Hurghada Red Sea Coast, Egypt Travel Guide
Summer (June - September): Lightweight, breathable fabrics are needed. Opt for cotton, linen, or quick-drying synthetics. Pack plenty of Swimwear. Consider a light long-sleeved top or Rash guard for Sun protection. Winter (December - February): Daytime temperatures stay pleasant for t-shirts. Evenings and early mornings can feel cool, especially with a breeze. Pack light layers: a Light jacket, a sweater, or a Shawl for evenings.
Hurghada is a tourist resort, and within resort grounds or on private beaches, standard beachwear is acceptable. When venturing into local areas, like El Dahar market, local restaurants, or any religious sites (like mosques), modest dress shows respect. For women, this typically means covering shoulders and knees. For men, avoiding very short shorts is advisable in these settings.
Sandals/Flip-flops are necessary for the beach, pool areas, and within your resort.
Bring comfortable walking shoes like sturdy Athletic shoes for exploring towns, markets, and general sightseeing.
Water shoes are useful for rocky beaches or coral shallows. Closed-toe shoes are for desert excursions.
Careful organization of your travel documents helps a smooth and worry-free trip.
Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins). The standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz. Bring an universal Travel adapter or a Power adapter if your devices differ. Most modern electronics are dual voltage. Egypt operates on a GSM network. Your Unlocked smartphone should work. Local SIM cards are available from Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat at the airport or city stores. Airalo offers eSIMs for easy connectivity. Data packages are affordable.
Navigation: Google Maps (download offline maps) or HERE WeGo. Ride-sharing: Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada. Translation: Google Translate for offline Arabic. Currency: Xe Currency for real-time rates. Messaging: WhatsApp is widely used. VPN: NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing.
Ensure your phone is unlocked for local SIM cards to access affordable data. This helps navigation and communication.
Choose camera gear suitable for land and underwater environments to capture Hurghada's diverse beauty.
Use a VPN for public Wi-Fi to protect your personal data while traveling.
Your health and well-being on the trip merit careful packing. A basic First aid kit includes Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze pads, medical tape, and small scissors. Antidiarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium) and oral rehydration salts are helpful. Pain relievers (Ibuprofen) for headaches. Antihistamines for allergies. Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations. Carry all prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
High-SPF Sunscreen and After-sun lotion are needed. A Wide-brimmed hat and good quality Sunglasses protect your eyes and face. Bring Insect repellent, choosing a DEET-free option or one with higher DEET concentration based on your preference. Hurghada is at sea level, so altitude sickness is not a concern.
Dive centers offer full rental gear. Many divers prefer to bring their own mask and snorkel for comfort. Bringing your own BCD, regulator, or wetsuit is a personal choice based on travel logistics and your frequency of diving.
Snorkeling gear is often provided on boat trips, but personal gear typically offers a better fit and is more hygienic. For regular snorkelers, owning your set is a good idea. Snorkeling sets are readily available.
For activities like desert safaris, specific gear like helmets for quad biking is provided by tour operators. Assess whether bringing your own items for comfort outweighs the hassle of transport and potential rental availability.
A Travel neck pillow improves comfort on long rides. An Eye mask and earplugs help with sleep. A Money belt provides secure space for passport, extra cash, and credit cards. A Small padlock works for luggage or hostel lockers. An RFID blocking wallet helps protect credit cards from electronic theft.
Small gifts from your home country, like pens or small trinkets, can be appreciated gestures for local hosts or tour guides, if you wish to offer them. High-quality, Reef-safe sunscreen, specific brand-name medications, or specialty outdoor gear might be harder to find or more expensive in Hurghada. If you have particular needs for these, bring them from home.
Focus on light, quick-drying clothing.
Bring light layers for cooler evenings.
High-SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Carry small EGP notes and a secure wallet.
A light scarf or shawl is a versatile item for cultural modesty and sun protection.
Consider packing items that serve multiple purposes to save space and weight in your luggage. Don't forget a small daypack for excursions and beach visits.
