|
Egypt Travel Tips
If you are planning your first visit to Egypt, this guide is
for you. Just remember that while Egypt is, indeed, a
sophisticated and very modern country where almost anything you
need can be purchased, there are a few important exceptions -
items you will probably want to bring with you.To the seasoned
traveler the following list may seem almost too basic, but if
you are making your first excursion to Egypt, it should
Egypt Travel Tips Contending with Sun and Heat
Egypt Travel Tips
If you are planning your first visit to Egypt, this guide is
for you. Just remember that while Egypt is, indeed, a
sophisticated and very modern country where almost anything you
need can be purchased, there are a few important exceptions -
items you will probably want to bring with you.To the seasoned
traveler the following list may seem almost too basic, but if
you are making your first excursion to Egypt, it should
Hats and Other Covering
Shade is always at a premium, what with the hot Egyptian sun.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat. For women, this is especially
important, as you will be more accepted when touring old
churches and mosques if you wear some type of head covering. You
will also want to bring scarves or similar apparel, not only to
protect from the sun, but for visiting religious sites where
such attire is expected. When it's really hot, you can soak a
plain cloth hat or scarf in water to help keep your head cool.
Sun Block
Sun burn is a major concern. It can wreck your trip. I have
seen this too often to ignore. Many tourists' vacations are
virtually ruined after only one day of sightseeing. You can buy
sunscreen in Egypt, but to be sure, you probably should bring
your own favorite brand and strength.
Sunglasses
More than once, you will find yourself admiring a brilliantly
glaring view of sand and desert. You will NEED a good pair of
sunglasses with an ultra-high UV rating. Again, while these may
be purchased in Egypt, you might be wise to bring your own . . .
and a spare pair.
Canteen or Water Holder
Remember, much of Egypt is desert . . . real desert. Water is
scarce. Because staying hydrated is critically important for
your comfort, you will want be sure and carry a water with with
you. Of course, bottled water is easily accessible, but hauling
these around can be a bother, even a burden. You will find it is
much better to bring along a canteen, or something similar, to
allow you to carry your water on your waist or over your
shoulder. Alternatively, a fanny pack, backpack, or shoulder-bag
will make this equally convenient.
"Squeeze Breeze"
Here's a great tip: Before you leave for Egypt, go to the beach
toy section of Target or Wal-Mart and find one of those water
bottles that come with an attached battery-operated fan. You
will be very glad you did!
Egypt Travel Tips Other Needs
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. 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 under-estimate 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. Most tourists will be doing a
considerable amount of walking, and shoes should not be just
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 made of a lightweight nylon or
similar fabric. "Tennis shoes" or other sporting types of 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 the 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
favorite non-prescription medications along. Though you can find
eqivalent non-prescription medications, such as aspirin or heart
burn medication, you might not find your favorite brands.Special
note: Don't forget your Imodium. Of course, no one wants to
contract "Tut's Trot" or "Mummy's Tummy", but just in case,
having some Imodium 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, 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 favorite
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 and wish I could buy it
in Denmark. 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 liters 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 Daniels.
Cigarettes
Cigarettes are available and inexpensive, but only in 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 7.50), usually what you will find
are Egyptian-manufactured cigarettes, which are noticeably
harsher then 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 bring 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 business people
or guests of Egyptians often bring presents into Egypt, and once
emptied, the bag is used to bring souvenirs back. You can find
plenty of bags to purchase in Egypt. They are cheap but not the
best quality
Egypt Travel Tips What to Wear
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 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 and 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. And, importantly, protecting your head and neck from
loss of moisture helps prevent heat stroke.
Bring comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking,
and temple floors are far from even. In summer, wear a hat to
protect yourself from the glaring Egyptian sun.
Egypt Travel Tips 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 humor and a positive
attitude. For many, and even those who have done extensive
traveling 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 civilizations.
Online Egypt Hotel Reservation
Compare Egypt Hotel Prices from all major reservation sites
Search availability for over 1,000 hotels in Egypt
from over 20 hotel reservation websites.
6th October City - Abu Simbel - Alexandria - Aswan - Baharia
Oasis - Cairo - Dahab - El Alamein - El Gouna - El Quseir -
Hurghada - Ismailia - Kharga - Luxor - Marsa Alam - Marsa Matruh
- Nuweiba - Port Said - Ras Sudr - Safaga - Sharm El Sheikh -
Soma Bay - St Catherine - Suez - Taba |
