Egypt/ Israel for a solo young first-time traveling female?
by Kimberly
(USA)
I am a 21-year-old female, and a travel newby. The farthest I've been is Puerto Rico, but I went with a friend and we stayed very comfortably with his family... I have dreamed my whole life of going to Israel and Egypt, but I have heard that it is a difficult place to travel - especially for a female - and especially for a first-time traveler.
I have a bit of shyness working against me. I know I'll have to get over that immediately traveling and to be honest that is sort of why I want to travel.......
My parents are very fear-oriented. So I am surrounded by an accumulated consciousness of 'worst possible scenarios'. I want to break free from it all! But of course, inevitably, I am a little afraid. I know that there are better places for a first-time traveler to go, but the Middle East calls to me. Any advice would help. Thank you so much!
Answer: I beg to differ with common conceptions: the Middle East is probably one of the safer places to travel as a woman on her own. People are extremely hospitable, and in most countries, certainly in Egypt, very courteous.
Terrorism is anywhere and everywhere - of course Jerusalem is a target, but history has shown that you can easily be a target in London, Madrid or New York. Certainly, some parts of the Middle East get more than their share, and you'll hear about it because the media will write extensively about a terrorist event. Thousands of travelers visit the region all the time - and they usually come home safely, filled with wonderful experiences.
Lets start with Egypt.
The more rural or remote your destination, the more conservative the people. If you're at a beach resort, you'll feel perfectly at home - they look like beaches anywhere.
A good rule of thumb outside highly touristy areas is to cover up a bit more - shoulders and knees, and your tummy, of course. It's not so much that you'll get really hassled if you don't dress conservatively - it's just that you'll project an image you might not want to. This remains a male-dominated society and women who show off more than men think they should are considered fair game. You might attract more attention than you bargained for.
In Egypt, there's a heavy sales culture and the country is poor, so more than safety issues, you'll have to deal with petty annoyances, people trying to sell you things you don't want. Just be firm, polite, and walk on. Being on your own won't make a difference - everyone gets this treatment so you won't be alone!
Then there's the male/female thing. As a first-time traveler, you should be aware that the culture you'll be facing in a Muslim country is different from yours. What you consider normal and friendly - looking a man in the eye, shaking hands, accepting a drink - may be innocuous where you're from, but in countries like Egypt these small acts have more of a 'come hither' meaning and may encourage men to think you are looking for something more. So unless you actually WANT to be pushing someone away loudly in the middle of a public place, avoid these situations. If a man is clearly being too forward by touching you inappropriately (touching your hair, or giving you a major hug) just say something loudly. Public embarrassment is something to be avoided at all costs and there's a good chance you'll scare the man off.
My biggest safety concern in Egypt? Crossing a crowded Cairo street.
Now, for Israel. Strange as it may seem, Israel is one of the safest countries for solo women on the road. Think about it: it's highly policed, the country is constantly on alert, security is tight. This makes it safer than many other places in the region, and beyond.
Certain parts of Israel are more dangerous than others, and I'd stay away from those. But my advice would be - and this also goes for Egypt - ask when you get there, because things change quickly. If you're staying in a hostel or somewhere accustomed to hosting travelers, you'll probably have the freshest news possible. Ask other travelers. And ask local people: they'll know their own backyard.
Mostly, use your head, as you would in New York or Los Angeles. If something feels wrong, stay away. Try to understand a bit of the culture before you go. Don't assume things are the same as they are back home. Don't be too naive. In other words, take the same precautions you would anywhere, with one small addition: keep up with news in the Middle East, so that if trouble does break out, at least you'll know about it.
All I can do now is wish you a wonderful trip!
