I (25F) took my dad (60M) to Egypt and Morocco

I (25F) took my dad (60M) to Egypt and Morocco. We were originally supposed to go in April/May 2024, but I wanted to go sooner. I moved up the trip for a week in February/March 2024. We had a great time. I thought I'd share a little about our experience. I apologize in advance because it's a little long. I could've made it shorter, but I wanted to include some tips and recommendations.<br><br><br>### Egypt<br><br>We flew from the US to Cairo. We were greeted in the airport by a tour guide, and we got our visas and were escorted through customs. The visa process is usually super easy, but we had to wait a while for the visas. The customs process was also very easy with a tour guide.<br><br><br>We were taken to our hotel in Giza. We spent the first day in Cairo. We had a tour guide, and he took us to the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Cairo (including the Alabaster Mosque, the Qobbat al-Khadra (the Green Dome), the Gawhar El-Lakham (the Jewel), the Mosque of Suleiman Pasha, and the Al-Gawhara Palace Museum), and Khan el-Khalili. We also bought some old Egyptian coins and a few other souvenirs.<br><br><br>The next day, we went to the Pyramids of Giza. We spent a good amount of time walking around and exploring. I rode a camel, and my dad walked around while I was riding the camel. We also bought some more souvenirs from the vendors in the area. <br><br><br>After visiting the Pyramids, we flew to Luxor. We were in Luxor for a few days. We visited the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Luxor Temple. We also spent time on a Nile River cruise, which was great. <br><br><br>One of the days, we got on a hot air balloon and flew over Luxor. We could see all of the temples and tombs from above, and it was a really unique perspective. The hot air balloon ride was also a great way to see the sunrise. We were both a little nervous at first because neither of us had been on a hot air balloon before, but it was one of my favorite parts of the trip.<br><br><br>We spent some time on a felucca boat. I recommend going on a felucca boat if you get the chance. It was a really nice way to relax and see the island from a different perspective.<br><br><br>We also visited Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel was really interesting. The temples were built by Ramses II, and it was really impressive. <br><br><br>We ended our time in Egypt in Alexandria. We spent time at the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Library of Alexandria. I was disappointed that the Citadel of Qaitbay was so commercialized, but the Library of Alexandria was great. <br><br><br>Overall, I really loved Egypt. I think I would've enjoyed it more if I had done better research beforehand. I will know what to expect next time.<br><br><br>### Morocco<br><br>After Egypt, we went to Morocco. We were in Marrakech for a few days. I really liked Marrakech, but I could see how it would be overwhelming for some people. We walked around the city, and we visited the Bahia Palace. We also spent time at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and we explored the souks. <br><br><br>We spent time in Essaouira. Essaouira was really beautiful. We walked around the Medina, and we spent time at the beach. <br><br><br>After Essaouira, we visited Fez. Fez was very historically interesting. We spent time at the Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa. We also visited the Dar Batha Museum and the Mellah. <br><br><br>After Fez, we went to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen was the most interesting place we visited in Morocco. We spent time walking around the city and exploring. We visited the Chefchaouen Medina. <br><br><br>The last few days, we were in Casablanca and Rabat. In Casablanca, we visited the Hassan II Mosque, and in Rabat, we visited the Kasbah of the Udayas. <br><br><br>Overall, I really enjoyed Morocco. There's a lot to see and do, and it's very easy to get around.<br><br><br>### Advice and Recommendations<br><br>* If you're visiting both Egypt and Morocco, do it in this order. Cairo is closest to the US, and Casablanca is the closest large city to Europe. This will save you a lot of time on your flights.<br>* If you're flying from Egypt to Morocco, fly from Cairo to Fez. Fez is the closest large airport to Casablanca.<br>* I recommend staying in Giza for your time in Cairo. Giza is very close to Cairo, and it's a much more relaxing place to stay.<br>* When you visit the Pyramids, make sure to spend at least a few hours there. There's a lot to take in, and it's a lot more interesting than you would expect.<br>* Do not ride a camel unless you have already negotiated a price. We paid $15 for a short camel ride. The man asked for $50, which was ridiculous. I would recommend offering $10-$20 and negotiating from there.<br>* If you're visiting the Pyramids, make sure to buy some souvenirs from the vendors. These men and boys are very poor and make very little money. I bought a few things, and then I gave them some more money because I wanted them to have something to eat.<br>* Luxor Temple at night is a great place to spend time. It's very beautiful, and there's usually music and dancing.<br>* If you go to Egypt, you need to ride a felucca boat. It's a great way to relax and see the city from a different perspective. These boats are also great for photos.<br>* Abu Simbel is a must-see. It's an all-day trip, but it's well worth it.<br>* If you go to Marrakech, you need to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It's very interesting, and it's a great place for photos.<br>* I recommend spending time in Essaouira. It's very beautiful, and the people are very nice.<br>* I recommend visiting the Bahia Palace in Marrakech. It's a great place to learn some history and take some photos.<br>* Chefchaouen was my favorite city in Morocco. It's very interesting, and it's a great place for photos. The people are also very nice.<br>* If you're visiting Casablanca, make sure to visit the Hassan II Mosque. It's very beautiful, and it's an interesting cultural experience.<br>* Morocco is a great place for photos. There are so many interesting things to see, and the landscape is so unique. Don't be afraid to take photos of anything that's interesting.<br>* I recommend buying some local souvenirs, especially in Morocco. There are so many beautiful handmade items, and you can get them for low prices. I bought a really nice handmade carpet for $100.<br>* I recommend tipping your tour guides and drivers. Many people in Egypt and Morocco get paid very low wages, so they rely on tips. I recommend tipping $20-$50 for your tour guides and drivers.<br><br>Overall, both Egypt and Morocco are great places to visit. They're very historically interesting, and the landscapes are unique. I would recommend that anyone who's interested in history or travel visit these countries.<br><br><br>Edit: I apologize for not including photos. I'm going to put together another post with photos when I have time.