for travel to the middle east + Asia:

Important items to pack in your carry-on baggage:

  • Passport book

  • Travel documents provided by your travel agent

  • Cash or Debit Card to use ATM

  • Credit Card (bring a back up, just in case!)

  • Driver’s License - even if you are not planning to drive a car, some tourist sites require a photo ID and you should not utilize your passport for this purpose in case of theft

  • Medical insurance card and travel insurance policy information

  • Power adapter like this one - be sure that the adapter you choose will work in the country you’re traveling to (purchasing a voltage converter is encouraged but not as necessary!)

  • Cell phone and charger

  • Laptop computer or tablet and charger

  • Headphones

  • Prescription medication – never pack prescription medications in your checked bag, always carry it with you. You must have your prescription information along with it.  Some narcotics are illegal outside of the U.S. – check with the state department for more information about your destination.

  • Valuables - if you are traveling with electronic devices, jewelry, watches, expensive handbags or sunglasses, you will want to carry these with you into the cabin, do not put expensive items in your checked luggage.

  • “Night 1” essentials - if you have a connecting flight, you may want to include your pjs, toiletries for your night time routine and a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case your checked bag does not arrive at your destination at the same time as you do!

When packing liquids in your cabin baggage, you’ll need to follow the 3-1-1 rule per TSA.

If you are traveling with young children, refer to TSA’s policies on milk, formula and juice.

Attire for Tours:

  • Comfortable walking shoes are a must for walking tours for men, women and children. If you are planning to rent an ATV or Segway, you will be required to wear closed toe shoes.

  • Layered lightweight clothing is essential - if you’re heading out to the desert, it can be cool once the sun goes down. Thin layers will also protect you from the strong sun. Talk to your agent about additional recommendations for attire based on the countries you’ll be visiting.

  • In the winter, your climate may call for a light jacket - talk to your agent if you need guidance.

  • A small travel purse or a cross body bag is recommended - large purses are not always allowed into tourist sites and pickpockets are common! Leave your valuables in the hotel safe and take only the essentials out with you, both during the day and night.

  • Don’t forget your sunglasses!

  • An umbrella is a good item to have with you.

Dress Code:

  • Scarf for women and girls - it never hurts to throw a lightweight scarf or shawl into your purse just in case you need to cover your head or shoulders to enter a building.

  • Most tourist attractions, malls, etc. require proper and modest dress - women should plan to cover their shoulders and knees. Men should plan to wear shirts with sleeves and shorts to the knee. If visiting a mosque or religious site, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, please review the dress code prior to arrival or contact your tour company for guidance.

 Other items beyond clothing:

  • Over the Counter Medications - optional, pain killers, band-aids, stomach pain relievers - these will be expensive when you arrive

  • Wrinkle release spray - not all cities permit hotels to provide irons in guest rooms. Wrinkle release spray is a great item to have with you if you don’t want to use the hotel’s pressing service

  • If you are planning to pack heated hair styling tools like a straightener or curling iron, plan to use them (with your power adapter) on the lowest heat setting. The electrical current can be stronger than in the US and it will increase the heat running through your styling tools - no one wants fried hair on vacation!

 Items you should not pack:

  • Firearms or weapons - these violate TSA policy and you will not be permitted to board

  • Marijuana – drugs are illegal in most of the Middle East (even medical marijuana) and you will not be permitted to take it in to your destination

  • Hairdryer - most hotels will provide a hairdryer. Due to the strength of the electrical current in the Middle East vs. the US, your hairdryer may not survive the trip!

  • Your pet – unless you have already cleared this with your agent or it is a service animal and the airline has already been notified