The Complete Egypt Packing List for Women 2023

Bottoms (6-7)

1. Jeans (1) ~ These are a good staple that you can mix and match with everything. Denim is a bit hot during the day in Egypt but it’s perfect for cooler nights in the desert. Add an extra pair of jeans or pants if you’re visiting in winter.
2. Lightweight cotton pants (3) ~ Lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable cotton pants will generally be your main attire in Egypt. They cover your skin without making you too hot.
3. Comfy shorts (1) ~ Bring these shorts just for sleeping and/or if you go to a beach or resort on the Red Sea. These lightweight beige shorts are one of my favorites.
4. Midi/maxi skirt (1-2) ~ A breezy way to add some versatility to your wardrobe and still look cute. Increase the number of long skirts and decrease the pairs of pants you bring if you prefer wearing skirts to pants.

Dresses & Jumpsuits (4)

1. Jumpsuits (2) ~ As long as you can get it on and off yourself (make sure to check before you buy!), jumpsuits are magical. They’re a top and bottom all in one. They’re also a breezy way to cover up skin in the Egyptian heat while still looking cute! I love this khaki one that oozes desert/safari vibes.
2. Midi/maxi dresses (2) ~ Make sure they cover your shoulders as well as your knees, for versatility’s sake. If it doesn’t cover your shoulders, it’s not the end of the world. Just be prepared to always cover your shoulders with a scarf or cardigan if needed.

Tops & Layers

Shirts (4)

1. Tank top (1) ~ If you bring a tank top, only bring one for sleeping and beach towns. I wouldn’t suggest wearing a tank top outside during the day unless you cover your shoulders with your scarf or you’re on the Red Sea coast.
2. Cotton short-sleeve tees/blouses (3) ~ Mix and match lightweight short-sleeve tees and blouses. I always bring a few solid colors and a few patterns to bring some variation into my outfits. However, I would avoid a v-neck if you can. V-necks weren’t usually a problem for me in Egypt, but higher necks ensure your wardrobe is as versatile as possible. Finally, make sure they’re cotton so that they’re breathable.
3. Lightweight button-up shirt (1) ~ This is something I found super handy when I visited Egypt. Whether you need to cover up some skin during the day or layer during the cooler nights in the desert,  a neutral-colored button-up shirt is the perfect thing to throw on.

Helpful tip: During the warmer months, it’s unlikely you’ll need a jacket at all, so save some space in your suitcase and don’t bring one. However, you might want to pack a very light windbreaker if you prefer wearing a jacket instead of a cardigan.

Swimwear & Undergarments

You might be wondering: can you swim in Egypt in December/January/February?

The short answer is yes. However, it depends on your cold tolerance. The Red Sea around January time will be in the mid-70s °F, but the air will be a bit cooler and breezy. So often the sea feels warm, but the wind “gets ya” on the way out.

Many recommend a wetsuit for snorkeling, which you can rent once you’re there. Unheated pools will probably be too chilly, so check what your accommodation offers.

Swimwear (2)

1. Option 1: Bikinis (2) ~ Having two bikinis will make sure you don’t have to experience that terribly uncomfortable feeling of putting on a still-wet swimsuit the next day. Bikinis are generally fine to wear on the beach on the Red Sea coast.
2. Option 2: Bikini (1) + One-piece (1) ~ When you want to cover up a bit more, or just can’t deal with a bikini that day, try wearing a one-piece instead! One-pieces also keep your wardrobe versatile when you’re not sure yet exactly where you’re traveling when you visit Egypt.

