Essentials Israel Packing Tips – for All Travelers to
Israel
Modest Clothing - Almost all travelers to Israel will
visit some religious sites – whether it is a synagogue, church or mosque. For
this reason you will need to pack modest clothing. Women should pack a shawl,
wrap or scarf that they can put over their heads and shoulders. Men should have
pants that go below their knees and a T-shirt or shirt that covers their
shoulders rather than a tank top or vest. Women should pack a skirt or dress
that goes below their knees and a top or dress that covers their shoulders and
does not have a plunging neckline.
Clothing in General - The general dress-code in
Israel is casual and comfortable. Men should stick to T-shirts, jeans,
knee-length shorts and a button-up shirt or polo shirt and khakis or smart
jeans for going out. Women can also stick to casual pants, T-shirts and pack a
light-weight dress and nice blouse for going out. Leggings are a comfortable
option for female travelers. Clothes to leave behind include heavy coats,
suites and evening dresses.
Day Pack – Include a small backpack that you can take
with you on day trips. It should be large enough for snacks, a light jacket,
camera, phone and souvenirs but small enough to be comfortable to carry all
day.
Avoid Slogans – Don’t pack clothing or other items
that announce your political or religious views. Israel is a multi-cultural
country with many sensitive political, social and religious issues. If your T-shirt
shouts out racial or radical views you might find yourself getting into some
awkward conversations.
Swimwear – Pack a swim suite even if you are
traveling to Israel in the winter. No matter the season you will probably find
yourself taking a dip in the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee or your hotel pool.
Walking Shoes – Many of the tours in Israel involve
walking. There are stone streets and cobbled lanes in the old cities of Israel
and you will need sturdy walking shoes to tour the sites comfortably. It is
best to pack two pairs of comfortable walking shoes (sport shoes, hiking shoes etc.)
as they may get wet or very dirty after a day of touring.
Sandals or Flip-Flops – Whether it is for
sightseeing, wearing in the shower or at the beach when the sand is hot you
will need a pair of flip-flops or sandals. At the Dead Sea the beach and seabed
are rough pebbles and it is best to keep your sandals or flip-flops on.
Sun Protection – Throughout the year it is essential
to have sun screen, sun glasses and a sun hat in Israel. The sun is strong in
the Middle East, especially in the summer but also at other times of the year.
Rechargers – If you are coming from the USA or South
America you will need an adapter for Israel’s plugs. European and most Asian plugs
work in Israeli sockets except some of the older ones. Check online to see if your
country uses the same electrical system and plug system as Israel. Israel uses
220V at 50Hz. The standard plug in Israel is Type H which can accommodate Type
C as well.
Israel Packing Tips for Each Season
Summer – You can pack for hot weather if you are
visiting Israel any time from April to October. Beachwear is a must in the summer;
consider taking even more than one swim suite and beach wrap. That said you
should include a light sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket for the cooler
evenings. As mentioned above you will need protection from the sun – this means
sun screen, sun hat and sun glasses.
Autumn – The autumn brings cool temperatures, perfect
for sightseeing without getting too hot. It can be too cool for sandals so most
sightseers stick to sport shoes. Carry a light sweater or sweatshirt with you
but wear T-Shirts and long or short pants. The best tip for packing for a trip
to Israel in the autumn (and spring) is to plan on dressing in layers. Dress in
layers and peel off a layer of clothing as the day progresses.
Winter – Winter means cooler temperatures, clouds and
the occasional rain although the weather is still warm compared to Europe or
some parts of the US. Pack an umbrella and a light water-proof jacket or light
coat. You’ll need a sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, closed shoes, long pants and
long-sleeved T-shirts. If you plan on spending time in Jerusalem, Safed,
Bethlehem, the Golan Heights or on Mount Hermon you might even encounter snow.
If this is the case you’ll need gloves, a warm (but not bulky) coat and a warm
hat. Even in the deserts it gets very cold at night in the winter.
Spring – In the spring the weather is cooler than
summer but still warm enough for shorts and T-shirts. You may prefer to
sightsee in sport shoes rather than sandals. Pack a light sweater for the
cooler evenings and if traveling at the beginning of spring bring your
umbrella.
Outdoor Packing List and Extreme Sports in Israel
If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors then pack
light-weight long-sleeve clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forget
closed shoes and a hat. The most important thing is to be comfortable. For
hikes or extreme sports you can pack track suites, leggings, shorts, T-shirts
and vests. Many of the outdoor activities involve water so it is best to bring
a change of shoes and several changes of socks.
General Israel Packing List
In addition to the items mentioned above you can pack things
that you would take to any other destination like pajamas, underwear,
toiletries, medication, camera and a towel. Don’t over pack; you will be the
one lugging your bag from place to place. Israel has excellent stores and you
can always buy anything you need once you get here.