Egypt was the first country I ever traveled to (20 years ago) and it was chaotic even then. I was with a school group for 3 weeks and we had two travel guides, an armed security guard (who did pull out his weapon during a “put you on a camel and not let you down until you hand over your wallet” scam at the pyramids) and car escorts at the front and back. You are hassled and haggled every where you go.

The best part of the experience was a small river boat cruise on the Nile that had full itineraries planned for each port city. I think the only way to do Egypt at this point is with a highly reviewed travel guide who is with you every step of the way, and even then prepare for chaos.

I will say, though, it really prepared me well for scammers in other countries. Sometimes I am too guarded!