Shoes & Clothing Accessories

Shoes (4-5)

1. Sneakers ~ Bring a pair of sneakers that are comfortable for walking and running everywhere. I have liked my Nike Free sneakers for years, but I’ve heard great things about Tropifeel multi-purpose sneakers, too. Wear these on the plane ride over to save space in your bags.
2. Leather sandals ~ If you don’t want to look like a dirty backpacker all the time, you might want to bring a pair of leather sandals. I like my Blowfish Malibu sandals – they look nice but are also great for walking.
3. Flip-flops/shower shoes ~ Flip-flops that can get wet are ideal for the shores of the Red Sea and are a must in hostel showers.
4. Hiking sandals ~ I LOVED my Teva hiking sandals, and now I equally LOVE my Chaco’s. They’re super useful for warm hikes in Egypt when you don’t necessarily need to cover your toes, but still need a good tread. These hiking sandals are also meant for going in the water. This was perfect for when I summited Mount Sinai or went into the rocky Red Sea.
5. Slippers ~ Many places in Egypt have cold tile floors. This might be nice during the day, but you’ll want a way to keep your feet warmer come nighttime. These Snoozies slippers do just that, plus they barely take up any room in your bag. Bonus: they’re perfect for the plane ride there, too! No Egypt packing list is complete without them.

Read more: Hostelworld is my go-to booking engine for the best hostels around the world! And they’re a great way to meet like-minded travelers while in Egypt, which can make traveling there easier.

Clothing Accessories

Toiletries

It’s important to me to have a bodycare and skincare routine free of toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. So, everything you will find within these toiletries to pack for Egypt are approved by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

1. Toiletry bag/shower caddy ~ I really love my Baggallini travel kit. It carries all of my toiletries apart from my liquids bag. It also has a handy hook for hanging – perfect for the bathroom or hostel shower!
2. Makeup + cosmetic bag ~ Try to be minimal about the makeup that you bring, if any. This is mostly because it will melt off in the heat anyway, especially if you’re going in the warmer months! I know this can be hard if you’re like me and are acne-prone or deal with hyperpigmentation. So just stick to the bare basics if you can.
3. Tangle teezer hairbrush ~ The tangle teezer hairbrush is the most amazing hairbrush you’ll ever try and belongs in your suitcase, backpack, and your bathroom counter at home. It gets through ANY knot, even the toughest ones. This is super important for women like me who have thin hair, but a lot of it!
4. Razor ~ Did you know men’s razors are more expensive than women’s? Luckily companies like Billie have flooded the market with female-first options to change this. I like my Billie razor and blades because they have soap built into them, so I don’t have to bring a separate shaving cream! Especially important when trying to save precious liquid space while traveling.
5. Makeup wipes ~ One of the best ways to save room in your liquids bag is to bring these biodegradable makeup remover wipes. They’re perfect not just for washing your face and removing makeup, but also if you need a refresher on the plane ride over to Egypt. I usually cleanse first with these wipes, followed by my multi-purpose, sensitive skin Cetaphil cleanser below.
6. Reusable “cotton” rounds ~ I use these to remove my mascara and also scrub off any hard-to-remove makeup.
7. Shampoo + conditioner bars ~ This is another great hack for saving liquids bag space. While I think these bars are a little harder to use on long hair like mine, for shorter hair they can be great! I used them for awhile and loved the lack of plastic packaging and portability. I did ultimately switch back to a liquid shampoo and conditioner (below) that I found works better for me, however. It all comes down to personal preference! But I encourage you to try organic, toxin-free shampoo and conditioner bars if you haven’t yet.
8. Hair ties ~ You’ve gotta keep that hair out of your face. Make sure to bring plenty because you know how they disappear mysteriously!
9. Hair claw clip ~ Claw clips are my new favorite hair accessory. They’re now my preferred way of putting my hair up while traveling! This is because they don’t pull as much and are easy to take out and put back in.
10. Travel-size aluminum-free deodorant ~ For basic hygiene, I highly recommend bringing a travel-size deodorant. Just make sure it’s free of toxic nasties like aluminum!
11. Toothbrush ~ A simple toothbrush like this bamboo one with a travel holder works great. However, these days I bring my Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrush to protect my teeth as much as possible.
12. Period products ~ You know what you like and need. Make sure to bring tampons with plastic applicators if you prefer these, as they may not be available in Egypt. While a lot of women love their menstrual cups, especially for traveling, I don’t recommend using one in Egypt. With conservative attitudes towards women’s health in Egypt, you may receive shocked stares (or worse) when you’re washing your menstrual cup or reusable tampon applicator in a public bathroom.
13. Lip balm ~ Burt’s Bees is my go-to lip moisturizer, always. It’s all-natural and feels and smells so nice! You’ll want this in the arid, desert environment of Egypt.

