A packing checklist for a short (10-14 day) trip to Israel/Palestine should be modified according to the season of travel (check the weather at your destination) and your own personal needs.
Four things should be kept in mind as you prepare for your trip.
First, each traveler is limited to one suitcase (checked luggage) and one hand luggage. These limits are strictly enforced. Pack strategically (For further commentary, read this).
Second, remember that our group will visit places where modest dress (covering upper arms and legs, and, in the case of women, the hair) is required. We will not visit a place where formal dress is expected.
Third, Israel/Palestine is a modern country where any item you forget (with the exception of medications) will be available for purchase (Whew!).
Fourth, Covid-19 protocols described here may change as the situation develops. Consult the website of the U.S. Embassy in Israel here and/or the CDC site here for the latest developments.
With these four things in mind, consider the following list as a starting point for packing.
Everybody gets one checked bag. Be sure you are able to move it a short distance yourself.
Documents
Passport (carried on your person) and paper copies of your passport (carried in your luggage). Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your expected date of return to the US.
A second form of ID (such as a drivers license)
Your physical C.D.C.-issued covid vaccine card (and a digital copy is a good idea.)
Proof of a negative P.C.R. covid test taken 72 hours before arrival in Israel, or a rapid (antigen) test taken 24 hours before arrival. These must be administered by a professional sampler (no home test kits).
Proof of travel (medical) insurance
Flight information
Name tags (attached to all luggage)
Emergency contact information
Money, and a secure way to carry it
Credit/debit card(s)
List of medications
Very nice, but a bit over the top for our style of travel.
Clothes
Walking shoes (for commentary, read this).
Sleeved Shirts/blouses (avoid plunging necklines and women should bring at least one long-sleeved shirt for “modest days.” For commentary, see here).
Pants (at least one pair of long pants that go down to the ankles, for “modest” days)
Sleepware
Socks
Undergarments
Sweater/rain jacket/coat (for winter travel, layer it up. See the video here)
Bathingsuit (if you wish to swim at the hotel, in the Mediterranean or Dead Sea, or, if you wish to be baptized in the Jordan River).
Headcovering, for women on “modest” days
Hat (critical for everybody in the summer months)
The back of the bus is where the troublemakers hangout.
Toiletries
Medications
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Washcloth
Sinkstopper—a flat flexible 5” disk is helpful for washing/rinsing clothes in the sink
Hair care (brush, comb, product. Most hotels will have an installed hair dryer)
Deodorant
Soap
Sunscreen
Shaving gear
travel pack of toilet tissues
Expect the unexpected.
Other
Facemasks (bring spares). One covering the nose and mouth must be worn on the flight to and from Israel.
Bible (digital or paper)
Small notebook/pencil/pen
Camera/cell phone
Power converter/adapter (see the commentary here)
Hand sanitizer
Eyeglasses/sunglasses
Headlamp or small flashlight (optional, but not a bad idea)
Daypack/tote