What to pack for Egypt and everything I wore during our whirlwind trip

I like to think that I’m a seasoned packer, but admittedly I even googled what to wear in Egypt as it’s not your average holiday destination. With hot temperatures during the day, cool evenings and days packed with sightseeing to temples and religious sites, it’s a little difficult to know what to pack. Plus we took only one 25kilo suitcase between us, so I had to pack light. Having now returned from this incredible country, I think I did manage to get it almost right, but I would have made a few edits.

I now know that the most important pieces are layers, comfortable shoes, linen and a hat. As it is a Muslim country, it’s best to not visit sites in short dresses/skirts and sleeveless tops; don’t show too much skin and cover your shoulders, (although I think you could get away with a waistcoat). I did wear a few sleeveless tops, but always threw cotton and linen shirts over them so that I was covered up when sightseeing and only took them off for photos. Also, even if you travel in February, when temperatures are meant to be a little milder, they can easily rise - it rose to 36 degrees celsius while we were in Luxor - covering up a little more will also protect you from burning. (I also always had sunscreen and a hat in my bag.)

What to pack

Bags - one tote or basket bag & a leather crossbody, this one from COS served me very well

Shoes - trainers/plimsoles (I travelled in my New Balance); comfy sandals that you can walk all day in (I love Teva as they have a cushioned sole); comfy slip-ons like moccasins that you can wear to a restaurant in the evening (and wear with socks when it’s chilly), and finally a pair of leather slides like these or these that you can wear when you’re not sightseeing and are on the boat for example.

3-4 pairs of linen pants & cotton chinos (I love these from Everlane or these from House of Dagmar) - I only packed white, and wish I’d also brought a beige and a black pair with me as the white gets dirty quite quickly (here’s a great khaki pair from Everlane) - you’re walking around in a desert most of the time after all. I also love pyjama sets for extra elegance and would take these with me next time: pants & shirt from House of Dagmar or shirt & pants from Tôteme. This wrap skirt is also a great alternative to pants.

2-3 pairs of shorts - one denim and one linen/lightweight

2-3 shirts - a mix of linen and cotton. I took both long and short sleeved and I do love a striped shirt like this one

2-3 swimsuits, I’m a big fan of Hunza G as they’re flatter every body type and I also added this red one from Arket for a pop of color

2 knits - a heavier cashmere/wool polo neck that you wear on the flight and in the evenings when it’s a bit chilly, plus another cotton jumper that you can throw over your shoulders for extra warmth or wear in the evenings when it’s not too cold

x1 pair of jeans - travel in these and wear on the boat in the evening to help prevent mosquito bites

2-3 pairs of socks - you’ll mainly wear these in the evening with mocassins, so you don’t need too many. I also brought one thicker pair to sleep in as I get cold feet (like a grandma)

A couple of dresses - the Jenni Kayne Riviera slip dress was a great option as it’s lightweight and chic (use code Marissa15 for 15% off)

T shirts & a couple of waistcoats, like this one from COS

And finally sunglasses, a couple of hats (baseball and straw) and jewelry to elevate outfits