Liquids

1. Shampoo & conditioner ~ If you opt to bring a liquid shampoo and conditioner, make sure to at least put them in travel containers to save space. My favorite toxin-free, EWG-approved shampoo is Honest Beauty Company’s sweet almond shampoo. Pura D’Or’s deep moisturizing conditioner is my favorite toxin-free, EWG-approved conditioner.
2. Face/body wash ~ Cetaphil’s sensitive skin cleanser is safe for the whole body, so I use this in the shower as well as for my face. If you don’t use this cleanser, make sure you use one that’s safe for your sensitive lady parts as well as your skin!
3. Body lotion ~ Lotion is an essential on any Egypt packing list since Egypt’s climate will dry out your skin easily! Apply after every shower for super smooth results. 🙂
4. Face moisturizer (with SPF) ~ If you have dry to normal skin, Ann Marie Gianni’s sun love face moisturizer + sunscreen is a great all-in-one solution for both night and daytime. As a gal with oilier skin, I use Cetaphil oil-absorbing moisturizer (SPF 30) during the day as it controls oil so well! I then use CeraVe Facial Moisturizer (PM) at night.
5. Serums, toners, etc. ~ You might not need any of these, but I don’t travel anywhere without at least The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum! It prevents breakouts, controls oil, evens skintone, and fades marks better than most other products I’ve tried.
6. Self-tanning lotion ~ Is your face a completely different color than the rest of your body because you diligently use SPF on your face every day (as you should)?! Me too! So I use this EWG-approved self-tanner on my face every few days during the summer to keep my face from looking three shades brighter than the rest of my skin. 🙂
7. Eye moisturizer ~ The skin around my eyes is always dry and you might find the same when you’re in Egypt. I’ve tried tons and I found this ultra-hydrating eye moisturizer is one of the few that actually works.
8. Toothpaste ~ I highly recommend bringing only a travel-size tube with you and buying larger tubes in Egypt as needed.
9. Reef-safe sunscreen ~ The barrier reef in the Red Sea in Egypt is one of the most colorful and lively in the world. Don’t poison it with standard sunscreens filled with millions of harmful microplastics! (Not to mention it’s really bad for your body to absorb that, too). Though it’s difficult to find non-toxic sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast, I’ve had the best results balancing these two factors using Lancaster Sun Sensitive Luminous Tan SPF 30.
10. Hand sanitizer ~ This was on my Egypt packing list before the pandemic and we now know just how important it is to have. Many hostels and bathrooms in Egypt don’t have soap either, so keep things clean with a 1-ounce hand sanitizer.
11. Acne spot treatment ~ If you’re like me and you’re an imperfect human, you’ll need a little spot treatment for blemishes while on the road. I use Epiduo (prescribed by my doctor) to keep acne away. However, if you don’t need something as strong as a topical retinoid, this Allure Beauty 2018 award-winning spot treatment should do the trick.
12. Dry shampoo ~ In Egypt, you will be sweating in the heat. To keep your hair fresh between washes, dry shampoo will be your best friend. This EWG-approved dry shampoo from Ecoroots is easy to apply, zero waste, and actually works!
13. Any liquids from your makeup (primer, liquid concealer, fixing spray, etc.) ~ I can’t tell you how much room this will take up – hopefully not a lot! But prevent having to deconstruct your perfectly-packed luggage and holding up the security line by putting these liquids in your liquid bag ahead of time. Keep your liquids in the right-size container with this TSA-approved reusable quart bag!

First-Aid Kit

Before you think this is overboard and you can skip this section, hear me out!

Hopefully, you don’t need any of this stuff, but you will be so glad to have it if you do. This will be a godsend, especially in a country like Egypt where communicating what you need to a pharmacist might be difficult.

