It’s no secret that Egypt is a very hot and dry country. With around 95% of the landscape being made up of desert, and with temperatures rising up to 50℃, it’s important to stay cool and avoid getting burnt - something that I didn’t learn while exploring this amazing country. So, with the wisdom of hindsight, here are my top tips for staying cool in
Wear a hat
I loved my hat - a big, floppy, straw-like hat that gave me full on Joanna Lumley vibes while wafting through the Valley of the Kings. It was the best way of keeping the sun off the back of my neck and keeping my parting from getting burnt. It also folded up super small to fit into my bag on the way back.
Always wear suncream
This is where I was stupid...I took suncream with me then failed to use it until late in the trip! I had a day on a cruise ship, and due to the lovely breeze from floating down the Nile, I failed to realise just how strong the sun was and so ended up with a very tender back and shoulders for the remainder of my trip. Which leads me nicely onto my next tip…
Cover your shoulders
Whether it’s for keeping out of the sun, protecting sun damaged skin, keeping warm on cool evenings or because wherever you’re visiting requests it, it’s always good to have a scarf, cardigan or hoody on hand. Keep it tucked in the bottom of your bag and it may even make a good make-shift blanket from time-to-time too.
Invest in good sunglasses
Don’t forget your eyes! A lot of these tips involve keeping your skin safe, but don’t forget your eyes too. When travelling through the dusty desert, not only are the suns rays very bright, but the wind tends to whip up the sand too. A good pair of sunglasses are worth their weight in gold - even if you do end up with panda-eyes at the end of it!
Keep it light and floaty
Temperatures rise very quickly in Egypt and there’s nothing worse than sweaty clothes sticking to you. Opt for natural fibres and lightweight clothing such as dresses and culottes. If you have chunky thighs like myself, a pair of cotton shorts under a dress will put a stop to any nasty chafing!
Take wet wipes
Tuck a pack into your handbag or pocket, not only are they useful in the loo, but they’re great for when you’re feeling a bit sticky! This was the best thing that I had in my handbag, instantly cooling and freshening. Go for biodegradable ones if you can!
I adored Egypt and would happily return there in an instant, especially with my new found knowledge of how to survive the heat! What are your tips for staying cool in hot climates?
Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs and let TourRadar take the stress out of organising the trip of a lifetime.
Affiliate Link Disclaimer
This website contains affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The commissions I earn help to keep this website running and provide free content to my readers.
I only recommend products or services that I truly believe in and have personally used.
