AboutJane Akshar Expertise I have extensive knowledge of tourism in Egypt, specifically Luxor, and Egyptology in general. I can answer questions on travel, hotels, restaurants as well as about the sites and dealing with the locals. I can tell recommend deserted sites where you are the only tourist, local guides who will take you walking over the hills, reliable drivers, taxis, donkey and camel men, sailing and motor boat captains.
I can answer questions on Egyptology(up to the end of the New Kingdom) as I have been involved with Egyptology for over 40 years and have contacts in the Antiquities department and with many of the Archaeological teams in Luxor.
Experience I have been coming to Egypt as a tourist since 1979 and moved to live in Luxor in 2003. I love to help people fall in love with Egypt. I guide guests around the sites in Luxor and run a small tourism business renting flats (apartments) to tourists. I am married to an Egyptian and have a bilingual teenage daughter. I write regular feature articles for Tour Egypt and run a News Blog on Luxor.
Organizations AEITB "Association of Egyptian Travel Businesses on the Internet"
Publications www.touregypt.net
www.luxornews.net
wikipedia.org/wiki/KV63
www.kv-63.com (photos)
Archaeological Diggings Magazine
The Cultured Traveller
Egyptian Cultural Heritage Organisation (ECHO)
The Undoctored Past
Education/Credentials 8 O levels, OND in Science, City and Guilds in Computing, 10 years Egyptology with the University of London Extra Mural Dept
Question I am a 30ish single woman planning to travel to Egypt and Jordan in December before I go to Israel. My preference is to design a custom tour and have a driver and guide to accompany me at all times.
Are there any companies that cater to women traveling alone? If not, how can I be reasonably sure that I won't be put in a questionable situation?
I had thought about looking for a female guide, but would it make sense for me to have a male guide to try to reduce the likelihood of being hassled by locals?
Thanks for your time,
Pamela
Answer I am not aware of any companies catering specifically for single lady travellers but I don't think that is an issue. You should just ask a regular company for a lady guide, you will have a male driver so total protection. The lady guide can advise you on cultural issues as well as the sites. Try www.touregypt.net as that will put you in touch with dozens of agents and you can ask them for this specific requirement.
Having said all that loads of single ladies come to Egypt without that, just being street wise and sensible is enough. i have had lots stay at my flats.
