We are so glad you’ve decided to come to Israel with us! One of the most common concerns about travel in Israel is what to pack for the trip. Israel is in the Middle East, and in most of the country, it’s appropriate to dress more conservatively.But Israel is also the most progressive country in the Middle East, and practically anything goes in Tel Aviv!
Here are a few guidelines and suggestions to keep in mind when you’re packing. And as always, feel free to reach out with questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help you have your best possible trip!
General Guidelines:
Comfort is Key
Your trip to Israel will include plenty of time in the sunny outdoors, lots of walking on uneven ground, and quite a bit of standing. Comfortable clothing is essential, especially when it comes to footwear. If an article of clothing is too tight, hard to walk in, or gives you blisters, it’s not going to be comfortable on your trip. Pack with comfort in mind.
Natural Fabrics are Helpful
Summers in Israel, and even late spring and early fall, can be quite hot. This is definitely true in the Negev Desert, so if you’re planning a day trip to the Dead Sea, Masada, or Eilat, be sure to keep this in mind. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton will help you stay comfortable, even in the heat. It’s also a good idea to stay covered in the sun, so consider bringing along some long sleeves and pants for your trip.
Winters are Chilly
You may expect that summers in the Middle East would be hot, but you may be surprised that the winter, early spring, and late fall can be brisk! While it doesn’t get truly cold in most of the country, temperatures can dip into the 50s Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), so pack accordingly. Layers are a good idea.
Suggested Items:
Close-toed shoes
Your idea of comfortable may include sandals or even flip flops, but neither is ideal for a trip to Israel. As previously mentioned, there will be a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, but also opportunities to hike (whether you really intend to hike or not!). You can plan to walk around 15,000-20,000 steps per day, so make sure whatever shoes you bring are equal to the task.
Jacket or Scarf
Whatever season you might be visiting, you’ll want to bring a jacket or a scarf with you. Nights can be chilly, especially in the desert areas, but it’s also helpful to have a jacket or scarf to cover your arms and shoulders when appropriate. They will also come in handy on your flights to and from Israel as well.
Bathing Suit
This is something you might not think to bring with you to a conservative, Middle Eastern country, but you’ll want one! If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, Eilat, or the beaches in and around Tel Aviv, you’ll be glad you brought a bathing suit. It doesn’t have to be ultra-conservative, but a modest cover-up is a good thing to pack as well.
Water Shoes
If you’re planning a trip to the Dead Sea, water shoes will be an essential item to pack. The salt deposits and sand can be rough on your feet, and if you get a cut, there will be literal salt in your wound. Avoid this altogether and bring a pair of water shoes with you!
Pepto-bismol (or similar)
Israeli food is some of the best in the world. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, but if you’re unfamiliar with the flavors and seasonings of Middle Eastern cuisine, your stomach might experience a bit of a shock. It never hurts to bring along some Pepto, Imodium, or your preferred stomach-settling medication, just in case!