"Travel Tips for Families Visiting Egypt with Kids"

Traveling to Egypt with children can be an exciting and enriching experience, as the country offers a wealth of historical sites, cultural experiences, and beautiful landscapes. However, to ensure a smooth and safe journey, it’s important to follow specific travel tips for families visiting Egypt. Here are some essential travel tips for families with kids in Egypt to help you enjoy your trip while keeping your little ones safe, comfortable, and entertained.

1. Plan Your Itinerary Carefully

  • Choose family-friendly destinations: Egypt has many places that are suitable for families with children. While iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Luxor are must-see attractions, also consider visiting child-friendly destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh (with its beaches and resorts) or Hurghada (known for its kid-friendly activities and resorts).
  • Avoid long days of sightseeing: Long days of exploring Egypt’s ancient sites can be overwhelming for children. Plan your activities carefully and include plenty of downtime to avoid exhaustion. Consider visiting one or two major attractions per day, with breaks in between.

2. Stay in Kid-Friendly Accommodation

  • Choose family-oriented hotels: When booking accommodations, select hotels that cater to families. Many hotels in tourist areas like Cairo, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Luxor offer amenities like kid’s clubs, playgrounds, babysitting services, and family rooms.
  • Check hotel facilities: Ensure that the hotel provides safety features such as child-proofing for rooms, cribs or cots for younger children, and access to kid-friendly pools or activities.

3. Prepare for the Weather

  • Dress appropriately for the climate: Egypt can get extremely hot, especially in the summer. Dress your children in lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, and sunglasses to protect them from the sun. Always use sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
  • Stay hydrated: Keep your children hydrated by providing them with bottled water throughout the day. The heat in Egypt can be intense, so make sure your kids drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Avoid the midday sun: Try to plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler. Avoid long exposure to the sun during peak hours (from 11 AM to 4 PM).

4. Pack Smart for Kids

  • Bring essential items: Pack essentials such as diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, snacks, and any special medication your child may need. While major tourist areas will have stores, it’s best to carry everything you need for the day in your bag.
  • Entertainment for kids: Long drives or flight times might get boring for little ones. Pack small toys, books, or electronic devices to keep them entertained during travel.
  • First aid kit: Carry a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any specific medications your children may need.

Top Travel Safety Tips for Exploring Egypt with Confidence

5. Consider Transportation Options

  • Use private transport when possible: While public transportation in Egypt is affordable, it can be crowded and overwhelming for children. It’s best to use private transportation like taxis or ride-hailing services (Uber, Careem) to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for your family.
  • Child car seats: If you plan to rent a car or use a taxi, make sure to check if the vehicle provides appropriate child car seats. If not, consider bringing your own portable car seat or booster seat.

6. Safety Tips for Kids in Egypt

  • Keep a close eye on children: Egypt’s busy cities, especially Cairo, can be overwhelming. Make sure to keep a close eye on your children in crowded areas like markets or public transport to prevent them from getting lost.
  • Teach your children basic safety: Educate your kids on how to behave in public places, like not running off in crowded areas, staying close to you, and being cautious near roads and traffic.
  • Use child safety harnesses or wristbands: If you’re worried about losing track of your children in crowded places, consider using a child safety harness or a wristband with your contact details written on it.

7. Be Prepared for Food and Water Safety

  • Avoid tap water: Do not allow your children to drink tap water, even in hotels. Always provide them with bottled water. Avoid using tap water for brushing their teeth as well.
  • Eat at reputable restaurants: While Egyptian food can be delicious, be cautious about where you eat, especially with young children. Stick to restaurants that are well-rated and cater to families to avoid foodborne illnesses.
  • Snacks and food preferences: If your child is picky with food, it’s a good idea to carry some snacks or familiar food items with you. International restaurants or hotels in tourist areas usually offer familiar options.

8. Prepare for Medical Needs

  • Know where the nearest hospital is: Before traveling to Egypt, locate the nearest hospital or clinic to your accommodation, in case your child gets sick or needs medical attention.
  • Carry necessary prescriptions: If your child takes any regular medications, make sure to carry enough for the entire trip. Bring a copy of the prescription in case you need to refill it while in Egypt.
  • Travel health insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, especially for your children. This will give you peace of mind in case you need medical assistance during your trip.

9. Choose Kid-Friendly Activities

  • Visit the Egyptian Museum: In Cairo, the Egyptian Museum offers fascinating exhibits with many child-friendly aspects, including mummies and interactive displays that will capture children’s attention.
  • Enjoy family-friendly beach resorts: Egypt has several beach resorts, particularly in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, which offer water sports, kid-friendly activities, and shallow beaches ideal for children.
  • Explore local markets: Visiting the bustling markets like Khan El Khalili Bazaar can be a great experience for kids, allowing them to interact with local culture and shop for souvenirs.

10. Keep a Flexible Schedule

  • Be flexible with your plans: Traveling with kids requires flexibility. While planning is important, make sure to allow for rest times and unexpected delays. Sometimes children might need breaks, naps, or time to adjust to the environment.
  • Take it slow: Don’t rush your itinerary. With kids, it’s important to take things at a slower pace, enjoy your surroundings, and not overbook your days.