dutyfree

Okay-I travel overseas everyweek for work so going on vacation is usually not a big deal in regards to packing. HOWEVER- I am leaving next week for 16 days on vacation in Egypt and Jordan and cannot figure out how everyone crams everything in one suitcase?
I have been reading temperatures in Egypt and they are obviously warmer than Jordan-then there is the Nile Cruise versus wintertime doing Petra,Dead Sea water activities versus city touring of Cairo and Amman. Well, you get the idea.
So dear Fodorites who have done this trip-how did you pack incorporating everything else like wipes,toilet paper,etc. Inquiring minds would love to know.....
Holiday Hugs from "Tut bound"!

P_M

I did Egypt/Jordan in late November/early December. I packed things I could hand wash because clothes dry fast in Egypt's warm, dry climate. I took a light jacket for Jordan but it wasn't terribly cold so I didn't need a heavy coat. Wear layers instead. I didn't pack toilet paper but I did keep little packages of Kleenex in my purse. I don't think this will be as difficult as it seems.

Have a great trip, these are both wonderful countries.

MissGreen

My friend took "baby wipes" to sanitise things she was going to touch.

I was wondering, do 5 star hotels in Egypt supply room toiletries, like shampoo & conditioner. Like you Dutyfree, I ponder being able to fit it all in, and if shampoo & conditioner is one less thing I have to carry, then great.

P_M

I didn't stay in 5* hotels but most did supply shampoo. I don't recall seeing conditioner. I usually travel with minimal shampoo (as it's usually provided) and a small bottle of conditioner.

thursdaysd

Layers and laundry... You should only need one swimsuit, which doesn't take much room, and Petra should only be cold if you do "Petra by night". If it's windy buy a scarf there. Take the center out of the TP roll and squash it. I take Purell, not wipes. My packing list (which has taken me on trips much longer than 16 days) is at wilhelmswords.com/faq/index.html - although these days I take a cell phone and an iPod as well (I load books on tape on the iPod.)

Leslie_S

Most hotels and Nile ships do laundry so you can plan on that if you'll be in one place for a couple days. We only used one suitcase for our 16 days in Egypt & Jordan but everyone else on our tour had 2 so packing light wasn't really mandatory.
Go with layers

thursdaysd

I hand wash - like P_M I found that things dried really fast in Jordan.

sandi

Unlike African safaris with limited weight required for internal flights, no so with Egypt or Jordan. That is except what the airlines dictate... 50/lbs. max. We did 2/weeks, both countries with only 1/bag (maybe 35/lbs) each with interchangeable clothing. Had a soft foldable bag to souvenirs, which was checked on homebound flight.

On the Nile cruise, they'll do laundry at small fee.
Tissue packs and Purell come with me everywhere, even when at home.

We stayed in 4* & 5* hotels and found shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, but I always pack my own. Those 3/oz bottles of S & C can last me for 2-3/weeks even washing (short) hair alternate days.

Some areas in Jordan might and can be cold in December vs Egypt which will be warm to hot. Cool evenings on Nile cruise and in Cairo.

As with most destinations if climate will be variable - layers, layers - and a jacket or heavy sweater for cool/cold mornings/nights. A scarf helps and required for entry to mosques.

Regardless, if you're missing/need something, you can find most everything in-country which are quite civilized.