So you’re about to travel to Israel with kids. Exciting! But now you need to pack. With so much going on to plan for this big trip, maybe making a packing list is hard.

Here’s a sample packing list that you might find helpful. But don’t panic! Whatever you forget can be purchased in Israel.

The essentials when traveling with kids

These are the absolute necessities you need in order to travel to Israel:

Your kids’ passports
Possibly their birth certificate, just for safety
A notarized permission letter if they’re traveling with just one parent or with someone who is not their parent
A plane ticket (duh!)

Packing for kids

The number of clothes you want to pack depends on your access to a washing machine, of course. But here’s a rough guide:

Pack 1-2 shirts for each day
Pack 2-7 pairs of pants for each week
Pack 1-2 pairs of underwear for each day
Pack a pair of socks for each day (or less if your kid will mostly be wearing sandals)
Sandals
Comfortable gym shoes or hiking shoes
Dress shoes (if you plan to go out somewhere fancy with the kids)
1-2 formal outfits, or more, if you have some fancy outings or events to attend
Wet wipes, 1-2 pack for week
Face wipes, 1 pack per week
Totes, because you will always need them to carry clothes/snacks/shopping
Toiletries:
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Kids towels (if you are not staying in a hotel)
- Choice of soap/shampoo
- Hairbrush/com
A first aid kit:
- Bandaids
- Ibuprofen/Tylenol
- Benadryl for kids
- Burn cream
- Epipen if your kid has allergies
Sunscreen
Hats
Swimsuit
Sun protective gear, like rash guards and hats
Tupperware, lunchboxes, or snack pouches for eating on the go
A copious amount of kids favorite snacks for picky eaters
Food: Depending on where you’re staying and on how picky your kids are, you might want to take some packs of mac & cheese (not readily available in Israel) and other non-perishable meals your kids love
Toys: a few of your kids’ favorites. If your kid has a lovey, try to bring an extra one in the suitcase!
Books: Bringing one or two of your kid’s favorite bedtime stories will help them feel more secure in a new environment and new routine (or lack thereof).
Any medication your kid is on
Travel potty, if your kid is toilet training
Scooters — ok, you definitely don’t need to bring your kids scooters. but if you’re doing a lot of walking in cities, they’re definitely helpful!
Carseat

Packing for baby/toddler

Diapers/pullups: Bring whatever you need and an extra half week’s supply
Formula: Bring whatever you need and an extra half week’s supply
Bottles
Baby snacks (can be bought in Israel, but certain brands like organic vegetable/fruit puffs are not available)
Baby food (again, this can definitely be bought in Israel, but you might not want to take a chance if your baby/toddler has a favorite)
A pump, if needed, tough you may be able to rent a pump at Yad Sara in Israel
A brush and soap to clean bottles
Bottle warmer if needed
Diaper cream
Baby carrier