Private Family Tours

29 Tips For Visiting Egypt From A Big Family

29 Tips For Visiting Egypt From A Big Family

Last updated: October 25, 2026. Updated visa and airport procedures, safety and road-access guidance, health and water precautions, baggage and provider qualifications, historical 2024 family-trip context, lodging descriptions, and the related Egypt family film. Date information added October 31, 2026.

Inside the tombs

▶Inside the tombs 8 sec

A glimpse inside the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.

From the sunrise magic of a hot air balloon over Luxor to the inner chambers of the Great Pyramids, Egypt beckons families to come and relish in its rich history and fun activities.  This cradle of civilization will awe and amaze you, but it is best to come prepared with some ideas of what to expect.  

Egypt is an incredible destination for families, but trying to squeeze in every landmark in one trip can lead to some serious cultural overload! Instead, pick two or three spots that give you a mix of experiences without wearing everyone out.

I say this after we did the opposite.. We flew to Egypt at the last minute and crammed absolutely as much as possible in 5 short days!  It was a lot.  We all came back exhausted, but we still loved the trip.  On our last day, we woke at 3:30 am for a hot air balloon ride and had a 1 am flight that night.  It was miserable, and the kids collapsed with fatigue mid-day.  We had to switch up plans for a nap at a hotel.

Whatever you choose, remember that less can be more—especially when traveling with kids! Make each experience count, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products or activities I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*

These tips reflect our family’s Egypt trip in 2024. Entry rules, health guidance, safety conditions, road access, prices, and provider details can change; check current official guidance and provider terms before your trip.

Before Your Family Arrives In Egypt

1. Verify if you need a visa before you arrive in Egypt or if you can get one upon arrival. Visa eligibility, arrival options, and fees depend on nationality and can change. Check the official Egyptian eVisa portal and your government’s current Egypt travel guidance before departure. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. State Department says a visa is required and a 30-day tourist visa may be obtained on arrival.

• For a visa upon arrival, on our 2024 trip, we followed airport signs to a bank counter to buy our visa. Let’s be honest; this is just a money-making scheme. At the time of our trip, we brought cash (we brought euros). Check current official fee and payment requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• During our 2024 trip, we received a visa sticker and followed airport staff instructions for processing it. Steps vary; check current official instructions for your nationality before traveling.
• If you do not want to do the visa upon arrival or cannot, you can use various sites such as Visa2Egypt to get your visa before you arrive.

2. During our 2024 trip, we needed more cash on hand than we expected, but I don’t recommend bringing a lot of cash to exchange. Bring some money to use directly, including small coins and bills of small denominations. 

3. On our trip, I found the best conversion rates to be from ATMs in the country.  For that trip, we also needed cash for the remaining balance of our tour-group payment.  We paid our tour group a deposit on Paypal but had to pay the remainder in cash upon arrival at our hotel.

4. Tips came up frequently during our 2024 trip.  Make sure you have funds available in your checking account.  We recommend the Charles Schwab Investor Checking, Check the account’s current terms to confirm fees and any reimbursement before relying on it.

5. Be sure to buy travel insurance.  We recommend SafetyWing. Availability, eligibility, coverage, and prices depend on the current policy and traveler; review the insurer’s terms for your trip.

Planning Your Trip To Egypt

6. Our flight home left Cairo at 1 a.m., which made the last day challenging with kids. For an itinerary with an overnight flight, these are a few things to consider:

• We try to nap before the flight.  
• We let the kids play on their tablets for the first leg of the journey or the first half of the flight, but then we make them sleep.  They can’t start off the trip well if they are absolutely exhausted.  If needed, we used melatonin to ease their bodies into sleep. That was our past experience, not a recommendation for every child; ask your child’s pediatrician before using melatonin.
• Plan the first day to start a bit later.  We didn’t get started until 10 am on our first day.  With Ramadan, we needed to be done by 4 pm.  We turned in early that night!

7. Packing for Egypt involves lightweight fabrics, good walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, and swimsuits. Dress expectations vary by religious site; check current visitor guidance before you go. You can find the rest of our packing list here. 

8. We never felt unsafe on our trip; that is our experience, not a guarantee for other travelers or areas. Check your government’s current travel advisory and local official guidance before and during your trip.

9. We liked our early-April visit. The temperatures were high during the day but not unbearable for us. Check seasonal conditions for your own dates.

10. Try to prepare the kids for the rich history they will learn about in Egypt.  While they may have learned about it in school, prepare them for the specific sites you might see, such as the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel, and more. 

Watch the original Egypt film on YouTube

11. Planning activities that kids will like is critical when planning a family trip. Spice up your itinerary with an interactive museum, time to swim at the hotel pool, or something else your kids will enjoy. It’s easy to fill all your time in Egypt with temples and monuments, but that’s not usually at the top of the list for kids.

