You’re surrounded by loud warnings and announcements over the PA system.

Between babies crying and the constant beeping golf carts that slowly pass by, you're all settled at your gate as you sit uncomfortably in a chair at the airport.

Your phone battery is at 7%.

You've already looked at every expensive item in the duty-free shop…twice.

The thought of spending the next 30 hours in this brightly-lit waiting area is agitating and makes you wish you had something - anything - to do until your next flight.

What if I told you that you could turn your boring extended layover into an exciting adventure?

Believe me, it’s possible.

In fact, it’s exactly what I did during a 30-hour layover in Egypt and I couldn’t believe how easy, exciting, and EVENTFUL it all was!

This beautiful country is rich in history, culture, and excitement.

Instead of staring at the airport ceiling, why not go out and have an unbelievable and energizing experience exploring the wonders of Cairo and Giza?

Here are four must-do activities that will make the most of your layover.

1. Discover the Wonders of Giza

One of the highlights of my layover was visiting the Giza Pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

During my tour, I learned about the rich history of these wonders. I learned about:

• The Step Pyramid of Saqqara: This was the first pyramid ever built during the Third Dynasty. It served as a model for later pyramids, including the famous ones in Giza.

• The Great Pyramid of Khufu: Standing at 147 meters tall, this pyramid was constructed over 20 years by 100,000 workers. It’s a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Egyptians.

• The Sphinx: This iconic statue, with the body of a lion and a human head, is considered the guardian of the pyramids and symbolizes power and wisdom.

2. Thrilling ATV Rides in the Desert

Before heading to the pyramids, I had an exhilarating experience riding an ATV through the desert.

• Safety First: My tour guide trained me by having me ride as a passenger with him first. This helped me learn how to handle the ATV and also helped me get comfortable with it.

• Feel the Freedom: Once I got the hang of it, I was able to ride solo, letting loose and enjoying the stunning desert landscape.

The thrill of speeding across the sandy terrain while soaking in the views was unforgettable!

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3. Shopping for Local Treasures

After my ATV adventure, we visited a local shop that sold beautiful natural oils and unique glass oil lamps.

Did I mention these glass oil lamps were handmade?? They were stunning!

I bought one lamp and several bottles of oil because the smells were so pleasant to my nose!

Authentic Souvenirs

When shopping in Egypt, I recommend choosing authentic souvenirs that reflect the country's rich culture and heritage.

Look for handmade crafts and local products to take home, such as intricately designed papyrus paintings, hand-blown glassware, or beautifully embroidered textiles.

Not only will you be giving a heartfelt gift to your loved ones, but you'll also be helping the local merchants earn a living and preserve their traditional crafts.

Local Markets

Explore the bustling local markets, such as Khan el-Khalili in Cairo or the souks in Luxor, to discover unique and authentic shopping experiences.

Wander through the narrow alleys and stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the market.

Be prepared to haggle back and forth and negotiate prices, because it’s expected. It's all part of the fun and tradition of shopping in Egypt.

Supporting Local Artisans

Consider visiting local artisan workshops or cooperatives, where you can see craftsmen at work and purchase their products directly.

This not only ensures that your money goes directly to the artisans, but you'll also have the opportunity to learn about their craft and the stories behind their products.

Egyptian Delicacies

Don't forget to try some of Egypt's delicious local delicacies, such as dates, nuts, and spices, which make great gifts or souvenirs.

Visit a local spice market or a traditional coffee shop to sample some of the country's famous coffee and tea blends.

Bargaining Tips

While in the taxi, I asked my driver how to speak some basic Arabic phrases, such as "hello" (مرحبا - Marhaba) and "thank you" (شكرا - Shukraan), to show respect and appreciation. As you can see in the video, I tried to pin the pronunciation as best as possible.

As I mentioned above, going back and forth with price negotiations is expected, just remember to be kind and respectful. Also, don’t feel obligated to commit to a price that you are uncomfortable with.

“No” is a universal word understood in almost every language.

4. Enjoying a Dinner Cruise on the Nile

To wrap up my day, I joined a dinner cruise on the Nile River aboard the ship named Andrea.

Honestly, I couldn’t believe that I was about to have dinner atop the same river that was quite infamous in the bible.

I was fortunate to meet other American travelers, making the evening even more enjoyable.

And the cruise featured a DJ, live music, and performances, including a mesmerizing belly dancer.

Dancing and singing along with fellow passengers made for a memorable night on the Nile!

Afterwards, we ended the evening with a late night stop at Cairo Festival City Mall to watch the fountain lights. ⛲️😍

Maximizing Your Layover in Egypt

So how was I able to do all of this in a day? 😏

I was able to schedule all of this for $30 USD with my tour guide, Mahmoud via Airbnb! 🙌🏽

My 30-hour layover in Egypt was packed with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences because I chose to think outside the box and do something different.

From exploring the ancient pyramids to enjoying a lively dinner cruise, I made the most of my time in this incredible country and I would do it over and over again.

Tips for Your Layover:

• Plan Ahead: Research activities and book a local guide in advance.

• Stay Hydrated: The desert can be hot, so carry water with you.

• Be Open to New Experiences: Embrace the culture and meet new people!

I hope my journey inspires you to make the most of your extended layover, friend.

Til next time… 😘