Jackie writes,
Idea for you blog, but really just selfish inquiry and much needed style help! For this frazzled pastor! Question what does a plus size pastor wear for a 12 day church trip to Israel in February where the weather can go from 30-50-70 degrees? We can only pack 44 lbs.
Lucky you! How wonderful!
Here are some thoughts from Yours Truly about packing for such an excursion.
Ten Packing Tips For Pastor Trips
1. Choose a color palette and resolve to stick to it. That means that everything goes with everything else. Don’t underestimate how much easier this will make your life once you get to your destination, but how much time and thought goes into choosing the colors and garments that all work with each other.
2. Consider making your main bag a sturdy canvas bag or knapsack style if you’re going to be on and off buses. This is not a professional trip in terms of needing to look smart exiting the taxi or rolling through the hotel lobby. This is an excursion and you are not “on role” here as you would be, say, going to a conference as a presenter. Make sure your bag is on wheels and can take a lot of being thrown in the back of a vehicle and crushed by others. You will not regret it if your bag has at least a few separate compartments. I would not recommend a regular plain old suitcase.
3. Bring a cross-body day bag or rucksack that you can roll up and stick in your suitcase exterior pocket. This will be indispensable for sightseeing. Also consider bringing a very small crossbody bag for throwing on when you’re just jumping out for a cup of coffee. I bought one from Baggalini that just fits my camera, a little guide book and some lip balm and I used it every day on my big sabbatical trip to Turkey and Greece.
4. The right shoes are absolutely central to the success of this trip. You may spend as much time making footwear decisions as you do about your entire wardrobe. You know why this is okay? Because if your feet are bothering you, that’s all you’ll remember about the trip. “We walked where Jesus walked, and I just remember that I got a blister and my arches were killing me!” Know your terrain and seek high and low til ye find the right footwear. This is a particular passion of PeaceBang’s, who refuses to wear sneakers in public as she feels that it simply screams “Ugly American” and who will spend weeks researching and trying footwear that will be comfortable, supportive and trekky enough but not look like she is wearing tires on her feet. It’s a challenge.
5. Choose cotton garments for breathability. This is assurance against getting stinky. Make sure the cotton garments fit well (no shapeless Hanes T-shirts) and have a touch of Spandex so they pack well without wrinkling horribly. Learn to roll your clothes for packing; never fold.
6. It helps if all of your garments are in solid colors, leaving you to add a few interesting print accessories that take up no room in your luggage but that add visual interest and versatility when you’re basically wearing the same thing for two weeks. OR, I like to pack only solid black pants and black sweaters and then a few bright patterned tops.
7. Women need to pack a skirt. A pull-on knee-length is fine, or a nice maxi style for evenings out or religious sites. Women also should pack a lightweight shawl or two. I have a beautiful featherweight cashmere blend that I bought in Turkey that I can roll into a small enough package to fit in a tiny purse.
8. Febreze and Woolite are your indispensable aids in keeping your garments fresh through many wearings. Consider packing old undies that you can toss away as the trip wears on, leaving room in your bag for purchases.
9. Standard Levi jeans are very heavy and not really appropriate clothing for such a trip. Look for comfortable pants with some stretch to them, but nothing too sporty like yoga pants. Guys can wear chinos or other types of slacks.
10. Layers! You told me that Israel might be 30 degrees at night, 50 during the day and up to 70 degrees. When traveling anywhere, but especially in such climates, I have a uniform of pants or skirt, long camisole or tank top (or empire waist sleeveless lightweight tunic top) cardigan over that and scarf in my bag for warmth around the neck. Hair up, hat and crossbody bag.
11. Bonus Extra! I think that safari jackets are a really great item for travel. They have a nice shape to them, they have that flattering drawstring waist or belt, and they’re classics that go with almost anything. The neutral color works for everyone and you can really brighten one up with a pop of color around the neck with a little cotton scarf. A terrific, versatile travel garment.
What say you, pigeons? I’ve never been to Israel but I’m sure many of you have. Please proffer your advice in the comments.
