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]]>Like the rest of Jordan, Wadi Rum isn’t necessarily a budget destination but it sure is worthwhile!! This dreamy desert landscape truly feels like Mars. And no trip to Jordan would be complete without a night in Wadi Rum.
We visited with Timeless Tours on their 5 day budget Jordan trip during February and stayed at Hasan Zawaideh Camp.
The camp is located in the beautiful Wadi Rum desert and is easily accessible by the highway. Driving in Jordan is surprisingly easy and if you are traveling around the country without a tour group, you’ll have no trouble accessing this camp.
Check out the recap of our stay here:
The camp has a variety of accommodations, you can see them all here.
The bubbles are significantly more expensive than the tents which are more like small cabins.
All rooms have air conditioning, free wifi, towels and include breakfast. You can add on traditional dinner for 8 JD per person or about $12 USD.
Our cabins were very cute from the outside but the interior is a bit strange and not really in theme with the rest of the camp. However, it is by far one of the most affordable ways to stay in Wadi Rum and we didn’t spend much time in our room. So if you’re on a budget, this is a great option!
But if you’re looking for the ultimate Wadi Rum experience, then I suggest you splurge and get one of the stargazing bubbles so you can enjoy sunrise from your bed and soak in all the desert views.
If you’re going to do anything in Wadi Rum, make sure you do a jeep tour with a local Bedouin guide! It’s an amazing way to see the desert in a way you never could just on foot. We did the 2 hour tour but they also have a longer 4 hour option.
“On the 4 hour jeep tour you will see the shooting location for the Hollywood movie “The Martian“, sand dunes, the Nabataean inscriptions, Umm Frouth rock bridge, mushroom rock, Barrah canyon and Lawrence Canyon (where the movie “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed). Before returning to camp, we will bring you to the perfect spot for admiring the desert sunset.” – Hasan Zawaideh Camp
Although we didn’t have time on our trip, a hot air balloon is an amazing way to see the desert landscape!
We didn’t have much time for hiking as we only stayed on night. In the future, I would like to stay two nights so we have more time to explore the desert by day. You can book guided hiking experiences at camp.
Unfortunately, it was a cloudy night when we stayed in Wadi Rum. But they offer a stargazing activity with massive telescopes & guides for an additional fee after dinner.
Overall, we loved Wadi Rum. I only wish we had more time there!
I’m in the works of planning a group trip to Jordan so stayed tuned if you want to visit this desert with me in the future!
More on Jordan:
Shop my Jordan favorites:
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If Jordan isn’t on your bucket list, it should be! This country has it all: fascinating culture, ancient history, great good, beautiful landscapes and friendly locals.
I recently upgraded my Canon 80D camera by investing in a new lens and was excited to shoot with it during the trip. Here are a few of my favorite photos from our time traveling around Jordan!
Read: AMMAN, JORDAN – THE PERFECT ONE DAY ITINERARY
Shop my Jordan favorites:
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Amman Jordan One Day Itinerary
When traveling to Jordan, many travelers skip over the capital city and head right to Petra or Wadi Rum. And while these sights were also my favorite in the country, I found exploring Amman to be super worthwhile as well.
From great culinary experiences to history dating back thousands of years, this city is sure to delight and surprise you. Just follow the itinerary below for an amazing day, ejoy Amman!
One day Amman itinerary overview:
Check out my TikTok video with the full itinerary breakdown here:
Begin your morning at the citadel. You’ll need the Jordan Pass to enter. The Jordan Pass will double as your visa and should be bought before you arrive in Jordan to avoid paying for the entry visa at the airport.
The citadel was largely destroyed by an earthquake but the ruins are still quite expansive. What’s fascinating is the mix of cultures and religions.
You will see Islamic ruins and Christian churches side by side. You can cover the whole area and the small museum onsite in an hour.
After you explore Citadel Hill, walk down to the Roman Theater. It’s about 20 minutes on foot and all downhill. But you could also hop in a cab for cheap. Jordan is an expensive country but Uber and taxis are surprisingly inexpensive!
Again you’ll need the Jordan pass to enter here. There is a small museum onsite with Bedouin artifacts.
And don’t miss the smaller Roman Theater to the left of the main, larger one.
When you’ve finished at the Roman Theater, either walk 40 minutes (it’s a great way to see the city!) or hop in one of the many taxis out front of the theater and go to the King Abdullah I Mosque.
Ladies, you’ll need to have your hair fully covered in addition to your arms and legs. However, if you don’t have the proper covering, they will provide you with the necessary robe upon arrival.
