How to Pack for a 10 day Trip to Israel (2024)

Essentials Israel Packing Tips – for All Travelers toIsrael

Modest Clothing - Almost all travelers to Israel willvisit some religious sites – whether it is a synagogue, church or mosque. Forthis 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 havepants that go below their knees and a T-shirt or shirt that covers theirshoulders rather than a tank top or vest. Women should pack a skirt or dressthat goes below their knees and a top or dress that covers their shoulders anddoes not have a plunging neckline.

Clothing in General - The general dress-code inIsrael 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 smartjeans for going out. Women can also stick to casual pants, T-shirts and pack alight-weight dress and nice blouse for going out. Leggings are a comfortableoption for female travelers. Clothes to leave behind include heavy coats,suites and evening dresses.

Day Pack – Include a small backpack that you can takewith 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 allday.

Avoid Slogans – Don’t pack clothing or other itemsthat announce your political or religious views. Israel is a multi-culturalcountry with many sensitive political, social and religious issues. If your T-shirtshouts out racial or radical views you might find yourself getting into someawkward conversations.

Swimwear – Pack a swim suite even if you aretraveling to Israel in the winter. No matter the season you will probably findyourself taking a dip in the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee or your hotel pool.

Walking Shoes – Many of the tours in Israel involvewalking. There are stone streets and cobbled lanes in the old cities of Israeland you will need sturdy walking shoes to tour the sites comfortably. It isbest 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 forsightseeing, wearing in the shower or at the beach when the sand is hot youwill need a pair of flip-flops or sandals. At the Dead Sea the beach and seabedare rough pebbles and it is best to keep your sandals or flip-flops on.

Sun Protection – Throughout the year it is essentialto have sun screen, sun glasses and a sun hat in Israel. The sun is strong inthe Middle East, especially in the summer but also at other times of the year.

Rechargers – If you are coming from the USA or SouthAmerica you will need an adapter for Israel’s plugs. European and most Asian plugswork in Israeli sockets except some of the older ones. Check online to see if yourcountry uses the same electrical system and plug system as Israel. Israel uses220V at 50Hz. The standard plug in Israel is Type H which can accommodate TypeC as well.

Israel Packing Tips for Each Season

Summer – You can pack for hot weather if you arevisiting 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 youshould include a light sweater, sweatshirt or light jacket for the coolerevenings. As mentioned above you will need protection from the sun – this meanssun screen, sun hat and sun glasses.

Autumn – The autumn brings cool temperatures, perfectfor sightseeing without getting too hot. It can be too cool for sandals so mostsightseers stick to sport shoes. Carry a light sweater or sweatshirt with youbut wear T-Shirts and long or short pants. The best tip for packing for a tripto Israel in the autumn (and spring) is to plan on dressing in layers. Dress inlayers and peel off a layer of clothing as the day progresses.

Winter – Winter means cooler temperatures, clouds andthe occasional rain although the weather is still warm compared to Europe orsome parts of the US. Pack an umbrella and a light water-proof jacket or lightcoat. You’ll need a sweater, sweatshirt, fleece, closed shoes, long pants andlong-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 warmhat. Even in the deserts it gets very cold at night in the winter.

Spring – In the spring the weather is cooler thansummer but still warm enough for shorts and T-shirts. You may prefer tosightsee in sport shoes rather than sandals. Pack a light sweater for thecooler evenings and if traveling at the beginning of spring bring yourumbrella.

Outdoor Packing List and Extreme Sports in Israel

If you will be spending a lot of time outdoors then packlight-weight long-sleeve clothing to protect you from the sun. Don’t forgetclosed shoes and a hat. The most important thing is to be comfortable. Forhikes or extreme sports you can pack track suites, leggings, shorts, T-shirtsand vests. Many of the outdoor activities involve water so it is best to bringa change of shoes and several changes of socks.

General Israel Packing List

In addition to the items mentioned above you can pack thingsthat you would take to any other destination like pajamas, underwear,toiletries, medication, camera and a towel. Don’t over pack; you will be theone lugging your bag from place to place. Israel has excellent stores and youcan always buy anything you need once you get here.