A trip to Israel is an experience that leaves a deep mark on you. I have had the privilege of guiding groups to the Holy Land for nearly a decade, and one of the most frequent questions I receive is: “What should I pack?” It seems like a simple question, but the right answer can make the difference between a comfortable experience and one filled with small, avoidable frustrations.

This guide comes from the direct experience of dozens of trips I have coordinated. I have seen luggage that was far too heavy, people caught off guard by the weather, shoes unsuitable for rocky terrain, and many other situations I want to help you avoid. So let us go through everything you need, step by step.

Panoramic view of Israel — a biblical landscape

1. Documents and money

We start with the things without which you simply cannot leave. Documents are the foundation of any international trip, and Israel has a few particularities you should be aware of.

Required documents

  • Valid passport — it must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Israel. This is a strict requirement. Check the expiration date right now, not the week before departure.
  • Copy of your passport — keep a scanned copy in your email and a physical copy separate from the original. If you lose your passport, this copy will dramatically speed up procedures at the consulate.
  • Flight ticket (confirmation) — usually electronic, but it is good to have a printed version.
  • Travel medical insurance — mandatory and absolutely essential. Make sure it covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and cancellation.
  • Hotel voucher / accommodation confirmation — Israeli authorities may ask for proof of accommodation upon entry.

Tip from experience: Photograph all important documents (passport, insurance, tickets) and email them to yourself. This way, you can access them from any device, even if your phone is lost or the battery dies.

Money and payments

The official currency is the Israeli Shekel (ILS/NIS). Here is what I recommend:

  • International bank card (Visa or Mastercard) — works almost everywhere. Contactless payment is widespread.
  • A small amount of cash (50-100 USD or equivalent in EUR) — for emergencies or local markets where cards are not accepted.
  • Do not exchange money at the airport — the rate is unfavorable. Use ATMs in the city for a better rate.
  • Notify your bank at home that you will be traveling to Israel, to avoid having your card blocked.

2. Clothing — What to choose depending on the season

Israel’s climate varies considerably depending on the season and the geographical area. Jerusalem, at altitude, can be surprisingly cold in winter, while the Dead Sea area has a tropical microclimate year-round. Here is what I have learned from experience with our groups.

Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November)

These are the most popular periods for travel to Israel, and for good reason: the weather is pleasant, with temperatures between 18-28°C (64-82°F). However, evenings can be cool, especially in Jerusalem.

  • T-shirts and light tops made of cotton or quick-dry technical fabrics
  • Long, comfortable trousers made of lightweight materials (avoid heavy jeans — they dry slowly and are uncomfortable in the heat)
  • A light jacket or thin hoodie for evenings
  • A large scarf or shawl — useful both for cool weather and for covering up at holy sites

Summer (June-August)

Temperatures frequently climb above 35°C (95°F), and in the Dead Sea area they can exceed 45°C (113°F). The humidity along the Mediterranean coast makes the heat even harder to bear.

  • Very light clothing in pale colors, made of breathable fabrics
  • A wide-brimmed hat — absolutely essential, not optional
  • Shorts for free days (but not for holy sites)
  • A UV-protection shirt if you have sensitive skin

Winter (December-February)

Many people are surprised, but Jerusalem can get snow. Temperatures drop to 5-10°C (41-50°F), with frequent rain. Galilee is similar, while the Dead Sea stays warm (20-25°C / 68-77°F).

  • A warm coat, preferably waterproof
  • Layers of clothing (the “onion” principle) — it is cold in the morning, pleasant by midday
  • A compact umbrella or rain poncho
  • Scarf, thin gloves, and a beanie for cold days in Jerusalem

Watch out at holy sites! In churches, at the Western Wall, and on the Temple Mount, modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered, for both women and men. I have seen people turned away from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre because they were wearing shorts. Always keep a shawl or a long skirt in your backpack that you can quickly put on over your clothes.

The Western Wall in Jerusalem — modest dress required

3. Footwear — The detail that makes or breaks your day

If I had to choose a single piece of advice from this entire guide, it would be this: invest in good footwear. On a typical day of travel in Israel, you will walk between 10,000 and 18,000 steps. The terrain varies from ancient pavement and rocks to sand and desert soil.

  • Comfortable walking shoes with thick soles — these are the stars of the show. Not sandals, not new shoes, not heels. Broken-in shoes that you have worn for at least a few weeks before the trip.
  • Sport sandals with support (Teva or Keen style) — excellent for the beach, the Dead Sea, and more relaxed days.
  • Hotel/shower slippers — lightweight, take up little space.

From experience with our groups: The most common regret expressed by travelers is about footwear. "I bought new shoes for the trip" is a phrase I have heard far too many times, followed by painful blisters on the first day. Wear shoes that are already broken in. Seriously.

4. Electronics and gadgets

We live in a digital age, and a few well-chosen gadgets can significantly enhance your experience. Here is what is worth bringing and what you can leave at home.

  • Mobile phone — obvious, but make sure you have roaming activated or consider a local eSIM (Orange, Cellcom, or Pelephone offer tourist packages).
  • Power adapter — Israel uses the Type H plug (three pins), but most hotels also have European Type C outlets. Still, a universal adapter is a small and worthwhile investment.
  • Power bank (portable charger) — essential. Days are long, and GPS and the camera drain the battery quickly. I recommend at least 10,000 mAh.
  • Headphones — for audio guides or for moments of personal reflection.
  • Fast charger with a long cable — a 2-meter cable will save you when the outlet is in an awkward spot.

