Escape from Karnak Temple (Luxor Travel Tips)

Our second stop in Egypt was Luxor, where we spent two whirlwind days: Day 1: Karnak Temple 🛕 + Nile sunset cruise Day 2: Hot air balloon (1,700 EGP – booked for sunrise but flew last... still got great photos!) ✈️ Getting There Cairo → Luxor flight: 328 RMB inDrive taxi: ~30 EGP extra for airport pickup/drop-off 🏨 Where We Stayed ✅ Steigenberger Nile Palace (850 RMB) – Our travel buddies stayed here (luxe option). ❌ SWEET HOSTEL LUXOR (161 RMB) – Avoid! Next to garbage, reeked of paint fumes, broken locks. 🛕 Karnak Temple "Student ticket" hack: 230 EGP (we’re not students) – slipped the clerk 100 EGP tip for 4 people. Pro tip: Try this during off-peak hours. Beware: Temple guides/"helpers" demand tips aggressively. ⛵ Nile Sunset Cruise Private felucca: 300 EGP/hour (for 4 people) – booked near Public Ferry. Tipped: 20 EGP to the kid assisting us. 🍽️ Food McDonald’s: 485 EGP (spicy wings > China’s version!). Thai at Steigenberger: 2,900 EGP (discounted to 2,580 EGP for hotel guests). ⚠️ Lessons Learned Hot air balloons: Confirm exact flight time – we missed sunrise due to disorganization. Temple tickets: "Student" discounts = bribe-friendly. Nile cruises: Walk beyond Public Ferry for cheaper deals. #Luxor #KarnakTemple #EgyptTravel #NileCruise #BudgetHacks #TravelFails #HotAirBalloon