For lunch, you can’t miss the local fare at Hashem! This restaurant has no menu but servers will gladly help you order. It’s all Middle Eastern food so think falafel, hummus, and pita bread.
There is usually a line for a table but they turn over quickly. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and the location is prime so it makes for great people watching!
It’s right on the main street of downtown so its central location is perfect for going shopping on the main street afterward.
The shops in downtown are lively and fun to walk around!
It’s a more boisterous neighborhood than the posh Rainbow Road.
Once you’re done shopping, head back to the restaurant above Hashem to have an afternoon coffee or smoke a shisha.
It has nice views over the main street and very “Instagrammable” decorations with pink flowers and swings. You can’t miss it!
To enter, go through the entrance to Hashem and go up the stairs on the right.
Rainbow Street is a great area of Amman full of posh shops, rooftops bars and trendy cafes. The entire street is very walkable. Be sure to check out the side street as well.
If you’re looking for a great spot, check out Books@Cafe. This trendy spot is part art gallery, bookstore, bar, and restaurant with great views! They also do an awesome brunch. They have two locations but I highly recommend the one on Rainbow Road.
While Cantaloupe Gastro Pub is the real star of the Rainbow Street rooftops, it doesn’t open until 5pm. But next door, La Calle is open for happy hour starting at noon.
So if you are arriving for sunset & Cantaloupe isn’t open yet (especially in the winter) you can pop into La Calle first. They also have a nice rooftop, although it is small.
Just keep in mind, that drinks are expensive in Jordan. Be prepared to pay Western prices.
This is the perfect sunset spot on Rainbow Street!
Whether you just want apps, drinks, or a full dinner…this place has good service, tasty food, and unbeatable views of the city!
Shop my Jordan favorites:
More on the Middle East: EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Amman Jordan One Day Itinerary
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Israel travel tips
So you want to visit Israel? Wonderful. Prepare to be delighted by so much beauty, history and religious splendor. If you follow me on Instagram, then you might remember how my trip was filled with wonder, fascination anddddd… a couple of avoidable headaches.
From missed flights to under budgeting, this is everything I wish I would have known before leaving and my best Israel travel tips!
Different airlines have different policies regarding border control. Be sure to check ahead of time and allow more time than usual for a flight into Israel. Some airlines require you to go through questioning if you’ve checked in online.
After two missed flights, I cannot stress this enough. Even if you arrive early enough for an international flight, some airlines will want to question passengers before allowing them to board.
Apparently my travel plans looked suspicious since I was traveling without a group or a tour guide. I had checked in online and did not know I would have to go through any questioning. So there I was being interrogated as my plane took off to Israel without me. It was stressful, expensive to buy a new last minute ticket and really no fun at all.
And no, the airline didn’t just place me on the next flight out unfortunately. I had to buy my own same-day ticket. Ouch.
Read: SHOCKING STORY OF BEING DENIED ENTRANCE INTO ISRAEL
Whatever you want to wear in Tel Aviv is typically just fine! The city is full of nightlife, modern fashions and contemporary vibes.
But when you are spending time visiting religious sites in Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem or any number of conservative, deeply religious places- you’ll want to be dressed appropriately.
Some mosques or churches will require for midriff, shoulders and knees to be covered. Save your super short shorts or strapless tank tops for your next trip to the Greek islands!
As a sign of respect to other cultures and religions, it’s always courteous to dress in a way that abides by any cultural practices.
Read: WHAT TO WEAR IN THE HOLY LAND: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING FASHIONABLE AND COMFORTABLE
So you’ve just touched down in Israel after a (hopefully) smooth and effortless flight in, now what?! Why not join a free walking tour and get the lay of the land and a solid understanding of what’s around you on day one! Many Israeli cities offer incredible, free walking tours- just be sure to tip your guide as a thank you.
We waited until the third day of our trip in Jerusalem to join a walking tour and by that time, we had already seen some of the sites – and gotten lost/turned around/didn’t know what we were missing! So the tour is a really great way to start off and as soon as we arrived in Tel Aviv, we joined a walking tour first thing. And I suggest you do the same!
Budget accordingly and save money where you can! The idea that Israel is a cheap country to travel to, simply isn’t true. Compared to it’s surrounding countries, like Egypt or Jordan, the Israeli prices are considerably higher!
I ordered a beer on the beach at sunset in Tel Aviv without looking at the menu and was completely shocked at the price. $14 for a single beer.
It was more than I’d pay in San Francisco or New York! Whereas the next day in Cyprus, we only paid a $1 USD for a beer. Hotel rooms, even hostels, will cost a lot more throughout Israel.
As I always recommend, pack half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you’ll need! But especially in Israel.
