Resources & References: Valley Of The Kings

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

Google Maps:
For navigation. Download offline maps for Luxor and West Bank.
Google Translate:
For language translation. Download Arabic pack for offline use.
Uber/Careem:
For taxi services; these apps display transparent pricing.
XE Currency Converter:
For quick exchange rate checks.
Your Banking App:
For monitoring transactions and travel notifications.

Useful Websites

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism:
For official information on sites, opening hours, and ticket prices.
Travel Advisories:
From your home country's government (e.g., U.S. Department of State, UK FCDO) for current safety information.
Reputable Travel Blogs/Forums:
For recent traveler experiences and tips; search for Luxor-specific discussions.
Social Media Accounts:
Official tourism accounts for Egypt or Luxor can convey updates and inspiration.
Podcasts/Digital Content:
About the destination can give background information.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

Seek updated travel guides specific to Egypt or Luxor. A physical map of Luxor and the West Bank can be advantageous for planning and orientation.

Books About Luxor

History: "The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt" by Toby Wilkinson provides historical context.

Fiction & Culture

Fiction: "River God" by Wilbur Smith, set in ancient Egypt. Look for books on Egyptian society to gain cultural insight.

Emergency & Medical

Emergency Contacts

Police (Tourism Police): 126
Ambulance: 123
General Police: 122
Fire: 180

Health & Security

Hospital/clinic locations: Ask your hotel for a reputable private facility.
Embassy/consulate: Locate your country's embassy in Cairo, keep contacts readily available.
Register your trip with your embassy/consulate if offered (e.g., Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for US citizens).
Lost/Stolen passports: Report to local police immediately; contact your embassy for an emergency travel document.

Important Travel Advisories

Security Information

Advisory Checks

Consult home country government travel advisories for current safety information.
Stay informed about local conditions.
Follow all local directives from authorities.
General awareness is prudent during your stay.

Personal Safety

Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially during evening hours.
Maintain situational awareness in crowded places.
Protect personal belongings against pickpocketing.
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.

Local Interactions

Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Politely decline and move away from persistent touts.
Confirm prices before services to avoid misunderstandings.
Trust your instincts in all situations.

Health & Well-being

Medical Preparedness

Consult a travel health professional for recommended vaccinations.
Carry personal medications in their original packaging with prescriptions.
Pack a basic first-aid kit.

During Your Visit

Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat for sun protection.

Responsible Conduct

Environmental Considerations

Minimize plastic waste; use a reusable water bottle.
Conserve water and energy in accommodations.
Dispose of waste properly.

Cultural Sensitivity

Dress modestly, especially at religious sites and in local communities.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Be polite and patient in all interactions.

Lost Document Procedures

Immediate Actions

Report lost or stolen passports to local police immediately.
Obtain a police report documenting the loss.
Contact your country's embassy or consulate for aid.
Arrange for an emergency travel document.
Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents separate from originals.

Preparation & Prevention

Scan important documents (passport, visa, tickets) and save them to a secure cloud.
Email copies to yourself.
Carry physical copies separately from originals.
Record embassy contact details.
Leave a copy of critical documents with a trusted person at home.

Getting Ready Checklist

Timeline Overview

Plan well in advance for a smoother journey.

Booking Essentials

Secure major flights, cruises, and popular hotels early.

Document Readiness

Passport validity and visa applications are main concerns.

Emergency Contact Reminder

Before departure, save all important phone numbers (hotel, guide, embassy) in your phone and on a separate piece of paper.

Additional Planning Points

In-depth Preparation

Accommodation & Guides

Remaining Accommodations:
Book internal travel and lodging.
Private Tours/Guides:
Arrange services as desired for your trip.
Special Tomb Tickets:
Confirm access for Seti I or Tutankhamun.

Financial & Tech Readiness

Bank Notifications:
Notify bank and credit card companies of travel plans.
Charge Electronics:
Ensure all devices are fully charged.
Offline Access:
Download offline maps and translation packs for your apps.

Before Departure

Last-Minute Checks

Print and save digital copies of all reservations, your passport, visa, and insurance documents. Organize them in a travel wallet or folder for easy access.

Home Security

Arrange pet care, hold mail delivery, notify trusted neighbors of your travel dates, and secure your home.

Packing Essentials

Finalize packing, including medications and your first-aid kit. Consider any last-minute additions.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps

If you qualify for a visa on arrival, purchase your visa sticker from the bank kiosk before immigration.
Go through immigration and customs procedures.
Exchange a small amount of currency or use an ATM for Egyptian Pounds.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport for easy communication.

Settling In

Locate your pre-arranged transport or negotiate your taxi fare to your accommodation.
Obtain a map, either a physical copy or on your phone.
Locate your hotel and the nearest ATM.
Take a moment to understand your immediate surroundings.

Departure Preparation

Final Details

Be mindful of luggage weight limits for your return flight.
Understand customs regulations for your home country regarding items you can bring back.
Shipping items from Egypt can be expensive and time-consuming, so plan accordingly.
Egypt does not currently have a widely implemented VAT refund system for tourists.

Travel Day Advice

Arrive early for flights: 2-3 hours for international departures, and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
For trains or buses, arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.
Confirm your flight details.
Pack essentials for your travel day, and keep your passport and tickets easily accessible.

Document Backup

Digital copies of your passport, visa, and flight tickets stored in a secure cloud service and emailed to yourself aid if physical documents are lost.

Resources & References