Birthright is an awesome experience for young Jews from around the world who have the opportunity to visit Israel for FREE! If you have the chance to go, you’ll experience the very best that Israel has to offer, from the briny Dead Sea to the bustling streets of Tel Aviv.
It can be hard to know what to pack for your first trip to Israel, so we’ve put together this comprehensive packing list equipped with what to wear on Birthright what NOT to bring, and answers to your top Birthright FAQS.
A neck wallet is one item you’ll be glad you brought with you on your Birthright trip. You’ll be able to safely and securely carry around your most important valuables, including your smartphone, keys, credit cards, cash, passport and more. Tuck this neck wallet under your t-shirt for maximum protection.
Keep your phone and camera fully charged all day long with a handy lipstick-size portable charger. Toss it in your purse or daypack and use it as an external battery to charge up your devices while you’re out and about.
You’ll definitely want to have a reliable VPN for your trip to Israel. This will protect your private information from potential hackers and will also allow you to access content from your home country that may be blocked or censored. It’ll also help you get around paywalls on popular news sites.
Depending on where you’re traveling from, Israel can be very far from home! Be sure to bring along this homeopathic jet lag relief to keep you feeling your best during the first days of your trip. This stuff is great and can be used both as a prevention and as a cure.
Don’t forget to use packing cubes for your Birthright trip! These will help you stay organized and will make packing and unpacking much easier and more efficient. On Birthright, you’ll be changing locations often, so packing cubes will help make packing a breeze. You can label each cube for pants, shirts, essentials, etc. and never go digging for that missing sock again! The bonus laundry bags are a nice touch to separate dirty items.
You never know what can happen any time you’re traveling abroad, and many locations require insurance to visit, so it’s a good idea to be prepared with travel insurance. I’ve seen friends pay $10K+ out of pocket because their domestic coverage ended once they left home, they certainly regretted not protecting their travel investment with insurance.
Faye is the GOAT in our eyes since they take a digital approach to covering the costs of lost luggage, flight cancellations, emergency medical, and more. Add it within 2 weeks of booking your trip and you can even include ‘cancel my trip for ANY reason,’ which basically makes the whole thing risk-free. It’s a small cost for huge peace of mind.
A pashmina shawl will come in handy on many different occasions during your Birthright trip. Use it to cover your shoulders or chest when entering a synagogue or holy site, use it as a curtain in shared accommodations, to spice up an outfit, or keep you warm on a chilly evening.
Theft is definitely more common than violent crimes in Israel, so protect your belongings from sneaky hands. This goes for in the streets as well as your checked bags, getting onto buses, using shared luggage rooms, and more. These are TSA-friendly and will add extra security for peace of mind anytime your bags are out of sight.
You’re likely going to change hotels a couple of times on your Birthright trip. Rather than unpacking and repacking everything over and over – use this hanging toiletry bag to keep everything organized. I leave it packed between trips for anything from weekend getaways to international vacations.
It hangs anywhere and keeps your items at eye-level so you can access exactly what you’re looking for. This is nice for grabbing shampoo in the shower or looking for that tiny serum bottle – way better than dealing with tons of ziplock baggies or sprawling products all over your hotel.
Israel uses Type H outlets with a 230V electrical system, which is different than that of the US (Type A/B). A reliable adapter is a must (I learned this when my laptop was destroyed by a faulty adapter). This one works in 100+ popular destinations throughout Europe, South America, Canada, Australia, and more. It has a built-in fuse protector to defend against short circuits and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Avid travelers are NOT overpaying for international fees these days, or standing in long lines for a physical SIM card. Apple actually doesn’t even create the physical SIM slot in phones anymore, and eSIM is the future.
Activate your eSIM before you depart and you’ll have internet from the moment you land. It’s a non-negotiable for navigating Jerusalem, messaging your group, and staying connected through your trip.
Our gift for readers – use our link for an automatic 5% off (code: ASHER5).
Depending on when you travel, you may or may not experience some rain (or even a bit of snow!) during your Birthright trip, so you’ll definitely want an umbrella. If you’re traveling during the summer, an umbrella will come in handy to protect you from the intense rays of the sun, as well.
