Travel Tips to Israel

CLIMATE:  Temperatures in Israel are similar to central California or northern Florida/Georgia at the same time of the year, except that there is less humidity. Because of the topography, there is a variation in temperatures, but since it is surrounded by desert, nights are always cooler. Days are usually sunny and bright, but the rainy season begins in November and lasts through March.  Rains early or late in the season are usually brief, and we adjust our schedule as much as possible.  Spring is usually windy.

CLOTHES:  Veteran tourists travel light, with clothes than can be layered for warmth.  Take things that can be washed by hand without needing ironing (or a dryer).  Practice washing/drying things by hand before you leave, so you will know how it handles.Plan the wardrobe you think you will need, and then eliminate some. Dress is casual, but should be modest.  Slacks are acceptable for women, as are jeans for everyone. (but not grubby ones) We’ll be in nice hotels, and your wardrobe should include appropriate clothes for a dining room.  It is wise to take a waterproof or plastic raincoat and umbrella, as well as a warm coat (or several layers).  Have your wardrobe coordinated so shoes can be kept to a minimum. Alternate two pairs for walking and one for hotel dining. Be sure shoes are very comfortable and sturdy enough for hard use.  (Wear them for several weeks before the trip to break them in.)  Many people include tennis shoes, but you will also want to have shoes that can withstand rain, and be cleaned easily if you get mud on them.

PACKING:  The airlines allow more luggage than is practical to take on this type of trip. You should be able to CARRY ALL YOUR OWN LUGGAGE easily.  Although there are porters in most hotels, there will be some times when it will be necessary (customs, etc.), or to your advantage, to be able to handle your own luggage.  The airlines allow ONE carryon piece, plus ONE smaller additional piece (purse, backpack, camera bag).  Your carryon should contain camera & supplies, toiletries, medicine, a complete change of clothes (in case luggage gets lost) and anything you can’t do without (contact lenses, etc.).  Your ONE piece of checked luggage should be easily manageable, both in size and weight.  Even if it has rollers, there will be times when you have to pick it up and carry it.(Often that seems to involve some steps!)  If you have hard-side luggage, posterboard can be used to make layers so it’s easier to get at the things on the bottom.  Clear ziplock bags are great to keep similar type items together.  A hole can be poked in each side to allow air to escape, so it takes up less space.  Underwear can be rolled and used to fill in empty spaces.  Use colored plastic tape, decals or bright yarn to DECORATE THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR LUGGAGE and make it distinctive.  That will prevent another person with luggage of a similar style and color from taking yours.THE ULTIMATE TEST OF WISE PACKING will be if you can carry everything (full suitcase, tote bag, purse, camera, +??? … and a bag full of souvenirs) up a flight of stairs while carrying on a conversation!

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Try to take the supplies you will need.  You can buy almost everything in Israel, but it will cost about double, you may not have a choice of brands, and shopping may not be convenient.  Batteries (especially lithium) and memory cards are very expensive.  If you have a digital camera, be sure you have enough memory for all the pictures you’ll want to take.  Do plan to review your pictures and delete bad shots.  If you’re using film, plan for one roll of 36-exposure per day.  Take Handy Wipes since hotels seldom provide washcloths.  Pack a small amount of detergent in a plastic bag if you plan to wash clothes.Take a large plastic bag or two for things that may not have dried overnight and/or a wet swimsuit.Laundry is easier with a plastic hanger with a swivel top and clips on the bottom, and a small clothesline.If you have trouble adjusting to different beds/pillows, consider bringing a small travel pillow.  Adjust to using it before you leave home.  A few spring clothespins will allow you to clip the drapes shut.  The early morning sun is bright, and drapes never overlap, and seem to just barely cover the windows, leaving gaps for the sun to wake you.  Foam earplugs help you shut out strange noises at night, or the sound of a roommate who snores.  Your morning routine may not fit the group wake-up call so bring an alarm clock.  A digital recorder allows you to dictate information you want to preserve.  You’ll appreciate having a travel pack of antibacterial Wet Ones and/or a small bottle of antibacterial hand sanitizer. The sun is very bright, so don’t forget sunglasses if you are at all sensitive.  Instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate or bullion and a “heater coil” (with microwave-type plastic mug) are wonderful in case you want something in your room.  A neck cushion, eye shades, foam ear plugs and Advil/Tylenol PM make for an easier flight! Those pills may also be useful the first night in Israel.  (Otherwise, since you are overly tired, it may be hard to get to sleep, and often you wake up at 2:00 a.m. and can’t go back to sleep for several hours.)  Take a water bottle with a “sipper” top for use especially on the plane.  Bring a small shoe horn.  Many walks will be off the beaten-path, and it helps to scrape mud off shoes before boarding the bus.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

• It is good to keep a journal, or write letters every day to your family and ask them to keep them … or dictate into a recorder).  You forget so much otherwise.
  
• If you are planning to send a lot of mail, it saves time to pre-address self-adhesive labels.(Be sure to include “USA” at the end of the address.)  But don’t take stamps.  USA postage only works in the USA!(You’d be surprised at how many people don’t think about that.)
• Only take appliances that are absolutely necessary.  Bathrooms usually have special outlets that can handle American electric shavers. ALL OTHER appliances need to adapt from our 110 voltage to their 220 current.  Unless your blow dryer, etc. is labeled “dual voltage”, you need a separate voltage converter.  Even with dual voltage, you still need an adapter plug with round prongs, which can be purchased at Target, Kohls, Walmart, luggage shops or major airports for about $3 @.  Even if your converter has the round prongs, it is good to have one extra adapter plug to use as an “extender” to stack to reach into recessed sockets.
• If you are looking for travel supplies, both Magellan’s Travel and TravelSmith offer many items on the web.
• Have your hair styled so it is as care-free as possible.  There will be too many other exciting things to do to waste your time fussing with your hair. 
• Think about the quantity of shampoo/toothpaste/etc. you’ll need for the length of your trip.  No need to take up space by bringing the giant economy size! Buy travel sizes, or transfer some to smaller containers. Bottles of 3oz. or less that collectively fit into one clear quart-sized Ziploc bag can be carried on. (The 3-1-1 rule: 3 oz, 1 bag, 1-quart sized).

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Practice using your camera.  Be sure you know how it works, and that it is in working order.  I have no pictures from my first two days of travel because I didn’t know how to work the camera properly.  Similar problems usually happen to one person on each trip!  Don’t let it be you!! Also, learn (or ask) how to adjust settings for bright sun.

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This is a good opportunity to buy birthday/holiday gifts for family and friends. Many locally-made souvenirs are available for $1-$10.  More expensive items include olive wood, jewelry, glassware, antiquities, leather, brass and textiles.  Videos, DVDs and books are also available.

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Dinners are multi-course. (Drinks are extra.) Hotel breakfasts in Israel include beverages, breads, eggs, cheese, fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, fish and ???  You’ll have opportunity to try the Israeli “fast foods” of falafel or shawarma in pita.  Lunches will be about $7-$10 per day.

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Start a detailed packing list a few weeks ahead of time.  You’ll think of many small things you’ll not want to forget.  PLAN TO COMPLETE YOUR PACKING TWO DAYS AHEAD OF TIME.  A good night’s sleep before you leave will help you adjust to the new time zone.  (Excitement and time change will consume much of the night when we cross the ocean.) Continuing your “vacation” for one full day after you return, will help you overcome the jet lag.

The rest of the world does not do everything the way Americans do.  Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing many new things … sights, sounds, foods and smells!  International travel usually involves adjustments and minor inconveniences, but the rewarding experiences are worth it!