What to Bring

• Imagine how many tourists visit Egypt each year and spend the first few days just buying all of their necessary items. Expect an intense amount of heat. Egypt has mild winters and very hot summers from May to October. For women, that means bringing loose-fitting clothing and nothing revealing, such as short shorts. It is widely known that men in this culture are very vocal about their appreciation of the womanly form.
  
  Bring sun block, hats, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and water canteens. Have a sweater on hand for the desert's cool night breeze. Remember any medications or daily supplements. You must have a visa when traveling into Egypt. Download and fill out an application online or visit a local Egyptian Consulate (see Resources below). If you are coming to Egypt on a cruise, get a visa at the port of entry.
  
  

Social Customs

• Egypt is a fairly conservative country made up of people of the Muslim and Coptic Christian faiths. Respect local etiquette by not showing extreme degrees of affection with your partner. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Don't wear t-shirts that have any explicit or pro-drug references. If you are invited to an Egyptian's home, make sure to be on time. Lateness and absence embarrasses the host in front of their community. When in a Muslim home or environment, understand that it is against their faith to eat pork or drink alcohol.
  
  Egyptians' "personal space" is a lot closer than is the custom for Westerners. Do not be surprised if, when speaking to you, a person stands only inches away from your face. When visiting a mosque, do not expose your arms or head if you are a woman, speak quietly and remove your shoes. Taking a taxi is not for the faint of heart, especially in Cairo. Drivers drive erratically and sometimes on the opposite side of the street. Beware of pirate cabs that have no affiliation with any company. Ask your hotel or a nearby hotel to get you a reputable cab.
  
  

Embrace the Culture

• There are five major cities that are commonly visited by tourists: Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Hurghada and Luxor. Alexandria is full of ancient sites that include Roman Catacombs, the Montaza Palace and Roman Theatre. Luxor is near the famous Valley of the Kings, which is the site of the tomb of Tutankhamun. There are several other tombs, but some are occasionally under construction, so ask your hotel before going.
  
  Aswan is a great choice to experience a serene city on the Nile. Drinking laws are much more relaxed in this city compared to the other major cities in Egypt. Sip the Egyptian beer, Stella, and watch the boats travel by. Hurghada is popular for its many resorts that cater to locals and travelers alike.
  
  Be adventurous and try the various food choices in Egypt. There are numerous street vendors and local cafes that are much better than the tourist haunts. You will find yourself amazed by the past and present culture of this country. Have a list of where you want to go prior to your trip. Delve into Egyptian history and explore this jewel of the Nile.