The ultimate Umrah packing list

CAIRO - 26 April 2017: Egyptians’ Umrah trips started at the beginning of the Islamic month of Ragab earlier in April and will last until the end of Ramadan, expected to be around June 24. Packing for the holy pilgrimage is a bit different from other trips, so here is a checklist of what to bring (including the items most likely to be forgotten):

• Cross-body bag(s) to facilitate carrying your belongings to the Holy Mosque
• Fragrance-free shower gel, soap, shampoo, deodorant and napkins, because during Ihram one should not use any of these items with fragrance
• Small prayer rug to use while praying either inside or outside the Holy Mosque
• Small scissors to cut your hair right after finishing the Umrah rituals
• Disposable razors for men to shave their heads
• Flu medicine/ allergy medicine/ painkillers/ band-aids: it is common to get sick when interacting with large crowds of people from different countries in weather you are not used to
• Cream or balm for dry skin on heels/ moisturizing cream or lotion, as the weather is dry.
• Power bank, as you will be spending much time away from any electricity source
• Universal adapter, as the Saudi electrical terminations are different from Egyptian
• Dried food/nuts and biscuits for quick and easy snacks while you are staying away from the hotel for a long time
• Sunscreen/ an umbrella (preferably white) to protect from the blistering sun
• Extra socks: you will need more socks than you expect!