Pack lightweight, airy fabrics like cotton or linen. Include shorts, t-shirts, vests, and sandals. Swimwear is a must for the coastlines. A light scarf provides sun protection or covers when entering religious sites.
For autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May), layers are useful. Pack t-shirts, Long-sleeved shirts, thin jumpers or cardigans, and a Light jacket for cooler evenings. Jeans or comfortable trousers are good for everyday use.
Bring Comfortable walking shoes or Athletic sneakers as you will likely do much walking. Comfortable sandals for summer.
Pack flip-flops or Water shoes for days at the beach or swimming. A Swimsuit and cover-up are also beach essentials.
Dressier sandals or shoes are a good idea if you plan on upscale dining or experiencing The White city's fashionable nightlife.
Organize your documents ahead of leaving. Keep both original and digital copies of important papers.
Israel uses 230V, 50Hz with a Type H plug (three round pins, unique to Israel). Types C and M are sometimes found. A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended. Most modern smartphones are compatible. Local SIM cards (e.g., Partner, Cellcom) are easy to find at Ben Gurion Airport or in city stores. Consider an ESIM for Israel to get connected right away upon arrival.
Consider a Mirrorless camera for portability and high-quality photos. An extra battery and memory card are always helpful. A Lightweight tripod helps with low-light shots or cityscapes. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and important documents as a backup. Specialized electronics retailers include B&H Photo.
Google Maps for directions, Moovit for public transport in real-time.
WhatsApp (widely used), Gett and Uber for taxis.
Google Translate (offline Hebrew pack), Rav-Kav Online for public transport card management.
Include standard first aid items: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines. For The White city, add blister plasters (for long walks), rehydration salts (for high temperatures), After-sun lotion, and insect bite cream. A Compact travel first aid kit provides a good base. Carry prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
Use Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin for evenings, especially in warmer months. Pack High SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), Lip balm with SPF, UV-protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Tap water is safe, but a purifying water bottle may be helpful for refilling. Most personal hygiene items are available locally, but travel-sized toiletries are convenient. A Quick-dry travel towel is useful for beach trips or hostel stays.
Bring a swimsuit, Beach towel, and flip-flops. Consider snorkeling equipment if you plan to snorkel in Jaffa or nearby.
Comfortable walking shoes are vital for exploring Tel Aviv's streets and boulevards. You will likely cover significant distances on foot.
Bicycles, paddleboards, and surfboards are easy to rent at the seaside promenade. Bring your your own snorkel mask if you prefer your own, or high-quality walking shoes.
A Travel neck pillow and Eye mask aid comfort on long flights or bus rides. A Travel lock for luggage or hostel lockers is helpful. A money belt effectively secures your passport, cash, and plastic; a concealed money belt works well. RFID-SAFE for credit cards and passports is often integrated into wallets.
A reusable water bottle aids hydration and plastic waste reduction. A Reusable shopping bag is useful for market purchases. A Reusable travel cutlery set helps with street food or picnics. Most common items are available locally. Specific brands of toiletries, medications, or high-quality outdoor gear might be more expensive or harder to find, especially from Amazon or Nordace.
Items for beach relaxation (e.g., lightweight towel).
A book or e-reader for relaxation on beaches or cafes.
Ensure sufficient storage and battery life for your camera.
Download maps for offline use on your phone.
Consider a small, foldable a small bag for daily excursions. It is excellent for carrying water, snacks, a camera, and souvenirs.
Pack adaptable items that mix and match to reduce overall luggage volume. This makes it simpler dressing for various occasions in The White city.
