Packing Tips – Carry On Luggage
Be sure to keep the following items with you during your flight:
• Tickets (include a photocopy of your ticket in your pocket or purse)
• Passport
• Medications
• Medication list – keep a list of all current medications you are taking
• Passport copy – keep a copy of your passport with you at all times
• Pilgrims’ Itinerary Booklet (on the inside front cover are addresses and phone numbers of your lodges and cell phone numbers of the staff)
• One change of clothing (should luggage be delayed)
• Personal grooming items— Recent regulations dictate travel size liquids be less than 4.0 ounce and placed in a quart size clear zipper bag. This incudes small bars of soap, travel size tubes of toothpaste, etc. (remember you can get everything in Italy and Israel that you can get at home, e.g., shaving items, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.) Remember to put manicure items in your checked baggage. Scissors or other pointed items may be confiscated if you leave them in your carry-on.Go to www.tsa.gov for the latest regulations regarding items that can be included in your carry-on.
• Umbrella, poncho, and/or raincoat
• Snacks for the plane
• Sweater, light jacket, or cover-up for on the plane
• YOUR MONEY

Packing Tips – Checked Luggage
Note: Dress is mainly casual, although you will want to dress respectfully for all church visits. You are not permitted to enter most churches in Europe if you are wearing shorts above the knees or a sleeveless shirt. Coat and ties are not required. Dress in layers, light or medium weight clothing with a jacket is recommended. A raincoat and/or umbrella is recommended. Irons are not available in many of the lodges, nor do they have washer and/or dryers, so plan accordingly.
• Two pairs of comfortable walking shoes are the most important item to pack. Italy and the Holy Lands have narrow, uneven, cobbled streets and many storied monuments which can be a challenge for travelers.
• Wash cloths, in a plastic bag (towels are provided, but Europeans generally don’t supply washcloths)
• Liquid or powder detergent (small plastic bottle), 6-12 small plastic clothes pins, string/rope for hanging (available in a travel store or luggage department) for hand washing and drying your clothes.
• Plastic bags for packing dirty shoes or laundry
• Travel alarm
• Ball-point pen/pencil
• Sun glasses
• Insect repellant (optional for use during the summer months)
• Extra film, if you bring a camera (film costly in Europe) or additional memory cards if digital.
• Small packets of facial tissues
• Individual hand wipes
• Shower thongs, if desired
• An adapter and/or converter for any electrical items (outlets in Italy and Israel run on 220 volts). Be aware that most Americans damage plug-ins even when converters are used. It is cheaper to buy electrical items there with their wattage.
• Night wear / underwear / socks
• Women – a couple of skirts or pairs of slacks/washable pants
• Women – shirts or blouses that have at least short sleeves (no tank tops)
• Sweater or sweatshirt; windbreaker or jacket, scarf, gloves, hat or earmuffs, depending on the time of year.
• Make sure all clothes are easily washable and fast drying.

Packing Tips – Additional Tips
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the plane. Soft slipper socks can also add to your comfort while you sleep during the flight.
• Part of traveling lightly and simply includes leaving at home as many of your electrical devices as possible. Check with a travel store regarding what kind of adapter/converter you may need. Note: Many lodges do supply hair dryers, but not irons.
• If you need a morning dose of caffeine you may want to bring a jar of instant coffee or coffee packets for yourself. Hot water is availabe. There is a regular coffee machine available for a slight fee.
• Many airlines are no longer providing free snacks on shorter flights. Airport food and food purchased on the planes can be expensive. Before you leave home, purchase a few breakfast bars or granola bars to pack in your carry-on to use as snacks. If you carry a small plastic water bottle, it can be re-filled at airport water fountains.
• Remember that you must handle your own luggage, so pack lightly, and remember to leave room for items you purchase.
• The weather in Italy and Israel can be like the weather in New York or Chicago. Summer months are warm while spring and fall can be cool. Early spring and late fall can be cold and wet. Bring things that could be layered when the weather is cool and peeled off when it is warm. A light sweater is generally sufficient for summer evenings. If you are traveling in very early spring or late fall, bring warm clothing.
• Nighttime room temperatures can be variable.
• You might want to bring your own notebook if you intend to take notes or write out reflections.