The night train to Aswan, and the felucca on the Nile

The sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan runs overnight and saves a hotel night; book on the Watania sleeper site or through a hotel. For a cheaper and often more pleasant Nile trip than a cruise, hire a felucca sailboat in Aswan for a day or an overnight sail to Kom Ombo; agree the price, food, and route with the captain and expect to sleep on deck under blankets. Domestic flights on EgyptAir are reasonable if booked early.