Egypt Packing List: What You ACTUALLY Need to Pack
Is a week in Egypt on your bucket list? Even if it is, PACKING for a week in Egypt probably isn’t … Because who likes stressing about remembering to pack all the essentials for an around-the-world journey?
Luckily, SiteSee founder Kelsey has got your back. After spending a week traveling through Egypt, she’s ready to report on what you actually need to pack for a trip to Egypt.
P.S. Want to keep up with Kelsey’s world travels in real time? Subscribe to the SiteSee newsletter and get her latest tips for women who travel in your inbox every Friday.
Egypt packing list: a quick overview
1 shawl
2 linen tops
1 t-shirt
1 tank top
3 pairs of flowy, comfortable pants
1 comfortable dress
1 colorful, flowy dress
1 pair of cute, strappy sandals
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
1 swimsuit
1 sarong
1 sun hat
1 set of pajamas
1 crossbody with water bottle holder
1 moisturizer and face mist
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A breakdown of what you ACTUALLY need when traveling to Egypt
A shawl
Bring this one to the top of your Egypt packing list. Actually, after wearing this for a week in Egypt, we’re pretty sure you’ll start sporting it all over the place. Not only is a shawl an easy, elegant way to cover your shoulders, it’s a darn versatile accessory. Wear it around your shoulders as a shawl; wrap it around your waist as a makeshift sarong; and even use it as a blanket on chilly airplanes. We especially like the Happyluxe Wayfarer Travel Scarf Wrap, which is hypoallergenic, sustainably produced, and made with a UPF 50+ rating for sun protection.
Price: starting at $44
2 linen tops
ICYMI: Linen is one of the most travel-friendly fabrics out there. It’s lightweight, highly absorbent, and fast-drying. Trust us—no matter where you go, a linen top should always be a staple on your packing list. For a trip to Egypt, specifically, look for neutral colors so you don’t stand out for being a tourist. It’s also a good idea to pack one long-sleeve top and one short-sleeve top. We like the Gozoloma Women’s Casual Loose Linen Blouse. Pro tip: The button-up style also makes it great for layering over tank tops or a short-sleeve option like the Chvity Women’s Linen Shirt.
Price: starting at $19
1 t-shirt & 1-tank top
T-shirts are like jeans … It can be hard to find that fit that’s juuust right. But Madewell gets pretty darn close with their Women’s Short Sleeve Harley Tee. It’s super soft with 100% cotton, machine-washable, and available in 15 different colors. We recommend white or neutral hues for a trip to Egypt (but no one’s judging you for grabbing that gorgeous Aster Bloom shade for later!). For hotter days or when you want to layer up, keep a neutral tank top on hand, like the GAP Women’s Favorite Tank Top. Made out of 93% cotton with just enough elastane to give it that perfect stretch, this tank top is a travel staple.
Price: starting at $7
3 pairs of flowy, comfortable pants
In case you didn’t get the memo, jeans are not the thing for a weeklong trip to Egypt. At the end of the day, you do you—but we bet you’ll be a lot more comfy in a pair of lightweight, flowy pants that keep you covered from the sun but still give you room to breathe. For fellow fans of linen, look no further than the IXIMO Women’s Wide Leg Pants. With pockets, an elastic waistband, and a neutral color palette, these pants will make you want to wear them on repeat. For something a little more fitted but equally comfy, try RecTrek 26" Pant from Outdoor Voices, a durable, water-repellant, stretchy pair of trousers you can wear from the plane to the pyramids.
Price: starting at $30
Comfortable dress
The secret is out—sometimes, a dress is actually a lot more comfortable than pants. Especially the ANRABESS Short Sleeve Crewneck Swing Dress. Its loose fit is easy, breezy, and comfy—but somehow still flattering. We like the two-tier flowing skirt that adds a feminine flair to the practical polyester-rayon blend. As always, when you’re packing for a trip to Egypt, we recommend sticking to a neutral, muted color palette, like Coffee or Gray. But if you find your perfect fit, you can also grab it in 13 other brighter hues for your next trip.
Price: starting at $37
Colorful, flowy dress
After a long day of frolicking in the sun, it sure feels good to settle into a relaxing, yummy dinner. And when you want to indulge, there’s no better #OOTD than a flowy, loose-fitting dress. (IYKYK.) We like the PRETTYGARDEN Long Sleeve Maxi Dress. First of all, it’s … well, pretty. And it IS giving us serious garden vibes. Available in seven different jewel-toned, floral prints, put this one on your Egypt packing list if you want to dress to impress at the dinner table.
