Catriona Rowntree: After 20 years travelling, nowhere compares to Egypt

Catriona Rowntree has travelled more than most, thanks to her role with TV show Getaway. But this is the destination that took her breath away.

She’s been travelling the world for Channel 9’s Getaway for more than two decades, so to say Catriona Rowntree loves travel is an understatement.

Despite being constantly wowed by breathtaking new destinations, Rowntree says nowhere can compare with the place where her love of travel began – Egypt.

In 2018, Rowntree made an emotional return to the country that stole her heart as a teenager.

Plagued by political instability, the bucket-list destination was struck off the tourist radar for years. But, just before the pandemic hit, tourists began to return.

“I’ve never been somewhere where Aussies approach me with tears in their eyes,” Rowntree says.

“Not only are they achieving lifelong dreams, but they dearly wanted me to spread the word about how magnificent and safe it is.”

Escape asked Rowntree to share the highlights of her trip to Egypt and Jordan.

How did you begin in your line of work? I understand Egypt had a bit to do with it?

At 15, I was blessed with a wonderful ancient history teacher, Mr Wannen, the sort of teacher who could make the history in the books come alive – and one day he pitched a crazy idea to us, “What if we were able to actually GO to these places?”

Catriona Rowntree loves Egypt. Picture: Supplied

So after somehow convincing our parents and the headmaster to let us go, we set off on a school excursion like no other, visiting the ancient sites across both Egypt and Greece with family and friends. Look at me now! Let’s raise a toast to all the inspiring teachers of the world.

How many countries have you travelled to now? And where does Egypt rank?

I’m hovering near the 100 mark I think – I’ve never really counted – but Egypt is out there on its own as far as destinations go. Incomparable. Who else has the pyramids? I’ve never been somewhere where Aussies approach me with tears in their eyes. Not only are they achieving life long dreams, but they dearly wanted me to spread the word about how magnificent and safe it is. We were the first non-news TV crew to film there in years. Locals couldn’t believe we wanted to share positive, happy stories. This is one country in desperate need of a good PR agent.

What are the misconceptions travellers have about Egypt and Jordan?

It’s unsafe; it’s entirely Muslim; you have to obsess about covering up. All totally false. You’d have more chance of kicking the bucket driving down an Aussie highway. It’s multi-faith, so to speak, as in it has a huge Christian [following] and no doubt more religions openly practised and I was laughed at when I asked if I needed to wear a hijab. Women are free to wear what they like. You’ll find in rural communities, the culture there seems to dictate whether women should wear scarfs or not. But I just tried to dress with respect and never once had a problem.

What’s the one thing no traveller should miss on a trip to Egypt?

Try and go to a “sonnet lumiere” or sound and light show at night. I loved these. They’re offered at Giza, Temple of Karnak (my personal fave) and Philae. But they give you a whole new dimension and make you feel the spirit of the pharaohs is all around you. Loved it!

There are a few things no traveller should miss on a trip to Egypt.

What’s your favourite ‘undiscovered’ part of Egypt?

Eating with the locals – they eat so well! I loved to have our guides order for me – “I’ll have what he’s having” – and eat with them. The soups, the salads, the scrumptious sweets, it’s all so delicious.

What’s the most mind-blowing thing you’ve learnt during your Egypt travels?

How sophisticated, how erudite, how cultured the Egyptians were thousands of years ago. From aromatherapy, to astrology, architecture and agriculture. Supreme in every way.

Jordan is a bit of a lesser-known destination. What are travellers missing out on if they skip it?

Hello, Petra! Wadi Rum, the desert that Lawrence of Arabia loved, was my fave though and I’m obsessed with Queen Rania. It’s called the Switzerland of the Middle East, very safe, fabulous hotels and amazing shopping. Gotta love the shopping!

What was your most memorable meal of your trip?

One night the owner of Dakkak and his family took us out in Jordan to a local restaurant called Fakhr El-Din and it will go down as one of the best meals of my life. (I’ve had a few.) Set in a magnificent old embassy, surrounded by refined, happy locals, the company and the food was just in another level. I treasured learning all about the local life in Jordan, the multitude of opportunities for young people and am now inspired to further my travels in the Middle East. I’m just so relieved that after a long day of travel, I said “yes please” to this dinner invitation.

What was you most incredible night’s accommodation?

Please, I was teary-eyed when I checked into The Cataract Hotel overlooking The Nile, where Agatha Christie sat on her balcony writing Death In The Nile, as her egyptologist hubby worked nearby. Sublime.

Are there any rules of etiquette travellers need to be aware of?

No cleavage, no cleavage, no cleavage. Learn a few words, know a bit of history, take the credit card you booked the trip with at home (you may need it travelling from Egypt to Jordan) and just be respectful. This is pretty much the same advice I’d offer any traveller, anywhere.

Rowntree said there are a few misconceptions around travel to Egypt.

What’s your advice to those concerned about safety?

If you travel with a reputable company, they’ll of course steer you clear. I recommend Dakkak Tours International and Scenic. But please keep in mind, these are locations that rely on tourism. It’s in their interest, for the sake of their employment and feeding their families, to keep you happy. Any trouble, if any, is nowhere near the major cities. I found the news in the West totally incorrect about the reality on the ground. And finally, just like buying real estate, there’s no perfect time, just jump in. We’re here once, LIVE your life.

What are your must-pack essentials for a Middle East trip?

Correct adaptors, scissors, wet ones, Beauty Flash [balm], Panadol, a pashmina (I love a wool one or cashmere from Siena Crawford), portable phone charger, Kindle, small money purse, nothing that crushes or I’d be upset to lose.

Anything you wish you hadn’t packed?

Good jewellery. Bloody hell, I dropped my favourite earring, just one, somewhere in the desert and I’ll never get it back. Thank heavens for travel insurance.

What souvenirs are worth leaving room in your luggage for?

The beautiful scarfs from the markets, the exquisite silver bought in Petra from Marguerite van Geldermalsen (of Married To A Bedouin fame) and I found some amazing jewellery on board our ship. This is a seriously good shopping trip, warning you now. I loved the lucky talismans like ankhs, in all colours and you can buy Holy Water from the River Jordan (I stood where Jesus was baptised) at the airport. My mum continues to be amazed by this.

What are your top tips for snagging a bargain and navigating the markets?

Bargaining is like dancing, know a few steps, be mindful and have fun. You ask the price, halve it, then dance with the store owner (not literally, unless you’re filming for Getaway) oh and never bargain beyond the markets. Not cool. I loved how the store holders would often adopt the accent of those they were serving. It’s lots of fun.