Packing List

Note: The standards of modesty for many of the religious inhabitants of Israel are very conservative and cultural. Although some areas may require women to not have bare arms or legs, modest clothing that follows the For Strength of Youth standards will be most appropriate for our travels. Also consider the following direction to BYU Jerusalem students :

"Although clothing standards vary from region to region in the Middle East, many contemporary clothing styles violate local modesty standards, in particular those of Jerusalem’s orthodox, conservative Christian, Muslim, or Jewish inhabitants. Even commonly accepted clothing styles worn by students at BYU would be considered immodest by many in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the Middle East."

Essential Items

• 3-4 pants (knee length or longer shorts/capris may be appropriate in some places, but not all)

• 5-7 shirts (short-sleeved okay in most places, long sleeved preferable for the cold and modesty at holy sites)

• 1 jacket (waterproof in the winter) and 2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts (can be cool during the day and colder in the evenings)

• Church clothes – after church we will continue to see Christ centered sites, so consider wearing comfortable walking shoes also appropriate for church. You could stay in your church clothing or we can find a place to change, if really necessary. Men usually bring a white shirt and tie and women a skirt.

• 9-10 undergarments and pairs of socks or 5 to wash half way through the trip

• Good walking shoes (make sure they are comfortable)

• Water shoes/sandals or old tennis shoes for Hezekiah’s tunnel and the Dead Sea.

• Modest swim suit (inexpensive one – the Dead Sea is harsh on fabric)

• Light travel towel for drying off after Hezekiah's tunnel and the Dead Sea (towels can sometimes be borrowed from hotel, purchased, or rented if you don't bring your own).

• Sleeping wear

Other Optional Items

• Large scarf (pashmina) for women – at some sites you could be asked to cover your head and can be wrapped over regular clothes. Scarves are sold everywhere and make a nice souvenir.

• Toiletries and make-up as needed

• Small containers of shampoo and conditioner – if you want different than the hospitality ones

• Curling irons (hair dryers are usually in hotel rooms) – take appropriate adaptors and/or converters

• Laundry soap to wash out clothing. Laundry services are usually available at the hotel for a fee.

• Camera with enough memory and batteries for the trip

• Sunglasses & sunscreen

• A few snacks: granola bars, dried apples, nuts, jerky etc. (as needed in between meals or while traveling)

• Mini Flashlight for Hezekiah’s tunnel. (A cell phone also works fine.)

• Prescription medicine for the 11 day trip. Bring a copy of your prescription might be helpful, just in case.

• Over the counter medicine as needed: Pain relievers, sore throat lozenges, antacid tablets, anti-diarrhea medications,, laxatives to have for your convenience. (Sometimes new foods, culture and travel can cause changes indigestion.)

• A cloth mask and hand sanitizer.

• Money for lunches, incidentals, souvenirs, and other travel needs (but credit cards are accepted at many places).