Plan your weekends accordingly because as a primarily Jewish country, Israel almost entirely closes down from Friday at sundown to sundown on Saturday.
Restaurants, shops, attractions, public transit…everything! The streets are almost empty (so it’s a fun time to go exploring without the crowds!) because no religious Jews will be driving cars, going to work etc. Just don’t plan to travel between cities since the buses won’t be running! And don’t plan to do any shopping or visiting of attractions. Most places will be closed – some non-kosher restaurants may still be open though.
Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest. Religious Jews do not work during Shabbat- this includes cooking and using any electronic equipment. The day of rest ends with a traditional, celebratory family meal known as the Havdalah.
I’ll say it again, Israel is expensive. Most likely, your cheapest accommodation option will be hostels. But what is really great about the hostels in Israel was the calendar of events! Many offered free or affordable tours, Shabbat dinners, pub crawls, Israeli cooking classes… the list goes on! It’s a great way to meet other travelers as well. And always ask the hostel staff for their best bits of advice or local suggestions.
Read: STAYING AT CINEMA HOSTEL JERUSALEM
A stunning piece of religious history, the Temple Mount proves difficult to visit. In fact, I tried throughout my stay in Israel to visit but frequently found it closed.
Otherwise the limited hours/days open to the public did not coincide with my stay in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, I only ever saw this great mosque-complex from the outside. But if you find yourself in Jerusalem, I recommend you try!
It is free to visit, just open during very specific times, especially for non-muslims visitors. Due to the limited hours open, the line is often quite long to enter.
If you want to visit this holy site, make sure you not only check the hours and days it’s open but also arrive very early!
Winter: 7:30 am – 10:30 am and 12:30pm – 1:30 pm
Summer: 8:30am – 11:30am and 1:30pm – 2:30pm
“The Temple Mount is closed to visitors on Friday and Saturday. Sometimes the entrance to the site is closed without notice, even when it’s scheduled to be open. In order to enter, both men and women need to be dressed modestly. No weapons are allowed and visitors may not bring in any sacred Jewish objects, such as a prayer book or a talit. Visitors may be asked to show their passports.” – Tourist Israel
Truthfully, I would suggest visiting some of these key religious sites with a local guide. I definitely regret not booking more tours on my first trip to Israel.
I would have liked more of an explanation at each site plus I wouldn’t have missed Temple Mount entirely if I had booked with a guide.
You can find great guided tours on Get Your Guide.
The public transportation system in Israel is well done. The buses typically run on time, are clean and fairly priced. The train connecting Tel Aviv (where you will most likely fly into!) and Jerusalem (a must-see city and our first stop!) is efficient and more modern than anything I see in New York City! If you don’t typically use public transit when traveling, places like London and Israel make it easy!
The public bus to Bethlehem is only approximately $3 USD round trip. Not only is it air conditioned (not always the case in other countries!) but it’s very spacious- like a comfortably large coach bus you would expect to see a tour group using.
Read: VISITING BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM
@thewanderlustrose Our trip to Bethlehem
♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose#traveltheworld #palestine #bethlehem #palestinetiktok
A lot of confusion and misunderstanding surrounds the Palestine/Israeli conflict. And while this political issue is a hot topic of never ending turmoil, we were able to cross the border into Palestine to visit Bethlehem without any issues.
However it was fascinating to talk with local taxi drivers and tour guides about the situation and hear the perspective of the local people.
Aside from some interesting conversations when we asked about it, the issue never came up.
Spend as long or as little as you’d like floating in the salty, mineral rich water. If you go by yourself you can decide how long you’ll stay. And again, because of how easy Israel’s public transit system is, it’s quite simple to navigate yourself to the Dead Sea.
Just tell the person at the ticket office of the main bus terminal in Jerusalem you’d like to go to the Dead Sea. He or she will tell you a few different beaches you can stop off at along the bus route.
Most beaches cost money to enter but they provide lounge areas, cafes, restrooms and towels. We opted for Kalia Beach, a paid beach.
Kalia Beach: designed more for tourists, cafe, bar, gift shop, restrooms, many international visitors
Biankini Beach: Moroccan style, more locals
Neve Midbar Beach: least commercialized, younger crowds
Ein Gedi Public Beach: free entry, very basic facilities, the shore is rocky and difficult to walk on but great picnic area
Ein Bokek: resort beaches, very busy during peak season
While not everyone in Israel speaks English, it was common that people working in restaurants, shops, museums or driving taxis near tourist destinations were able to speak English.
Navigating around Israel is not nearly as difficult as you might expect. Only in rural towns is English difficult to come by! When we crossed the border into Bethlehem, we found less people spoke English but they were happy to try and communicate with us via gestures anyway, ha!
