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I’d be completely lying if I said I didn’t start to mentally pack my suitcase within 2 minutes of getting off the phone with National Geographic after booking our trip to Egypt (for October).  In the following weeks, it’s all I could talk about to the point of my husband rolling his eyes even before I would start talking.  I’m a planner; that’s who I am.  And I’m good at it.  I’ve got great organizational skills.  I can make lists and multitask like nobody’s business.  I think ahead, sometimes too much.  

I’ve already made several To Do lists regarding the trip.  I’ve defiantly made a pack list.  I even have a small bin in my closet of things to take or consider taking.  Because we all know that when it comes time to pack, some things make the cut, and some things don’t.  But let’s be honest; it’s really about how much room you have in your suitcase.  Okay, yes, I admit, I may have started packing . . . ten or so months in advance.  Go ahead, judge me.  I don’t care; I’m going to Egypt!

I have never been to the Middle East, so I don’t know what to expect.  But it’s in Africa, you say.  Yes, but Egypt is considered both Middle Eastern and African.  Anyway, we will be traveling in October.  It will be in the 80’s ᴼ F.  We will be spending a great deal of time traipsing around the desert in the sand looking at the ancient temples and monuments.  Smart shoes, SPF, and comfortable clothing are all priorities.  

I’d rather not look like a tourist.  I know I am one, but I don’t want to look like one.  My husband and I have been watching the National Geographic show Lost Treasures of Egypt.  I’ve been paying close attention to what the people on the show are wearing.  Tennis shoes or work shoes/boots, long pants, long sleeves, a scarf is a must (tied in a circle about the neck), and sometimes a hat.  The weather always looks the same, and I can only determine the temperature if they have a puffy coat on.  I’ve seen photos of tourists around the monuments, and folks are in shorts or cropped pants, tee shirts, and sandals.  Sandals . . . in the desert?!?  I’ll be trying my best to channel the timeless and effortless chic of Kristin Scott Thomas as Katharine Clifton from The English Patient.

Cotton and linen are the obvious fabric choices.  Wool would not initially come to mind unless you are thinking of Merino Wool.  It’s a thermal regulating fabric that is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and anti-stink.  It’s known to keep you cool when you are hot and vice versa.  And it comes in various thicknesses and weaves, depending on the season.  It’s actually perfect for being in the desert!  And perfect for travel!

I’ve already found (and purchased) my shoes.  I found a pair of tan On Cloud trail running tennis shoes.  Normally I’d go with black shoes, but I’ve decided to change up my color palette for this trip.  Black would be foolish in the desert heat, so I’m going with a more neutral color scheme.  And the great part about going on our trip in October is that I plan on testing out all my gear and products this summer. 

After chatting with a friend who recently went to Egypt, I have decided our packing method should be along the Rick Steves philosophy; IE, we won’t be checking our bags and only bringing what can fit in carry-on luggage and bag.  This approach is also more conducive to hotels around the world that might not have elevators or bellmen to help with baggage.  It’s quite possible you’ll be schlepping your bags down a dusty or unpaved street.  Also, lost luggage is far less likely.  However, it severely limits what you can bring.  In particular, items in that lovely quart-sized bag for liquids, and gels, etc.  Now, I don’t consider myself one who uses a great many products.  But let’s be honest; we ladies probably fill that baggie faster than men.

We’ve been on several Risk Steves trips, and for the most part, I can totally pack this way with some advanced planning and creativity.   

I plan on bringing limited makeup as well as limited skin care products.  But still, there is hand sanitizer, hair spray, SPF, perfume, Febreze (a MUST if you are re-wearing clothing), even deodorant is considered by TSA to be a liquid/gel, etc.  I’m assuming that the hotel(s) & boat we are staying on will at least have a small bar of hotel soap for showering.  I have found some shampoo and conditioner bars on Etsy and toothpaste tablets on Amazon that I plan on bringing.  I’m telling you, I’m already hard at work on the Tetris packing problem. 

A few other travel tips I’ve learned about Egypt specifically. 

• Every travel blog and vlog I’ve seen on Egypt says to bring Imodium.  
• Don’t drink the (local, non-bottled) water.  It’s best to have your own way of purifying water.  
• Cash is KING, have plenty on hand (both US currency and Egyptian pounds)!  
• A tourist Visa is needed (acquired at the airport just after landing).  
• Having an expediter is extremely helpful.  This person helps you navigate getting a Visa, customs & immigration, exiting the airport, as well as securing transportation to your hotel.  Thankfully NatGeo is providing this for us.
• Bartering at the local market or souk is expected.  
• Be a savvy traveler, and determine all prices upfront (especially for a taxi or transportation).  
• There is a lot of hustling (legitimate or otherwise).  
• Have a nice collection of coins or baksheesh for tipping.  Tipping is a huge part of the culture. 
• You may even be tipping the bathroom attendant for the use of water to wash your hands. 
• Women need to wear a head covering in a Mosque.  Unless you want to get looked at and possibly verbally harassed, women should dress modestly.  

I’ve also taken it upon myself to learn a few necessary words and phrases in Arabic because I don’t want to be THAT tourist!  

And finally, a fun bit of insider information – Women should never (under any circumstance) go out in public with wet hair!  You will be considered a courtesan.  The rationale is that you are so busy with clients that you don’t have time to dry your hair after showering.  (Oi vey!)

The more you know!