Egyptian Dreams: How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Vacation to the Land of the Pyramids
Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. According to WorldData.info, Egypt ranks second in Northern Africa in terms of tourism. Its tourism per resident is 0.12. In 2020, the country generated USD 4.87 billion in the tourism sector, which is 1.2% of its GDP and 47% of all international tourism in Northern Africa.
But with Egypt’s historical sites and ancient culture comes a price tag that can be difficult to manage. Luckily, there are ways to save money on your trip without sacrificing the experience. Here are some tips to help you plan an affordable vacation:
Save on Your Flight Tickets
One of the highest costs of any vacation is flights. If you’re traveling internationally, this can be especially true, as airlines charge higher prices for last-minute bookings or flights in popular seasons and destinations.
To avoid these extra fees and find the best deals on airfare, consider booking through Google Flights.
Google Flights allows users to search for flights by price range and departure time at their convenience from any computer or mobile device. The tool also allows users to track prices over time so that they can determine the best time to buy tickets based on current trends.
A guide to using Google flights will tell you exactly how to get the best deal on your airline tickets to and fro from Egypt.
Get Hotel and Transportation Discounts
The first thing you can do to save money is look for deals on hotels. Many websites offer discounts, such as Trivago and Goibibo.
You can also try finding car rental discounts by going directly through the company’s website or using an aggregator site like Kayak or Expedia (which will show you all of your options). If you’re traveling with others, consider sharing a car. It will be cheaper than renting two separate ones.
Another way to save money on transportation is by taking public transportation instead of taxis or Uber/Lyft rides (or even walking). This can be tricky if you don’t know where exactly your hotel is located or how far away it might be from where you want to go during your vacation. But once again, research.
Check out Google Maps beforehand so that when it comes time for travel day itself, everything goes smoothly without any surprises along the way.
Use a Rewards Credit Card to Get Cash Back or Perks
According to Yahoo! Finance, credit card rewards are a great way to earn bonuses on your spending. Cashless payment methods garner rewards even on airline bookings and bring money back into your wallet. In America, over 40% of people say they never use cash during a usual week of spending.
Reward credit cards can also be used at gas stations, grocery stores, and anywhere else in traveling where you’d normally use your debit card or credit card.
Consider a Homestay Instead of Big Brand Hotels
A homestay is a great option if you’re looking to spend less and get more. Not only are these accommodations usually cheaper than hotels, but they also offer the opportunity for authentic cultural immersion.
Homestays can be found all over Egypt in different shapes and sizes. Some are more luxurious than others, so you must do your research before booking one. However, most people who have stayed at homestays report them being just as nice (if not nicer) than big brand hotels without having to pay as much money.
Save Money on Food Costs
If you’re looking to save money on food costs, here are some ways to do it:
- Eat at local restaurants. You’ll find that many of the best places to eat in Egypt are local restaurants rather than international chains or tourist traps. These tend to be much cheaper than their Western counterparts, making them a great choice if you want something authentic and delicious without breaking your budget.
- Buy from grocery stores and markets. While this isn’t as romantic as eating out with friends or family members, purchasing groceries can be an easy way for travelers on a budget (or anyone else.).
- Eat at food courts/buffets/fast food joints/ethnic restaurants, etc. There are plenty of options available within these categories. Just make sure not all of them involve pizza slices from Pizza Hut because those will add up quickly.
According to Earthtrekkers.com, local and street food can cost as little as $1 to $2 per meal in Egypt. Falafel sandwiches in the country can cost roughly $1. And sit-down meals range from $5 to $12 per plate in quite a few restaurants. The cost at an upscale restaurant is higher.
Save Money on Admission Fees at Top Tourists Attractions
If you’re planning on visiting a major tourist attraction, check the website of the attraction to see if there are discounts. Many attractions offer free admission during certain days and times or half-off deals for students and seniors.
If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with lots of tourist attractions, look for coupons in local newspapers. They often advertise these kinds of deals. You might also want to consider buying a membership card at an attraction.
If none of these options are available for saving money on entrance fees, consider joining some sort of group tour with other people who share similar interests as yourself so that everyone’s ticket costs less overall.
Conclusion
Egypt is a fascinating place with so much history, culture, and beauty to explore. There are many ways to make your trip more affordable by planning and budgeting wisely. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to travel like an Egyptian.
