookmarks. Eventually they got bored and I carried on, smiling the entire time.

How to get there

I flew Air Canada to Frankfurt and changed to Egyptian Air to Cairo with a stop in Frankfurt. You’ll need a visa for Egypt which can be done in advance or when you arrive. There’s no need to pay Sherpa or other services in advance unless you need to feel more comfortable. Check for flights here.

What to pack and wear

• In mosques and cities, you’ll want to wear long pants, skirts, shirts that cover shoulders and a Shawl or scarf for mosques.
• Outside cities and at temples, shorts are fine. I had two pairs of shorts, 3 tank tops and a beige long-sleeved top
• Bring all your own toiletries, including hair conditioner
• Day pack and water bottle for day trips – do not drink tap water
• Egypt is noisy, so bring earplugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Safety: Rubber door stop for hotels, as most do not have double locks, plus a headlamp or flashlight, and a money belt
• Hand sanitizer (either liquid or wipes)
• Shoes: Sneakers or hiking boots, no need for anything fancy
• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses – I brought my Tilley hat, which also covered my hair and shoulders
• Power outlet adapter and portable charger
• Conservative swimwear and a small towel if you want to swim in the Nile (there was one pool on our trip)

Disclaimer: As a guest of G Adventures, Carolyn Ray was not compensated for her time spent researching, travelling and writing this feature, nor was JourneyWoman for publishing it. In addition, the host organizations did not review this article before it was published, a practice that allows the writer to express her perspective with integrity and candour.