Most restaurants offer an English menu, most drivers will speak fluent English and when shopping just about anywhere, the staff knew at least enough English to have a conversation.
Israel is a beautiful destination, easy to navigate and not to be missed!
As always, let me know if you have any questions about my Israel travel tips!
Israel travel tips
For travel outfit inspo and my photography gear, check out my Amazon storefront!
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It can seem daunting planning a trip to the Middle East. Believe me, I know. Uncertainty about crossing borders, safe ways to travel from city to city and misinformation in the media all contribute to the confusion and overwhelm you might face when planning your trip. If you’re wondering how to visit Bethlehem, you might be concerned about safety, people speaking English or getting lost.
But fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it may seem! Knowing some key facts about how to get around the Holy Land will keep your trip running smoothly.
However it is located across the border in Palestine. The Israeli/Palestinian border issues might seem intimidating to try and navigate as a tourist.
Due to this political issue, many travelers chose not to visit the Holy Land all together. Yet we found Bethlehem not only a worthwhile travel destination but an easy day trip from Jerusalem.
@thewanderlustrose Our trip to Bethlehem
♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
If you’re coming to Bethlehem from Jerusalem, it is very simple to take the public bus. For only 7 shekels ($1.96 USD) you can take Bus 231 right into the center of Bethlehem. It’s a fairly scenic ride and the coach is large, air conditioned and has plenty of seats. You’ll need to pay cash, not card to get on the bus.
We had no issues crossing the border into Palestine. We were able to stay on the bus the entire time and cross right over.
Route: Bus 231 from Jerusalem Damascus gate
Cost: 7 shekels
However, you’re intimidated to make the journey on your own, you could always book a day tour from Jerusalem on GetYourGuide. This particular tour has good reviews and will bring you to many of the same stops we visited.
Skip the hotel, book an Airbnb!
Airbnbs in Palestine are beyond affordable. You can expect to pay just $15-$40 a night for a decent Airbnb.
This is the exact Airbnb we booked and I couldn’t image a better place to stay while in Bethlehem! For only $35 a night, this place was an incredible value. Yes you read that correctly. Just $35 TOTAL for a full and private multi-room apartment.
Not only was there room enough to sleep 6 people, the entire apartment was spacious, clean and our host, Issa, really went above and beyond. Issa sent clear, helpful instructions on crossing the border from Israel into Palestine by bus, making our journey very smooth.
When we arrived, we found he had also left us groceries for breakfast. Coffee, bread, eggs and bottled water- how sweet is that?! He stopped by the property when we first checked in to offer any assistance or advice for our stay. He was the friendliest, most helpful host I’ve had on Airbnb. (Just another reason I tend to prefer staying in local properties over hotels! )
The reason most people visit Bethlehem is of course, to see the birthplace of Jesus Christ at the Church of Nativity. From the moment the church opens each morning, people pour in from all over the world to pay their respects. While waiting in line, we heard people speaking Spanish, French, German, Chinese…
Be prepared to go right when the church opens. The Grotto of the Nativity, a cave which enshrines the exact location Jesus is said to have been born, is located within the church. A long line forms extremely quickly and you may find yourself waiting over 2 hours to enter the Grotto if you wait until late morning. The line dies down again in the evening.
According to tradition, this cave is where Joseph and Mary stopped to nurse the baby Jesus while while on the run from King Herod’s soldiers. As the story goes, a drop of Mary’s milk fell onto the stone, turning the rocks white.
Today people come to pay their respects to the mother Mary, especially new mothers or women wanting to conceive. Kneeling in the same spot they believed Mary nursed Jesus, they pray for conception, a healthy birth and enough milk to help their children grow.
Just a short walk from the Church of Nativity, the Milk Grotto is an easy walk past local shops to the top of the hill.
Along the way, you can stop for cold drinks and to chat with some of the shopkeepers. We met the kindest people in Bethlehem! At every turn people welcomed us with warm smiles and offered suggestions or help when we were lost. All the shopkeepers, taxi drivers and workers in the tourist hubs spoke excellent English.
A short distance from the town, you can explore the caves and field’s where the shepherd’s tended their flock during biblical times.
Archaeologists have discovered more than one possible site but many Christian’s believe this field to be the exact location where the shepherd’s received the news of Christ’s birth.
Suggested afternoon: Walk through the underground caves, visit the prayer sites, soak up the views of Bethlehem and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the field.
Taxi’s are a cheap and easy way to get around Bethlehem. If you don’t want to walk to Shepherd’s Field or King Solomon’s pools- you can easily find a taxi.
