Egypt Tourist Trap Tips by gussymons

Valley of Kings and Queens

I'm not sure what I expected, but this was a total disappointment. Perhaps we didn't have enough time there, but it was so touristy that I wanted to vomit all over my passport and eat sand until it came out of my nostrils. I exaggerate, but you get the picture.

The experience was soulless and it was fairly boring. I guess that if you are a real Egyptologist then this is like Mecca, but I'm not desperately into this, and I found it a huge turn-off.

Don't go just to say you've been and 'done it' (like most things in life). Go only if you are genuinely interested i.e. the guards at the British Museum know you by first name!

Unique Suggestions: Bring water and fruit. c.f. Sahara tip.

Fun Alternatives: "Mummies are so last year, sweetie."

'Museums'

Many of the so-called museums are just shops which masquerade as having some educational content when they are utterly devoid of any whatsoever.

Unless you are really a sucker, don't even bother going into these places because probably the goods they are off-loading are a pile of crap and also, would you buy that tat at home? If so, then waltz straight in.

Typical 'museums' include papyrus or onyx shops.

Unique Suggestions: Politely say no, or speak a language which they do not know like Russian or Afrikaans. German, French, Spanish, American and English are the common languages to avoid saying 'No, thank you' in.

Fun Alternatives: Did you really come to Egypt for the culture? If so, then bone up on genuine museums before you come out here. Know thy stuff. Most people come here for the sun, the diving, and possibly the 'Wonders'... see my next tourist trap tip!