How to Pack for a Trip to Israel

Modest dress is essential when taking in Israel's religious sites. Even in the heat of summer you'll need to have your arms and legs covered.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carry-on Bags
• Garment Bags
• Luggage Sets
• Sunglasses
• Walking Shoes
• Travel Adapters And Converters
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Backpacks
• Duffel Bags

1. Pack loose-fitting, lightweight clothes for summer visits. Cotton and linen garments will keep you comfortable and can be easily laundered. Layer with a sweater for cool summer nights.

2. Take long shorts, skirts, long- and short-sleeved T-shirts, khakis, button-down shirts, sunglasses and a hat for visits between May and September, when the sun is most intense. Keep skirt lengths to the knee and below. Take a large scarf to layer over bare arms at religious sites.

3. Bring a jacket, a few sweaters and long pants for visits between October and April, when temperatures hover between the high 40s and high 60s. Showers may fall during this period, so an umbrella is wise.

4. Pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for sight-seeing. Darker colors will hide any dust or dirt.

5. Stash a bathing suit and sunscreen in your bag in case you have the opportunity to visit an Israeli beach.

6. Remember insect repellent.

7. Take an electric converter and adapter.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a carry-on bag that includes all necessities, such as your passport, a change of clothes, all medications, spare contact lenses or glasses, all forms of money and any important documents, in case your luggage goes astray.
• Pack to accommodate your needs. Leave superfluous items at home.

[evalinpar]

on 5/25/2007 you should not take dark clother, because dust and dirt is gray, so you can see it most easely. and everything there is mostly white, because of the heat. i would know, i live in israel. bring lots of deodorand, you'll need it too, it's really hot.

on 8/8/2006 If you are spending any time in Jerusalem, I urge the women to bring at least one long skirt. There is an assumption of modesty that is not always shown by tourists. You will be respected as a non-tourist. On that same note, for men, even if not Jewish I would try to find a Kippa to wear, or even carry around when touring, so that when you come somewhere where it is expected (like the Kotel) you aren't wearing a loaned or paper one.

on 8/8/2006 You don't need uber-conservative clothes all the time in Israel, just when you visit religious sites and such. Buy a light shawl at one of the markets, and keep it with you (in your backpack, or just tied around your waist) and if you happen across a place where you need to cover-up, slip the shawl on.

on 11/22/2005 Always bring a Hebrew/English dictionary, even though most people there know English well. They will respect you more if you speak Hebrew and will give you better suggestions thinking you are a local.

on 11/22/2005 You should visit one of the Israeli markets in Tel-Aviv or Jerusalem.
they are very cheap and offer good quality.