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Suggested Packing List

What should you bring with you on a trip to Israel?

Here's a packing list filled with great suggestions. Also be sure to check with your Trip Organizer to see if you need to bring anything specific to your trip. A good hint: If you can't lift it yourself, then you've got too much stuff in your bag.

**Remember - it will only get heavier once you buy gifts and souvenirs!

IMPORTANT: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PAIR OF SNEAKERS SHOES IN YOUR BAG FOR WHEN YOU GET OFF THE PLANE! THE FIRST ACTIVITY YOU PARTICIPATE IN ISRAEL REQUIRES THAT YOU WEAR CLOSED TOE SHOES!!

What kind of weather should you expect?

It can get as cold as 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) in Israel during the winter. Rain or even snow can be expected in Jerusalem. The weather in Israel during the summer months (May - August) is generally sunny and hot. Regardless of the time of year, bring clothing that is informal and that you can wear in layers. You can expect several days of outdoor activities, a few nights out on the town and most likely one night camping (in the Bedouin tents). You may also spend time inside museums, archaeological sites or shopping centers. While you are unlikely to be able to change outfits in a hotel room during the day, you will be able to leave clothes or other items on the bus so that you can layer as needed. 

Clothing

• 3 pants (for hiking, going out at night)
• 1 athletic pants/camping clothes
• 1 Sweatshirt/ Sweater/ Fleece
• short-sleeve shirts (10 in summer)
• 1 long-sleeve shirts
• 3 Shorts
• 1 Bathing suit
• 2 Button-down shirts / skirts for Shabbat
• 1-2 Towels (for swimming outside of Hotels)
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Sleepwear
• Hiking boots (or sturdy sneakers)
• Sneakers or walking shoes (With traction for wet surfaces, and with straps or laces)
• 2 water bottles of 1.5 liter each (you can purchase this at any given time for cheap on the bus as well)
• A sun hat/cap

Miscellaneous and Selected Items

• Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, shampoo, razors, etc.) and prescription medicines (store in your carry-on)
• Travel Alarm clock
• Flashlight (mini)
• Camera, watch
• Baseball cap/ hats (required on summer hikes)
• Day bag (purse, backpack, money belt, etc.)
• Power adapter plugs (same as Europe)
• Sunglasses

Shabbat

We recommend that you bring modest clothing (skirts covering to the knees for women, head coverings for men, and shirts covering shoulders for both men and women) to wear for Shabbat and for visiting religious areas and sites such as the Kotel. (A jacket and tie are not necessary.)

Money, ATMs and Tips

The currency in Israel is the shekel (or New Israel Shekel NIS). Since you will only be responsible for casual meals (one per day max), you will only need enough shekels for those meals, snacks, tips and any shopping you may wish to do. Please refer questions regarding tips (for the guides and bus drivers) and the suggested amount (in dollars) to your Trip Organizer. ATMs in Israel dispense shekels from your ATM cards. ATMs can be found in the airport and throughout the bigger cities you visit. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants (except in the casual food stands and outdoor markets you might visit).

And if you forget anything, don't panic. You can purchase whatever you might need in Israel.