Jackie, have a wonderful, blessed trip. Send photos! Kiss of peace, PB
This is the best travel purse that I’ve found. While I’m not crazy about how it looks, it’s functionality won me over. It’s affordable, lightweight, holds a small water bottle, numerous zippered (for safety) pockets and has a very long adjustable strap for cross-body wear. The strap is wide and won’t cut into your shoulder when it’s full of souvineers! I’ve carried mine all over Europe several times and it’s still going strong.
I would also suggest you contact the travel agent (or whomever you’re working with) to find out if wheels on your luggage are a good idea. If you’re hauling your luggage over cobble stones, up and down stairs and on and off trains, etc. you might be better with a large backpack with very good straps. Straps are key! Ebags has several as does Tom Bihn (these are pricey and I long for one).
What a fabulous trip. Have a great time!
I haven’t been to Israel, but I’ve been to Greece a few times and the climate and “religous-site” rules are similar.
I would second third and fourth the footwear comment. A pair of lightweight walking boots is likely what you want. Ones with laces so you can adjust them just right – and try them on with the right socks and then pack the right socks. You will probably also end up wearing these to fly in, because they will take up too much weight in your baggage otherwise, so practice getting in and out of them quickly at airport security (or you will end up doing what I did at Newark a few months back, which is sprinting for your connecting flight in your socks. Oh well, it amused the other passangers.) You can also get reasonable looking sandals designed for walking/trecking these days. These could be good for a change.
I would also add a hat – or play with putting a scarf on your head in a way that you feel happy. Both for religious sites and also for protection against the sun. Check that your favourite hat will survive the flight looking OK. (if you don’t take one, you’ll surely end up buying one).
I would also suggest that you communicate to the male members of your party that they also need to pack appropriate clothing for religious sites – almost certainly no shorts.
If your skin is sensitive, you probably also want to take your usual toiletries – and in particular sun-screen. If not, you could save weight by taking travel size and buying once you’re their or at an airport (but this might not save money…) Remember to check and obey the latest rules about flying with liquids. If you are flying with El-Al then remember that their security procedures are WAY stricter than anyone elses.
enjoy !
Here is my Israel packing list for first-timers (we took them in Jan so the weather was similar):
1. Comfortable, practical clothes. Dress like an onion: bring layers that can be peeled off to suit the temperature and time of day. The weather is not unlike that in the Carolinas: it can be close to freezing early in the morning or in the evening, but be very pleasant at mid afternoon; we can have snow in Jerusalem but go swimming at the Dead Sea and Tiberias.
2. A waterproof but breathable coat for your outer layer (Eddie Bauer makes a good one). It should be loose fitting to fit over your layers and for your comfort. Gortex is a good material: it is not too heavy in case the weather is mild, yet it breaks the wind and is waterproof. If the weather is cold, you add layers underneath. I like mine with a hood, which I find more convenient than an umbrella that can be impossible in a strong wind or in a crowded street. However, I also carry a collapsible umbrella with me in my day bag if the weather looks threatening. JANUARY IS THE RAINY SEASON IN ISRAEL. We may be lucky and have little or no rain; on the other hand we may have to walk through a cold downpour: COME PREPARED!
3. A hat for cold (windy or sunny) weather and a hat for sunny warm weather; or one that can serve both purposes. I find that a collapsible felt hat with a brim works well as do the Tilley hats.
4. A bathing suit. DON’T FORGET this essential item; there are several opportunities to swim.
5. For the plane rides, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. THE PLANE RIDE IS LONG, BOTH WAYS; YOU WILL BE SLEEPING MUCH OF THE TIME; DRESS ACCORDINGLY. We want you to arrive well rested and refreshed.
6. For laundry, bring a hang up clothesline for the bathtub as well as sink type detergent, or use hotel laundry service (fairly expensive). Washing machines are available at [Kibbutz Ein Gedi- I budgeted for hotel laundry and packed very light].
7. Those pants with all the zipper pockets that are popular now are very handy. Some of them have the option of zipping off into shorts. TravelSmith magazine has a nice selection, but other catalog companies such as Land’s End offer them as well. In the Old City of Jerusalem, avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket unless it is zippered.
