
392: Beyond the Pyramids: Nadine Arab on Egyptian Identity, Challenging Stereotypes & Travel as a Political Act
From The Maverick Show: Global Travel Stories & Life Beyond Borders by Matt Bowles: Full-Time World Traveler Since 2013
June 8, 2026 · 1h 10m · Episode 392
About this episode
Nadine Arab discusses her experiences as an Egyptian woman traveling solo and challenges stereotypes while advocating for political issues.
Hear how Nadine solo-travels the world as an Egyptian woman while showcasing a side of Egypt most visitors never see. ============================ Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds. ============================ ON THIS EPISODE 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. → Full show…
People in this episode
Host: Matt Bowles
Guest: Nadine Arab
Topics covered
- Egyptian identity
- solo travel
- cultural representation
- politics and travel
- women in travel
Keywords
- Egypt
- travel
- identity
- Nadine Arab
- politics
- cultural representation
- solo travel
- women travelers
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Egypt, Alexandria, Palestine
More episodes of The Maverick Show: Global Travel Stories & Life Beyond Borders
- 391: How to Travel the World Rent-Free as a Cat Sitter and Drive Political Change as a Nomadic Activist with Nicole Green · June 1, 2026 · 1h 0m
- 390: Travel as Rebellion: Marissa Strang on Representation, Storytelling and Supporting Local Communities · May 25, 2026 · 59 min
- 389: Culture-First Travel: Marissa Strang on Egypt, Cuba and Centering Women’s Stories in India · May 18, 2026 · 57 min
- 388: From Jamaica to Jordan: Finding Belonging and Challenging Western Narratives Through Travel with Janine Jervis · May 11, 2026 · 1h 15m
- 387: Nomading in Your 60s: Palle Bo on 127 Countries, Travel Podcasting & Life as The Radio Vagabond · May 4, 2026 · 57 min
- 386: Traveling Cuba Offline, Hiking Rainbow Mountain & Human Connection in Guatemala with Kylah Williams · April 27, 2026 · 1h 4m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Maverick Show: Global Travel Stories & Life Beyond Borders podcast page.