Travelling To Luxor In Summer? Read This First

#summervacay

Luxor Survival Guide (Especially for Summer: May-Sept)
1. Battle the Heat & Sun (Your #1 Enemy):

HYDRATE RELENTLESSLY: Carry 3L+ water/person/day. Add electrolytes (powder/tablets).

SUN ARMOR:

SPF 50+ Sunscreen: Apply 30 mins pre-sun, reapply every 2 hours (more if sweating).

Wide-Brimmed Hat: MUST cover neck.

UV-Blocking Sunglasses.

Lightweight, Loose, Long-Sleeved Shirt & Pants: Linen/cotton is best. Covering skin > exposed skin.

UV Umbrella/Parasol: Lifesaver in open sites (Karnak Courtyard, VoK).

TIMING IS CRITICAL:

START AT DAWN (6 AM SHARP): Finish major outdoor sites (VoK, Hatshepsut, Karnak Courtyard) by 10:00-10:30 AM MAX.

MIDDAY (11 AM - 4 PM): RETREAT! AC hotel room, pool, Luxor Museum, Mummification Museum, long lunch in shaded restaurant. NAP.

LATE AFTERNOON/EVENING (4 PM+): Explore Luxor Temple, Karnak (if energy remains), Corniche, markets.

COOLING AIDS: Cooling towel (soak in water), handheld fan/misting fan.

2. Beat Dehydration & Heat Illness:

Symptoms (Act IMMEDIATELY): Headache, dizziness, nausea, cramps, excessive fatigue, dark urine. Get to shade, sit, sip water/electrolytes, cool skin.

Heatstroke (EMERGENCY): Confusion, rapid pulse, hot/dry skin, loss of consciousness. CALL FOR HELP IMMEDIATELY.

3. Food & Water Safety:

Water: ONLY drink bottled/sealed water. Check seals. Use for brushing teeth.

Food: Eat well-cooked, hot food. Peel fruits. Avoid salads/ice from dubious sources. Reputable restaurants/hotels safest. "Pharaoh's Revenge" is real!

4. Smart Transportation:

West Bank: Hire a private car/van with A/C + driver for the day. Negotiate price BEFORE getting in. Stops at VoK, Hatshepsut, Habu, etc.

Nile Ferry: Cheap & scenic for crossing between East/West Banks.

Taxis: Use ride-hailing apps (Careem) if possible, or agree on meter/fare BEFORE ride.

Caleches (Horse Carriages) / Donkeys: Only for short, scenic hops if you must. Negotiate firmly beforehand. Welfare concerns exist.

Walking (East Bank Corniche): Pleasant early morning or evening. Avoid midday.

5. Cultural Sensitivity & Avoiding Scams:

Dress Modestly: Shoulders & knees covered (especially women) shows respect & reduces hassle.

"Baksheesh" (Tips): Small change expected for minor services (WC attendants, someone "guiding" you vaguely). Have small bills (5-10 EGP). Not required for shop purchases.

The Firm "La, Shukran" (No, Thank You): Essential phrase. Say it firmly, clearly, without stopping walking to overly persistent vendors/touts. Avoid eye contact if needed. Don't feel guilty.

"Free" Gifts/Guides: Nothing is free. Politely decline unsolicited "help" or items handed to you.

Shops/Prices: Haggle expected in bazaars (start ~50% of asking price). Fixed prices in museums/restaurants.

6. Essential Packing:

Footwear: STURDY, broken-in walking shoes/sandals (rocky, uneven terrain).

Daypack: For water, sunscreen, hat, umbrella, camera, cash, tissues/WC paper.

Power Bank: Phone dies fast using maps/camera.

Basic Meds