Shoes
1. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes that provide support. Walking shoes (like Reebok or Rockport etc.) are ok. Hiking boots are better (waterproof but breathable, as with a Goretex lining, is ideal, or spray your boots with a water proofing material). Keep in mind that you will be doing everything from hiking mountain trails to sitting in a bus. Many of the trails are rocky, steep, or slippery. Much of the walking will be average, but you will be on your feet all day long on most days! I recommend two pairs of shoes so that you can switch off, and especially so that if you get caught in a rainstorm or snow, you will have nice dry shoes to begin your next day. A walking shoe and a hiking boot would be ideal.
2. A pair of house slippers with a light sole. Pack these in your carry on for comfort on the long plane rides. In your hotel rooms, your slippers will be pure heaven after a long day of walking.
3. A pair of old sneakers or rubber beach shoes to wear in the Dead Sea and Hezekiah’s tunnel.
4. Recommended: a pair of sandals or flip flops for wearing to bathing areas (e.g. Dead Sea and Tiberias) and around the kibbutz if the weather is nice. [You may want old tennis shoed if you're going in the Dead Sea or Galil however mud at the Dead is likely to stain white shoes gray.]
Have a wonderful trip!
I just went to Israel this last summer. How wonderful for you!
-For the plane a sleep mask, ear plugs, and sleep aid are a must!
-Neck pillow. You can use it on the plane and also when you’re traveling on the bus in between sites for a quick snooze.
-Eye makeup remover clothes (I love Neutrogena pads and they come in a travel pack). Also great for when you wake up on the plane and need to not look like a raccoon.
-Water bottle (the water there is perfectly fine to drink and you need to stay hydrated)
-Notebook/journal – write it down while you’re there at that site! Not only will you remember what you learned, but you can also figure out what/where your pictures are.
-Toilet paper! It was so scratchy there! Let me just say, when we went to the Dead Sea I definitely realized just how scratchy that toilet paper was – ouch!
-Travel electricity convertor and adapter if you use a hairdryer and camera (if you have that kind)
-Snacks with protein. You just never know what might happen to delay travel and meal times.
-Sunscreen! (Because I’m fair skinned, I always burn, no matter what!)
-Extra towel for those swimming excursions
-Wash cloth – they do not usually use those if you stay in an Israeli run hotel (nor do they have top sheets in Israeli run hotels)
-Flashlight, if you plan to go in Hezekiah’s tunnel
-Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
-Leave extra room in your luggage for gifts and souvenirs
Enjoy!
I went to the Holy Land in August, so I don’t know how well my advice will translate for February, but here’s what worked:
-Neutral basics that don’t take up too much room in your bag. Don’t worry about packing color because…
-When you get there, you will immediately want to barter for your first of many colorful pashminas. They are for sale everywhere. And they’re gorgeous. They will add color and interest to your neutral wardrobe and they will cover your shoulders and/or head at holy sights. And in Feb, they will help keep you warm! Buy several and wear throughout the trip. Then when you get home, keep your favorite as a memento and give the others as gifts.
-Loose, drawstring pants in a chic material, like this: http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?BID=343015245&item=Q7038X&h=M&sk=M&ac=search. Before my trip, I bought some from Target in grey, brown, and khaki linen. You may want a heavier fabric. They are comfy for bus rides and modest for holy sights, but also look chic.
-As others have said, cardigans, layers, etc.
-Shoes: what PB said. Don’t succumb to the sneakers. Israeli and Palestinian women are very chic and you will feel way frumpy there if you choose sneakers as your main footwear.
-Dry shampoo.
Have a wonderful pilgrimage!
I haven’t been to Israel, but I spent six months in Brazil traveling the length and breadth of the country with just one suitcase, which means that during their winter you can travel from hot to chilly in the space of a day. I’ve returned for a few month-long trips since then with the same conditions: lots of activities and a small suitcase. A couple of things I found helpful:
Silk long johns don’t take up much room, and if you’re sleeping somewhere without heat, they can keep you warm when layered under a cotton nightshirt or pajamas.
Consider layering underneath summer clothes for the cooler days. I have a couple of long-sleeved technical tees in colors that coordinate with my shirts. If you have a change of temperatures during the day, you can slip the long-sleeved tee off in the rest room and roll it up in your bag.
