[Monica]

Not in the summer is nice. :)

Winter can be cold in the north, but I like chilly weather so that works for me. Makes it much easier to dress modestly, as well ;)

I am not a tour group person, but it always sounds like folks who do the dance tours have fun, and they also have a built-in social group. But I have always traveled alone or with a tried and true companion, and much prefer that. I definitely think it is a matter of personal taste and choice. I have gone to Egypt alone, with a cousin, and with my mom.

That said, a lot of things in Egypt are much easier with connections, and a seasoned 'insider' tour leader would certainly smooth things out. Like I said--not my style, I like to wander off and indulge my curious and/or loner tendencies when I please! I tend to like to lay low and blend in and observe when I travel anywhere. I will say the times I have gone to Egypt I have always been able to hook up with other dancers via sites like bhuz or the med-dance list (or local dancers I got to know better once we met up in Cairo!) to hang out with, catch a show, or shop. Overlapping your trip with a festival is an easy way to go alone but have some structure there if you want it. In both those instances it is possible to get a feeling of camaraderie without, well...having to be nice or with a group all the time!

I think if/when I decide to go to Egypt again I will try to hit one of the off-season Nile Group festivals, and then hang out a bit on my own or with friends after that.

I have no doubt that whatever you decide it will be wonderful (and of course we will want to hear every detail!).