Going on holiday... 1st time abroad... what do i need?

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Elizabeth

Take as little as possible, you will enjoy travelling more if you don't have to lug around baggage. Anything that's not a necessity, leave at home.

You'll need passport (and a copy of it kept in a separate location), travel documents (including insurance), and some cash (it's easier to mostly use ATM/cash point cards to withdraw local currency).

Toiletries I buy locally (shampoo, sunscreen, etc), but bring my own makeup and toothbrush. It's easier to pack all liquids/creams in your checked bag. I also bring a few OTC meds like painkillers and pills for upset stomach.

Camera, laptop, mobile, other electronics should be kept in your hand luggage. Remember that the outlets are different, so it's best not to bring anything that needs to be charged or plugged in, unless you have a converter.
http://treehouse.ofb.net/go/en/voltage/Egypt

I would honestly leave anything like a hair dryer at home. It's unnecessary and a hassle, and with that sort of heat your hair's not going to do what you want it to anyway. Tie it back and forget about it.

You'll need cool, conservative clothes for summer. While you will see tourists wearing all sorts of things, you'll be treated with more respect and avoid unwanted negative attention if you dress conservatively. This means no shorts, no short skirts, and no sleeveless shirts. You can't enter a religious site without being covered anyway.

It's better to wear long flowy dresses (in a natural material like thin cotton or linen), loose trousers (jeans are too hot), or skirts (below the knee) with a loose, long-sleeved top. Sandals are fine, but make sure they are comfortable for walking. If you buy local clothes, they will often be cooler than anything you have.

Kurtis are a good choice:
http://indiska.com/data/product/images/XL/2262_200895241224879733.jpg

Or something like this:
http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/HanoverDirect/7Y255000_SF?$xlarge$

Do-lally

If you're going to Egypt take some Immodium & Senecot - as you'll probably get an upset stomach at some point! :)

Do not drink the water, don't even rinse your tooth brush in it! Buy bottled water from the local shops as the hotels offer to deliver a load of bottles to your room but these are massively over priced!

If you're staying on a resort complex it's fine to wear short skirts, but if you're planning on going out of the Resort (visiting Pyramid etc) it's best to cover up. Remember its offensive to sunbathe topless & the men out there are particularly desperate to bag themselves an English woman and are very pervy!!!

Also you need to get some injections - talk to your doctor - they should be free - there's 5 altogether but they're combined into 2 injections.

Orla C

I don't think short, tight clothes are a good idea in a country like Egypt, but I suggest googling 'travel+Egypt' to see if you can find any tips concerning this.

You'll need your passport, and bring your documents in a moneybelt that you wear under your clothes. Take photocopy of your passport, any itinerary you have and a few spare print-outs of your flight ticket and put them in a pocket in the bottom of your suitcase ... if you lose your personal documents, then at least you have something to help you and the officials to sort it all out .....

Don't bring lots of cash with you - are you mad? That's dangerous. Instead go into your bank and ask them if they know about using your ATM card on ATMs in Egypt itself. I have used my Irish ATM card in various countries, I was given local currency, and the amount was debited from my bank account at home. I think this is also the cheapest way of keeping your money safe, but your bank will need to know what you're doing, so they don't think your card has been stolen, and to make sure that your card will work. Also find out what credit card is most suitable for Egypt, probably Visa and Mastercard, but it's worth checking out. And when you're there, NEVER let your card out of your sight.

You can put cameras in hand luggage, and you can also get small bottles that are approved for bringing onto flights, your best bet is to go to a pharmacy (or Boots, if you're in the UK) and ask them about this, they will have up-to-date information for this. You may not bring on nail files or blades of any type, or anything that could be used as a weapon. Leave your nail file and swiss army knife in your big luggage.

I'd recommend getting a copy of the DK Eyewitness Guide for Egypt, it will help you prepare better, because it includes a lot of information about clothing, customs, and what you can expect.

Have a great time.

bjmlewis

have a look on tripadvisor, it is very good for many countries and advice

Sapphire D

heaps of clothes underwear

camera

toothpaste

soap

dvds if there is a dvd player

pillows

brush

shampoo

mozzie stuff

make-up

books optional

money

mobile

games

kittysue2000

I always put anything of any value (camera, ipod, etc) in my hand luggage

As for money, either bring travelers cheques or just take money out of bank machines when you arrive. Maybe bring a few hundred in "emergency cash" - but I normally only bring my credit and debit cards on holiday and withdraw money as needed

Bring lots of sunscreen and keep reapplying. You don't realise how hot and burning the north African sun can be.

AL L

ur whole house

kevin p

sorts t shirts

adelly

Apart from the obvious - Summer clothes and shoes remember to pack:

Beach bag, beach towels, plug adapter, hairdryer and straightners, paracetamol/insect bite cream/Imodium tablets, books, ipod, chargers, travel iron if you like and all the contents of your dressing table!

Put your valuables like money, jewellery, camera, ipod etc in your hand luggage, don't pack it.

You must put any liquids like makeup and perfume in your suitcase.

I always say most important things are passport, tickets and money. Anything else you forget you can buy when you're there :)

sumit a

don't worry i have experienced it before. you need to take mostly cotton clothes to wear because of high temperature. take a scalf as there is much of dust in the city and even the ladies over there wear the same thing.

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