Price: starting at $45
One pair of cute, strappy sandals
Your cute dinner dress? She deserves to be worn with a pair of cute, strappy sandals—which is why we’ve got our eye on the Gibbs Sandal from Sam Edelman. Go a little glam in Amber Gold or stick to the neutrals with Natural Sand or Rich Cognac. Either way, you can’t go wrong. These sandals are comfortable to wear, easy to walk in, and versatile enough to go with the rest of your warm-weather wardrobe, in Egypt and beyond. Plus, their minimal design means they won’t take up a lot of room in your bag—so go ahead. Pack that extra pair of shoes.
Price: starting at $53
One pair of comfortable walking shoes
Nothing spoils a vacation faster than sore, aching feet. (And don’t even get us started on blisters.) To keep yourself feeling footloose and fancy-free throughout your trip in Egypt, make sure to pack a good pair of comfortable walking shoes, like the Orthopedic Slip-On Walking Shoes from OrthoComfort. If the term “orthopedic” already has you running for the hills, just wait. These slip-on walking shoes are actually cute enough to be worn by anyone—no matter your age. Plus, the arch support insole and the memory foam base give a level of comfort that’s unparalleled. Just be warned—these bad boys will get dusty when you’re checking out the pyramids!
Price: starting at $45
Swimsuit and sarong
Depending on where you stay, you may have access to a pool during your stay in Egypt. (Lucky you.) If that’s you, make sure you’re ready with a swimsuit and sarong on hand. We like this High-Waisted V-Neck Bathing Suite from CUPSHE, whose twist-front design and adjustable spaghetti straps help flatter every body type. It goes great with the Semi-Sheer Swimwear Cover-Up from Eicolorte, an elegant sarong that can give you a little extra (stylish) coverage when you’re strolling around poolside.
Price: starting at $15
Sun hat
Come for the sun protection. Stay for the glamour. After all, isn’t there just something about a wide-brimmed hat that screams Old Hollywood fashion? If you don’t believe us, check out this Floppy Straw Hat from Comhats. Available in 15 different neutral color options, this sun hat will protect you from the sun’s rays and make you feel like a timeless movie star. We also like the UPF 50+ rating for extra sun protection. Worried about taking it on the plane? Check out the best hat boxes and cases for travel—to Egypt and beyond.
Price: starting at $25
Pajamas
No, duh. Pajamas are a packing list must-have, no matter where you’re going. But this travel staple doesn’t have to be boring. To jazz up your hotel or hostel evenings, pack the Ekouaer Satin Pajamas Set. Available in 15 different colors, from neutral Brown, Champagne, and White to bold Wine Red, Dark Green, and Light Blue, these silk pajamas will have you feeling cozy and sexy for a night in.
Price: starting at $27
Crossbody bag with water bottle holder
On a weeklong trip to Egypt, you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing. To make sure you have all the essentials at the ready and within hand’s reach at all times, remember to pack a travel crossbody with a water bottle holder. The Sport Sling from Béis is a tested and approved favorite, with a hidden water bottle pocket that won’t make you feel like a dorky tourist. If you want something a bit bigger, try checking out the Atom Sling Bag 8L from Patagonia. This baby has pockets galore and is even made out of 100% recycled polyester. Win-win.
Price: starting at $58
Moisturizer and face mist
Egypt’s climate is dry and hot, which is a recipe for dehydration … and dry skin. To keep your visage glowing, dewy, and flake-free, remember to pack a do-it-all moisturizer, like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Blend it on your cheeks, dab it on your hands, and rub it into your elbows—or anywhere else your skin is feeling tight. For a burst of refreshing hydration on the go, we also like traveling with a face mist. This Mario Badescu Facial Spray is made with aloe, cucumber, and green tea to help soothe inflamed skin and give you that glow.
Price: starting at $18
Kelsey’s expert tip:
TLDR; here’s what you need to know about packing for a week in Egypt:
In most tourist spots (like the pyramids, temples, etc.), you can get away with standard “Western” apparel. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to dress more conservatively in a neutral color palette. Not only will you be more comfy, but you’ll also blend in with the locals instead of standing out like a tourist.
