Packing Suggestions for a Trip to Israel

We make the following suggestions for packing your bags for this long awaited trip. None of it is mandatory, but our experience has taught us a lot about flexibility and preparing for a trip of this nature. Due to our vehicle size and mobility with a group, we do limit each person to one checked bag and one carry on. A small camera bag in addition is not a problem, but you may find it helpful to be able to toggle that bag onto another one because it can get so awkward when you are moving about airports and hotels. Here's what we like to have with us for the trip and on the plane.

The Team leader will bring a small first aid kit, but you may want to bring your own supplies for regular ailments. Pharmacies are abundant in the locations we will visit, but it will take time out of our itinerary to shop, and brands won't necessarily be ones you recognize.

Dress Code in Israel

What dress code? Pretty much anything goes in Israel. Jerusalem is a bit more conservative.
​Summer: lightweight to medium-weight, loose clothing. Think layers!
Fall: You'll still want a pair of shorts or two for our time in the desert. But medium weight pants or jeans, and pack a lightweight jacket for cool evenings in Jerusalem. Layering is a great option!
No matter what time of year your trip falls, always pack a swim suit. ​You’ll need at least 2 options for “holy clothes” (knees and shoulders covered) at holy sites. On those outings, longer shorts are ok for men and capris or skirts for ladies. Scarves can be used for shoulders. Pockets a huge plus.

Tips

Summer trips: Pack a swim suit or clothes that can get wet & sunscreen in outside pocket of your large suitcase so you don’t have to dig at the airport).
Pack 1 day's worth of everything in your carry on in case your luggage does not arrive and you want to be able to participate in our first day. 
Add a Business Card with home contact info to an easily accessible outer pocket incase your luggage tag gets torn off, and your luggage goes walk-about. Then hopefully it can find you again.
Baggies: 1.bring a couple of plastic grocery bags in case of having to transport a damp swim suit. 2. a gallon-sized Ziplock bag can contain a bottle of wine inside a pair of thick socks for padding if you're brave. 3. smaller Ziplocks and a small-tip Sharpie work well for labeling and separating any rocks you feel inclined to bring home with you.

Packing Suggestion for checked bag

​Items that are listed on the carry-on suitcase are generally not repeated here.

  • Light weight Day Bag that will hold the everyday things you want with you while we are out. (journal, water, camera, pen, money, snack, etc.) 
  • 1 week-10 days' worth of clothes, we will be able to do some hand washing while there and you definitely want room for souvenirs. 
  • Lightweight Flashlight (night team meetings outside & Hezikiah’s tunnel in Jerusalem)
  • Converter/adapter for electronics (please read carefully all electronic instructions for using on 220 volt electric power. Most hair appliances will overheat the electronics and ruin them. Hair driers are provided at hotels.) Expect to pay about $15-25, even Walmart carries them, link to Amazon above.
  • 5-10 Protein Bars for unexpected emergency food or later lunch/dinner times (2-3 of which are packed in carry-on bag)
  • Dirty clothes sack (spare pillowcase works well)
  • A towel you can leave behind if you need the packing room later
  • Wet/dry sandals, like Tevas or Chacos, alternatively: water shoes.
  • 2 pair sturdy walking shoes, broken in (hiking boots are ok, but not necessary). Buy good insoles to increase comfort, but break them in before you leave.
  • Flip flops for around the hotels and pools after long days in our shoes
  • Washing powder (clothes) in ziplock bag 1-2 servings only
  • Gallon sized ziplock bags and thick socks for getting Israeli wine home in your checked luggage.
  • A slightly nicer outfit for Shabbat dinner on Friday night
  • Swimsuit (& cover up)
  • Pajamas that cover for our Jerusalem apartment.
  • Toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, razors & cream, sunscreen, moisturizer, etc.
  • Eye drops for contact wearers & those with dry eyes, since we will be in a desert region with low humidity.
  • If on medication or vitamins, please pack a full two weeks’ worth, in case there is a delay getting home. Suggest added Vitamin C to your daily regimen 3-4 weeks in advance of Fly Day
  • Probiotic!—if you’re not usually on a probiotic, please begin a daily regimen at least 3 weeks prior to travel to build your immune system so you don’t get sick and have to miss activities. And bring it with you.

Packing your carry-on bag

​A wheeled backpack will work really well for this. Bring everything you’ll need for the first 48 hours including an overnight flight & 1 day in the desert). If your luggage gets lost these will be your only supplies until they find it (at which point they will deliver it to our hotel.)

  • Passport & emergency sheet copies & ticket copies
  • Cash and/or pre-paid, reloadable debit card or credit card
  • Medicine or vitamins/herbs you need daily: ALL of it
  • Camera bag, fully charged batteries & empty SD card (extra batteries cannot be packed in large bag)
  • Light- to medium-weight pants w/ pockets
  • Shorts w/ pockets
  • Walking shoes/sandals
  • 2 pair socks
  • 2 shirts
  • Sleep pants
  • Sweatshirt for sleeping on plane, zippered works nicely & doubles as a jacket later
  • Slippers for plane
  • Two sets underwear
  • Protein bars or snacks for two days emergency food
  • Water bottle (empty for refilling past airport security & staying hydrated)
  • Music/iPod & ear buds—fully charged
  • Make up bag
  • Hair stuff: brush, pony tail holders, bobby pins
  • Reading paperback/ipad
  • Bible, Journal, Pen
  • Sunglasses &/or hat
  • Dried out baby wipes in ziplock bag & old hand towel
  • Under 3 oz size all liquids packed in a 1 quart ziplock bag, accessible for security lines
  1. Hand sanitizer
  2. Face wash
  3. Tooth brush & paste
  4. Deodorant
  5. Body lotion for dehydration in airplane air
  6. Contacts, travel size solution, glasses, eyedrops
  • Chapstick w/ sunscreen
  • Dry shampoo aerosol
  • coin purse (very helpful because of more coin usage than in USA)
 
Wear any money belt or wallet