I like a fisherman-style sandal as a second shoe, as it’s good for warm weather without leaving your toes hanging out if that’s not culturally acceptable. If you shop around, you can find a pair that is comfortable enough for walking and would do well for dinner out. Also, if the weather changes, socks under fisherman sandals aren’t a crime against fashion.
Wrinkle free cotton shirts are a sign that we were created in Divine love. They wash pretty easily and dry overnight (unless you’re somewhere really damp). And what culture doesn’t see a fresh, white shirt as a sign of respect?
Knee socks (under slacks) are a better choice than ankle socks for cool days. If you are sitting through a service, lecture, or meeting in a stone church or other ancient building, it may be chillier indoors than out. I used to hate the nagging draft on my shins when I was participating in a Bible study in a church basement. Socks are another item you can slip into your day bag if need be.
Chiffon or crinkle scarves are a good accessory, as they add a little color without tempting thieves. Also, they don’t need to be ironed.
Oh, two more things I forgot:
A technical towel is a good investment, as it dries quickly and doesn’t take up much room. They usually come with a little zip bag.
Other people have mentioned sunscreen and I third and fourth that. I usually take an inexpensive moisturizer with SPF 30 that I slather on every day, no matter what, and then replenish throughout the day. Then on days when I know I’m going to be really exposed I have a heavy-duty one that my dermatologist recommended. Even if you think you’ll just be going from the van to the museum to the church, wear your sunscreen.
I hope that you’ll be spending some time in the West Bank, and that you will talk to some of the Christians who live there. It is possible to go to Israel and miss these very important, fun and faith-broadening experiences. Don’t! All the best for a fantastic trip.
I almost forgot: baby wipes for washing hands and feet and emergency baths and make-up removal and toilet paper. I frequently needed baby wipes for grit before hand sanitizer.
How much fun for you! Ditto on the Febreeze. . .it is a life saver. . .and (I know from whence I speak), pantiliners of some sort. . .long flights, freshness, etc. You get the picture. I also use the ebags packing cubes. . .LOVE THEM. . .and have both used them for singular items (all undies, all bras, etc) or for whole outfits. (just remember to pack them all. . .once, I spent the first night of a trip at a Walmart buying undies as I left that cube on the bed. . . there they were, waiting for me. . .) There are several brands of shoes (including Clarks – -which I love) which have walking/tennis shoes which do not scream TOURIST! I too, take the oldest undies and toss them. . .and at times have left shoes, too. Best tip. . .lay out every outfit. . .and think, do I need to bring this? I have a couple of Ebags/Baggalini cross body bags which are great for traveling. And then. . ..what everyone else said!!! (plus power sources for your camera. . .as you don’t want to be ready to take that once in a lifetime photo and have your batteries dead!)
You’ve gotten a lot of great advice here. Personally, I like to wear skirts when traveling. I feel like I always fit in if I have a skirt on, especially in more conservative environment. And I have hiked through the desert and around monuments, ruins and rocks in a long, full skirt without worrying about what I’m showing (think a-line with pockets, below the knee).
Such great advice I wish I were going on a trip. I hope you love every minute, Jackie!
Just one plea, from the other passengers: no Febreze. Really. It is horribly stinky, as well as allergen central for those with sensitivites. In general, perfume-y stuff is unkind on a bus: you are within smelling distance of several other people who can’t get away, and if you think a good spritz of cheap perfume smells better than your sweat, take it from me, it doesn’t. The way to have an inoffensive odor despite heat and travel is to stay clean, use deodorant, carry your tooth-brushing equipment with you and use it after lunch (this is the Mediterranean. THINK GARLIC), and if you must dab scent, dab (no more than dab!) an excellent perfume, in two (no more than two!) spots on your body. What is in Febreze is petrochemical crap that’s meant to be so powerful that even the smell of cat pee won’t penetrate its wafting clouds. To misquote Peacebang, you don’t want the other pilgrims to remember, “I walked where Jesus walked and all I could think about was the way the woman upwind smelled like Downy April Fresh.” (Even the “unscented” Febreze is scented, as they confirmed recently when I wrote to them in search of some of the pure stuff for that cat pee problem. Not on me, in my garage.)
