Once a month, I swap a night’s sleep in a comfy bed for a stiff neck on a minibus, traveling 12 hours from Sinai to Cairo. I leave behind the sea and mountains for noise and crowds. Why? Because of the experiences Cairo offers. But also because Cairo is a friend, a consistent old friend. She (Cairo is a she in Arabic) always knows how to raise a smile. Down every alley, she hides a cafe; around every corner, a story.
Let me introduce you! Three days is enough to (begin) get to know Cairo up close and personal, Egyptian style. Lace up your boots; we are going for a walk.
When to arrive: The Egyptian weekend is Friday and Saturday (though shop owners tend to take Sundays off). This proposed trip is from Friday to Sunday, so I've arranged the visits so you can enjoy Cairo away from the crowds. (Though noise is an integral part of what makes Egypt Egypt.) You will enjoy your visit at any time of the year, just not, perhaps, when the khamsin (hot southerly winds) are blowing.
How to get from the airport: Cairo has two airports. One everyone knows (Cairo International), and one most don’t know (Sphinx International). At Cairo International, you’ll be able to pick up a regular white taxi or use apps like Uber and inDrive. Alternatively, pre-book a London Cab for a more showy entrance. Sphinx International uses a private taxi company, but you can also order an Uber.
Getting around town: Download Cairo maps onto your phone (Google Maps or Maps.me) and walk. Though Cairo is eminently walkable outside of June to August (the summers are hot here and can reach 35°C/95°F), the metro is your safe bet for all seasons. Prices on ride-hailing apps are higher than regular taxi fares but remain reasonable.
Where to stay: Sleep in Downtown for its convenient location to the sights. Madina Hostel near the Egyptian Museum has rave reviews. Cecilia Hotel is a favorite option for those on a budget. Across the river, visitors who are looking to spend a little more will love the palatial terraces of the Marriott in Zamalek.
What to pack: Bring long sleeves and bottoms for UV protection and modesty, along with a sun hat and a water bottle. A shawl is helpful for all occasions and a light jacket is recommended for the cool winter evenings. Don't forget your personal medication, and bring a pen – you'll need one to fill out your landing card or maybe even to sketch a weasel. You'll see many of them in the city running away from cats.
How to spend the day: After a lavish breakfast at Oldish or Groppi Gardens, saunter down Talaat Harb and cross Tahrir Sq to the Egyptian Museum (Al-Sadat metro). Book online or pay on entrance (cards only). Guides charge around US$20 per hour. You can also buy a ticket from the
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The last month of the year has arrived, but that doesn’t mean it is time to give up on earning points and miles in December or on that last push for elite status with your favorite travel brands. Credit cards can help you complete the race, and even if you don’t make the finish line, there are plenty of other perks in store. With all the promotion and benefit news you need to know for December, we’re here with the last of the 2024 loyalty news.
The fall deal season is upon us! Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday…whatever commercial holiday you’re thinking of buying into this year, check out our curated list of top hotel deals in the United States.
There's Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday—and now, Travel Tuesday: an entire day devoted to the best travel bargains on the market. But how did we get here, and what is Travel Tuesday, exactly?
Black Friday has come and gone, but Cyber Monday is still in full swing, and the camping deals continue to roll in. For outdoorsy folks looking to upgrade their gear, these discounts shouldn't be overlooked. Trusted brands like Coleman, Thule, BioLite, and Solo Stove are running sales on all kinds of camping gear: big items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads; smaller items like cookware sets and headlamps; and everything in between—base layers, First Aid kits, water filtration devices, and so on. As someone who spent the majority of their life exploring the US and Canada via campgrounds and hiking paths, I know a thing or two about picking out the right camping gear at an affordable price. Essential items like tents and tech can come with large price tags—especially if you're interested in getting something top-of-the-line—so take advantage of these spectacular deals to save big on your next outdoor adventure. Now's the perfect time to plan for a 2025 national park getaway, or pick out the perfect camping gift for the holidays. Read on for the very best camping deals to add to your cart.
Black Friday is finally here, and the camping deals are rolling in. For outdoorsy folks looking to upgrade their gear, these discounts shouldn't be overlooked. Trusted brands like Coleman, Thule, BioLite, and Solo Stove are running sales on all kinds of camping gear through Cyber Monday: big items like tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads; smaller items like cookware sets and headlamps; and everything in between—base layers, First Aid kits, water filtration devices, and so on. As someone who spent the majority of their life exploring the US and Canada via campgrounds and hiking paths, I know a thing or two about picking out the right camping gear at an affordable price. Essential items like tents and tech can come with large price tags—especially if you're interested in getting something top-of-the-line—so take advantage of these spectacular deals to save big on your next outdoor adventure. Now's the perfect time to plan for a 2025 national park getaway, or pick out the perfect camping gift for the holidays. Read on for the very best camping deals to add to your cart.
There's Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday—and now, Travel Tuesday: an entire day devoted to the best travel bargains on the market. But how did we get here, and what is Travel Tuesday, exactly?
Authoritarian governments are not known for taking kindly to criticism. And in Egypt, official skins can be especially thin: deepening repression has muffled most dissent and sent tens of thousands of perceived political opponents to jail, including one for posting a doctored photo of the president with Mickey Mouse ears.