I live in Egypt, but people rarely ask me about the ancient history, the incredible diving, or the rich culture. Instead, the question I’m asked most—by even very experienced travelers—is some variation of “Is it safe?”
Bridging North Africa and the Middle East, Egypt has long been a bucket list destination for adventurers who want to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the expansive Sahara Desert. It’s a region, however clichéd this may sound, that is truly packed with off-the-beaten-path excitement.
However, from a geopolitical standpoint, it’s hard to look at a map of Egypt and ignore the wider continental narrative. To the northeast lies the Gaza Strip, while to the south is Sudan—both mired in bloody conflict and humanitarian crises.
The Middle East and North Africa, often referred to as MENA in the travel industry, is a true smorgasbord of color, sounds, flavors, and dialects. But it’s also long been viewed through a lens of instability, driven by a media narrative emphasizing conflict.
