As per my other post, I'm trying to pack really light this time around:
-1 pair of shorts
-1 pair of capris (+ the pair worn on the plane)
-5 t-shirts (with sleeves)
-7 pairs socks
-7 underwear
No dressy clothes.
But, are dressy/semi-dressy clothes ever actually required on this tour?
Whenever I see advice on what to pack for a tour (any tour), I always see "bring at least one set of dressy clothes" but I've never actually used them.
Re: Dressy Clothes - Jewels of Egypt
Hi Fuzzypuppy.
Like you, I've always wondered about the "nice outfit" comment. I try to include one "nice top". And always a lightweight / easy to pack in a corner type of thing.
I don't know how long your trip is but might I be so bold as to suggest 3 additional items
1. a sarong to use as a wrap as well as to wear to bed or after a swim
2. a fleece jumper (polartec or whatever is your thing) because it can become cool at night - and they're great as a pillow, and
3. I don't know how long your trip is but might it be possible that you'll have washed your shorts on the day that you slip in some mud whilst wearing your chinos? How about a second pair of shorts "just in case"?
Like I said, please take this only as a suggestion.
Hope you have a great time
Kaye
Re: Dressy Clothes - Jewels of Egypt
Thanks Kaye!
A sarong sounds like a good idea. Would you know where I could buy one online? I haven't seen them in any stores. Of course, I haven't really been looking but still...
I was considering a fleece, but I wasn't sure if I would need it, sounds like I will.
What are chinos?![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Re: Dressy Clothes - Jewels of Egypt
Chinos ... sorry, pretty much the same as capris.
As for the sarong, gee I'd never thought about buying one online. They're easily sourced here. Umm, have you thought about making one? All you need is a piece of material about 2m x 1m. Try a lightweight cotton fabric in a pattern/colours you enjoy. Put a simple hem on the unfinished edges and you're done. Or don't worry about a hem because you're only going to use it for a few weeks. (It will be lovely and soft if you wash it often before you go.)
Anyhow, I hope you have a great time.
ciao
Kaye
Re: Dressy Clothes - Jewels of Egypt
Hi FuzzyPuppy,
I've just returned from my 2nd Jewels of Egypt tour (it really is fantastic![[Smile]](smile.gif)
)...in my experience:
You definitely won't be able to able to use a laundromat or the hotel laundry every day - in some places (such as Alexandria for example) you check into the hotel late, and leave the next morning after breakfast.
That of course doesn't stop you doing your own washing, and if you take easy to wash clothes (especially considering you'll be heading into Egypt's summer) you shouldn't have a problem with three pairs of pants. Personally I'd take at least one pair that covers your ankles. Your Tour Leader will tell you if you're visiting somewhere that requires you to be covered up (normally optional extras to the tour) but most of these places will hire you 'robes' (often old sheets!) if your clothing is inappropriate.
Once you're on the boat the laundry service is fantastic - you drop it off at reception, and normally get it back either later that day or the next day clean and folded.
A sarong is invaluable - you'll use it on the boat, when you go out on the water, and possibly when you're napping on the bus.
I took a fleece - but that's because it was almost winter when I was there, and Mt Sinai was freezing!
As to dressy clothes, well it really depends on what you'd like to do.
You have the opportunity to have High Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, and that's definitely something you'd need to dress up for.
As Kaye suggested, I take a nice top just in case.
Egypt is a pretty dusty dirty place so go with easy to wash, suitably coloured clothing.
Have a fantastic time!!!
Kathryn