How I did it: I planned to travel with a group within Egypt for part of my trip and on my own in Egypt and Jordan. I researched in travel books and online for a group that just sounded right for me. Look at belovedegypt.com. Up to 16 people participate in the group, and in addition to the thoughtful itinerary planned by a very experienced tour guide and Egyptologist, there are options for before and after trips. I pretty much customized some time in Cairo and my trip to Jordan after a fantastic tour. I'd never traveled on my own before, and this was spectacular.

Lessons & tips: I planned A LOT but also allowed for serendipity. I didn't schedule all my days but had some ideas of what to do and let things fall as they would. I studied Arabic before I traveled, and although the language is hard and very different from romance languages, my efforts were rewarded. Everyone was unbelievably kind to me. The one thing that took getting used to was people's puzzlement about why a woman was traveling alone. Everyone asked where my husband was, so after a while, I just invented one, and the questions stopped and wonderful conversations ensued.

Resources: As many websites and books as you can manage.
Arabic language.

Jul 06, 09:30PM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer