Packing

How to Pack for Israel

KEEP YOUR FEET HAPPY!

More than any other advice, we recommend bringing comfortable light-weight walking shoes, and close-toed shoes will be required at many sites. We do a lot of walking, and when your feet are happy, you're happy. Additionally, at the Dead Sea, you will need an extra pair of shoes that can get wet (and stay on your feet). Water shoes or adventure sandals such as Chacos, Keens, or Tevas that have supportive straps are perfect.

ATTIRE

Israel is a casual country when it comes to clothing. However, we will be visiting some religious sites such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher where more modest clothing is appropriate. On these days, women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. A scarf can be wrapped around your shoulders or worn as a "sarong", and pants or capris are also acceptable. Men should have a hat or kippah to cover their head and have their shoulders covered at Jewish religious sites. On Friday night, the trip slows down for the start of Shabbat. To create a special atmosphere, we celebrate Shabbat with a fancier dinner, and we recommend bringing something nicer to wear. A good rule of thumb is to bring something "a step up" from what you wear on a daily basis. Low cut, strapless, and mini-clothing should be avoided on Shabbat. A polo or buttoned-down shirt with khakis or nice jeans is fitting for men.

LUGGAGE

Though porterage is included at the hotels, we still recommend bringing rolling suitcases for ease of transit. You will receive program luggage tags shortly after arriving in Israel, and you should attach them to your luggage for identification purposes during the program. We also suggest that you pack your medication, toiletries, and a change of clothes within a carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is delayed in transit. Finally, consider bringing a small traveling bag on the bus each day to store extra clothing, personal belongings, and a light jacket/sweater for the evenings if we are not returning to the hotel earlier.

LAUNDRY

Laundry is available for a supplemental fee at most hotels. Laundromats are not common outside of Tel Aviv, so if you plan on doing laundry, the hotel service will be most practical.

BRINGING VALUABLES TO ISRAEL

We encourage you to leave valuables at home wherever possible. While theft is not common in Israel it does happen –even from hotel rooms (safes are available in each room). As a matter of policy, participants are responsible for their possessions and valuables at all times.

SAMPLE PACKING LIST

SPECIAL ITEMS TO BRING

Power adapter (and a converter if necessary)

1-2 bathing suits (more for summer trips)

Comfortable walking shoes

Water shoes or athletic sandals for the Dead Sea

Backpack or small carrying bag

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Brimmed hat

Hand sanitizer

Over-the-counter medications

Prescription medications

Windbreaker or light coat (April-October)

Warm jacket, gloves, and hat (November-March)

Umbrella (October-April)

Kippa (optional)

Cooling towel for hot days

Spare glasses

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME

Hair dryer (provided at hotels)

Fancy clothing

Towels and linens

Valuables

DID YOU KNOW...
...that in proportion to its population Israel has the largest number of startup companies in the world. In absolute numbers Israel has more startup companies than any other country besides the U.S.