What to Pack & Bring: Valley Of The Kings

Season-Specific Attire

October - April (Cooler Season): Wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Long sleeves and trousers or skirts for sun protection and modesty.

Evening Wear

A Light jacket, fleece, or Shawl becomes needed as temperatures drop.
Be ready to add and remove layers throughout the day.
Temperatures can fluctuate widely, especially in the desert.

Cultural Dress Guidelines

Egypt is a conservative Muslim country. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with local communities.

Modesty Tips

For Women: Shoulders and knees covered. Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothes.
A Light scarf or pashmina for head or shoulder covering.
For Men: Long trousers or knee-length shorts are fine. Avoid tank tops outside resorts.

Footwear Essentials

Walking/Sightseeing

Comfortable, closed-toe Walking shoes or Sandals with good support.

Uneven terrain at sites.

Evening Comfort

Casual dress shoes or sandals work well for evening outings.

Relaxed evening atmosphere.

Footwear to Avoid

Avoid open-toed shoes for extensive walking on dusty, uneven ground.

Dust and rough paths.

Required Documents

Travel Paperwork

Secure and organize your documents before you travel. Keep digital copies on your phone and cloud storage.

Original Passport and visa documentation (e-Visa printout or cash for visa on arrival).
Travel insurance policy information (policy number, emergency contacts, coverage summary).
Vaccination records and health documentation for prescription medications.
Student/senior/press IDs for potential discounts (e.g., ISIC).

Printed and digital copies of reservations (flights, hotels, tours).
Emergency contact information (family, embassy, travel insurance details).
International driving permit (not generally needed for tourist travel in Luxor, self-driving not recommended).
Onward travel details (return flight, onward tickets).

Technology & Electronics

Power & Plugs

Egypt uses Type C and Type F sockets. The voltage is 220V at 50Hz.

Adapter Needs

Bring a Universal travel adapter suitable for these types.
Check your devices for voltage compatibility.
Portable chargers and power banks are useful for long sightseeing days.

Mobile & Internet

Most modern smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards are affordable and widely available at airports and official telecom shops.

Connectivity Options

A data package is useful for navigation and communication, consider Airalo eSIM.
For internet security, consider a VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Camera equipment: A good camera with zoom. Tripods often restricted inside tombs. B&H Photo has equipment.

Digital Essentials

Recommended Apps

Google Maps (download offline maps), Google Translate (offline Arabic), Uber/Careem.

Photo Storage

Use cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and important documents.

Backup Solutions

Physical backup drives or a second memory card for critical data.

Health & Wellness Items

Your Personal First Aid Kit

A prepared health kit adds peace of mind. Pack these items.

Kit Contents

Antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers (Ibuprofen).
Antihistamines, anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide), oral rehydration salts (ORS).
Hydrocortisone cream for bites, blister pads. Consider a general First aid kit.

Medication & Hydration

Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Over-the-counter remedies for common issues like colds.

Water & Hygiene

Water purification options: Bottled water is widely available. A Personal water filter or Purification tablets can be useful.
Personal hygiene essentials: Pack specific brands if needed. Hand sanitizer is highly recommended.
Insect repellent: Use Repellent with DEET or Picaridin.

Sun & Insect Defense

Sun Safety

High SPF Sunscreen (SPF 30+), reapply frequently.
A Wide-brimmed hat for constant head and face protection.
UV-protective sunglasses for eye comfort.

Insect Repellent Strategy

Mosquitoes are present, especially near the Nile.
Apply Insect repellent during dawn and dusk hours.
Consider light, long-sleeved clothing for evening wear.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Archaeological Site Gear

Gear needed for exploring ancient sites.

A Small backpack for water, snacks.
Camera and sunscreen.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Wide-brimmed hat.

Hot Air Balloon Trip

Items for an early morning aerial adventure.

Camera for stunning views.
Comfortable clothing.
Light jacket for early morning chill.
Binoculars for distant views.

Nile Cruise Essentials

Gear for river excursions on the Nile.

Sunglasses for glare.
A hat for sun protection.
Light jacket for evening boat trips.
Comfortable deck shoes.

Rent vs. Buy Considerations

Advantages of Buying

Personal items like hats and sunglasses are more practical to buy.
Small daypacks and personal water bottles are better brought along.
You ensure quality and fit for essential clothing and footwear.
Hygiene items and specific medications are best brought from home.

When to Rent

Larger or highly specialized gear, like certain camera lenses, can be rented.
Rental options for specialized items are more common in Cairo than Luxor.
Consider renting a bicycle on the West Bank instead of bringing your own.
No specific items unique to Luxor experiences require renting beyond general use.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort

Make long journeys more agreeable with these items.

Personal Comfort Items

A Travel neck pillow for long flights or trains.
An Eye mask for sleep during travel or in bright hotels.
Earplugs for noisy environments.
Entertainment (books, downloaded movies) for downtime.

Security & Convenience

Practical items for safety and sustainability.

Safety and Eco-friendly Items

A Money belt or RFID blocking passport holder for valuables.
Small combination locks for luggage.
A Reusable water bottle to cut plastic waste.
A Reusable shopping bag for market purchases.

Sustainable & Local Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduce plastic bottle use.

Digital Documents

Lessen paper use by storing copies digitally.

Small Denominations

Carry local currency for tips and small buys.

Wet Wipes & Sanitizer

Maintain hygiene, especially when cash handling.

Specific Local Items

Hard-to-Find Brands

High-quality sunscreens might be expensive or limited locally.
Specific over-the-counter medications might have limited selection.
Certain personal hygiene brands could be more expensive or unavailable.

General Advice

Plan your packing list carefully.
Consider purchasing essentials before arrival.
Local pharmacies and supermarkets carry most major items.

Smart Packing Advice

Pack light, but pack smart. Less luggage makes your movements easier, especially when navigating historical sites in the heat.

Consider a travel-sized laundry detergent for hand-washing small items.

What to Pack & Bring