12. If you can swing it, I’d recommend carry-on luggage only.  Not only is this easier for flights within Egypt, but it’s also nice moving around in your van, Uber, or other transportation means.  However, if you are checking bags, I’d recommend flying Egyptian Air.  Check EgyptAir’s current baggage allowance for your route and fare before packing.

13. On our April 2024 trip, daytime temperatures were high but manageable for us, and the haze was better later in the day. Visiting outdoor venues, such as the pyramids, can be better in the afternoon. We visited the Egyptian Museum, and then the pyramids, and I loved that order. We also saw the mummies and what they built. It really brought it all to life.

14. We packed stomach medication for our family. Ask your child’s clinician what medicines are appropriate for them. CDC guidance says tap water in Egypt is not safe to drink outside international tourist hotels; in most large international tourist hotels it is adequately chlorinated. Where tap water may be unsafe, CDC advises using safe water for brushing teeth too.

What To Know When You Are In Egypt With Kids

15. Vendors can be aggressive in Egypt.  The best course of action is to ignore them, but you can also say “La,” which means no in Arabic. 

• Vendors are not above using the kids to get some money from you.  They may “gift” something to the kids and then turn to you for payment.  Teach the kids not to accept these items.

16. During our April 2024 visit, we found that many locations offered little shade. Check the forecast and site information for your dates, plan water and shade breaks, and stay well-hydrated.

17. Driving in Egypt felt nerve-wracking to us.  Cairo traffic felt chaotic, with children and animals crossing among cars and motorbikes. The U.S. State Department describes driving in Egypt as extremely dangerous and advises considering taxis or hired drivers instead of driving yourself; check current official advice for your trip.  

• Driving from Aswan to Abu Simbel for four hours at breakneck speed was also a test of my nerves.  We passed trucks full of camels, tractors, and more.

18. Shopping in Egypt can be fun, but prices and bargaining practices vary by shop. You may be invited on a “factory tour” or something similar; a discount is not guaranteed.

• We went to an Egyptian Cotton shop, and everything was overpriced.  The saleswoman was super aggressive as well, but I was not going to be pressured.  I held firm to my price, and while I paid a bit more than I wanted, I didn’t feel totally ripped off.
• If you are buying gold in Egypt, which can be a great deal, know the current price of gold. You can google the 18-carat gold price per gram for the day. Make sure the piece you are interested in is being weighed in front of you, and double-check the conversion rate.
• Ask whether your guide receives a commission before purchasing.

19. On our 2024 trip, we often kept small bills available for tips and were asked several times to exchange larger foreign bills for smaller ones or coins. Customs and amounts vary; check current guidance and decide what is appropriate for your situation.

20. In our 2024 experience, bathrooms were manageable and often had “western” toilets. Facilities vary, and you may encounter squat toilets outside tourist circuits.  

• It’s a good idea to have your own toilet paper on hand in case they don’t provide it. Follow the posted waste-disposal instructions in each restroom.
• In the public bathrooms we used during our 2024 trip, fees ranged from 2 to 20 EGP. Charges and facilities can vary, so confirm any fee before using one. I was usually grateful for bathroom attendants because they kept the bathrooms clean.
• Ask whether restrooms at restaurants or shops are available to customers and whether there’s a fee; follow posted instructions.

21. During our 2024 visit, we encountered situations where a tip appeared to affect access to areas with rules. I found that both helpful and disappointing. This is a description of our past experience, not advice: follow posted site rules and do not offer payment to bypass restrictions.

• We even had attendants at the airport security start to “help” us with our bags and then ask for a tip.

22. Airport security was part of our 2024 experience. We went through screening, had our bags scanned, and showed passports and, at times, tickets. Procedures vary; follow current airport and staff instructions. 

• During our 2024 trip, we encountered additional screenings in the airport and at the gate, and water-bottle rules varied between checkpoints. Follow current screening rules and staff instructions.
  • In Luxor, I was also asked to write our names and passport numbers in a log book, but it was incredibly casual. When I said I had seven people, the guard told me to simply enter three. Ummm… OK.
  • During our 2024 trip, I made a poor choice at a security checkpoint: I had several water bottles and falsely said I had no water when asked. Staff let us through. I am sharing this only as a past action, not as advice. Follow the current screening rules, disclose items, and answer security questions honestly.

23. Before your trip, check with a mobile operator about current SIM registration, purchase, and payment requirements. During our 2024 week in Egypt, we used around 20 GB because we are heavy data users.

24. If you are visiting Luxor and/or Cairo and not using a tour guide, consider the Cairo and Luxor Passes.  They can save a lot of money off of the big attractions.

Pass terms, included sites, validity, purchase locations, payment methods, and discounts can change. Check the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ current Cairo Pass and Luxor Pass information before deciding whether a pass makes sense for your itinerary.

