Packing List: Egypt Summer

In a few days I will be off to the Middle East on an 18 day trip that covers Athens, Greece; Egypt; Jordan; and New York City. As a result of the extreme temperatures in August at these places, my packing was pretty simple to accommodate. Temperatures in Egypt range 95 to 110°F and temperatures in Jordan range anywhere from 80-100°F depending on the location. Unlike my European packing list, packing for the Middle East had to take in mind the conservative nature of the culture, as well as trying to not outright label myself as an American tourist. (Pictured: Checked Duffel Contents, August 2009)

Additionally, the tour company that I will be traveling with has asked for light packing so baggage can fit easily on the overnight trains and wont weigh us down while walking. This is also necessary for budget airlines, in which Aegean Airlines requires bags to be below 20kg when checked. Unlike when packing for Europe, by packing very thin and light clothes in a small bag, the total weight was only 7kg! Not bad for over packing.

The packing list I used for the Middle East is as follows:

Carry-On:
 
Digital Cameras w/chargers (3)
Ipod w/charger
Power Adapters
Tripods (2)
1 copy of information
Moneybelt
Passport
Travel Pillow
Memory Cards
Extra Camera Battery
Kleenex Tissue
Tour Journal
Extra Pens
Lip Balm
Glasses w/Case
Sunglasses
Maps w/Marked Sights
Pack of Cards
Umbrella
Toilet Paper

In Moneybelt:
 
Passport
Luggage Keys
Memory Cards
Extra Battery
Credit Cards
Gap Information
Credit Card Cancel #
Emergency Contact #

Checked Duffel:
 
Boxer Shorts (3)
Socks (8)
T-Shirts (8)
Button Up Shirts (4)
Shorts (2)
Long Pants (2)
Swimsuit (1)
Night Pants (1)
Zip Up Jacket
Water Sandals (1)
1 copy of information
Toiletries
Sink Stopper & Line
Alarm Clock
Travel Towel
Kleenex Tissue

Toiletries:
 
Toothbrush & Paste
Deodorant
Face & Body Soap
Shaving Cream & Razor
Shampoo
Q-Tips
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Daily Vitamin
Claritin
Sunscreen
Laundry Soap Packet
Lip Balm
Bandaids
Hand Sanitizer
Immodium
Contact Case & Solution
Orajel

A few of these items may be a bit excessive, those are the 8 t-shirts and 8 pairs of socks. As I learned from trekking Europe for an extended period, a fresh pair of socks were most welcomed. As a result I was packing a bit extra to have fresh pair. The t-shirts may not be necessary, but since they are small and I have tons of room in the bag, I thought it would be ok to have. Some of the carry-on items could be put in the checked bag, but I am very protective of my camera equipment and prefer to keep it with me at all times. The night jacket is purely for the felucca instead of a sleeping bag and for climbing Mount Sinai which is supposed to be pretty cold at night. 

This packing list worked out pretty well. The one thing I would advise against is taking too many pairs of long jeans in August. I took two pair, and only used one. No one seemed to care that I was wearing shorts except in religious places which require longer pants. The only place that someone was hassled was in the immigrations building in Aqaba, Jordan where one person was yelling at the girls who had thin strapped tank tops on. The rest of the cities are so used to many tourists that not adhering to some customs is tolerated. Infact some people at the Pyramids were walking around in booty shorts and bikini tops, which was offensive even to me. Long shirts were also not necessary for the Sinai climb or sleeping on the felucca in August. In winter these nights are very cold, but in summer it is still in the 70s+ at night and it is not necessary for thick clothing at all.