Egypt: Planning a bucket list trip to Egypt? Here’s how to dive in before you go
(Director’s note. Egypt is such a fascinating country, to visit it is an education. But learn about it before you go. New Orleans-based writer Sadie Smith lists some ways to prep for Egypt in this guest blog.)
A trip to Egypt is no mere holiday. It is a chance to step through a time machine into one of the world’s most enduring civilizations. However, if you’re counting down the days until your flight, there are certainly better ways to prepare than just flicking through tourist brochures. Sinking yourself into Egypt’s ancient world before you get there can enhance your experience immeasurably, deepen your appreciation of what’s happening all around you and orient you to entirely new realms of meaning when you finally set foot in the Valley of the Kings or stand beneath those towering columns at Karnak.
Read, Watch, and Immerse
Begin with the books. Works of historical fiction such as The Egyptian by Mika Waltari or River God by Wilbur Smith reveal the culture and politics of ancient times, while traveling memoirs and books focusing on archaeology contribute information to the mix. As for video, documentaries like Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb or The Story of Egypt testify visually and offer expert opinions. For splash entertainment (but less historical accuracy), there are Hollywood epics including The Mummy (1999).
But don’t end with passive input. Nowadays, there is a wide range of interactive ways of getting into the mindset of an ancient adventurer – and that includes gaming.
Engage playfully with ancient lore
One overlooked but very effective way to comprehend the mythology and symbols of Ancient Egypt is through themed interactive computer games. Games that feature temples, tombs and hieroglyph puzzles help to create an interest in Egyptian iconography that is both enjoyable and surprisingly educational. Many of these draw on the actual images and stories you will be seeing on your trip: from scarabs and gods such as Anubis, to the well-known golden mask of Tutankhamun.
An example of this comes from playing Egyptian-themed slots that try to evoke the feel and look of Ancient Egypt. These provide a lighthearted and visually impressive opportunity to encounter motifs from the Pharaonic period. You can also read about legends and see what old architecture was like. The immersion goes far beyond the reels in front of you. The animation and even the layout of these Egyptian themed slots mimic the real temples and treasures you’ll see with your own eyes.
To get a sense of whether this is something you’d like to explore further, check out the Instagram post below, which goes into some detail about what to expect from one of these games. While it’s just digital fun, enjoying this kind of gaming in your downtime can be a great way to prepare yourself for seeing the wonders of Egypt in person.
Digital exploration sets the tone
What’s beautiful is that these digital experiences let you “travel” in your head first without having to leave home. Whether you’re spinning through in-theme slots, watching tomb reconstructions in VR, or even playing archaeological simulators, your brain starts engaging more with ancient history. This kind of thematic priming helps get you in the right mental state for when you arrive. You’ll see more details, ask better questions and appreciate the nuances that others might miss.
For a lot of people, the excitement about an upcoming trip can be undermined somewhat by the long buildup and many logistical stresses you’ll encounter before being able to depart. But a short gaming session focused around ancient civilizations can lift that burden, turning your wait into a far more enjoyable experience.
How to fold gaming into your culture prep
If you have been learning about Egypt’s history a bit through books, tours and documentaries already, adding some gaming experiences may help you tie together all the different parts of knowledge that you have learned. A lot of people learn better if they get to apply their knowledge, instead of limiting themselves to purely passive forms of learning, and games are great for that.
Engage with apps or simple online puzzle games that are built around hieroglyphs and temple layouts. It’s a kind of “palate cleanser” – a short, playful option that puts your head in order and promotes fresh thought. This forces you to notice Egypt’s ancient civilization: the patterns, symbols, and designs in it.
Traveling to Egypt
Pre-gaming for a trip to Egypt is not just about booking your tickets or packing sunblock. It’s about preparing yourself mentally before you arrive. From books or movies to rich digital content such as Egyptian themed slots, there exists an entire world of material to explore long before you leave home. So lean in, be curious and set the tone for what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure because by the time you actually get to touch sand, it’ll feel as familiar as home. With that in mind, check these different options out before you travel to Egypt:
| Experience Type | What to Try | Why It Helps |
| Book | River God by Wilbur Smith | Offers narrative immersion in ancient times |
| Film/Doc | Secrets of the Saqqara Tomb | Explores real digs with modern discoveries |
| Interactive Game | Egyptian themed slots | Builds visual familiarity with ancient themes |
| Music & Audio | Egyptian instrument playlists on YouTube | Trains your ear for local sounds |