20 Things to Know When Visiting Egypt for the First Time

Egypt is growing in popularity among travelers and it isn't hard to see why. With tons of sought after destinations and an increasing number of vacation packages for visitors, the stunning country has something for everyone. But for those that have never visited before, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Egypt requires every traveler entering the country to have a visa. Most tour companies will provide this for you, meeting you as soon as you step off the plane, even. But if yours doesn't, or if you're traveling without a group, you can apply for this before arriving in the country online.

While waiting for everyone to get their checked bags, a special screening will be taking place for the charter bus you'll be riding on. Bomb-detecting dogs and police officers will inspect the bus to make sure there's nothing suspicious on board. This is a standard procedure, so there is no reason to be alarmed. Depending on how many tour groups arrive at the same time as yours, you may have to wait in the airport for a bit until your charter bus is cleared.

As an added security precaution, you and your luggage will need to go through a metal detector and screening process when first entering your hotel. After this, you'll be allowed to go up to the main desk to check in. Be sure to have your passport ready because they will need to make a copy of this for their records.

Egypt gets hot-most of the country is in a desert after all. This means that the cooler times of the year-December and January-are normally the peak months for tourists. However, anytime between October and April generally has much more bearable temperatures, so if possible, try to schedule your trip during one of these months while avoiding December and January. I went during mid-November and although some sites were already getting crowded, it was fairly easy to see everything without experiencing the extreme heat or tourist crowds.

The morning is the best time to see many of the sites, especially the Valley of the Kings. Plan to visit most attractions as soon as they open, even if that means waking up before 6:00 am. Trust me-you don't want to be walking into the tombs once it gets too hot or once the crowds really start pouring in.

If you venture outside of major cities, you will see poverty. Even in Cairo, you will probably see areas of town that look almost dilapidated with people living there. In rural areas, many people-and especially children-will approach you for money or food.

Many vendors expect to be tipped after service. If you are traveling in a group, make sure to discuss the process of tipping with your guide, whether you should tip as you go or if there will be an envelope at the end of your trip to tip everyone at once. Your guide will also be the person to talk to about the recommended amount to tip each person.

There are a few locations-like the Temple of Edfu and in the city of Luxor-where horse-drawn carriage rides are popular. If your tour group arranges these for you, make sure your travel guide lets your driver know who will be tipping them.

The unfinished buildings were perhaps most noticeable along our Nile River cruise. It was odd to see so many structures where the top floors had not yet been completed, but people were living in them. After asking why this was, our guide informed us that the building owners do not have to pay taxes on the building until the building is completed. Therefore, many people would build a four-story building, with the intent of only finishing the first two stories. That way they can bypass having to pay property taxes.

From the markets in Cairo to street vendors outside of temples, there are a lot of merchants who will want to sell you something. You'll even come across merchants during your cruise that will try and sell you something. You should never pay full price for anything. Even in brick-and-mortar stores, it was common to see someone negotiating the price.

This land is full of history and many popular tourist attractions have been restored to show as much of their former glory as possible. But this also means that modern-day conveniences-like handrails and ramps-are normally lacking. Many pathways are cobblestone and it is important to watch your step so you don't fall or twist your ankle.

Although Egypt is a Muslim country, many tourist hotspots-like Nile cruises and restaurants that cater to large groups-normally have alcohol. However, it is generally a limited selection consisting of one or two local beers, one red wine or one white wine.

I was very surprised to find a lack of coffee available. Of course, this also depends on where you are traveling in Egypt and if you are on a Nile cruise. Our ship offered only Nescafe in the morning, but they did have espresso/cappuccinos in the afternoon.

The most important thing to remember is to wear light, breathable clothes as it can get very hot during the day and you don't want to overheat. It is respectful to dress modestly-not wearing any spaghetti strap tank tops or overly short shorts. It's not uncommon for most tourist areas to be filled with people wearing shorts and t-shirts.

It's also advised to not wear any turbans that may be offered to you if you choose to go on a camel ride, ensuring that you don't get lice.

The Pyramids of Giza do indeed have a closing time. Security patrols the areas and will make everyone leave by a certain time in the late afternoon. But, you do have the option to come back for a light show once it gets dark out.

It seems like everywhere you go there is someone trying to sell you something. Sometimes, they can even get pretty aggressive. If you don't want to buy anything, don't make eye contact.

Unless you are a very experienced driver, and someone who knows Arabic, I would highly encourage you not to drive here. Especially in Cairo, the main highways were packed with cars that would cut in front of one another. And since there were no real lanes, it looked as though everything was just a free-for-all as to who had the right of way.

Egypt has a special police team that serves as tourist police. Oftentimes you won't even know they are with your group. But, they're very helpful in getting charter buses through high-traffic areas and talking to guards at security checkpoints, along with being alert for anything out of the ordinary.

It sounds weird-a light show at a temple? It almost seems too theme-park style. However, it's actually very informative and gives guests a chance to visit the temple at night, under the stars.

For many temples and attractions, you will need to pay extra to take pictures. And there will be people checking your ticket, so don't try to bypass this. If you're caught, you'll most likely need to delete your pictures and you may even need to pay a fine.

I think it's worth the extra money to take pictures in the Valley of the Kings. Even though you are walking down these long tunnels, they are lit well enough and you'll get some great shots of hieroglyphs that still have the paint on them. You're just not allowed to use your flash.

There is a security checkpoint as soon as you enter the airport, before even checking in for your flight. It is required that everyone must go through this. At some airports, you will be required to also go through a second security checkpoint after checking in to your flight. Here you may also be asked to write down your name, passport number and country of residence with one of the guards. Just keep in mind, all this added security is for your benefit.