Guidebooks:

Yes, it is fun to just roam and explore new areas, but when you travel to an extremely “foreign” environment such as Egypt, you run the risk of missing all the good stuff, like the classic antiquities and other aspects of the experience. So, I advise you strongly to pick up a good guidebook (or two). Two good ones are “The Rough Guide” and “The Lonely Planet.” Even with guided tours, you’ll find that such a book will give you time for orientation both before and after the actual tours. These, too, can be found in Egypt, but why not be sure and save some time by picking one up before you leave?

Camera:

I’m sure I don’t have to remind you to bring your camera to capture moments from your Egypt tours and travels. But there are a couple of things you should consider. For instance, if you intend to take photos inside tombs, you’ll want to bring high-speed film. Most people use ASA 800 film, which they push to 1600. This is because many monuments require that you do not use a flash when taking pictures inside. Also, do not underestimate the mammoth size of many Egyptian monuments; they are truly monumental. Tourists are often disappointed with regular lenses. A good wide-angle lens will be an excellent accessory. Of course, a video camera will provide you with wonderful souvenir footage of your trip; however, again, keep in mind that filming inside many museums, monuments, and tombs is prohibited.

Comfortable Walking Shoes:

This is probably one of the first things most people will tell you to bring to Egypt before you start your Egypt private tours or classic tours. Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not just be comfortable, but comfortable. Unlike leather shoes for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable that walking shoes to be able to “breathe”, and perhaps be made of a lightweight nylon or similar fabric. “Tennis shoes” or other types of sporting shoes are good for this. Also, keep in mind that there are a lot of steps in Egypt.

Power Adapters:

Egypt uses 220 volt plug-ins, and plugs are two-prong, rounded. You’ll need one of two varieties of power adaptors. For electronic gear that has switches to allow you to change the power input type, a simple wall adapter is all you will need. However, for devices that don’t feature such switches, you will need not only a wall adapter, but also a power converter.

Medication:

Do NOT forget to bring your prescription medicine! It may be generally available in Egyptian drug stores, but it may be called by a different name. So, to avoid confusion and problems, I suggest you bring the drugs you will require with you. Fortunately, there is no problem bringing prescription medication into Egypt. It is also more convenient to bring your favourite non-prescription medications along. Though you can find equivalent non-prescription medications, such as aspirin or heartburn medication, you might not find your favourite brands. Special note: Don’t forget your Immodium. Of course, no one wants to contract “Tut’s Trot” or “Mummy’s Tummy”, but just in case, having some Immodium or other anti-diarrheic with you is a very good idea. Moreover, the most common brand of bottled water, Baraka, contains magnesium and so may act as a mild laxative. Another water brand to try is Siwa.

Travel Alarm:

While most hotels will happily give you a wake-up call to catch your Egypt tour and travel right on time, many don’t. Particularly if you aren’t travelling with a group, a travel alarm will come in very handy. I often use mine to make sure that I can catch a little sleep in airports and still catch my flight. Sewing Kits Some of the larger hotels, as well as some of the better-equipped smaller hotels, might supply a sewing kit in your room, but don’t count on it. Most Egyptian tours are relatively long, and it is not unusual to lose a button here or there as you clamber through pyramids and tombs.

Alcoholic Beverages:

It is generally unnecessary for you to haul your favourite libations along with you. You will find many very good beers and wines in Egypt, and they are easily affordable. In fact, I consider Egyptian beer to be excellent. However, harder alcoholic beverages such as whiskies and bourbons can be quite hard to find, and very expensive if you do. You may bring up to two litres of liquor into the country, and you may buy additional liquor at a reasonable price at the tax-free shop prior to leaving the airport. Why would you want to do this? Well, it is not uncommon to pay as much as $13.00 or even more for a single shot of Jack Daniel's.

Cigarettes:

are available and inexpensive, but only in a very limited variety. For example, Marlboro Lights are readily available, but not Marlboro 100s. In fact, very few “long” cigarettes are available. While you can purchase “American” cigarettes almost anywhere (LE 23.50), usually what you will find are Egyptian-manufactured cigarettes, which are noticeably harsher than the ones you are used to. Remember, just because you are buying Marlboro does not mean it will be the same Marlboro that you would buy in the U.S. or Europe.

Extra Bag:

If you are the type who likes to take home souvenirs, you should consider bringing an extra bag when you visit Egypt. Just stuff it inside another bag before you leave home, and then use it to carry back souvenirs. Alternatively, many businesspeople or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once emptied, the bag is used to take souvenirs back. You can find plenty of bags to purchase in Egypt. They are cheap but not of the best quality.

 Egypt Revealed Tours: What to Wear in Egypt 

Egypt is a very conservative country, and visitors need to respect this. For instance, absolutely no topless or nude sunbathing is permitted. Just use your head. On the practical side, leave your synthetic clothes at home; they will prove to be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter. You want to bring in materials that breathe. Since the Egyptian summer can be blazing hot, it is advisable to wear cotton. In winter, you’ll appreciate having layers that can be removed during the heat of the day and put back on for the cooler evenings. Follow the example of the locals and wear loose, flowing garments. Not only are these appropriately modest, but they are also very practical in the hot climate. Have you ever wondered why the Bedouin wear layers of flowing robes? Why do they cover their heads and the back of their necks? Centuries of living in desert climates have taught them that loose garments keep them cooler, and layered garments allow wind to enter and circulate, creating a natural ventilation system. It’s important to protect your head and neck from loss of moisture, which helps prevent heat stroke. Bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, and the temple floors are far from even. In summer, wear a hat to protect yourself from the glaring Egyptian sun.

Egypt Revealed Tours: What to Bring:

Above all, travel light. Get wheels for your luggage, and leave heavy items at home. Bring a camera. If you don’t, you will be sorry. Sunglasses are a must, as the sun is very strong in Egypt. For more, please see above. Finally, as with any expedition to a new and foreign environment, bring along your good humour and a positive attitude. For many, even those who have done extensive travelling in the U.S. or Europe, Egypt will be very different. You will find that attitudes are more “laid-back,” time is less important, and even that some Egyptians can be a bit annoying (especially when selling their wares or their services at tourism sites). In Egypt, you will hopefully learn to let the smaller problems you might encounter roll off your shoulders and simply enjoy this, the oldest of all civilisations.