We hailed a cab and before getting in, offered the driver $10 to take us to Herodium and Shepherd’s Field. As our luck would have it, we happened to have the kindest and most enthusiastic taxi driver I’ve ever encounter. He happily shared all about his life in Palestine with us, played specialized music and narrated as we drove. As an extra stop, he even drove us right to the Israel/Palestine border so we could see firsthand what it looks like.
Pro tip: Confirm your price before getting in the taxi so they don’t overcharge you!
Locals were also very quick to offer help, point out directions or assist us if we were lost. What seemed like a daunting, difficult trip to plan without a tour guide, turned out to be quite easy! If we can do, you can do it!
Bethlehem is a relatively small town, it’s easy to see most of the sites in a single day. Some speedy travelers might even make a half day trip out of the city of Jerusalem to come see the town.
Recommended Trip Length: One day
Keep reading: WHAT TO WEAR IN THE HOLY LAND: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING FASHIONABLE AND COMFORTABLE
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When I first began researching where to stay in Jerusalem, I was recommended by several people through my Instagram to check out Cinema Hostel, a funky young cinema themed hostel built inside a classic cinema building. How cool is that?! Every room, hallway and common space is decorated with iconic Hollywood art/memorabilia. Aubrey Hepburn can be spotted more than a few times in the hostel’s bar and common area.
But the biggest reason we chose to stay here? Jerusalem is EXPENSIVE. In fact, Israel as a whole is the most expensive country I’ve traveled. Staying at a hostel greatly reduces your costs and allows you to save your money for experiences!
Jerusalem will defy your expectations at every turn. As the religious epicenter of the world, this ancient city is considered a holy city for Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Some of the most sacred places for each religion exist within this walled city, dating back to over 3,000 years ago.
Walking the streets of the Old City was like traveling back in time through the bible. But what was equally as magical about Jerusalem was the vibrant energy in modern cafes, trendy shops and hot spots for young locals and travelers alike. Jerusalem is a fascinating clash between the (very) old and the new.
Float in the Dead Sea, visit the crucifixion site of Jesus Christ, wander the streets of the Old City… there is so much to see that will not only shock your senses but delight you, perhaps even move you.
Israel is notoriously expensive, a hostel is a great way to cut costs and still stay in the heart of the city!
Located in near public transit, tons of restaurants, markets and within walking distance to the Old City- we found this hostel to be the ideal place to stay.
Every night, the movie theater comes back to life when the hostel screens a film in the common area. And the market just down the street is absolutely buzzing after hours! Street food, drinks, live music and intricate graffiti lines the walls of the Mahane Yehuda market. This place is a must-see in the evening!
The hostel is centrally located amidst the bustle of Jerusalem but is also a hub of activity itself. Schedule trips to the Dead Sea at the front desk or attend any of the daily activities happening around the hostel.
Read more about the events provided here.
If you’re able to visit Jerusalem during a warm season, take advantage of the many spacious rooftop bars around the city and specifically at the hostel itself! Parties and festivals are a common occurrence in the spring and summer and the terraces are the place to be.
Not all hostels serve breakfast. (And very few serve a good breakfast!!) But Cinema Hostel has a surprisingly healthy and fresh spread each day. Breakfast is served daily- eggs, hummus, fresh veggies, pita bread, cereal and more!
This unique 20’s style cocktail bar offers delicious Hollywood movie themed drinks and the chance to meet travelers from all over the world. On Tuesday evenings, be sure to check out the live band! And if you’re feeling social, hop on the pub crawl to experience Jerusalem’s nightlife.
Whether you want to book a tour or need help figuring out a bus route- the staff is more than happy to assist you. When I arrived at Cinema Hostel, I hadn’t planned much in advance.
However the staff was quick to offer some great recommendations- like a day trip to Bethlehem. An absolute must-see!
Thank you to Cinema Hostel for hosting me during my stay. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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Nubian Village in Egypt
If you’re heading to Egypt, there are plenty of excursions to go on, temples to visit and places to take pictures. Of course we knew the pyramids would be an awe-inspiring site and the crypts & tombs an eerie, historically fascinating tour. But what I didn’t expect, was to fall in love with a tiny little town which is only accessible by boat down the Nile River in Aswan. The Nubian Village in Egypt left us feeling totally enchanted!
Bright pink and baby blue colors wash over the small rounded buildings. While camels wearing bright, vibrant saddles decorated with playful tassels pass by, bringing guests from the shore into the village.
The day we went, it wasn’t too busy and the weather was ideal. Warm and sunny, we visited late in the afternoon and watched the sunset from the beach and boat as we returned back to our cruise ship.
