PLEASE DO NOT OVERPACK! There is nothing less fun than carting around extra baggage or paying the airline fees for these. We make sure you are given the opportunity to have your laundry done mid-way through the trip and we are staying at the same place for 4 nights in Jerusalem so you can get additional laundry done there as well. Please note, the cost of laundry is not included in this tour. Also, if you like to shop, you may want to keep extra room in your luggage for things you purchase or bring an extra carry-on bag for this. There is a wide range of things to buy at the markets.
- Clothes for 7 days (remember light weight and modest with layers to add at night). Brook usually wears very light cotton and linen down to the wrist. It is modest, but more importantly it is a great form of sunscreen. An easy solution for women is to buy cotton casualwear salwar kameez online (this is the Indian long shirt and pants worn by women). You can get these from $20-40 each. Or you may want to try out the Egyptian cotton Kaftan also known as a Galabeya these run about $20 each. The most important thing is to be comfortable! Men a great choice is cargo pants and linen clothing for coverage and breath-ability of the fabric. Dressing in layers is always a good choice and if you burn easily its best to stay covered.
- Hairdryers are provided in your rooms, as well as the little containers for soap, shampoo and conditioner.
- Camera and extra memory cards for your digital camera. Or just your cell.
- Daypack for daily outings— helps to keep hands free
- Plastic trash bag to separate out dirty laundry and one for wet clothes/shoes
- Collapsible Trekking Poles – personally Brook loves these! So useful!
- Lightweight wrap/Jacket in case the a/c on the bus is too strong for you
- Scarf to cover your head for entry into some religious sites
- Notebook for journal writing and pens
- Sunglasses, hat and/or umbrella to shade you from the sun
- Swimsuit for pools in hotels, Dead Sea and Red Sea
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Toiletries (must be compliant with TSA rules or placed in checked luggage)
- Earplugs (these can be very helpful)
- Tissues or wet wipes a must! — in our extensive foreign travel we notice that some toilets in remote areas lack paper
- Hand sanitizer – if you feel like it
- Small flashlight or most cells have this
- Good walking shoes, cotton socks, water shoes for the Dead Sea and good sandals for the resort
- The electronic plugs for both Jordan and Israel are 230V and 50Hz. If you are coming from the US, you absolutely need a voltage converter. Jordan’s power plugs and sockets are of type C, D, F, G & J, and Israel’s power plugs and sockets are of type C & H.
- TSA approved Travel Cable Luggage Locks for your luggage, they’re great just don’t forget your combination lol!
- Personal reading material as space allows
- Pens or crayons to give to children that you may meet throughout your travels. The love brightly colored pens. This is only a suggestion!
Staying Healthy While Traveling:
If you take any medications, make sure you have at least 1 week’s supply in excess of what you are scheduled for the Trip.
There are no vaccine requirements for persons with flights originating in the US or Europe. However, it is advisable to consult your physician regarding your personal needs. The alternative suggestions we offer below are found to be effective by prior travelers and herbalists Brook has worked with. Doctors and medical facilities are available in most places; however, we recommend each participant bring their own personal supplies plus any medication needed. Your good health and good physical condition will enhance the experience for you as well as the group. The most common health issue people complain about during travel is diarrhea. It is recommended to take megadophilus or acidophilus daily for at least one month prior to travel as well as for the duration of the trip. You may also want to bring an immune-support formula we suggest Bio-Immunozyme Forte by Biotics Research.
For those of you who feel more comfortable with having a prescription instead. There is a low-grade antibiotic called "Doxycycline", which kills bacteria in the GI tract. It can be taken on a daily basis to ensure that you don't have stomach problems during your stay. Please ask your doctor for advice regarding this medication.
Suggested Healthcare Supply List:
- Pro-biotic and Digestive Enzymes
- Grapefruit seed extract (helpful for the stomach bug)
- Topical antiseptic and salve
- Activated Charcoal tablets (dysentery)
- Vitamin C (Alacer-Emergen-C for easy travel)
- Band-Aids, ace bandage, moleskin for blisters
- Insect repellent
- Aloe Vera gel or other skin cream
- Sunscreen , Chapstick and hat for the sun and heat
- Golden Seal powder
- Lomatil, Pepto Bismal (some swear by this as a preventative) or other diarrhea medication of personal preference - local medications are available.
- Remember to keep medications handy in carry-on, not packed away in luggage, if they meet TSA standards. Check online for current TSA restrictions.
- We strongly stress the use of only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. This can be purchased readily along the way, and at hotels. And we provide 3 bottles for you each day.
