Preparations for traveling
What to pack?
Israel is a modern, developed country, and you can purchase virtually anything you need during your stay, including clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products.
If you are visiting Israel during the summer you will need lightweight clothing - short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts, shorts, sandals, beach shoes and a bathing suit. It’s also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool.
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If you are visiting Israel in the winter, you will need warm clothing, a coat (preferably a raincoat as well), good shoes, an umbrella, gloves, a scarf and other warm clothing. Weather in Israel is not cold as it is in Europe, but days can be rainy and cold.
It’s a good idea to bring a small bag for day trips. If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it’s a good idea to bring a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter.
Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year.
If you are planning on hiking, you will need good shoes and a lot of water, either in a canteen or in several bottles. You will need a sleeping bag, tent, and camping equipment only if you are planning on sleeping outdoors. Most youth hostels supply sheets and blankets.
Travel Insurance
Many seasoned travelers are not aware that their health insurance will not cover them outside of the country. For a minimal amount of money, travel insurance is a must. If you need to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen emergency or serious illness, most of your trip may be non-refundable. In the event you become ill during your travels, finding and receiving medical care may be very frustrating. Travel insurance also covers lost baggage, and worldwide emergency assistance coverage.
Medications
Before you travel to Israel, ask your doctor to write a prescription for any medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging.
Pre-Flight
Leave your Israel travel information with a family member or friend; include a copy of your passport, your flight itinerary, travel itinerary, hotel names and phone numbers.
Most airlines restrict passengers to one piece of carry-on luggage (in addition to your purse, laptop, camera case). Sizes and weight of carry-on luggage are determined by airline, so be sure to check with airline on dimension requirements before you leave.
Keep important items and documents with you at all times. Medicines should be carried in their original packaging (if you have a copy of the prescription, bring it with you). Do not keep travelers checks, money, valuables or travel documents in your luggage.
Make sure your luggage is clearly tagged on the inside as well as the outside.
Check-in time for international flights is normally two hours prior to departure. When checking in at the airport, a US passport (valid for six months after your return date) is needed as proof of identification to enter Israel. No visa is necessary. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact your local consulate for information.
Do not leave your luggage unattended for any length of time (no matter how short) or accept packages from strangers to carry on to the plane for them.
Clearing customs in Israel may take a little longer than in most foreign countries. Keep in mind that upon arrival Israel you will need to go through customs and exchange money. Therefore, it is wise to give yourself plenty of time between landing and connecting to another form of transport.
It’s a Long, Long flight… few advices
You’re at the gate; your plane awaits...the excitements mounts. After take-off and checking out all the neat little amenities and freebies, the novelty wears off. Hours and miles across the Atlantic yawn ahead of you. Below are some tips for the making your flight as easy as possible.
Dress comfortably for the flight. Wear comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement as you will most likely be trying to sleep on the flight. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily.
In order to avoid jet-lag, do not drink alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages. Choose natural fruit juices and water.
Before you leave, choose a good book that will keep you occupied for most of the flight. Before your return flight, buy another - not only will it pass the flight time quickly but it will become a souvenir of your trip.
Store your coat and anything you are not going to use in the overhead compartment. You’ll be much more comfortable with a minimum of things to shift around.
Take off your shoes and make yourself as comfortable as possible right away.
Bring along a moisturizer as the air in the cabin is extremely dry.
Get up once in a while and stretch your arms and legs.
If you find yourself extremely exhausted upon arrival in Israel, take a brief nap after check-in and plan on beginning your sightseeing in the afternoon after resting.]
Climate For weather information visit www.israelweather.net
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