What to Pack for Egypt: Essential Tips for First-Time Travelers
If you’re planning your first Egypt private tour or Egypt classic tour, this guide will help you prepare. Although Egypt is a modern country where you can purchase most essentials, there are a few important items that you should bring to ensure comfort throughout your trip. Whether you are traveling with Book Egypt Travel or exploring independently, the list below covers the must-have items for an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Managing Sun and Heat During Your Book Egypt Travel Tour
Hat and Head Coverings
The Egyptian sun can be extremely strong, especially at historical sites. Pack a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. Women should also bring a scarf or light shawl, both for sun protection and for entering religious sites where modest dress is expected. On very hot days, slightly dampening a hat or scarf can help keep you cool.
Sunblock
Sunburn can quickly ruin a holiday. While sunscreen is available in Egypt, it is best to bring your preferred brand and a high SPF level.
Sunglasses
The glare from the sun, sand, and ancient stone structures can be intense. Bring a pair of high UV-protection sunglasses, and if possible, a spare.
Water Carrier
Hydration is essential in Egypt’s desert climate. Although bottled water is widely available, it is more convenient to carry a reusable water bottle, canteen, or a small lightweight bag to keep water with you during tours.
Portable Fan or Cooling Spray
A handheld battery-operated fan or a cooling spray bottle can make a significant difference when visiting outdoor sites in hot weather.
Useful Items for Book Egypt Travel Tours
Guidebooks or Travel Apps
Even with expert tour guides, having your own reference material helps you understand what you are seeing. Consider bringing a travel guidebook such as The Rough Guide or Lonely Planet, or download reliable travel apps before your trip.
Camera and Accessories
Bring your camera or smartphone, with extra memory and chargers. A wide-angle lens is especially useful for capturing Egypt’s large monuments. Keep in mind that photography and video inside some tombs and museums may be restricted or require an additional fee.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will be walking on uneven ground and stone floors. Choose comfortable, breathable walking shoes. Sports shoes or lightweight walking shoes are preferable to heavy leather shoes, especially in summer.
Power Adaptors
Egypt uses 220 volts and two-round-pin European plugs. Bring a travel adaptor, and if your devices do not support 220 volts, bring a voltage converter as well.
Medications
Bring all required prescription medication, as names and brands may differ in Egypt. It is also useful to carry general medicines such as pain relievers and anti-diarrhea tablets. Some bottled water brands contain minerals that can have a mild laxative effect, so choose alternatives if you have a sensitive stomach.
Travel Alarm
Some hotels may not offer wake-up calls, so having a small travel alarm or using your mobile phone alarm is useful, particularly for early morning tours.
Sewing Kit
A small sewing kit can be helpful, as it is not always provided in hotels and clothing can easily snag during tours.
Alcohol and Cigarettes in Egypt
Alcohol
Local beer and wine are available and reasonably priced in Egypt, but imported spirits are limited and expensive. You are allowed to bring up to two litres of alcohol duty-free. Many travelers choose to purchase their preferred spirits at the airport on arrival.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are widely available and inexpensive, but the variety is limited, and the taste may differ from Western brands. If you are particular about the type you smoke, bring enough with you.
Souvenirs and Extra Luggage
If you plan to shop for souvenirs, it is a good idea to pack a lightweight extra bag inside your luggage. This makes it easier to bring your purchases home without exceeding baggage limits.
What to Wear in Egypt
Egypt is a conservative country, and visitors should dress respectfully, particularly in religious areas. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they can be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter. Choose clothing made from natural materials such as cotton or linen, and dress in layers during winter, as temperatures vary between daytime and evening. Loose-fitting clothing is recommended for comfort and cultural respect. Topless or nude sunbathing is strictly prohibited everywhere in Egypt.
Final Tips for Your Book Egypt Travel Tour
Travel light, bring luggage with wheels, and avoid packing unnecessary heavy items. Sunglasses, a camera, comfortable shoes, and a positive outlook are essential. Egypt has a relaxed and unique rhythm, different from Europe or the United States. Small inconveniences may arise, especially at busy tourist areas, but embracing the experience with patience and an open mind will allow you to truly enjoy the beauty and culture of this ancient civilisation.
