WALKING SHOES    

Wear comfortable walking shoes with “deep treads” as your primary footwear. Trekking tennis shoes or light-weight hiking shoes do well. Avoid heels (!), dress shoes (!), or street shoes (!). If there are no “deep treads” on your shoes, it is best to leave them at home. Traction is more important than fashion. The land of Israel is not smooth under foot and many trails are covered with rock or gravel. If you are not walking uphill, you will be walking downhill or side hill. Your shoes should be suited for open terrain walking and light hiking. Flip-flops are not acceptable as footwear during touring activities.

 

BROAD BRIMMED SUN HAT    

The months of May-September can be very warm in Israel. The heat index can reach over 100 F in some places we will visit. It is important for you to manage the heat and the sun’s intensity to avoid heat stress, which is very common in Israel. A hat providing ample shade is a must. Other sun items to consider are sunglasses, chap-stick and sun screen.

 

EARPHONE BUDS     

Throughout your tour you will have an audio receiver system which allows you to hear your instructor from a distance. These receivers come with an ear piece. You are welcome to use your personal earphone buds in place of the ear piece provided. Do not discard the original ear piece. It must be turned in prior to departing Israel. 

 

MODESTY KIT    

No “dress-up” clothes are needed. Casual wear is customary and more practical. Shorts are OK. No short-shorts please. Because we will be visiting “holy sites” there will be times when you (men and women) must dress more modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Portable “slip-over” or “wrap-around” or “zip-on” clothing is best for such occasions. This is your “Modesty Kit”. If you are wearing shorts, sleeveless tops or low neck lines be prepared to use your Modesty Kit to enter certain religious sites having clothing regulations.

 

DAY BAG     

A day bag is simply a small light weight back or shoulder bag, purse, or pack that can manage your daily items while on the bus or on location at a site. In it you should have everything you need for the day while touring. Typical day bag items include sunglasses, reading glasses, hat, water bottle, note pad, trip notebook, handy wipes, shawl or wrap, light weight jacket, camera, tablet, phone, earbuds, etcetera. There is no need to buy an over-the-top backpack. We are touring, not climbing Kilimanjaro. You want your day bag closable and lockable. A TSA travel lock works great for portable locking. 

 

SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST  

*El Araj Excavation Clothing List see below.

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Casual clothing is preferred. No dress up clothing is needed. There is no single list of clothing articles that can meet the needs of everyone. However, the list below can offer you some assistance on what would be appropriate to bring. In Jerusalem our hotel can send out your clothes for cleaning and have them returned to you the next day. Expect an average of $3-$4 per major item and $1-$2 for minor items. 

                    

                   1-2 pair of long casual pants/jeans
                   1-2 pair of shorts (no short-shorts)
                   1 light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt 
                   7-8 days of shirts/blouses 
                   7-8 days of socks 
                   7-8 days of undergarments 
                   1 pair comfortable trekking shoes 
                   1 pair water-shoes, sandals or flip-    

                        flops  (in water use)

                   1 poncho and/or rain gear for trips in                             Jan.-Mar. (including rain boots, etc.)
                   Swim suit (one-piece swimsuit please;

                        cultural sensitivity) 
                   Facial washcloths if desired (not

                        available in all hotels) 
                   Alarm clock 
                   Wrist watch 
                   Personal toiletry and medical items 
                   Sun hat providing ample shade

                        (required) 
                   Electrical plug adapter(s) as needed for

                       your personal electrical items 
                   Small flashlight 

 

*Those participating in the El Araj Excavation will receive an email with a clothing list unique for archeological field work. 

 

LUGGAGE     

Most people over-pack for international travel. A good rule of thumb is to pack your bags and then eliminate at least 20% of your items. This will reduce the amount of your contents and provide needed space for purchases made during your travel. There is limited space available on the bus for luggage. Please keep your luggage size and contents to a minimum. Luggage is limited to ONE primary suitcase per person and one small soft day bag. Please be aware that you are at times required to manage and transport your own luggage. 

 

ELECTRICAL and PLUG ADAPTORS     

Our hotels are 4-star. Bath towel, bar soap, shampoo and a hair dryer are provided at all hotels. The electrical supply in Israel is 220 volts. Your small American appliances are 110 volts (hair dryer, curling iron, laptop, tablet and various chargers, etc.). Most American small appliances will convert the 220 volts down to 110 volts automatically. Check your electrical appliances in advance of departure. You will need a Type “C” plug adaptor for your small appliances. A Type “C” adapter is valid for Southern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. You will plug your appliance into the adapter and then the adapter into the wall socket.