Travel habits within Egypt are shifting in noticeable and meaningful ways.
For many years, domestic tourism largely revolved around well-established destinations such as Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Alexandria. These places were popular for their beaches, resorts, and familiar appeal. However, recent trends show that more and more people are increasingly seeking new experiences, different environments, and less conventional destinations within the country.
“I chose this trip mainly because it is in Upper Egypt. I love everything about Upper Egypt – how much calmer and softer it is, with quite different vibes from the cities,” said Nassamat Labib, an ophthalmologist at the New Medical Centre in Alexandria.
Labib chose to travel to Nubia with a group of women who had been planning the trip for some time alongside a travel adviser. They wanted to discover the unique culture and traditions of Nubia, located in the southern part of the country.
“We have often visited Aswan and Luxor for the temples and monuments, but now we want to immerse ourselves in the magnificent Nubian culture, which is rich and well worth visiting, from its fascinating history to its physical traits and cultural manifestations.”
It is not the first time that Labib has travelled to Upper Egypt beyond Luxor and Aswan. Ten years ago, she went on a trip with her family to Minya and Beni Sueif. “It was a totally different experience. I remember it was one of the earliest trips to these places, but we enjoyed it so much,” she said.
Labib recalls her visit to Minya, a hidden gem of Upper Egypt, where she experienced a blend of history and local charm. Situated along the Nile in Middle Egypt, Minya is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. It features significant archaeological sites such as Tal Al-Amarna, being the ruins and tombs of the ancient city of Akhenaten, and the Beni Hassan tombs, dating back to the Old and Middle Kingdoms.
Nowadays, there has been a noticeable shift in many people’s travel preferences, especially when it comes to domestic destinations.
“In the past, everyone preferred going to well-known places like Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea resorts, or Cairo. But nowadays, people want to explore different places and experience something completely new,” said Amany Al-Sahn, a travel guide.
“Five years ago, a trip to Luxor and Aswan would normally cost between LE7,000 and LE10,000. Today, it could exceed LE20,000 per person.”
Such costs can be overwhelming for families. A family of five, for example, could end up paying more than LE100,000 for a local trip.
Al-Sahn believes that destinations such as Nubia, Siwa, and Saint Catherine’s are becoming more attractive due to their relatively lower costs and the unique experiences they offer.
“Egypt is full of incredible sights and layers of history. Everywhere you go, there is a story waiting to be discovered,” she said. “I am happy that many travel guides, including myself, are now introducing new destinations for people to explore.”
Al-Sahn also organises trips to Port Said, Ismailia, and Damietta, offering travellers opportunities to experience different activities and discover lesser-known cities.
“It is a chance for Egyptians to become more familiar with their country, experience new moments, and dive into the stories behind each place,” she added.
On another note, Zeina Lashin, a traveller and influencer, said she had recently returned from Saint Catherine’s, where she was captivated by the beauty of nature.
“I went on a trip with my friends to Dahab and Saint Catherine’s. Although it was not my first time visiting Dahab, I never get bored of it. It is such a clean, eco-friendly city,” she said. “Whenever I go there, it feels like home – a low-key, nature-focused getaway, unlike the more luxurious resorts in Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.”
However, it was her first time visiting Saint Catherine’s and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
The Saint Catherine Mountain, the highest peak in Egypt at 2,639 metres, offers a more challenging full-day or multi-day trek compared to Mount Sinai. Trails in Wadi Talah and the hidden gardens behind the mountains are known for their orchards and unique rock formations, managed by the Jebaliya Bedouin tribe.
“It was one of the greatest hikes I have ever done — new terrain, colours, rock formations, small water streams, and green valleys,” Lashin said.
Saleh Awad, administrator of the Friends of Saint Catherine’s online group, described the experience as unmatched.
“Saint Catherine’s is on another level of beauty and adventure. It is a mixture of spiritual charm and nature at its best. You feel as if you are in a holy land, where the atmosphere is overwhelming,” he said.
He added that during the winter, the snow transforms the landscape into a calm and pure scene, softening every rock and path.
“The silence feels deeper, the air fresher, and each step becomes more meaningful, creating a rare and memorable experience for everyone who witnesses it,” he concluded.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 16 April, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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