Since we booked the experience with no prior knowledge about the village, we were pleasantly surprised to drink tea, get henna, shop, explore the brightly colored village and meet people.
While some of the sales tactics or experiences may be a little “toursity” (i.e holding a crocodile), we found the overall experience to be highly rewarding as we were able to talk and connect with many of the people living and working in the village.
Since Egypt heavily relies on tourism, it’s difficult to find experiences that aren’t partially catered to tourism. We treated these experiences as opportunities to connect with local Egyptians working in the tourism industry.
Details of your arrival might change depending on who you book the tour with, but if you do Tour Radar’s Essential Egypt Tour like we did, you will take two scenic boat rides to get reach the village.
First, you will ride on a felucca.
Feluccas are traditional wooden sailing ships that seat 10-12 people. With no motor and only the wind to guide the ships, it really feels as though you’ve traveled back in time.
If you can, I suggest sitting at the front or back and dangling your feet over the edge. There’s nothing quite like feeling the sun on your face, the breeze in your hair and your toes in the water as you sail down the Nile.
After the felucca, (again, depending on company you book with!) you will transfer over to a larger boat to continue the journey down the Nile.
Again, I suggest climbing up to the roof of this boat to sit for the best uninterrupted view. You’ll cruise past palm trees, villages and scenic beaches alike.
Talk about a way to make an entrance!!
When you disembark from the ship, you will find yourself on a beach filled with camels. A guide will take you over and help you get situated.
If you’ve never ridden a camel before- hold tight!! It feels as though you might be thrown off as the camels rock back and forth to stand up. Try to lean with the animal as it moves and make sure you have a strong grip and your feet in a solid position. And away you go!
As you enter the village, other people will be coming and going as occasional camels run past! If you’ve never seen a camel run before, it’s quite comical. Their lips swing back and forth and their big goofy smiles are shown! All while drooling immensely. We couldn’t stop laughing at the sight! We absolutely loved getting to spend time around these beautiful, goofy animals. Their height is so impressive and they are incredibly lovable.
Fortunately, our guide was patient and kind with our camels. I can’t deny I have mixed feelings about riding camels abroad because so often you see them mistreated, under fed and forced to carry a large burden.
As you arrive in the village, you will see a fun and beautiful array of colorful buildings. Pinks, blues and rainbows are everywhere you look!
Between the colorfully decorated camels and the homes- it’s quite the sight to see! And it’s certainly fun to photograph.
As you near the village, your guide will take you to the first stop- a Nubian home open to the public. Just as colorful on the inside as it is on the outside, this building is bursting with life.
Paintings line the walls and cooking utensils or instruments dangle from every bit of ceiling space. We were served tea and held the crocodiles they keep as pets.
My only complaint: The crocodiles are in very small cages and I am very bothered by animals having a low quality of life just so tourists can get a selfie with them 
The unethical treatment of animals is a heartbreaking reality in a lot of countries still.
Read: AN OPEN APOLOGY FOR USING UNETHICAL ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
While in the house, you’ll have the opportunity to get beautiful henna done! It was incredibly cheap and the women are such talented artists.
They will paint a wonderfully intricate design in a matter of minutes. It lasted for the rest of the trip and didn’t wash off until I was back home!
Aside from the Nubian house and camel rides, the village is mostly little market shops.
Be prepared to haggle– we paid less than half of what the original asking price was!
Our guide was the one who helped us haggle an appropriate price since I’ve never been great at haggling! I’m always too friendly and cave too quickly.
When vendors recognized us as Americans, they would assume we had more money and therefore drive up the price. Our guide frequently told us to say we were from the United Kingdom instead of the United States because of the perception held about US citizens by Egyptians.
So have fun shopping but don’t be afraid to haggle! If you stop by the beautiful spice stand, the kind gentleman we met was happy to explain in great detail (and with lots of enthusiasm!!) about each of the colored spices. Aren’t they beautiful?!
Although some of the Nubian village certainly exists for tourists, it is still a great opportunity to connect with people from other cultures and learn about a different way of life.
For instance, our camel guide was a delight! We asked him all about our camels, the Nubian village, and overall just had a great time talking with him.
Be curious, ask questions, show genuine interest in the people and you will have a fantastic time 
Now there are multiple ways you can book this excursion. Search on TripAdvisor, ask your guide or see if your Nile cruise offers it as an add on excursion.
If you have booked the “Essential Egypt” trip with TourRadar like I did, it will only be a $40 add on. Other companies charge $70 or more.
As the sun began to set and we caught the boat back to our ship, our hearts were so full from the wonderful interactions we had at this Nubian village. Were parts a bit touristy? Perhaps, yes. But the people were genuine and we had a great day with our guide exploring this little village.
