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The Egyptian traveler’s survival kit
A check-list of some the important things that you may wish to carry with you.
The list may seem rudimentary for the seasoned traveler but for many making a
first time trip to Egypt, it may prevent problems.
Contending with sun and heat:
Hats and other covering - Large brimmed hats that provide not only a heat
covering but also a certain amount of shade will come in very handy in the hot
Egypt sun. In addition, women will be more acceptable when touring old churches
and mosques if they are wearing some sort of head covering. Scarves or other
apparels should be taken along to cover shoulders and arms, and to keep sun off
during treks. In very hot weather, a cloth, hat or scarf that can be cooled will
also help in keeping the head cool.
Sun block:
You might prefer to bring your own favorite brand.
Sun glasses:
There will be many times that tourists will find themselves in blaring, sand and
desert landscape and there is nothing better than a good pair of sun glasses ,
with the highest UV rating you can find.
Very Comfortable walking shoes:
Most tourists will be doing a considerable amount of walking and shoes should
not just be comfortable, but comfortable enough to walk long distances. Unlike
leather for mountain walks and such, it is also preferable for walking shoes to
be breathable and perhaps of light weight nylon or similar fabric. “Tennis
shoes” or other sporting type of shoes are good for this. Also keep in mind
there many steps to climb in Egypt.
Medication:
You can bring your prescription medicine along. It will also be more convenient
you favorite non-prescription medication along e.g. pain killers , heart-burn
medication, anti-diarrheic medicine etc.The most common bottled water brand,
Baraka contains a little magnesium and there may act as mild laxative. Another
brand to try is Siwa bottled water.
Camera:
A couple things should be pointed out. First, while you may take pictures as you
like the outside of most monuments, many require you do not use a flash. When
taking pictures inside tombs for example, you will need to bring high speed
film. Monuments in Egypt are real monuments and tourists will often be
disappointed with regular lenses. If possible, a good wide angle lens will be
nice to bring along. A video camera will also provide you with nice souvenir
footage of your trip. However keep in mind that filming inside many of the
museums, monuments and tombs is prohibited.
Power adapters:
These come in different varietsies. Some electronic equipment have switches to
allow you to change the power input type. For this a simple wall adapter is all
that is required. However other electronic devices do not have such switches and
in such case, you not only need a wall adapter, but also a power converter.
Egypt uses 220 volts and plugs two-prong rounded.
Water holder:
Bottled water is easily accessible. However lugging around with a water bottle
in your hand can be tiresome. Back-packs with holders for water bottles and for
women, even a shoulder bag type of purse will make this more convenient.
Finally, bring along humor and positive attitude. For many, and even those who
have done extensive traveling in the US or Europe, Egypt will be very different.
You will often find attitudes more laid back time less important and even some
of the Egyptians selling their wares and services at tourism sites annoying.
Egypt is a place you learn to let the smaller problems you might encounter, roll
off you shoulders and simply enjoy this, the oldest of all civilizations.
Enjoy Yourself!
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