What to Pack & Bring: The Dead Sea

Warm Weather Wardrobe

For summer (June-August), lightweight, breathable fabrics in light colors are best. Long sleeves and pants offer sun protection.

Summer Essentials

Lightweight cotton or linen clothing.
Long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun.
Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.

Cooler Seasons Layers

For spring/autumn (March-May, Sept-Nov) and winter (Dec-Feb), layering is . Mornings and evenings can be cool.

Layering for Comfort

Sweaters and long-sleeved shirts.
Light jacket or warmer jacket for winter.
Rain jacket or umbrella for occasional showers.

Footwear Pointers

Water Shoes

Wear Water shoes with good grip. They protect your feet from sharp salt crystals and uneven ground in the Dead Sea.

Non-negotiable for Dead Sea entry.

Hiking Footwear

Sturdy Hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support are suitable for rocky desert trails.

For nature reserve explorations.

Casual Strolls

Comfortable Walking sandals or sneakers are ideal for daily wear and resort areas.

General daily comfort.

Essential Documents

Paperwork

Digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage are a wise addition to physical copies of these important documents.

Passport (6+ months validity).
Visa documents or Jordan Pass proof.
Travel insurance policy details.
International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license.

Vaccination records and health documents.
Printed/digital reservation copies.
Emergency contact information.
Student/Senior/Press IDs for discounts.

Technology & Electronics

Power and Connectivity

Both Israel and Jordan use 230V, 50Hz. Israel uses Type H or C plugs; Jordan uses Type C, D, or F. A Universal travel adapter is highly recommended.

Tech Essentials

Universal travel adapter for varied sockets.
Local SIM cards (Airalo eSIM is an option) for data and calls.
Portable chargers / power banks for day trips.

Photography Gear

Pack your standard camera gear. Consider waterproof protection for shots near the Dead Sea water. Bring spare batteries and ample memory cards to capture sights.

Camera Readiness

Standard camera equipment (B&H Photo for gear).
Waterproof case or protection for Dead Sea photos.
Spare batteries and ample memory cards.

Data and Device Care

Cloud Backups

Use cloud storage for photos and copies of documents. This safeguards your data if devices are lost or damaged.

App Insights

Download Google Maps/Waze for navigation, Google Translate for language, and ride-sharing apps (Gett/Careem/Uber).

Device Security

Consider VPN services (NordVPN, ExpressVPN) for public Wi-Fi. Safeguard devices from theft.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal Medicine Kit

A prepared health and wellness kit supports the management of minor ailments and maintains comfort throughout your trip.

Kit Contents

Basic first aid: bandages, antiseptic wipes.
Pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), anti-diarrhea medication.
Prescription medications in original containers with doctor's note.

Sun and Insect Protection

Given the intense sun and presence of insects, specific protection items are valuable for comfort and safety.

Climate-Specific Protections

Strong insect repellent, especially near water sources.
High SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen and After-sun lotion.
Lip balm with SPF to combat dry air.

Altitude & Motion Comfort

Altitude Care

Altitude sickness is generally not a concern at the Dead Sea's low elevation.
If traveling through Jordanian mountains (e.g., to Petra), motion sickness can be a factor.
Motion sickness remedies are helpful for winding roads.

Hydration Options

Bottled water is widely available and preferred.
A Filtered water bottle can reduce plastic waste.
Frequent water intake is paramount due to dry air and heat.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

For exploring nature reserves and trails, specific gear supports safety and comfort.

Daypack for water, snacks, layers.
Water bladder or multiple bottles (2-3L for desert).
Trekking poles (optional, for stability).
Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes.

Water Activities

For floating in the Dead Sea, certain items are non-negotiable for protection and comfort.

Water shoes for foot protection.
Old Swimsuit (salt can discolor fabrics).
Large, Quick-drying towel.
Sunscreen for floating exposure.

Special Dead Sea Items

Unique experiences at the Dead Sea prompt the packing of specific items.

Sturdy, sealable container for fresh mud.
A non-valuable book or magazine for floating.
Waterproof bag for electronics.
Sun hat and sunglasses.

Rent vs. Pack Decisions

Rental Advantages

Snorkel gear for a Red Sea side trip.
Camping gear if not specialized equipment.
Reduces luggage weight and bulk.
Local equipment rental for specific activities.

Items to Pack

High-quality hiking boots for comfort and fit.
Personal water shoes for known comfort.
Specific sun protection and First aid kit.
Medications or specific brands not easily found locally.

Miscellaneous Travel Needs

Comfort & Security

Adding comfort and security items to your luggage eases travel and protects belongings.

Travel Comforts

Neck pillow, eye mask, and Earplugs for long journeys.
Small Padlock for hostel lockers.
Money belt or hidden pouch for valuables.
RFID-blocking wallet for credit cards.

Practical Extras

Everyday Use

Reusable water bottle for hydration.
Reusable shopping bag for markets.
Travel cutlery set for snacks.
Waterproof bag for electronics near water.

Sustainable Travel Items

Refillable Water Bottle

Minimizes plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For market visits and purchases.

Travel Cutlery Set

Reduces single-use plastic usage.

Eco-Friendly Toiletries

Biodegradable options for sensitive environments.

Destination-Specific Items

Water Protection

Waterproof dry bag for essentials near the sea.
Eye protection (goggles or sunglasses) for saltwater splashes.
Small bottle of freshwater for immediate eye rinse.

Personal Comfort

Lightweight scarf for modesty at religious sites.
Inflatable neck pillow for comfortable floating.
A non-valuable book or magazine for a buoyant read.

Smart Packing Reminder

This approach ensures you have the right gear for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Pack light but prepare for varying conditions, especially regarding sun and water exposure.

What to Pack & Bring