My heart never cried to tour Israel. I liked the thought of it, but the overnight flight acted as a strong deterrent. I always figured I would have to wait for life on the other side to see Israel.

Then one day my father in law announced at church that there were still some seats open for the trip he was organizing. My heart leaped and I desperately wanted to be there. Still bugged about the long haul flight, I put it out there in my heart that if it was something I should do, it would have to happen without me asking about it.

The next morning at work, my father in law walked in my office and said something about how I should come on the trip.

Next thing I knew, we were sending our applications off. After a few minor obstacles, we were booked on the trip.

I was so excited that I started packing right away – literally 2 months before the trip!

My main goal was to pack in a carry on only. I like a challenge, but mostly I detest the hassle of dredging along with suitcases that could run me over if I lose control of it while walking downhill.

Although I worked and reworked my carry on over and over, I couldn’t quite get it under the 8 kg weight limit. By the night before our trip, I had it down to 8.6 kg.

However!

Due to an ice storm and our schedule being moved up by a day, the extra time I needed to shave off that last .6 of a kilo eluded me.

My daughter told me just to take her new Captain America suitcase and check it.

I did.

All that to say, this post is all about what I packed for my trip to Israel (in February).

Sleep/Awake Bag

Here is where I put everything that I will need to sleep on the plane and then wake up refreshed. Things I include are:

• Sleep mask
• Comfy socks
• Compression socks
• Sleep supplements & medications
• Earplugs
• Eye drops
• Hand cream
• Lip balm
• Powder Face wash or cleansing wipes
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Makeup Bag

Makeup Bag

I usually save all my samples from Sephora and use them in my makeup bag. Some things I need more than a sample, so I will bring the original bottle (if it’s under 100 ml).

Liquids

I first put together all of my other bags and then whatever is a liquid, gel or aerosol, I take and put in my Ziploc bag.

Purse/Personal Bag

This is the bag that goes under the seat in front of me on the plane.

• Sleep/Awake Bag
• Headphones
• Documents
• Gum/mints/snacks
• Water bottle
• Phone/iPad
• Journal
• Pens
• Sunglasses

Documents

I like to keep all of our important documents together.

• Passports/ID
• Tickets
• Travel Documents

Carry On

Here is the clothing I packed for a 10 day vacation.

• 4 pairs of pants (1 pr of jeans/1 casual pants/2 leggings)
• 5 shirts
• 3 tank tops
• Unmentionables 😉
• 2 pairs of pajamas
• 1 bathing suit
• 6 pairs of socks
• 2 sweaters (1 thick hoodie/1 cardigan)
• Winter Jacket
• 4 pairs of shoes (Converse/Vibram 5 Fingers/Vibram Moccasins/Flip Flops)
• Razor
• Hair Accessories
• Tide Travel Packs

All of this fit into my carry on, with the exception of my .6 kg overweight. I used everything I brought and never felt like I forgot anything.

Do you have other travel essentials that you bring on your travels? Comment below.

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