Packing for Israel--summer 99

• Israel is very casual. Men may want a sport jacket for services or Shabbat dinner in hotels, but it is not required. Women will wish to take a skirt or dress (not fancy) for services and/or Shabbat dinner.
• Israel is very warm in summer but the evenings in Jerusalem can get a bit cool. A cardigan sweater or lightweight tennis jacket is all that is needed.
• Take only 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on. Take an expandable piece of luggage so that you can pack souvenirs.
• Hat. Our guide insists that everyone wear a hat--the sun is strong. Abrams Travel will supply each of us with a visor cap.
• Sunglasses, sunblock
• 1 nylon-type bag to carry as a purse,--or a fanny pack or large money belt... which can hold camera, water, snacks while walking through sites.
• 3 pairs walking shorts (2--If you hand wash in the evening, they will be dry by morning)
• 1 pair shoes or sandals for dress/skirt
• 1 pair of broken-in walking shoes
• 1-2 pair slacks, khakis, cotton pants or jeans
• 1 light sweater
• 3-4 short-sleeved shirts (golf shirts, T-shirts, blouses, etc.) You will probably buy a T-shirt or two there!
• 1 nightgown or pajamas, (and light robe)
• Flip-flops for Dead Sea (a must!)--it is rocky walking down to and into the Sea!
• 1 bathing suit
• Camera, lots of film (it is very expensive in Israel!), batteries for camera, too
• Electricity converter and an adapter for Israel/Middle East--a must if you use hair-blower or curling iron
• Travel alarm clock
• Socks; at least six pair; you will need to wash them out... or bring one for each day of trip.
• Women: feminine hygiene products, hair spray, pantyhose
• Deodorant, shampoo, razors, Tylenol/aspirin, Immodium, cold medicine, Woolite, soap, sunblock, toothbrush, chapstick, tissues, Band-Aids
• Bring baggies--for collecting pottery shards, and for snacks. You should bring some trail mix, some nuts or p-nut butter cracker snacks for taking on day touring. Lunch is usually not until 12:30 or 1:00 and you get hungry walking all morning! the baggies come in handy for snacks to take along (You may wish to take few snacks from your breakfast buffet and put them in baggies for the tour.
• Travelers checks are not the best way to take money because they are expensive to exchange in Israel. There are ATM's all over Israel, so you can get cash that way. US$ are also less costly to exchange than traveler checks. Also, bring about $25 in single dollars to leave as tips for waiters and porters... they like the US dollar.
• Wear a concealed money belt under your clothes in the Old City of Jerusalem. There can be pickpockets in the markets. Put your money and passport in your concealed money belt and wear it in American and foreign airports as well.
• Optional--small flashlight

Do not forget your passport--make 2 copies of it. Leave one home. Pack the copy in a piece of your luggage--carry-on. Just in case you lose the original.

Despite Everything - Davka
A Starting Point