Critically assess your needs against this part of the packing list and leave out what you feel is truly unnecessary.

1. Travel insurance ~ I talk about this more below, but I strongly recommend you consider travel insurance for Egypt! I personally have used World Nomads for three years. Whether you use them or another provider, remember that sh*t happens on the road and it sucks if you have to pay out of pocket to cover it. Take it from me, speaking from experience here. 🙂
2. Band-aids ~ Make sure to bring some waterproof band-aids too if you’ll be swimming in Egypt. You’ll want these to protect any cuts, scrapes, or blisters from dust and dirt.
3. Q-tips ~ Q-tips/cotton buds are useful for first-aid, makeup, and more.
4. Neosporin wound spray ~ This on-the-go antiseptic and pain-relieving spray is perfect for traveling. Spray on your wound before putting a band-aid on to prevent infection.
5. Elastic bandage wrap ~ A bandage may seem overboard, but if you’ll be walking around in the dirt at all (like while visiting the pyramids), I highly recommend bringing this. I twisted my ankle in hiking boots while frolicking in fields in Salzburg, Austria and was really glad I had one!
6. Compeed blister cushions ~ If you have never heard of this genius British invention, you’ll wish you had sooner! These hydrocolloid patches suck the moisture out of a blister, forming a little bubble to cushion it and allow it to heal. I’ve needed these on almost every trip I’ve been on.
7. Tweezers ~ If not already included in your makeup bag, bring some tweezers. These also have many uses for splinters, eyebrows – you name it.

Electronics

1. SIM-unlocked phone + charger ~ Make sure your phone’s SIM card is unlocked before you go abroad! Even if you’re in Egypt for only a week, getting a local SIM card is always cheaper than paying for data from your provider back home. Check with your provider before you leave to make sure. I try to avoid this problem entirely by purchasing a phone that is SIM-unlocked from the get-go. Whatever you opt to do though, as a female traveler it is a MUST to have a phone connection in Egypt in case you run into any trouble. For charging cables, I like braided cords like this to prevent tangling and breakage.
2. Egypt SIM card ~ If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a SIM card at a local kiosk once you’re in Egypt, I highly recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. They offer data packages perfect for anyone looking to stay connected worldwide. Most cell phones support eSIMs now, which is way easier because it doesn’t require fumbling with a physical SIM. My parents loved theirs when they came to visit me in the UK and it was super affordable.
3. Earbuds ~ I love music so earbuds are a necessity for this Egypt packing list. I love my wireless Galaxy Buds (the best Airpods equivalent for Android), not only for music but also to block out any particularly noisy guests in the hostel room when needed. I also bring wired earbuds as these are usually needed for entertainment on the plane.
4. Laptop/tablet + charger ~ As a blogger, of course I need my Macbook on me whenever I travel. 🙂 Back in the days, however, a tablet was more than enough for browsing. You might find you don’t need a laptop either! For either a laptop or tablet though, make sure to get a genuine charger. I had issues with this in Costa Rica that ended up breaking my entire Macbook. Please learn from my mistakes!
5. E-reader/tablet ~ DO NOT bring physical books when you travel! I prefer physical books to an e-reader, but their weight and bulkiness are just not worth it. Kindles are well-loved globally if you don’t own a tablet.
6. GoPro + accessories ~ GoPro is still the leader in the action camera industry and blows most other action cameras out of the water. I never travel without mine! They’re a great way to capture underwater moments in the Red Sea, riding a camel in the desert, and more without having to worry about breaking a larger camera. I also bring a GoPro chest harness for hiking hands-free (which you might want for Mount Sinai).
7. Portable charger ~ For long car and bus rides during day trips or overnight, you’ll want a portable charger. I always carry my Anker charger with iQ fast charging to keep my phone from losing power. It can charge a phone a few times over! Especially as a female traveler in Egypt, you need to keep your phone powered for safety reasons.
8. DSLR camera + accessories ~ Of course, I never travel without my Sony a7R IV mirrorless DSLR and my 24-70mm f/2.8 lens! A high-quality DSLR camera is an essential electronic for this Egypt packing list. If you’re interested in getting a DSLR but aren’t sure where to start, be sure to check out my post on the best cameras for travel photography beginners.
9. GlocalMe portable WiFi ~ If you work remotely and are in need of a reliable internet connection, a GlocalMe portable WiFi station can be a good solution. I do not personally use one, but have heard good things from other digital nomads.