These are all excellent suggestions. May I boldly suggest a book to read? My book “Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land” was just published in November. You might want to read it before you go, or after you get back. It’s a great way to debrief a pilgrimage like this. Have a transformative time!
http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Divine-Holy-Land-Everhart/dp/0802869076/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346114045&sr=8-1&keywords=chasing+the+divine+in+the+holy+land
How much do packing cubes reduce space in a suitcase and can you roll your clothes in them?
So excited nobody said mine already! I found that the Christian & Jewish holy sites did not care AT ALL that a woman’s head was covered. Orthodox Jewish women cover their hair, but they don’t expect others to. Jewish sites care that men cover their heads – and some places even have a little basket of kippot to borrow, though ew… What matters especially in Jerusalem is COVERING YOUR ARMS AND LEGS. Pants are fine, though they should be somewhat loose. If you are going to the West Bank or to a mosque, they tend to distinguish between Western and non-Western women, and you still won’t need to worry about covering your head. Our group was sponsored by Palestinian Christians, and they really didn’t care. Tel Aviv is very Western cosmopolitan – like a little New York with a pretty beach thrown in. So no frump.
I should add that I mean covering your arms and legs at religious sites in Jerusalem, especially the Western wall. Other places just modest dress is fine. Though I have heard about Orthodox men harassing women with bare arms on buses. And NO SHORTS, except on the beach at the Dead Sea.
On the head covering question, I was mostly thinking of Mosques. I’ve been in heavily touristed mosques (Blue Mosque in Istanbul springs to mind) where no-one appeared to really mind – but I still did it, as a single glance around showed that all the non-Western women were wearing a scarf of some form and anywhere without loads of tourist traffic will no-doubt expect it. There is often a bundle of cheap scarves at the entry you can borrow (where you leave your shoes, or pick up a placky bag to carry them around in if your in Tourist Central) but your own is so much better… (cause you don’t want headlice as a souvenir of your trip
Even in Orthodox churches, I tend to pull a scarf over my hair.
Anyway, I think it shows respect to cover head, shoulders and upper arms without being asked – even if its not totally required. But Rev Gidget is right – no frump. Just a decent light scarf and some artful draping.
The great thing about Israel is that they have no fashion rules there. With the exception of the religious community everyone is very casual (blazers, suit jackets and neckties are a giveaway that you are American). I always bring a collapsible duffel for the trip back in case I do a lot of shopping. Some kind of sun hat is wise. This doubles as a headcovering in holy sites if you are a married woman.
on any trip I like to line my suitcase with a big clear trash bag – after everything is arranged inside (rolled up as PB says) I tie it tightly – the reason? – if your luggage is out in the rain for any length of time your clothes will not be wet – this has happened to me with the resultant stained and wet clothes (even the finest bags have little cracks) – I really enjoyed being in Israel – my best memories are the Chagall windows and having communion by the Sea of Galilee
Thank you, Amy. Febreze is of the devil. As is scented antiperspirant.
Will, packing cubes are worth every penny. And you can roll them.
Try a High Sierra bag that has wheels and can also be used as a backpack in an emergency.
I’m on my second pair of Keen Naples sandals. They are cute and have rugged soles. I climbed Mt. Vesuvius in them. They are my very favorite travel shoes of all time. Onlineshoes.com has them in their outlet store.
Amazon has the Keen sandals on sale as well. I’m tempted to buy another pair to have in reserve, because I love them so much.
I really like Athleta for travel clothes. They have great pants and dresses that are comfortable, easy to wash/dry in a hotel sink, and are fashionable but modest.
I’m not sure of Jackie’s international travel experience, but don’t forget to pack a set of clothes in your carry-on (including a couple of pair of underwear and socks) (or don’t check a bag at all! I’m a die-hard carry-on-only girl). It’s basic, but I’ve traveled in groups before where people neglected to do this and their luggage went astray and … well, you know the story.
