Help with packing clothes for Egypt and Jordan

Old Mar 15th, 2008, 12:42 AM
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Help with packing clothes for Egypt and Jordan

We are leaving on the 19th for a trip to Egypt and Jordan. We are visiting Cairo, then taking the train to Luxor, having a short cruise to Aswan, visiting Abu Simble, returning to Cairo, flying to Amman, visiting the Dead Sea, visiting Petra, visiting Wadi Rum, visiting a few other sites in Jordan like Mt Nebo, and then returning home.

I'm starting to pack and want to be sure I understand what clothing is acceptable in different locations. I want to pack as light as possible.

We plan to wear long pants or capris in most locations. Is it OK to have the longer style shorts in Luxor and on the cruise? What about in Jordan? Are longer shorts ok in Jordan?

I also know in Egypt that we should cover our shoulders. I have lots of tops that are not tank tops, but the sleeves are quite short. They cover the shoulders, but not much of the upper arm. Are these ok? I will have an extra cardigan type shirt to wear in the mosques and to wear if there are particular sites that would need my arms covered. But would these shirts be ok for most places? My daughter is 6, so do I need to bring something to cover her upper arms (down to elbows?) We'll also have something to cover our hair in the mosques.

I don't want to offend or draw extra attention to ourselves, but since the weather forecast is for weather in the 90s, I don't want to be dressed too warm either!

Thanks very much for the advice.
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Old Mar 15th, 2008, 06:09 AM
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can only help with Egypt....

<Is it OK to have the longer style shorts in Luxor and on the cruise?>
Yes - things are much more informal on the cruise and in Luxor. Would not, however, wear "short" shorts.

<I also know in Egypt that we should cover our shoulders. I have lots of tops that are not tank tops, but the sleeves are quite short. They cover the shoulders, but not much of the upper arm. Are these ok?>
That should be fine as long as the tops are really tight-fitting or revealing. As long as you have a cover-up of some sort with you (just in case) - you'll be fine. Again, once you get to the cruise, things relax.

Sorry I can't offer real advice for your daughter (I have boys!).

Remember - it may be hot, but sometimes it is more comfy to be in a lightweight outfit (long skirt, longer sleeves) that keeps the sun off your skin.

Don't forget hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drink LOTS of water!

Have fun!
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Old Mar 15th, 2008, 12:20 PM
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Long (to the knee) walking shorts are fine at the Pyramids, Memphis, Sakkara, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and on the cruise. Same in Petra. Swimsuits are also fine on the cruise and at hotel swimming pools.

In cities - Cairo and Amman - are the places to be covered.

For covering your upper arms, use one of your husbands short sleeve shirts; have it with you if you get stares with the short cap-sleeve type shirt you describe. I've seen the clothing police hand out tacky green-colored cover-ups, at some sites if they feel tourists aren't appropriately attired.

For your daughter, t-shirts (or camp-style short sleeve) will be fine.

As mentioned above though, covering up is actually a better bet than having the sun beating down directly on exposed skin.

For everyone, remember:
comfy shoes, hat, SPF, sunglasses, and water.

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Old Mar 15th, 2008, 11:19 PM
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Thanks! We have lots of sunscreen packed, and also all have sun hats and sunglasses. We also are packing both our hiking boots (very comfortable that we wear for walking all over) and our comfy walking sandals. But from other posts, we thought it best to not wear the sandals most places just so we aren't always dumping sand and dirt out of them.

Also, we are bringing a small backpack to keep bottled water and my cover-up and some snacks in. Will we be able to carry this bag with us into the temples and other places? Also, my husband and I will both have cameras. I know there are certain places we can't take pictures, but can we at least carry them with us? Or will we have to check them?

Thanks for the advice!
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Old Mar 16th, 2008, 06:03 AM
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Don't underestimate the advice regarding covering up rather than leaving skin exposed. I went to Peru last year and was certain that when the days were hot I'd want to be in short sleeves. Wrong! The sun was brutal and having skin exposed made me much hotter than having it covered (plus worrying about sunburn, despite the sunscreen). I wished I'd had a long-sleeved linen top or cotton blouse something like that. (I plan to take one - or two - on upcoming trip to Egypt later this year!)
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Old Mar 16th, 2008, 06:07 AM
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When we lived in Egypt, the majority of my wardrobe consisted of lightweight "broomstick" skirts and loose fitting tops. It allowed me to be respectfully dressed and cool!
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