The Packing Guide #TTdoesIsrael

Packing for my two weeks in Israel, Jordan and Egypt were harder than I thought. I knew that since I was traveling in the winter I needed to prepare for warmer temperatures in the day and cooler ones at night. Things got a little more tricky when I found that while some locations like Tel Aviv stay relatively warm in the winter, Jerusalem get colder. And in the desert (where I’d be heading to hike Masada, float in the Dead Sea and camp with a Bedouin tribe) it could get quite warm during the day and very cold at night.

Needless to say creating my packing list was a bit of work, but if you make it to the end of this post I’ve got a free packing guide for you to print out!

The answer I settled on was layers. I’d pack a variety of basic layers (mostly cotton) that I could mix, match and well, layer as needed. When I arrived in Tel Aviv, it was still balmy and warm at night but by New Year’s Eve the weather had turned unseasonably cool for the region. Those layers ended up saving me in my second week of travel – the weather in Egypt was much colder than I expected – when I wore almost all of them at once.

Now I seem to have traveled during the coldest days of this winter for this region because Katie of Style Wonk got away with an adorable tank and skirt just a week after I left. So the best advice I can give you is to pack lots of interchangeable layers and hope you don’t have to use them all at once. Here’s my secret formula:

6 Tops + 5 Bottoms + 3 Dresses + 2 Vests + 1 Jacket

6 TOPS

It wasn’t until afterwards that I realized I’d packed almost entirely white, black and grey pieces. I once read an article by Jess Keys for The Everygirl citing a black tee as an essential for travel. I gave her advice a try and have since packed a black tee for every trip I take. I’ve found it to be one of my most worn and versatile items.

Another favorite is my denim button up – easily paired with any bottom for a laid back outfit or layered on top as a light jacket. And then a sheer blouse is nice to include because its dressier than the cotton tops I already packed and doesn’t wrinkle.

5 BOTTOMS

Diversity is key here. Skinny jean because they are so versatile and tuck into the boots I packed, leggings because they are comfy enough for a long flight and easily layered, patterned jersey pants because they’re fun and comfy and a pair of shorts thrown into the mix because I optimistically hope for warm weather.

3 DRESSES

Dresses are so easy to pack because they take up little room. I opted for a short dress to wear on sunny days and made sure to pack a long maxi dress to wear to religious sites where I needed to cover up. I was also lucky enough to spend NYE in Tel Aviv so I packed a fun little number for that night.

OUTERWEAR

I’m a big fan of vests because they can be layered over or under a light jacket to change up your look and add extra warmth. The key when selecting your jacket is to pick one that is not too light but not too heavy – remember, you can always layer more on.

Together Traveler Tip: Buy a packing cube!!

Everything that has been listed up to this point gets put inside a cozy little packing cube. I love mine because it has separate sides for clean and dirty clothes, and it easily (and miraculously) fits two weeks worth of clothes. It also helps compartmentalize my backpack – clothes are ready at hand and not mixing with the other things I pack. If you want the same one as me your can buy it here.

4 SHOES

I would normally recommend packing three pairs – boots for walking and warmth, cute sandals and flip flops for the shower – but I ended up packing four because I also needed a pair of heels for New Years Eve. You don’t know how much it pained me to use up my precious backpack space like that.

ACCESSORIES

I recommend keeping it simple and practical with accessories because you’d hate to lose your favorite necklace right? I always bring a small backpack as my personal item on the plane. It comes on all my day excursions. A small crossbody purse is a great alternative for evenings when you want something nicer and takes up very little space.

ESSENTIALS

If you’re visiting Israel, you’re visiting the Dead Sea so don’t forget a swimsuit! Bring one you don’t mind getting dirty – I actually ditched mine afterwards. Otherwise bring your normal essentials like bras and underwear. I definitely recommend bringing at least 1-2 sports bras and tights or leggings for layering on cold days. I roll up my essentials and stuff them inside my shoes to keep their shape.

DON’T FORGET

You’re toiletries, medicine and makeup. I pack mine inside ziploc bags and then place those bags inside a zippered toiletry bag so I don’t have to deal with leaks. Another thing that I never forget is my blue clear backpack, as I am able to fit pretty much anything and everything in there. Plus, with it being clear, I can actually see if I have forgotten anything important that I’ll need for the trip. There’s nothing worse than remembering that you’ve left an essential item at home. I also like to bring my own microfiber towel. It takes up no space and dries quickly.

IN YOUR CARRY ON

I prefer to pack all my electronics in my carry-on because I like to have them on hand and get paranoid they’ll get broken or lost in my checked bag. Don’t forget to pack chargers and accessories as well. I also keep my passport, flight confirmations, ID and money on hand.

Now if you are heading to Israel print out this packing guide so you don’t forget anything! You can grab the higher resolution version for printing here.

Do you dread packing as much as I do (despite the excitement of your trip)?

Planning your own trip to Israel and looking for suggestions? Check out my itinerary for one week in Israel plus a second week to visit Jordan and Egypt.

Wondering why I visited Israel? Read this post here.