Joyful and memorable, this was one of our favorite days in Egypt. I highly recommend it.
As always, feel free to reach out with any questions in the comments below!
I booked the Essential Egypt tour with TourRadar. The Nubian Village in Egypt visit was included in my package. You can search the tours here.
The post Visiting the Colorful, Enchanting Nubian Village in Egypt appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.
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Egypt things to know before you go
Walking the path of the great Pharaohs and ancient Egyptians has enticed travelers to Egypt for literally thousands of years.
In today’s world, traveling to Egypt can seem daunting to people who haven’t traveled to the Middle East or Africa before.
With Egypt constantly being misrepresented in the media, it’s best to take advice from someone who has actually been there and can speak from experience.
Historic, fascinating and full of adventure- Egypt is not to be missed but there are a few things to know before you go.
Crime rates in Egypt are actually quite low. There is far less gun violence, murders, rapes, violent crimes and drug use than compared to the United States. You can see the crime rates compared here.
So chances are you will actually be more safe traveling to Egypt than in many Western cities
Egyptians are friendly, polite and extremely helpful to tourists!
They will go out of their way to make sure tourists have a positive experience in their country.
Tipping is common and expected so be prepared to spend a little more money than you originally budgeted.
Whether it’s your driver, the person who helps you with your luggage or a local offering to take your photo- people will frequently expect a tip.
At tourist attractions, locals will approach you and share information or give you advice. You might not realize until afterwards that they expect to be tipped.
Be prepared with small bills and just say no to anything you aren’t willing to pay for.
Worried about phone usage and data abroad? Check with your phone provider ahead of time if you will have access to data or international texting.
It can feel scary to be in a foreign country and not feel like you could call for help or use GPS to find your way when you are lost.
Most likely, you won’t have coverage or if you do, it will be expensive or poor quality. You can always buy a SIM card in Egypt for cheap. This will give you a different phone number while the chip is in but will give you data, text and calls. I recommend the company Orange. You will be able to find them all over Egypt and it costs next to nothing.
If you are traveling with a guided tour, the WiFi in your accommodation should be plenty since you will be picked up, dropped off and taken everywhere by your guide.
But if you are traveling around on your own- you might want data to call an Uber or use Google Maps.
Pro tip for Egypt: Before you go, always have your hotel’s address written down and physically with you so you know you can get back if your phone dies or you lose data. That way you can just hand the slip of paper to a taxi driver!
Taxi drivers will hike their prices for tourists so if you must take a taxi, try to set the price ahead of time.
I was warned against taking a taxi by locals but once I found myself with no other option. It was confusing, the driver didn’t know the location of the hotel, he brought me to the wrong address AND it wasn’t nearly as cheap.
Uber on the other hand was much easier! I frequently rode on the back of a scooter and the ride cost me a whopping $1!
Don’t want to ride a scooter? No problem, ordering a car is equally as cheap. I typically spent $3-$5 on Uber rides across town.
While Uber is your best option for getting around, still allow plenty of extra time when going places.
Uber drivers in Egypt will frequently not use the maps and still get lost.
The traffic is insane in Cairo and Alexandria and it won’t always give you an accurate arrival time based on traffic.
Just allow more time to arrive places if you’re travelling yourself!
Traffic laws seem to be merely a suggestion and stop signs are simply decoration.
Get ready for some crazy driving. No one pays attention to lanes and absolutely NO ONE uses their blinker. Every time you get in the car, easily a thousand traffic laws will be broken.
I once had a driver literally drive the wrong way down a one-way into oncoming traffic because it was supposedly quicker. I was panicking in the back seat while we played this game of chicken.
Traveling on a budget? There are nice clean hostels you can stay at for $10-$15 a night.
I personally have stayed at the Valencia in Cairo. They provide an awesome breakfast every morning and I met loads of other young travelers.
It was clean and located in the heart of Cairo. The neighborhood wasn’t the cleanest but the hostel itself was clean and I felt extremely safe.
Try to view it as part of the experience and don’t let it frustrate you too much!
Especially at the tourist locations, you will be stopped constantly. People will want to sell you things everywhere you go.
It can get exhausting and make it very difficult to actually do any shopping because simply walking around casually and browsing is difficult with so many people trying to get you into their shop.
After Egypt, I flew home to Minnesota for Christmas and it felt so strange to do my holiday shopping and NOT be hassled. Quietly strolling through a mall with no one bothering me has felt like such a luxury since being back, ha!
So chalk it all up to experience and learning about a culture different than your own! Haggling for sales in the market can actually be quite fun!