Accessories

1. Important documents folder ~ As I described above, there are a number of documents you will need to travel to Egypt. Make sure to bring these in a folder and have it on you for immigration on arrival.
2. Travel towel ~ If I’m staying in hostels, I always bring this compact travel towel (comes with a free hand towel!). Because of its multiple uses, it’s a must-have for this Egypt packing list.
3. Small purse/fanny pack ~ This just needs to be big enough for fitting your phone, wallet, and maybe some lip balm.
4. Reusable foldable tote bag ~ Egypt uses a lot of plastic. If you’re going to be getting some things from shops, like groceries, I highly recommend bringing a super compact, foldable tote bag.
5. Padlock ~ You’ll need this for any hostel you stay at so you can lock your valuables away! This padlock is a 4-digit code lock, so there’s no chance for you to lose any keys.
6. Travel plug adapter ~ Egyptian plugs are NOT the same as plugs in the US! However, they are the same as in Europe. I love this European travel adaptor which features both a 3-prong outlet and 2 USB ports, all in one converter. Alternatively, if you want something that works around the world, I use this international travel plug adapter.
7. Headlamp ~ A headlamp is not only useful for hiking Mount Sinai but is actually super useful in hostels as well. You can hang it above your bed for some extra light, hands-free, and without waking up anyone else!
8. Filter water bottle ~ Tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt. In order to save money and plastic, I travel with my LARQ water bottle which uses a UV light to kill 99.9% of bacteria. You can also consider using a physical filtration system like a Lifestraw bottle. Lifestraws are cheaper, but they are also harder to drink from due to the physical filtration. So I prefer my LARQ!
9. Sleep mask ~ I also don’t travel anywhere without my sleep mask! A sleep mask will help you get much-needed shut-eye on the plane, bus, or hostel, no matter what. I love mine because it’s a true black-out mask with a 3D contour around the eyes.
10. Earplugs ~ Earplugs are also important for getting sleep. This is especially true if you’re staying at a hostel. These earplugs may seem basic but they’re actually the highest-rated on Amazon!
11. Blue light-blocking screen glasses ~ Did you know that looking at your screens after the sun sets will keep stimulating your brain, making it think it’s still daytime? My sleep is super important to me, especially when I’m traveling. That’s why I use these screen glasses after sunset to make sure blue light doesn’t disrupt my circadian rhythm.
12. Journal + pens ~ Journals are great while traveling. You can use them to record your travels, jot down notes and directions, and more. I like my small Moleskine journal for traveling. Don’t forget a pen, if nothing else to fill out immigration paperwork!
13. Passport + passport cover ~ Of course you’re bringing your passport to Egypt, but a passport cover is just as important. I use one to protect my passport from getting too banged up while constantly taking it out and putting it back in my bags. Because remember: if your passport gets too worn, you’ll have to pay for an early replacement! (Speaking as someone who used to work at the Embassy replacing passports in Berlin)
14. Inflatable neck pillow ~ This neck pillow deflates and folds up, helping to justify bringing it. Just clip it onto the outside of your backpack. I easily get neck pain if my neck lays the wrong way, so this half microfiber, half inflatable neck pillow helps with that on long plane or bus rides.

Add-On Essentials for Longer-Term Travel

Consider bringing any of these items if you’re traveling for two weeks or more. At this time point, you’ll need to start taking care of things like laundry.

