Frequent travellers have some valuable advice on packing for an overseas trip: place everything you wish to take on your bed. Now take half of that and put it back in your closet. The half remaining on your bed is still much more than you will need on your trip. We tend to agree with these wise words. Travel light stay free.

Please remember that most airlines have weight restriction of 20-23 kg (unless otherwise stated on your flight ticket) for your luggage. The hand luggage restriction is 7-8kg. Please always check your flight ticket.

Bear in mind that you will also be buying gifts in Israel, which will add to your luggage on the return flight. A stiff penalty fee is charged for every kg that your luggage is over the restriction.

We suggest that you bring informal, comfortable clothing. As we will do quite a bit of walking, make sure that your shoes are comfortable and fit well. The last thing you want spoiling your tour is a blister! Keep in mind that some of the areas included on the itinerary may require men to wear long trousers and ladies to cover their knees and shoulders. Rest assured that someone will inform you every evening what to expect from the following day and if the itinerary calls for special clothing requirements. To be on the safe side, we suggest that ladies pack a large scarf/shawl and have this handy at all times.  We advise that ladies pack at least one full length skirt to be worn when visiting the more religious areas or when celebrating the Shabbat meal. Please note that men are required to wear a hat or cap when visiting the Western Wall.

Summertime Travel in Israel – April to November

• Cotton and linen garments are comfortable and are easily laundered.
• May to September can be extremely hot and uncomfortable – dress light
• For a visit to Hezekiah’s Water Tunnel we recommend you bring closed water shoes.

Winter – October to April

• Pack a rain jacket of some kind as well as other layers – long pants, sweater, fleece jacket, hat and gloves.
• Umbrella

CHAI TIP  Unfortunately, luggage occasionally gets lost or misplaced. Include the following in your carryon luggage – a change of clothes, all medications, toothbrush and toothpaste, spare contact lenses or glasses, all forms of money and any important documents.

Packing checklist

□     Passport
□     Airline tickets
□     Itinerary
□     Wallet/Handbag
□     Credit Card (plus back-up)
□     Bank plastic bags (for findings)
□     Bathing suit (old one for Dead Sea)
□     Belt(s)
□     Camera / Video Camera
□     Comb / brush
□     Cosmetics
□     Deodorant
□     First Aid Supplies / Medication
□     Hat / cap
□     Marker pen
□     Labels
□     Ladies scarf
□     Mobile Phone
□     Needles and thread
□     Notebook
□     Old Towel for Dead Sea
□     Pyjamas
□     Pants
□     Pen / pencil
□     Plastic zip seal bags
□     Prescriptions (with Dr’s practice stamp)
□     Raincoat
□     Razor & shaving cream
□     Safety pins
□     Shirts (casual / dress)
□     Skirts / dresses
□     Soap (laundry/bath)
□     Spectacles / sun glasses
□     Suntan lotion
□     Sweater / light weight jacket
□     Tooth brush / paste
□     Umbrella (for sunny summer or rainy winter)
□     Underwear
□     Walking shoes/boots/sandals

Posted in: Luggage & Packing