11. Do bring your own washcloth! I keep mine in a ziplock in my carry-on. It’s a wonderful treat to have when you want to freshen up during a long flight or during layovers. It’s a wonderful refresher in the middle of a full day of touring. It’s handy to keep moist (hence the ziplock) in case of lack of water wherever you are. Wet-wipes are also good for this (as well as disposable) However, I like to splurge a little on space with this one as it’s just a great comfort.

12. Pack earplugs in your carry-on! Again, very cheap at any drug store and you'd be amazed at how big a difference they make. Especially if you get stuck near a baby! They also help if there are different kinds of noises in the neighborhood that you're staying in. Nothing worse than lack of sleep on a short vacation.

13. Don't forget a decent jacket. Nights are cold in Egypt, even in spring. A lightweight windbreaker or fleece vest would be good. If you have something that can tie around your waist it will save baggage space AND provide you with another pillow on the flight! If the weather is a bit colder than you expect, you can always purchase a beautiful shawl or scarf to add warmth and then you have a wonderful memento as well.

14. Batteries are rather expensive in Egypt so you may want to bring a backup set for your camera. Same with digital memory cards.

15. If you are traveling with readers, plan ahead and coordinate the books you bring. You can exchange with each other as you finish.

16. Pack the cell phone number of a local expat that you’ve connected with. It’s always wise to have a safety net when traveling in unfamiliar territory.

17. Make multiple photocopies of your passport and stick them in different pieces of luggage, and in pockets of pants or jackets. Besides being good luggage ID, it’s a lifesaver if you loose track of the original.

18. Bring a bag or a purse that can be worn across your shoulders and is the correct size to hold your daily exploration supplies (ie; tour book, camera, waterbottle, sunscreen, glasses, tissues, etc…) It is a pain-in-the-rear-end to juggle all of those things as you’re walking around. It is so much better to have your hands free. Keep in mind that backpacks, in the warm weather, can be extremely uncomfortable and extra hot. Something with a strap long enough to go diagonally from shoulder to hip is much easier to deal with and is usually more secure as well.

19. Using public bathrooms in Egypt requires two additional supplies: tissues and small change. Most do not have toilet paper so carrying your own supply is practical. I highly recommend wet-wipes as they can serve dual (absorption and sanitation) purposes. Also, often you will find bathroom “employees” who seem to stand guard on the stalls, occasionally offer tissues and theoretically keep the space clean. It is customary to hand them a small tip as you leave. One Egyptian pound (20 cents) is more than enough. It is good to have a near-at-hand supply of these small bills or coins.

20. Travel sized hand-sanitizers would also come in handy. Although I still think wet-wipes are your best bet. All depends upon your cleanliness comfort level.

Just remember that your main goal is to relax and enjoy your time. Dragging suitcases is not fun. With extra movement there is also the likelihood of forgetting something somewhere. The less you have to unpack and repack the better. If you are traveling with others consider sharing as many supplies (toiletries, books, even clothes!) as possible to reduce space and weight.

Also, check into security requirements for carry-on luggage the week before you are scheduled to fly. There is always something new these days and changes are frequent.