Practical tip: Download offline maps for Israel in Google Maps ahead of time. Even with internet access, areas like the Negev Desert or some rural zones have weak signal. Also, download a Bible app with a reading plan — you will read the texts about the places you are visiting with entirely new eyes.

5. Health and personal hygiene

Israel is a modern country with an excellent healthcare system, but prevention is always better than treatment. Here is what your health kit should contain.

Medication and first aid kit

  • Personal medications — enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days. Keep them in your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage.
  • Anti-diarrheal medication and probiotics — changes in diet can affect your stomach, even though the food in Israel is fresh and safe.
  • Fever reducers and painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
  • Blister plasters — I have already mentioned the importance of footwear, but better safe than sorry.
  • Sunscreen — SPF 50+, even in winter. The Israeli sun is strong and deceptive, especially in the desert and at the Dead Sea.
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Oral rehydration solution — for very hot days when you sweat a lot
  • Insect repellent — especially useful in the evenings near lakes and rivers (the Galilee area)

Hydration — the golden rule

I am not exaggerating when I say that dehydration is the number one risk for travelers in Israel. I have had situations where healthy people felt unwell because of dehydration, especially during desert excursions. Our rule: drink water even if you do not feel thirsty. A minimum of 2-3 liters per day in summer, 1.5-2 liters the rest of the year.

Warning about the Dead Sea! The Dead Sea has a salt concentration of approximately 34% — ten times saltier than the ocean. Do not go in if you have open wounds, avoid contact with your eyes, and do not swallow the water under any circumstances. Limit your swim to 15-20 minutes. Bring water shoes, as the salt crystals on the bottom are sharp.

6. The day pack — Your daily companion

In addition to your main suitcase, you need a small backpack (20-30 liters) to carry every day. It should be comfortable, lightweight, and have padded straps. Here is what it should contain each day:

  • Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Shawl or scarf for holy sites
  • Power bank and charging cable
  • Energy snacks (nuts, bars, dried fruit)
  • Important documents (passport copy, insurance card)
  • Light hoodie or rain poncho (depending on the season)
  • A pen and a small notebook — you will want to jot things down, I promise

Masada — a day visit requires a well-prepared backpack

7. What NOT to bring

Just as important as what you pack is what you leave at home. Here are items that are either useless or will complicate your life:

  • Too many clothes — hotels have laundry service, or you can hand-wash in the sink. One week does not require 7 complete outfits.
  • Expensive jewelry or valuables — you will not wear them, and the risk of loss is not worth the stress.
  • An iron — hotels offer this service or have one in the room.
  • Large towels — hotels provide them. A compact microfiber towel is sufficient as a backup.
  • Bulky travel guidebooks — everything is on your phone. Download the digital versions.
  • Drones — regulations in Israel are very strict. Many areas are off-limits for drones, and confiscation at the airport is a real possibility.

The luggage rule: If you are not sure you will use something, do not bring it. If you find yourself missing something, Israel is a modern country with well-stocked shops. You can find almost anything you need in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

8. Season-specific tips: Summer vs. Winter

Summer travel (June-August)

The Israeli summer is intense. Here is how to prepare for it:

  • Start your days early — the best hours for sightseeing are between 7:00 and 11:00 AM, then after 4:00 PM.
  • A swimsuit is essential — the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Bring clothes that dry quickly — you will sweat a lot and may want to wash them in the evening.
  • A bandana or small damp towel can be a lifesaver in the afternoon heat.
  • Quality sunglasses with real UV protection — do not cut corners on this.

Winter travel (December-February)

Winter in Israel is mild compared to northern Europe, but it should not be underestimated:

  • Multiple layers are the winning strategy — 8°C (46°F) in the morning, 18°C (64°F) by midday.
  • Waterproof footwear — the old paving in Jerusalem becomes slippery in the rain.
  • Days are shorter (sunset around 5:00 PM) — plan outdoor visits for the morning.
  • The upside of winter: fewer tourists, lower prices, perfect light for photography.

9. Final tips from nearly 10 years of experience

Allow me to close with a few observations that come from the heart of my experience as a guide:

Leave room in your suitcase for the return trip. You will buy souvenirs — olive oil, Dead Sea salt, Armenian ceramics from Jerusalem, mineral-based cosmetics. Many travelers find themselves with a full bag at departure. Leave at least 3-4 kilograms (7-9 pounds) of free space.

Label your luggage. When traveling in a group, suitcases tend to get mixed up. A colorful ribbon on the handle or a distinctive mark will save you from confusion at the hotel.

Prepare a “survival kit” for your carry-on bag on the plane. Delays happen, and luggage can go astray. Keep in your carry-on: a change of clothes, essential medications, documents, a charger, and basic toiletries. If your suitcase arrives a day late, you will be prepared.

Be open to new experiences. Israel is a land of contrasts — modern and ancient, desert and greenery, secular and sacred. The most important thing you can “pack” is an open heart and a willingness to see Scripture come alive before your eyes.

One last personal tip: In nearly 10 years of leading group trips to Israel, the most valuable "item" I have seen travelers carry was never in their suitcase. It was curiosity, a willingness to listen, and a genuine desire to understand more deeply. If you have those, everything else is just logistics — and we take care of that.