1. Febreze fabric spray ~ Once you’re traveling for a week or two, especially in really warm weather, you’ll understand why this is on this Egypt packing list for women. Things can get a bit, erm, smelly. This travel-size Febreze spray will keep odors at bay and is a worthwhile occupation of space in your liquids bag.
2. Travel clothesline ~ You’ll need a way to dry any washed clothes, swimsuits, and towels. I use a braided travel clothesline like this one and attached suction cups to the ends so I can hang it anywhere. This way, you also don’t need any clothespins! This was an essential for my Egypt packing list.
3. Handwashing laundry detergent ~ If you need to do a full load of laundry while traveling in Egypt, it will be easier to pay someone else to do it, as it’s quite cheap. Bring this detergent made for handwashing to wash underwear between laundry days.
4. Nail clippers + file ~ Make sure to bring nail clippers and a file if you’re traveling for two weeks or more.

Travel Insurance for Egypt

In 2023, due to new international laws, I am not legally allowed to even recommend you to get travel insurance… I can only let you know what’s available.

(Anyone else you find on the internet currently recommending insurance or pushing insurance from a certain provider is breaking these laws and is likely just trying to make a quick buck.)

What I can tell you is that sh*t happens when you are on the road.

For example, in many countries, it can cost well over $100 for a simple consultation with a reliable doctor. I have had to visit the doctor for unexpected illness in countries ranging from the Netherlands to Denmark to Costa Rica. I’ve also had to front this cost myself the times I chose not to have coverage.

Furthermore, if you travel for long enough (especially in sort of chaotic countries like Egypt), something will probably get stolen.

I had traveled for nearly six years without issues before my camera and rental car were stolen in St. Martin in 2021.

After the panic subsided, let’s just say I didn’t get the funds to cover it from my parents or my own savings account. I also didn’t go broke replacing/repairing them.

Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a hefty savings account or trust fund to dip into whenever sh*t happens traveling.

I also don’t have a military contact at every destination to evacuate and repatriate me in the event of a national catastrophe.

So, based on this information from nearly a decade of travel experience, you can choose to get travel insurance for your trip to Egypt, or you can choose not to – it’s all up to you.

Just make sure you have something to cover you if things go sideways.

Interested in more travel tips I don’t share on the blog? Follow me on Instagram and don’t miss a thing!

thefearlesswanderess

⚕ Nomadic neuroscientist doing my PhD abroad
✴ Ft in @huffpost @usatoday @luxe_mag
✈ Wellness travel in Europe & more
⤈ Most-loved Germany eSIM guide

Load More Follow on Instagram

World Nomads insurance – an honest review

You might have seen a lot of travel bloggers promoting World Nomads travel insurance. This is often because World Nomads has historically given out big payments to bloggers who made a sale through links in their blog posts.

In 2023, you’ll now probably see many bloggers shifting away from this practice because World Nomads has tightened the reins on what you can say about their insurance – and the unavoidable fact that bloggers can no longer promote or recommend travel insurance.

Here, I’m not trying to make a quick buck by promoting things I don’t use or just give me the biggest payout. I’m here to help you!

So what I will tell you is that I personally use World Nomads. Yes, I am an affiliate of theirs as well, but I mention them here because I use them and know and trust what they offer. Together with my homeowner’s/renter’s insurance, they covered the cost of my rental car and camera in full in St. Martin. In my experience, the claims process was easy and straightforward.

See more of World Nomads’ features – straight from the horse’s mouth – to make a better decision for you:

World Nomads may or may not be the best option for you. There are plenty of other options out there and it’s important to shop around to choose what’s best.

For example, VisitorsCoverage is another popular travel insurance provider that provides coverage to citizens of over 175 countries primarily visiting the United States. On the other hand, EKTA is a popular provider that is good not only for travelers, but also digital nomads.

All this is to say that the best provider for you is the one that best suits your unique situation.

A note about insurance for expensive electronics in Egypt

Even if you add on additional coverage with World Nomads, it may not be possible to cover the full cost of a single item above a certain cost. In this case, always make sure you have separate insurance.

In the United States, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance often covers personal belongings outside the house (cool, right?). In the UK, I have additional coverage for my phone, laptop, camera, and lenses through Protect My Bubble. This covers my stuff no matter where I go in the world.