I pack my clothes in large zipper baggies and sit on them to push the air out before closing. They can then be tossed around without messing up the clothes and they make it easy to locate something. Besides, you can get almost twice as many clothes items in your bag that way!
CONTINENTAL AIRLINE BAGGAGE POLICY
Checked Bags Limit: One checked bag - maximum 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) each.
Carry-on Bag Limit: One carry-on bag - maximum 40 lbs. and 51 linear inches (length + width + height).
Personal item: One small article such as book bag, briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case or similar personal item.
Our Tip: There are many advantages to "packing light" including less hassle at the airport and at our hotels. We have made countless international trips and limit ourselves to one medium sized suitcase and an "underseat" bag each. Our medium sized suitcases are about 24" x 14" x 10". We read that Alex Trebek, the host of Jeopardy, and his wife limit themselves to just one suitcase for the both of them. That is a little much even for us.
TOILETRIES: The best advice is to take only those toiletries that you must use on a daily basis. Don't bring things that you "might need." Shy away from anything with a strong fragrance. This is for the comfort of your fellow passengers and some people are allergic to heavy perfumes, after shave lotions, etc. It is best to simply forego these luxuries during our trip.
This is not an absolute guarantee but our hotels should have hair dryers. (And yours probably will not work anyway with their 220v/3prong plugs.) Try out brush rollers (from the 70's) or a round brush to use with available hair dryer. My curling iron says "110-210" and it works fine in Israel with just a 3 prong plug adapter.
Watch for travel sizes of shaving cream, deodorant, hair spray, toothpaste, etc. when at your local discount store.
Our Tip: If your toiletries don't all fit in a small ziplock bag---maybe you should re-think what is necessary. Security rules specify that carry-on toiletries (all gels, pastes, liquids) MUST be limited to 3 oz. size and must all fit into one quart ziplock bag.
DO PACK IN YOUR "UNDERSEAT LUGGAGE"
1) Passport.
2) Medications.
3) Essential toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hair spray, razor, shaving cream, etc.--see limits above).
4) One change of underclothes.
5) Bible and other reading material (book, magazine, etc.).
6) Anything that will not fit in your other luggage.
SHOES
Two things to remember: 1) Feet tend to swell on long flights. 2) Extra shoes take up a lot of room in baggage. Comfort is the key word. We take only one pair of shoes (walking). Bring a pair of river shoes if you plan to get baptized in the Jordan (slick rocks and cold water), to walk through Hezekiah's Tunnel (cold water often above the knees), or to experience the "Dead Sea float." Buy river shoes at Wal-mart in the summer.
Our tip: Wear the most comfortable pair of shoes you own for the flight and then use them throughout the trip. Israel is well known for its rocky terrain so be prepared for the occasional walk along rocky pathways. Lace ups that you don't mind getting scuffed up a bit are good possibilities. A good option is to wear a tennis or athletic shoe on the plane and for daily use. A second pair (flat sandals) when you want to feel a little more dressy for dinner is OK but certainly not necessary.
PACKING (Suggestions for Ladies)
Israel is a land where modesty is respected. Avoid bare shoulders (sleeveless blouses). Shorts are appropriate only for our time at the Dead Sea but not at other times. Long pants are best for traveling on the bus and for walking tours. You might want a long skirt for dinner at night at the hotel. (We promise not to notice if you wear the same skirt every night.) In addition to a comfortable pair of pants, blouse and sweater to wear on the flights, we recommend:
1) A long skirt (if you like). Long scarf to dress up tops.
2) Two pairs of casual pants (shorts are not appropriate except at the Dead Sea).
3) Two medium-weight and two light-weight blouses that will mix and match with the skirt and pants.
4) Four to six changes of underwear (quick drying if possible).
5) A small container of soap for washing out clothes. (Seal any liquids in ziplock bags or put in carry-on bag because pressure changes cause leaks.)
6) Swim suit or shorts and tank top.
7) A medium weight all-weather jacket.
8) A compact rain coat or roll-up poncho if your jacket is not rain resistant.
9) Pull-over sweater for layering.
PACKING (Men)
Casual pants or jeans are best for traveling on the bus and for walking tours. You might want a pair of slacks for dinner at night at the hotel. Shorts are not appropriate at either Jewish or Christian religious sites. (Shorts are OK only at the Dead Sea.) In addition to a comfortable pair of pants, shirt and sweater for the flights, we recommend:
1) Two pairs of slacks/casual pants/jeans.
2) Two medium and two light weight shirts that will mix and match with the pants.
3) Three to five changes of underwear (quick drying or even disposable if desired).
4) A small water tight container of soap for washing out underwear.
6) Swim suit/shorts and tank top for Dead Sea.
7) A medium weight all-weather jacket.
8) A roll-up rain coat/poncho if jacket isn't water-resistant.
9) Pull-over sweater for layering.
10) Hat or cap if you usally wear one.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bring along several baggies (for shells, stones, potsherds, etc. that you want to collect). Disposable towelettes are also nice to have. A small notebook and pens to make notes of the many little events that you will want to remember and to start your Travelogue. Lapel pens, stickers, ballpoint pens, etc. make handy trinkets to give to children we encounter.
If you plan to use a film camera, take 50% more film than you think you will use. Digital cameras are better since they are not susceptible to airport x-ray. Be sure that the memory cards will accommodate a lot of pictures (or take two cards) and take extra camera batteries (not rechargable).
Before you go--Set your camera to a lower setting to be able to store more pictures on your card and to make them smaller files for your computer or for email. Go to Menu and you will usually see some choices like "Best," "Better," or "Good." The middle setting will be plenty large for printing 4"x6" or even 5"x7" sizes. The lowest setting is good for small pictures and for email.
Video cameras are OK but recharging batteries can be a nuisance in the world of 220V. Most digital cameras have a video setting for taking short movies. ***CVS has introduced the world's first disposable (pocket-sized) video camera. For about $30 you can store up to 20 minutes of DVD-quality video with sound. When you're done, drop it off at a CVS location to turn your vacation into a DVD (for another charge).
In the past we have had people take small cassette recorders to record comments from the guide, etc.