Buying plastic bottles throughout your trip is a rookie mistake. Not only is it wasteful, but it’s also expensive! We bring our own filtered water bottle on all trips to improve the taste of heavily chlorinated tap water while also saving money. Days are hot here and you’ll need to stay hydrated.
Israel can reach peaks of 95°F (35°C), so you will need to come prepared, particularly in the summer months. The desert and valleys near the Dead Sea can get even warmer into the 100s – so pack wisely with this cooling towel. Simply add water and it drops to 20-30 degrees cooler than the outside temp. This feels like a godsend (pun intended) on a warm day, and you will be thanking your lucky stars for the sweet relief.
Water shoes are an absolute must-have for Birthright, as you’ll be spending plenty of time in and out of the water, whether you’re rafting down the Jordan River or swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. These shoes will keep your feet safe from rocks and branches while keeping you comfortable.
You will be moving throughout Israel on your trip and encounter anything from the Old City with ancient grime, mud in rural areas, overflowing trash bins, and sand in the deserts. Let’s be real – you don’t want to pack any of that home with you, which is why we put our shoes in these designated shoe bags. They keep your suitcase fresh and you can shake out the sand before heading home.
Be sure to bring a trendy swimsuit cover-up with you on Birthright! This one is perfect to throw on after a dip in the Mediterranean to enjoy a snack or drink at one of Tel Aviv’s many beach bars and cafes. You’ll feel more comfortable and will look super chic with this cute cover-up.
Whether your trip has you enjoying a night out in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, or Jerusalem, you’ll definitely want to pack at least one gorgeous outfit for your Birthright trip. You’d be surprised by how lively Israel’s nightlife scene is and you’re sure to want to look your best.
It’s a great idea to bring a waterproof phone case with you on Birthright. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls or floating in the Dead Sea, you won’t want to risk your device getting ruined by the elements. This one is reliable and can be used in the water.
This will add extra assurance that your phone won’t sink due to accidental drops. It’s a small and cheap accessory that could literally save you $1K and an inconvenient trip to the phone store.
This is one of our most versatile recommendations. Instead of lugging a big, fluffy towel along, a microfiber towel is your best bet. It is way more absorbent than a typical cloth and dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s perfect for swimming, hiking, rain trips, etc. and packs down super small between uses.
Activated charcoal will come be invaluable if you eat or drink something that doesn’t agree with you during your Birthright trip. You should take these at the first sign of discomfort to rid your body of any toxins and keep you feeling healthy.
Israel can get HOT, especially during the summer, which is a popular time for Birthright trips. You’ll definitely want to be prepared with electrolytes to add to your water to keep you hydrated after a long day of exploring or after a night of drinking!
A daypack is essential for any Birthright trip. You’ll be spending long days that take you from the desert to the sea, so you’ll need to have several items on you all day long. This one’s great to hold your water, sunglasses, change of clothes and shoes, and anything else you might need.
With dozens of identical suitcases together, it’s surprisingly easy to grab the wrong one. Especially after a long flight with layovers when your eyes get a little hazy, these bright luggage straps will help you spot your set of bags instantly and get on with your day!
They can withstand 700 lbs of force tension, which is absolutely necessary with the way baggage handlers move bags these days and you may overpack with stellar souvenirs that give your zippers a run for their money.
After long days of exploring Israel, you’re sure to be hot and sweaty! Your new friends will thank you for bringing along handy deodorant wipes in your daypack to quickly and easily refresh while you’re on the go.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to partake in water activities during your trip, so be sure to bring an affordable underwater camera like this one to capture your favorite memories both in and out of the water! This one is compact and durable which is perfect to bring on Birthright.
Regardless of when you’re headed on Birthright, you’ll want to pack a good mix of stylish clothing and clothes for hiking/activities.
You’ll likely be spending long days with activities spanning from hiking in the desert to exploring a seaside city, so be sure to bring plenty of versatile layers that can be put on and taken off to adapt to your activity.
