What To Wear In The Holy Land
What To Wear In The Holy Land
A trip to the Holy Land should definitely be on your bucket list. No matter what you believe or whether you practice a religion, the history and power behind this sacred place is undeniable.
Our entire world has been greatly shaped by the Bible, the Quran and the Torah.
Each of these holy texts share a foundation in this region and even more specifically, Jerusalem.
But What To Pack?
So your ticket is booked. Your trip is planned. You’re almost ready to go! But you might find yourself standing before your empty suitcase, clothes tossed on the bed and unsure of what to pack.
Traveling through the Middle East leaves women frequently wondering what is appropriate to wear in the holy land?
I get asked so frequently for clothing suggestions for the Middle East, Holy Lands and Egypt that I’ve dedicated an entire section on my Amazon Storefront!
Read: ISRAEL- 11 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WENT
Basics
Whenever possible, pack light! Who wants to lug around extra stuff you never end up using?!
Pro tip: Pack half as much clothing and twice as much cash for any trip!
Usually I have an artillery of basics packed but for some reason I set off for this trip with a number of fun (but loud!) outfits that were difficult to mix and match.
My saving grace was a solid green maxi dress that I could repeatedly pair with other accessories, jackets or shirts tied over top.
So the first thing you should pack: a few simple pieces that you love. You want to feel confident and comfortable while traveling the Holy Lands.
Relaxed fit, comfortable fabrics and flattering styles are all things to take into account.
Just click the links and have fun shopping!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Your best travel investment= shoes you can walk in all day!
If you’re like me, you’ll want to spend all day out exploring. From tours to temples, the Holy Land has so much to offer. Just be prepared to do A LOT of walking. Especially in Jerusalem. The Old City is walled in, lined with cobblestone and many areas are only accessible by foot.
If you’ve ever packed flip-flops for a trip with a lot of walking, you’ll know the agony I speak of when I try to warn you: flip flops are not travel shoes. Bring them to the beach, sure.
But if you plan to do more than relax by a beach, you’ll want to invest in shoes you can walk in (for hours and hours.)
Birkenstock are a personal favorite. Good arch support, thick soles and quality straps, you can easily walk all day in a pair of these sandals.
Clothing That Covers Your Shoulders, Chest and Arms
As the religious epicenter of the world, naturally the Holy Land is more conservative. As a guest in another country, I always think it’s respectable to wear clothing that will make you feel confident but still respect the local culture.
Some areas of Israel are really progressive. In Tel Aviv, you could wear anything you’d wear at home!
But if you want to know for what to wear in the holy land, mostly you will need more conservative clothing.
And if you’re going to be spending time in the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters in the Old City of Jerusalem- you will feel your best if dressed more modestly.
Not only out of respect for the various religions but to avoid unwanted attention. It is also required when visiting some religious sites to have your shoulders, stomach and chest covered.
Read: HOW TO VISIT BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM
Scarves
Scarves will be available for purchase all over the Holy Land but I never left for the day without one. It makes covering up for a religious site easy and fashionable. Plus it makes for a great added layer of warmth at night.
Warm Clothing & Layers
Evenings can be surprisingly cool, even in spring and summer.
Go watch the sunset over Jerusalem from Mount Zion (trust me, you don’t want to miss it!!) Just don’t make the same mistake I did.
Having not packed a jacket, I spent my first night wandering around after sunset freezing cold and trying to find a place to buy something warm.
Day Bag
Having a bag that leaves your hands free is ideal. I love the look and functionality of these bags!
The first one can but adjusted to a cross body bag as well.
More on the Holy Land? Read: ISRAEL- 11 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I WENT & HOW TO VISIT BETHLEHEM- ONE DAY ITINERARY FROM JERUSALEM
If you’re heading to the Holy Lands or Middle East, I suggest traveling with a guide for at least a portion of your trip. (Especially for my solo female traveler!) You can find great guided tours on Get Your Guide.
For more travel outfit inspo, check out my Amazon storefront!
Emily, Super Cool you are traveling while you are young! I have done a lot myself but need to get back doing it once this COVID stuff is over.. I look forward to reading about many more of your adventures! Safe Travels! Jane
Hi Jane,
Thank you so much for taking time to read & support! Yes, I am also SO eager for covid to end so we can resume traveling! Thank you & many adventures to you as well!