Tales from TravelLocal: David’s trip to Egypt

After returning starry-eyed from his TravelLocal trip to Egypt, our Head of Finance David ran us through his top trip highlights and recommendations. From exploring the newly-opened Grand Egyptian Museum to learning how to navigate Cairo by car, he shares his most memorable Egypt travel moments with us. Read on and feel inspired to plan your own trip with help from our local experts…

Tell us a bit about your trip: when you went, who you travelled with, and your itinerary?

I was looking to book a short, four-night October trip that aligned with my 17-year-old daughter’s break from college. It had to include some cultural aspects but also had to contain breaks, where we could enjoy some relaxing time in the sun. This was especially important to my daughter!

Given the history on offer, a city break to Cairo felt perfect. We planned the trip to feature a mixture of excursions, some that only me and my partner took, and also made sure to include time to ourselves to relax by the pool.

Could you share three highlights of your itinerary? And anything you’d avoid if you went back?

The historical sites in Cairo are so iconic, it’s hard to look past these when reviewing the highlights. Our most memorable moments were visiting the pyramids, and seeing the Mask of Tutankhamun. We were also very fortunate to explore the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which opened the week before we arrived, after a 20-year wait.

However, the extra touches and experiences that the agents through TravelLocal arranged provided an additional special feeling that you wouldn’t receive from a self-planned trip. Definitely avoid self-driving: Cairo traffic is not for the faint-hearted. In a city of 25 million people, apparently they only have two sets of traffic lights! Having the same professional driver arranged through TravelLocal was a great comfort.

What was your most favorite Egypt experience, that you’d recommend others try while there?

TravelLocal’s agent arranged a dinner for us at a restaurant that looked out onto the pyramids! It was such a unique setting that literally cannot be recreated anywhere else in the world.

Read more: 10 of the best things to do in Egypt

What about booking with TravelLocal made your trip more unique and/or worthwhile?

We were greeted at the airport and taken through customs; we enjoyed the comfort of private vehicles and access to 24/7 support and informative personal guides, who helped us avoid the crowds and see hidden gems that you wouldn’t know about yourself. Using TravelLocal made everything so easy and comforting, and really allowed us to enjoy the enhanced service that using local experts provided.

Do you have any advice for people planning their first trip to Egypt?

Take any stress out of your trip by using local guides and drivers to see and learn about the many amazing things Cairo has to offer!

Read more: Visiting Egypt’s most popular attractions: tips from our local partner

Make it happen

Getting ready to plan a trip of your own? Our local Egypt travel partners are on hand to help you craft an unforgettable journey, so get in touch with them today…