Women on Birthright should dress for the season in which they’re traveling. Regardless of when you visit, be sure to bring at least one or two conservative outfits to enjoy Shabbat celebrations and visit holy sites. Don’t forget comfortable clothing and shoes for hiking and adventure activities.
Men on Birthright should dress for the seasons in which they’re traveling. Israelis tend to dress more casually, so be sure to wear what you’re comfortable in. That said, make sure to bring at least one or two nice outfits for Shabbat dinner and nights out on the town.
Israel has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers and mild winters. You’ll want to dress for the season you’re planning to travel in, but make sure to bring relatively conservative clothes for special occasions regardless of the season. You’ll be comfortable wearing casual clothing throughout your trip, but bring a few nicer outfits for nights out on the town!
If you’re planning to travel in the winter, expect mild to cold temperatures, especially at night. Bring plenty of layers to be able to comfortably adapt to changing weather and don’t forget a medium-weight jacket. Places like the Dead Sea and Eilat will remain hot year-round, though.
Springtime in Israel experiences mild to warm temperatures, and you may encounter a bit of rain. This is a great time to go on Birthright as it’s not too hot or too cold to explore the entire country. Be sure to bring an umbrella and plenty of layers.
You can expect summer in Israel to be dry and hot. Be sure to wear clothes that are lightweight, breezy, and sweat-wicking or water-repellent as you’ll be spending a lot of time outside during your trip. Don’t forget your sun protection, too!
Fall weather is similar to that of the spring, so be prepared for mild to warm weather with cooler evenings. This is a nice time to visit Israel, so be sure to bring plenty of layers to adapt to the weather if this is when you’re headed on Birthright!
No matter when you’re headed on Birthright, you’re not likely to need a winter coat, as winters are mild and the rest of the year is much warmer. Leave your bulky winter coat at home!
You’ll definitely want to bring your own towel on Birthright to use as both a beach and a bath towel, but regular towels take up a lot of space. Use a quick-dry towel instead which is lightweight and compact.
You won’t want to worry about your expensive valuables getting lost or stolen during Birthright, so leave them at home! Bring only what’s absolutely necessary and preserve your peace of mind.
Birthright will have you moving to a new location nearly every day, so don’t burden yourself by bringing too much stuff! Pack only what you need and leave room for souvenirs!
Your trip won’t last longer than 10 days at the most, so you won’t have a need for full-size liquids and toiletries. Opt for travel-size toiletries instead which can easily be replaced or refilled.
Israel tends to be a more casual country, so you won’t need overly fancy clothes. For nights out on the town you’ll want to look nice, but even then there’s no need to go overboard.
Be wary of wearing overly revealing clothing when visiting holy or religious sites and be sure to bring a shawl or long skirt to toss on over your clothes in a pinch. Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry that you’d be upset to lose, break, or have stolen.
You’ll take a comprehensive tour of Israel on your Birthright trip, which will include visiting the main sites, such as Jerusalem’s Old and New Cities, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, the Dead Sea, Masada, and more. Your trip will likely be a good mix of hiking, swimming, and touring cities and significant sites.
Many people choose to go on Birthright alone, as it’s very easy to make new friends and there are lots of activities to encourage relationship building with your fellow Birthright attendees.
However, it’s not uncommon to sign up with a friend or two, which is fun, too. It really just depends on your preference!
Birthright trips typically last anywhere from 7 to 10 days, depending on which trip you choose. They have trips that leave throughout the year, so you’ll have plenty of options to pick from.
Yes, Israel is safe. It’s situated in a somewhat precarious part of the world surrounded by countries that are relatively unfriendly to it and its people, but Israel is the strongest Western ally in the Middle East and takes some of the world’s most impressive security measures, so you are not likely to feel unsafe at any point during your trip. As with anywhere, avoid walking around alone at night and always look out for pickpockets in big cities.
You will have to pay for some of your own meals, drinks, and any gifts or souvenirs you want during your trip. Other than that, the entire trip is completely free!
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