Tips To Stay Safe In Egypt With Kids

25. On our 2024 trip, our Aswan–Abu Simbel itinerary involved an early departure and several security stops; our guide handled the interactions. Road access, checkpoints, convoy requirements, and departure times can change, so confirm current plans with official guidance and a licensed local operator.

• For our 2024 visit to Abu Simbel, our itinerary included an early departure and security stops. These details describe our trip and are not current route instructions.

26. If you book with a tour guide, you may be provided with extra security detail for the day.  We had this while visiting Cairo.  We did not interact with him at all, but I didn’t mind him being with us either.

27. Always stay alert to the latest political news in Egypt, both before and during your trip.  Things change rapidly.

28. Safety conditions vary by location and change. The U.S. State Department currently advises against travel to Northern and Middle Sinai and Egyptian border areas; it advises avoiding the Western Desert unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company. These advisories are for U.S. travelers. Check your own government’s latest advice and local guidance for your exact itinerary.

29. On our 2024 trip, we encountered security checks at many hotels and tourist attractions and sometimes had to take items out and put them back. Screening arrangements vary by place and date; follow staff instructions and current rules.

Best Places To Stay

Giza

1. Marriott Mena House: This was included as a Giza option in our 2024 guide. Confirm current location, room details, amenities, access, and booking terms directly before reserving.
2. Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel: This was included as another Giza option in our 2024 guide. Confirm current location, rooms, services, availability, and booking terms directly.

Aswan And Abu Simbel 

1. Aswan – Cataract Hotel: This was included as an Aswan lodging option in our 2024 guide. Confirm current location, views, facilities, availability, and booking terms directly.
2. Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort: This was included as an Abu Simbel lodging option in our 2024 guide. Confirm its current location, facilities, availability, and booking terms directly.

Luxor

1. Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: This was included as a Luxor lodging option in our 2024 guide. Confirm current location, facilities, availability, and booking terms directly.
2. Sonesta St George Hotel Luxor: This was included as another Luxor lodging option in our 2024 guide. Confirm current location, dining, facilities, availability, and booking terms directly.

Hiring A Tour Guide

I’ve been upfront in my other Egypt posts about hiring a tour guide for our Egypt trip.  We tend to tackle travel alone. However, some locations work best with a guide, and I would recommend one for your trip to Egypt.  Egypt’s tourism community is strong and functions well, but it has lots to navigate.  Some of the reasons I found a tour guide to be worth it include:

• Less negotiating.  I know 100% that our tour guide negotiated better prices for our activities than we ever could.  They may take the profit margin for themselves, but it’s a relief not to have to negotiate everything.  Prices and bargaining practices vary by seller.

• A tour guide knows best how the country works, what the best itinerary is, how long travel times usually take based on time of year, etc.  They can save countless hours of research.

• A tour guide can customize your visit based on your preferences.  Want more temples?   Less temples?  More kid-friendly activities?  Just share your preferences, and they will plan what works best for you.

• Due to Egypt’s rich history, having an Egyptologist with you can be priceless! You’ll get exponentially more out of your trip as you understand the background, the characters in history, and the local culture, not to mention reading the hieroglyphics!  

• Having a private tour is key for us, as we have five kids in tow.  We can easily adapt our plans based on what the kids are feeling and needing, and having a dedicated van (with A/C!) is priceless.
  • Once the kids were so overtired and overheated, we left them all sleeping with our 16-year-old reading and the driver while we visited a temple.  We’d been with our guide and driver several days at this point and knew the kids would do much better to catch a quick nap and cool down versus seeing yet another temple with us.

I hope you enjoy your next daily trip to Egypt!  For more tips and places to visit, see my other Egypt posts.

Leslie,

Planning for your next trip to Egypt?

Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia

Find a nice hotel near the Great Pyramid from

Elite Pyramids Boutique Hotel , Pyramid Front Hotel , Best View Pyramids Hotel , Pyramids Valley , Grand Nile Tower

Discover more of Egypt while having fun through exciting activities from GetYourGuide,

From Cairo: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Tour , From Cairo: Half-Day Tour to Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx , Cairo/Giza: Guided Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum Tour , Cairo: Giza Pyramids Tour with Camel Ride and Tickets , Cairo: Private Half-Day Pyramids Tour with Photographer .

Comparing transport options for your trip?

Visit Rentalcars.com.Get insured while traveling with World Nomads / SafetyWing / TravelEx

Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out Flytographer!

Capture your best memories in Great Pyramid as we do with aInsta360 , Go Pro Mini , Sony A7iii

Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!

Additional Reading

11 Fun Things To Do in Aswan, Egypt With Kids

Hot Air Ballooning in Luxor, Egypt – Ultimate Guide for Families

Ultimate Egypt 10-Day Itinerary With Kids

[favorite]

Previous Post Next Post