Preparing for Your First Summer Trip to Israel 🌞🇮🇱
Planning your first trip to Israel this summer is incredibly exciting — a mix of history, culture, food, beaches, spirituality, and vibrant city life, all packed into one small but powerful country. To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve gathered practical tips (and a little inspiration) to get you ready before you even step on the plane.
And if you want to start feeling Israel before you arrive, we have a special idea for you — more on that below. 😉
1. Pack Smart for Israeli Summer
Israeli summers are hot, sunny, and intense — especially from June through September.
What to pack:
Lightweight, breathable clothing (linen, cotton, loose fits)
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals — you’ll walk more than you think
A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (non-negotiable ☀️)
A light shawl or scarf for visiting religious or traditional sites
A refillable water bottle — staying hydrated is key
💡 Tip: Israelis dress casually but stylishly. Comfort always wins.
2. Learn a Few Hebrew Words (It Goes a Long Way)
Most Israelis speak excellent English, but learning a few Hebrew basics instantly connects you to the culture.
Try these:
Shalom – Hello / Goodbye / Peace
Toda – Thank you
Bevakasha – Please / You’re welcome
Eifo…? – Where is…?
Even a small effort is always met with a smile.
3. Understand the Rhythm of the Week
Israel has its own unique weekly flow:
Friday afternoon–Saturday night = Shabbat
Public transportation slows or stops
Many shops and restaurants close (especially outside Tel Aviv)
On the flip side, Shabbat is a beautiful time to experience quiet streets, beach walks, long meals, and a slower pace.
4. Come Hungry — Israeli Food Is a Highlight
Food is central to Israeli culture. Expect:
Fresh salads, hummus, tahini, and pita
Incredible street food (falafel, sabich, shawarma)
Boutique wineries, bakeries, and local makers
Seasonal fruits and flavors you won’t forget
✨ Which brings us to one of our favorite ways to prepare for Israel…
5. Get a Taste of Israel Before You Travel 🇮🇱📦
If you’re counting down the days until your trip, why not start the experience early?
At Hasod, we curate Israeli taste boxes and seasonal subscription boxes filled with thoughtfully chosen products from Israeli makers — flavors, scents, and objects that tell a story.
Why it’s the perfect pre-trip ritual:
Discover Israeli flavors you’ll later recognize in markets and cafés
Learn about local artisans and small businesses
Share the excitement with family or friends
Feel emotionally connected before you arrive
Many of our customers love opening a box together, imagining their upcoming travels, or gifting one to someone joining them on the journey.
It’s not just a box — it’s a mood, a memory, and a spark of anticipation.
6. Leave Room for the Unexpected
Israel is full of surprises — spontaneous conversations, last-minute recommendations, and moments you can’t plan.
Some of the best experiences happen when you:
Follow a local’s tip
Say yes to an invitation
Wander without an agenda
Come prepared, but stay open.
Ready to Begin the Journey?
Whether this is your first time visiting Israel or the first of many, preparation makes the experience richer and more meaningful.
And if you’d like to start your journey now, explore our Israeli taste boxes and seasonal subscriptions — a beautiful way to connect to Israel, wherever you are.
✨ Your Israeli summer starts before takeoff.
—
With love,
Hasod
