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What to Pack for El Gouna

What to Pack for El Gouna

El Gouna Egypt Travel Guide

Summer June-August

During summer there is extreme heat. Pack clothes made from breathable materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics. Swimwear is essential for water activities.

Summer Essentials

  • Lightweight and loose-fitting clothes (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses).
  • Sun protection: light, Long-sleeved shirts and UV-protective clothing.
  • Evening: a very light jacket or Shawl for air-conditioned interiors.

Winter December-February

Winter brings the mildest weather. Daytime is pleasant, but evenings can turn cool.

Winter Essentials

  • Daytime: light long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, light sweaters.
  • Evenings: warmer jacket (fleece/light Puffer jacket), heavier sweaters, trousers.
  • Swimwear still useful, particularly for heated hotel pools.

Footwear Recommendations

Beach & Pool

Flip-flops, sandals, or Water shoes are perfect. Water shoes protect from coral or hot sand.

Comfort and protection.

General Walking

Comfortable walking sandals or Sneakers are best for exploring town areas.

Explore on foot.

Excursions

Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals for desert trips. Protect feet from beaches and heat.

Desert adventures.

Essential Documents

Critical Documents

Careful organization of your documents prevents issues during travel. Keep both physical and digital copies of important papers.

  • Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond entry, with blank pages.
  • Visa: Printed e-Visa confirmation or physical visa in passport.
  • Travel Insurance: Policy info, emergency contacts, coverage details.
  • International Driving Permit: Required with national license for car rental.
  • Vaccination Records: For personal reference, doctor's note for medications.
  • Reservations: Printed and digital copies of flights, hotels, tours.
  • Emergency Contacts: List family/friends, embassy/consulate, area emergency contacts.
  • Store copies separately from originals; consider cloud storage.

Technology & Electronics

Power and Connectivity

Egypt uses 220V electricity, 50Hz, Type C/F plugs. A Universal travel adapter is useful. Most modern electronics are dual voltage (100-240V). Ensure your mobile phone is unlocked for local SIM cards.

Mobile & Adapter Notes

  • Bring a Universal travel adapter for Type C/F plugs.
  • Purchase local SIM cards from Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat at HRG or in El Gouna.
  • Passport needed for SIM card registration.

Camera and Charging

A Waterproof action camera is excellent for Red Sea activities. Standard cameras and Smartphones suit general photography. Drones have strict Drone regulations in Egypt; permits are often required.

Photography & Power

Recommended Apps

Navigation

Google Maps for navigation. Download offline maps for The Venice of the red sea/Hurghada.

Ride-Hailing

Careem/Uber for facilities, especially between The Venice of the red sea and Hurghada.

Translation

Google Translate for quick translations; download Arabic offline pack.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked personal health kit provides peace of mind for common travel ailments.

Essential Contents

  • Basic wound care: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, medical tape.
  • Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, anti-diarrhea medication, oral rehydration salts, laxatives.
  • Burn cream/aloe vera for sunburn relief. Blister remedies.

Medications & Repellents

Carry all prescription medications in original containers with documentation. Pack in carry-on. Bring over-the-counter cold/flu remedies and indigestion relief.

Items

Travel Comfort

Motion Sickness

  • Medication for seasickness on boat trips.
  • Consider if prone to motion sickness on long-distance drives.
  • Ear drops for divers/swimmers to prevent infections.

Hydration & Hygiene

Activity-Specific Equipment

Underwater Exploration

Dive centers offer full gear rental. Many visitors prefer bringing their own Mask, snorkel, and fins for comfort and hygiene. A personal Cressi Adult Snorkel Set is a good investment. Certified divers might bring their Dive computer.

  • Mask, snorkel, and fins for personal comfort.
  • Personal Cressi Adult Snorkeling Gear for hygiene.
  • Certified divers consider bringing their dive computer.
  • Wetsuit (3mm shorty) for cooler months, or rent.

Wind Sports Essentials

If you own your gear, consider bringing your wetsuit (a 3mm shorty for cooler months, or just a Rash guard for summer), harness, and board shorts. Renting bulky items like kites and boards locally is often more convenient.

  • Own wetsuit (3mm shorty) for personal fit.
  • Harness and board shorts for comfort.
  • Rent bulky kit like kites and boards locally.
  • Rash guards provide great sun protection.

Leisure Comforts

A lightweight Beach towel, Beach bag, and a small, Waterproof dry bag are useful. Dry bags protect electronics near water. Consider Reef shoes to protect feet from sharp coral or rocky beaches.

  • Lightweight beach towel for relaxation.
  • Beach bag for essentials.
  • Waterproof dry bag for electronics near water.
  • Reef shoes for foot protection.

Gear Decisions

Rent Locally

  • Bulky or specialized gear like full diving sets (BCD, regulator, tanks).
  • Kites and boards for wind sports.
  • Wetsuits if you do not own one.
  • High-quality rental gear available in The Venice of the red sea centers.

Bring Your Own

  • Personal items: masks, snorkels, rash guards, reef shoes.
  • Comfort and hygiene are considerations.
  • Specific foreign brands of toiletries or dietary products.
  • Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comforts

Do not overlook small items that greatly contribute to convenience and coziness during your trip.

Journey Enhancers

Eco & Personal Items

Reusable items contribute to sustainable travel and reduce waste. Bring preferred toiletries, as some specialized items might be limited locally.

Sustainable Choices

Sustainable Travel Items

Water Bottle

Reduces plastic use.

Shopping Bag

For groceries/souvenirs.

Solar Charger

For small electronics.

Reusable Cutlery

For takeaways.

Destination-Specific Items

Red Sea Activities

  • Personal mask for snorkeling.
  • Reef shoes for protection.
  • Rash guard for sun protection.

Desert Excursions

  • Wide-brimmed hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Scarf for dust.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack a small, reusable laundry bag for dirty clothes. Hotels offer laundry services, or you can find laundromats in Downtown.

No unique items are required for El Gouna beyond general travel needs for a sunny, beach destination.

What to Pack for El Gouna. Clothes, Accessories, Essentials