392: Beyond the Pyramids: Nadine Arab on Egyptian Identity, Challenging Stereotypes & Travel as a Political Act

Episode Summary

Hear how Nadine solo-travels the world as an Egyptian woman while showcasing a side of Egypt most visitors never see. Egyptian travel writer and Curls en Route founder Nadine Arab shares her journey from growing up in Alexandria to becoming a full-time travel blogger and solo traveler exploring the world on her own terms. Nadine reflects on what she learned from solo travel in Egypt and abroad, and discusses how travel shaped her understanding of identity, culture, and belonging.  She also explains why she is passionate about showcasing a side of Egypt that extends far beyond the pyramids and typical tourist attractions. Nadine then shares insights on traveling as an Egyptian woman, navigating the world on an Egyptian passport, building a travel business,  and connecting with the Arab diaspora around the world.  Finally, she explains why she believes travel and politics are deeply intertwined, including her advocacy for Palestinian liberation and global solidarity.

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Nadine Arab

Nadine Arab is an Egyptian travel writer, blogger, and entrepreneur with 10 years of experience in the travel industry. Originally from Alexandria, Egypt, she quit her 9-5 job as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time travel writer.  She is the founder of the blog Curls en Route where she aims to empower aspiring solo travelers by documenting her travels across the world and around her home country of Egypt.

What You'll Learn
  • How solo travel can transform your life, community and career.
  • Why Egypt is far more than pyramids and ancient history, and how to experience the country’s culture, food, communities, and lesser-known destinations.
  • How travel shapes our understanding of identity, privilege, politics, and shared humanity
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CHECK NADINE’S BLOG CURLS EN ROUTE

SUPPORT THE BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS (BDS) CAMPAIGN

CONTACT AND FOLLOW NADINE

#1 BOOK THAT NADINE RECOMMENDS

#1 PERSON WITH WHOM NADINE WANTS TO HAVE DINNER

TOP 4 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

TOP 3 BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS

LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE

ARAB AND EGYPTIAN ARTISTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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OTHER PLACES AND SPOTS IN EGYPT MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

OTHER PLACES / SPOTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Time Stamped Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

[1:02] Introducing Nadine Arab

[3:06] Growing up in Alexandria

[5:21] Early Perceptions of the World Outside of Egypt

[6:47] Why Nubia and Sinai are so Special to Nadine

[10:15] What Foreigners Often Miss About Everyday Life in Cairo

[16:16] Living in France and Choosing to Solo Travel the World

[17:35] Transitioning from a 9-5 Job to a Full time Travel Writer

[20:50] Traveling Solo as an Egyptian Woman

[23:15] Misrepresentation of Egypt and Arabs in Western Media

[24:50] Traveling on an Egyptian Passport

[27:42] Connecting with the Arab Diaspora around the World

[32:22] Building “Curls En Route”

[40:04] The Most Challenging Part of Being an Egyptian Travel Creator

[44:55] Growing Up Next to Palestine and Developing Solidarity

[49:28] Integrating Palestine Advocacy with Travel Content

[51:25] Action Items To Support Palestine and Help Stop the Genocide

[54:29] How Travel Has Impacted Nadine

[56:31]The Lightning Round

[1:04:00] Follow and Contact Nadine