Especially if you are blonde, fair skinned, tall or dressed up- expect to be stopped for pictures!
Often times we were completely swarmed by young school groups who were touring the Pyramids or temples. The children would crowd around us with their phones out and one by one, come forward to get their picture with us.
But it wasn’t just the kids! Adults would ask for pictures everywhere we went too. Uber drivers, restaurant servers, and tour guides all wanted pictures with us.
Sometimes people were too shy to ask for a photo and we would see them sneakily taking pictures of us from a distance.
While some people might find this invasive, it was quite harmless. We found it fun to connect with people! They were fascinated by my friend’s blonde hair and aren’t accustomed to seeing people who look like us.
I am very much a feminist and believe women can and should wear whatever they want. But when it comes to respecting other cultures, it’s better to dress appropriately for the situation
After all, you are a guest in another country. Wearing skimpy clothes while traveling in predominantly Muslim countries will not only attract unwanted attention, it will also make the locals feel uncomfortable.
It’s best to dress in a way that will make you and everyone else feel comfortable
You can check out my shopping guide for Egypt here.
Pro tip: Allow time on your first day to go to market and buy some of the local fashions! It’s more fun to travel and wear culturally appropriate clothing and local styles. Plus your travel pictures will turn out much nicer! Pictures wearing locally bought Egyptian clothing will be much more visually stunning than if you just wear the same t-shirt and jeans you always wear at home!
The culture is different here. I’m glad I saw and experienced this but it’s good to be prepared.
Ladies, just be ready. Cat calling, staring, flirtatious remarks and really forward flirting are very common in Egypt.
Especially when we dressed nicely or put on makeup, we were constantly asked if we had boyfriends, told we were “so beautiful” and cat called walking down the street.
If you’ve been to Italy, it is similar. But even worse. The men are just a lot more forward.
This is probably my top tip for things to know before you go to Egypt! If you’re not expecting it, it can be a real culture shock.
Especially in Luxor and Aswan the horses are uncomfortably skinny. Horse drawn carriages are everywhere and these animals look like they haven’t had a proper meal in years. Their ribs will be sticking out and their fur might be patchy. (Please never ride in a horse-drawn carriage in Egypt!!)
Street dogs and cats will be friendly but often look very underfed as well. If you’re animal lover, just be prepared. And maybe give any leftovers to the animals after your meal 
And please consider donating to the Brooke Charity before or after your trip. They do INCREDIBLE work in Egypt to help the many suffering donkeys and horses.
Before you go, it’s important to know that in Egypt if you book a 5 star cruise or 5 star luxury train ride, the quality isn’t being judged on an international scale.
While we had an absolute blast on our “5 star luxury” excursions, it’s good to have a realistic expectations. I imagine guests might complain from time to time, but do we really travel to get the exact same experiences we could get at home?
The train ride and Nile cruise were two of our favorite things but most countries wouldn’t have considered them 5 star quality.
Learning how different countries vary in train travel or boat luxuries is all part of the cultural exchange.
Read: WHAT TO EXPECT ON A NILE RIVER CRUISE IN EGYPT
That being said, there are definitely true 5 star places like this hotel in Cairo or the famous hotel where Agatha Christie wrote “Death on the Nile” in Aswan.
@thewanderlustrose Where Agatha Christie wrote the book
♬ Little Things – Adrian Berenguer
Bottled water will be cheap, don’t risk getting sick! I always travel with Imodium just in case.
You can also travel with a filter and reusable bottle to cut down on plastic.
If you book a tour that offers upgrades, I suggest booking these upgrades before arriving in Egypt. It got very confusing when we were trying to pay in multiple currencies for multiple people. And if we paid with a card (which wasn’t always an option) there was a fee attached.
It would have been much easier if we had decided ahead of time and just paid online before arriving in Egypt.
You will be expected to tip a lot and not every taxi driver or shop merchant will give you change. It’s simply easier to have small bills with you.
Everything is cheap in Egypt so you’ll want to be able to pay for things without asking for a lot of change back. See if your hotel can break your large bills!
Some tours don’t include the cost of the museum entrance fees. You will be expected to pay them in cash on arrival.
Some tours include all your meals while some only include half. Just be sure to factor in any additional costs before leaving!
A good rule of thumb is to pack half as much clothing and twice as much money as you think you’ll need!
Traveling a country that is SO different than our own can be very enlightening.
Egypt is a beautiful country with such rich history- it’s a shame more people don’t visit. It is rewarding, challenging, exciting and will give you enough travel stories to share for years to come.
Yes there are some things to know before you go to Egypt but if you’re prepared and informed, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime!
More on Egypt + Things To Know Before You Go?
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