What to Pack?
Going to the HolyLand? Pack (light) a suitcase (with wheels) and backpack (pack two days clothing in case luggage gets lost). Bring the following:
passport; photo copy of passport in your suitcase
health, insurance, travel insurance documents
credit cards, cash
good reading material for flights (pencil/pens)
music (earphones)
gum/chewables (helps relieve air pressure while flying)
mobile device & charging cord
eyeglasses; sunglasses; eyedrops
cosmetics; toiletries (do not forget deodorant)
prescriptions
hand sanitizer; wet wipes
modest clothing
comfortable/casual short-sleeve shirts (have a long sleeve for religious places)
comfortable/casual loose trousers, khakis, and jeans (no short shorts)
comfortabl/ casual blouses and pants for women; scarf and long sleeve for religious places
belts (2)
comfortable underwear & sleepwear
comfortable hiking shoes for the landscapes, desert, hills, mountains if you choose to climb
comfortable walking shoes for the hard pavement in the cities, especially our two "all day" itinerary in Yerushalayim
hats on in synagogues and Jewish holy places; hats off in churches; hats on in the desert and outdoors
handkerchiefs
hair-ties (ladies)
easy carry-bible; journal; maps; pens; mechanical pencils (I like .5 mm)
money belt or neck pouch with zip entry
headlamp or small flashlight for caves, caverns, and under the city
power adapter
water bottle
non-slip water-shoes; swim suit
tums; iboproferen; other
suntan lotion (full-spectrum coverage; zinc-oxide best); lip balm
extra AA and/or AAA batteries for your devices
extra 64G SD card if you are bringing camera
keys to luggage
Before you go
Leave your Israel travel information, itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers, and copy of your Passport with a family member or friend.
Most airlines restrict passengers to one carry-on luggage (in addition to your purse, laptop, camera case). Sizes and weight of carry-on luggage are determined by airline, so be sure to comply with airline on dimension requirements before you leave. We are flying Delta.
Keep important items and documents with you at all times. Medicines should be carried in their original packaging (if you have a copy of the prescription, bring it with you).Â
Do not keep travelers checks, money, valuables or travel documents in your luggage.
Make sure your luggage is clearly tagged/identifiable on the inside as well as the outside.
Check-in time for international flights is suggested to be four hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a US passport (valid for six months after your return date) is needed as proof of identification to enter Israel. No visa is necessary. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact your local consulate for information.
Do not leave your luggage unattended for any length of time (no matter how short) or accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Clearing customs in Israel may take a little longer than in most foreign countries. Keep in mind that upon arrival Israel you will need to go through customs. It is wise to give yourself plenty of time between landing and connecting to another form of transport if flying by yourself or a small group.
