A Tour of Egypt 55Tourist travel into certain areas of the country
(specifically, Middle Egypt) still requires extra caution. The
government continues to prefer that Westerners, especially
Americans, stay out of Middle Egypt. If you plan to travel
to this area, it is prudent to seek advice from your local
embassy, licensed tour operators, and/or tourist police
authorities responsible for the area. Following events in
Luxor, standard security measures for tourist groups at all
tourist sites have been increased and will likely remain so
in the foreseeable future. As always, check for government
warnings and advisories to determine relative risks before
travelling to the area. Any number of factors not directly
related to events in Egypt can make travel to the area
unadvisable.
As a side note, I would feel remiss if I did not point
out that travel within Egypt, even given the most recent
drastic events, presents less hazard based on statistical
probability of experiencing a violent event, than living
in most major US cities. I say this not to diminish the
importance and horror associated with the recent attacks
or the attack in Luxor. It is only presented as a reminder to
look at real events and occurrences rather than responding
emotionally to the unknown. In March 2006, I took a
‘classical’ tour beginning in Cairo, travelling by train to
Aswan, cruise boat to Luxor, and returning to Cairo by air.
In the intervening 15 days, I felt welcomed. At no time did
I feel, in any way, threatened or unsafe. I did not find the
security overwhelming or stifling, but clearly present. As in
any potentially risky situation, keep your antennae tuned,
constantly monitor the situation and maintain situational
awareness to give yourself a greater probability of a safe
journey. Or, as my sister reminds me, “Keep your ears up
and your head down.”
Another reminder—it is always a good idea to keep vigil
on international events when living or travelling abroad.
For current information and links, check the US Department
of State site at:
http://www.state.gov/travel/