For a 12-day trip to Egypt including Hurghada, you’ll need to combine cultural clothing (for Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan) with beach wear (for the Red Sea coast). Here’s a simple packing list suited for city, desert, and sea.
🧳 Essentials
- Passport + visa (Visa is required for US citizens)
- Flight tickets / boarding passes
- Travel insurance
- Credit/debit cards + some cash (Egyptian pounds-I recommend $300 USD worth) you can order currency at your local bank and they have ATMs everywhere.
- Accommodation info + transportation details
- Copies of documents (physical & digital)
👕 Clothing (modest + resort casual)
General Tips:
- Egypt is hot and dry; dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Modest dress is expected in cities and religious sites
- Hurghada is more relaxed — swimsuits and shorts are fine at resorts
For Women:
- 4–5 loose, shirts/t-shirts (no v-neck, no cleavage)
- 3–4 pairs of light pants or long skirts
- 2–3 maxi dresses (can double as beach or dinner wear)
- 1–2 swimsuits
- 1 swim cover-up
- 2 scarves or shawls (for sun & mosque visits)
- 1 long sleeve shirt/ (for desert evenings or AC)
- 2 pair of shorts or capris (for Hurghada/resorts)
- 7-12 undies (more or less, up to you)
- 2-3 bras
- 3-4 pairs of socks
For Men:
- 3–4 breathable t-shirts or polos
- 2–3 lightweight long-sleeve shirts (sun + modesty)
- 3–4 pairs of cotton trousers or shorts (shorts only for resort/casual)
- 1–2 swim trunks
- 1 button-down shirt (for nicer dinners)
- 1 light jacket or hoodie
- 7-12 undergarments (more or less, up to you)
- 3-4 pairs of socks
👟 Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
- Flip-flops or sandals (for beach and hotel use)
- Water shoes (optional, but useful for snorkeling or rocky beaches)
🧴 Toiletries & HealtH
- Reef-safe sunscreen (very important!)
- After-sun aloe or lotion
- Soap or shower gel
- Loofah or disposable wash cloths (see below)
- Shampoo/conditioner (all the hotels have shampoo/conditioner)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Skin care products
- Deodorant
- Razor
- Hairbrush/comb/hair ties
- Sanitary products (tampons are hard to find)
- Sanitizer
- Bug/mosquito repellent
- Prescription meds + basic first aid (probiotics, Imodium, antihistamines, painkillers)
- Rehydration salts or electrolytes (for heat)
📱 Tech & Gear
- Universal adapter (Egypt uses Type C and F, 220V)
- Phone + charger + power bank
- Camera + memory cards (optional)
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack or crossbody bag
- Snorkeling gear (optional — many resorts offer rentals)
- E-reader or book (for long drives or beach days)
🧘♀️Extras
- Small first-aid kit
- Ziplock bags (for sand or liquids)
- Travel pillow/eye mask (for long drives/flights)
- Notebook or travel journal
- Snacks (nuts, dried fruit, protein bars)
🌞 Special Considerations for Hurghada:
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen if you’re snorkeling/diving
- Swimwear is fine at the beach, but cover up in town
- A light beach bag is handy for resort days
recommendations
Think hot and humid, so you definitely want to feel comfortable. Below are my recommendations and links.
T-shirts: think lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying T-shirts that can handle humidity, sweat, and sun. Here’s a breakdown of the best types to pack, with brand and style suggestions based on comfort, performance, and style.
Shorts: the key is comfort, breathability, and versatility —you’ll be dealing with high humidity, heat, beach days, and occasional temple visits
Sundresses/linen pants: besides being comfortable, they are lightweight, quick drying, and can dress up or down to your liking. I also purchased some comfy wide pants in Bali. I personally like longer sundresses but Amazon has a huge selection at reasonable prices. I own several linen pants from Old Navy and still my favorite today.
Light-weight long sleeve: This is perfect for temple visits and for night strolls through the beach as it can be breezy.
Swimsuits/cover-ups: I packed 2 swimsuits that interchanged and used them all, always having one dry one available. Cover ups are great and can be used as sundresses as well.
Sandals/Flip flops: I probably used my Birks the most, and used flip flops for the pool and in the hotel.
Sneakers: In case you’re in the market for a comfy travel shoe, these are my favorite and no need to break them in. They have many miles on them and are still holding up after every trip, just know they are white and requiring lots of cleaning.
Sun hat: This one is my favorite and has traveled to several countries with me, very versatile and easy to pack.
Beach bag: This bag fits the essentials you need while at the beach and fits anywhere in your suitcase.
Travel towel: These are quick drying, lightweight, and fit anywhere.
Detergent sheets: In case you want to do laundry.
Toiletries: As far as toiletries go, you take your favorite! However all hotels have shampoo/conditioner/shower gel available. They do not have wash cloths, so pack these compressible disposable wash cloths or you pack your own loofah. I also pack travel size bath and body works products to change up the scent. Here is my favorite new scent.
Packing wisely for Egypt is key for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. From the sunny temples of Luxor to the beaches of Hurghada, you’ll need versatile clothing and practical gear. Being prepared lets you enjoy your adventures—like exploring ruins, cruising the Nile, or snorkeling in the Red Sea—without worrying about the heat or customs. With the right essentials, you’ll travel confidently and enjoy all that Egypt offers. 🧕 🏛️ 🏺 🌞 🐫