I just got back from two weeks in Kenya, and on a whim before I left I picked up a darling pair of pants from the athleticwear section of Target. They have a little stretch, but are loose, drawstring, but look like normal nicer-casual pants, and have small cargo pockets. I think that they’re meant to be a cover-up for workout clothes. I tried finding them on the Website with no luck. Anyway, they turned out to be indispensable. I was also happy that I took a knit maxi skirt. Much cooler than pants when it was warm (in the hot bumpy van on our way to safari, for instance), and also appropriate for church while I was there.
I’d also replace the Woolite AND your face wash AND your soap/body wash with a small bottle of Dr.Bronner’s Magic Soap… but I’m just a hippy like that
I got to Israel 4 days AHEAD of my luggage! Pack an entire extra outfit, your walking shoes and pjs in carry on – my lesson learned. I always pack 2 pair and wear one of Ex-Offico underwear. Comfortable and wash/dry in less than 2 hours. I carried shawl/scarf to use as wrap in some holy sites where I might have been showing too much upper arm. Shorts are not appropriate anywhere except beach. I loved Israel very much!
It’s been nearly 20 years since I went to Israel, but if I ever get the chance to go back, I will do as AmyWP suggests and build most of my travel outfits around skirts. I had a skirt in my day bag to throw on over whatever I was wearing if we ended up at a religious site where skirts were expected of women, but on those occasions I just felt so horribly FRUMPY. The days I wore a dress or skirt from the outset, I was more comfortable, ready for anything, and felt much better about my appearance.
We went to Israel for two weeks in January last year; it can be coldish and wet but still lovely. I absolutely recommend Keen shoes (probably not sandals because of how rocky and dusty a lot of the excavated areas are–and at least one spare pair in case you get stuck in rain). I also personally prefer to travel with nylon or polyblend layers so that you can wash your clothes in the hotel sink and have them dry by morning if you need to. By doing sink laundry my husband and I were able to limit ourselves to a backpack and carry-on suitcase each–no checked baggage to get lost on the way. We took a flat packed duffel bag with us for souvenirs and checked it (or maybe one of the suitcases, I don’t remember) on the way home. We weren’t anywhere that women were expected to cover our heads, but you’ll want to budget to buy a beautiful scarf as a souvenir anyway
Enjoy!
And one more thing, I don’t travel anywhere anymore without carrying a half-dozen or so blister bandaids (the real ones, not generics). It doesn’t matter how comfortable and well fitting my shoes are, my feet will blister. Blister bandaids have become essential travel mates.
yes, packing cubes are great to use with rolled up clothing, and it does take less space, and it isn’t just a jumble of stuff in the suitcase. Also makes it handy if your luggage is selected as one of those to be gone through by security. Your stuff stays in bags. Also, as one who carries some weight, the last few times I have flown international, I have lost my ankles. . .lots of swelling (in fact, one trip could not wear second pair of shoes I brought. . .good thing the first ones were really comfortable and appropriate) Am on meds for it now, (not BP related) but still, compression socks are something I wear when I know I have a long plane trip. . .ah, getting older. . . .
http://cdn1.ebags.com/s7viewers/dhtml/images/spacer.gif
If you are planning on immersing in the Jordan river or Sea of Galilee for baptismal purposes, as opposed to just regular swimming, I would suggest something appropriate for that- either loose fitting, dark, skirt and top or a bathing suit cover up that is also dark and water shoes of some sort. Have a wonderful time!
Thanks everyone for the great and very helpful advice. I think I got things nailed down expect for the sneaker thing. I have trouble with my feet since surgery so I was thinking of going with long causal black skirt, one pair tan and black pants. I am wearing these types of shoes because, well, I already have them and they are the most comfortable. I am sorry I will look like an american but the truth is I am one
At least they won’t be white right?
http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Womens-Grid-Cohesion-Running/dp/B006NZHFMC/ref=sr_1_7?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1358642518&sr=1-7
and
http://www.shoes.com/en-US/Product/EC1319922-5181636/MERRELL/Black/Womens+Avesso.aspx?campaign=MERRELL&catalog_name=web&CMP=KNC-adwordspla&cpc=adwordspla&gclid=COXFs_fZ9bQCFUKd4AodtiMAFA&partnerid=adwordspla
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