Packing List

Below you’ll find a SUGGESTED packing list and a few things to think about when packing.

The trip is ten days long and there will not be any opportunity to do laundry, so pack wisely –enough for ten full days. Also, be sure to pack lightly! If you can't lift your bag yourself, then you have too much stuff in it!

The winter weather in Israel can vary a great deal from VERY COLD and WET in Central Israel and the North to dry and warm in the desert areas. Temperatures could vary from the low 40s to the low 80s. Please bring layers to accommodate varying temperatures and remember that your clothing may get wet.

Please ensure that you bring some clothes that you don't mind getting dirty!

For visits to religious sites and areas, we recommend that you bring some modest clothing. This means skirts or pants that hit below the knee for women (a wrap-around skirt that can be easily worn over clothes is a great solution), kippot [yarmulkes] (or some other head covering) for men, and shirts covering shoulders for both men and women.

You will need a day pack to carry with you on the bus and to pack for one overnight during the trip and the next day. For the bus, you may want to pack it with writing materials if you're keeping a journal, MP3 player, reading materials, camera, a sweatshirt, etc., basically stuff that you'll want during the day.

For hiking trails you must have closed-toe shoes. You can wear Teva style shoes in the cities or in site visits as long as there is a back strap. Flip flops are not recommended for touring.

As per the Taglit-Birthright Israel guidelines we operate under, you will be required to wear a hat everyday.

Be sure to pack enough prescription medication for the ENTIRE trip (please pack this in your carry-on) plus an extra supply in your check-in luggage. We also recommend bringing a spare prescription.

Please note, we suggest you check the weather forecast for the various areas of Israel prior to departure and adjust the following list according to the weather if necessary.

Clothing:

• 14 pairs of underwear
• 14 pairs of socks
• 1 nice outfit for Shabbat (coat and tie are not necessary as Israel is very casual)
• 4 pairs of jeans/pants
• 2 pairs of shorts / skirts
• 6 short sleeved shirts or T's
• 6 sweaters or sweatshirts or long sleeved shirts or T's
• 1 bathing suit
• Sleepwear
• 1 pair of water/shower shoes - you will not be allowed to hike or walk in these
• 1 pair of hiking boots/comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe) - Required
• 1 pair of Teva style shoes for city or site visits, but they cannot be worn on trails.
• 1 umbrella
• 1 rain coat
• 1 heavy jacket (carry on the plane)
• 1 towel
• 1 hat for the sun (required or you will have to buy your own!)
• Scarf, gloves and warm hat

Miscellaneous Items:

• Adapter for electrical appliances
• Camera, film/memory card and batteries
• Journal
• Kippah/yarmulke (men)
• Mini flashlight
• MP3 player
• Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes
• Small books/reading material for the bus
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Tissues
• Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
• Travel alarm clock
• Insect repellent

FOR THE FLIGHT:

Pack a daypack that you bring with you in case your luggage is misplaced or delayed. It should include:

• Toiletries
• Change of underwear/clothes
• Camera, iPod, etc.
• Money, credit cards
• Passport and visas, etc.
• Reading material
• Extra snacks (especially if you have special dietary requirements)
• Medicines, vitamins and spare prescriptions
• Glasses or contact lenses and cleaning equipment

*Be sure to adhere to security guidelines about liquids in your carry-on luggage.

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