Consider your packing carefully. You will need to bring clothing suitable for sun exposure and mild temperatures, as well as water/windproof clothing for the cooler, wetter weather. Generally, casual clothes are recommended for your holiday. Visit the Climate (Middle East) article for further information. The dress code throughout the tour is casual however, it is important that all passengers dress conservatively. Smart casual clothes are highly recommended for evening banquets and shows.
- Your travel documents and passport - including a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Keep one photocopy at home and take another photocopy on your trip with you.
- Main luggage & luggage padlocks.
- Light bag/ hand luggage - it will be useful to take this with you during anytime spent in the countryside.
- ‘Day bag’ - a smaller bag to carry with you during the day, both while driving and sightseeing. E.g. drinking water, hat, sunscreen, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, jacket, insect repellent, camera and spare batteries.
- Universal adaptor/conversion plug
- Chargers, cables and portable power bank.
- Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
- Lightweight trousers or shorts/skirts (for women) – please remember to respect local customs (knee length is recommended).
- Shirts or long-sleeved tops of light cotton material (covering the chest and shoulders recommended)
- Light jumpers - great for layering.
- Walking shoes and socks, or sandals – it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes for sightseeing every day.
- Swimming costume.
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen and lip balm.
- Personal medical kit including insect repellent - visit Travel Health
- Any medications in original packaging and doctors slip for prescribed medication
- Antibacterial wipes and/or hand sanitiser to clean hands before eating.
- A water/windproof jacket.
- Umbrella/raincoat/poncho.
- A scarf or bandana - to wrap around your shoulders for extra modesty or to protect you from the heat or cold.
- Torch and spare batteries
- Spare glasses – it is difficult to get any prescription lenses repaired or replaced in the Middle East.
- Small bath towel is useful.
- Toilet paper – not all sightseeing public toilets will provide this.
- Snacks – tea bags/coffee, milk powder or sachets, instant soups or noodles, or anything else you can’t live without!
- Camera and memory card.
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion).
Luggage Allowance
All passengers are limited to two items of luggage each:
- One suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 23kg. Your main luggage must have a lock on it, and you must be able to carry your own bags.
- One piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5kg.
It is advisable that your hand luggage consist of a ‘daypack’ – a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, bottled water, toilet paper, hat, etc.
Appropriate Dress
When visiting religious sites, both men and women should dress in conservative, non-revealing clothing. Full-length trousers with a shirt or t-shirt for men; and trousers or skirts well below the knee with a top that covers the shoulders and upper arms for women. Women might also consider carrying a ‘modesty shawl’ in their daypack – this could be a sarong or light scarf – which they can wear over their shoulders and heads to feel more comfortable while sightseeing at religious sites.
In Saudi Arabia, there is no legal requirement for women to wear an abaya – a long black cloak – although many choose to do so. When visiting religious sites in Medina and Jeddah, as well as the camel market in Buraydah, women are expected to wear a headscarf and a long skirt or loose long trousers, men must not wear shorts, and long sleeves are required for both men and women. For guests who wish to purchase an abaya while in Saudi Arabia, your guide will be able to help.
Alcohol
Saudi Arabia is a ‘dry’ country and alcohol is prohibited. Under no circumstances should visitors attempt to import alcohol.