
what to pack?
It's pilgrimage and not a vacation! We'll live simply, rely on those around us, and carry everything on our back.
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Backpacking backpack 45-55 liters (recommended, not required)*
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If larger than 22 x 18 x 10in, you must register/pay for a carry-on or check-in bag. If you check it or a suitcase, 5% chance it arrives a couple days late and will be delivered to us, so if you check it, make sure you have your essentials in your "personal item", normally your regular-sized backpack. Great if you have extra space (for group items and souvenirs).
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You can leave certain bags/items at Emmaus at the beginning of the trip and pick them up on the last day.
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Day backpack (example in below background)
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Normal bookbag. Not too small, since we'll be carrying songbooks, picnic items, etc.
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This will be your “personal item” for the flight.
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If you check your big bag, pack in here 2 nights of clothing and small toiletries (no liquids over 3.4oz).
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Misc. Items
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Compact, lightweight sleeping bag. It is possible to rent one from us for $7 if you reserve this ahead of time.
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Student ID card (discounts)
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Pouch (around neck or money belt) for passport, cash, and ID
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something for easy access while backpacking
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a small crossbody purse works great for women, or fanny pack
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Small Bible - RSV Catholic compact edition is a good size
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Journal and/or pocket notepad
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Pen, pencil
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Optional lightweight personal book, preferably relating to the trip! We have books and articles you can borrow or buy!
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Phone: we'll detach from devices most of the time, but it's good to have for airport pick-up, maps, emergencies, info, and telling the time.
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please download maps.me Israel maps, whatsapp before arrival
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Please put Fr. Anthony's cellphone/Whatsapp number into your contacts: +(972)55.882.33.30. To call locally, drop the 972 and add a zero at the beginning.
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Also put Br. Anton's, which is used for our Holy Site, Emmaus Nicopolis: (972)52.356.20.71. Call him if you cannot get a hold of me and it is urgent.
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Sunglasses
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Hat - baseball cap or other for sun protection
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Water bottle (disposable one if you want, or you can grab one here)
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Pillow, preferably small!
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At least $50 spending money (cash)
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Can venmo Father while abroad for any $ needs
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Credit/debit cards can be helpful but not necessary
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Toiletries
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Towel, small for packing convenience, or you can borrow one of ours
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Small travel-size toiletries
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Small bottle of sun-screen or share ours
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Small bug spray or share ours
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Shoes
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We'll walk as much as 5-8 miles per day, including hilly cobblestone streets, rocky hiking trails, a possible ½ mile walk through knee-deep water, communal showers (if you’re afraid of fungus), and attending church & synagogue services
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Yes, some pilgrims have made it with one trusty pair of Chacos, but we recommend:
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Sandals like Chacos, Tevas, or Birkenstocks that you can walk in
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Hiking shoes
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Optional flip flops (for showers and beach)
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Clothing note: we'll be able to do laundry once
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Women's clothing
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1 swimsuit: modest, one piece or preferably tankini (for bathroom/changing convenience)
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Underwear for 5-6 days
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3-5 pairs of socks depending on how much you think you'll wear shoes or sandals
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1 pair of lightweight pants
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1 lightweight head scarf (for sun & Greek Orthodox churches...you can also borrow/buy one here)
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2 jacket/sweater/sweatshirt layers, rain is possible
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1 shorts for sleeping, hiking, running, or beach (modest)
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3 skirts/dresses (at least to the knees)
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bike shorts work great for under skirts
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7 shirts total
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T-shirts only if they are dressy/plain, dry-fits are great!
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2 nicer blouses - for Friday Shabbat, feast days/Sunday
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Men's clothing
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1 pair of swim trunks
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Underwear for 5-6 days
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3-5 pairs of socks depending on how much you think you'll wear shoes or sandals
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2 pair of lightweight nice pants
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2 jacket/sweater/sweatshirt layers, rain is possible
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Shorts
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1 nice pair for hiking
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1 sport pair for sleeping--we’ll be camping and bunking guys in relative proximity to girls. Please sleep in more than boxers!
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6 shirts
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T-shirts only if they are nice/plain and don't have large print.
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3-4 lightweight nice shirts (polos, button ups)
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Bring if you have them
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Head lamp/small flashlight
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Plug converter: you can borrow one here, but you might want it for airports. European ones work in Israel
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NOT to bring
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Large bottles of shampoo, lotion, etc.
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Laptop (please ask first, ok to bring for the 4-month program)
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Camera (please volunteer to bring a camera if you have a good one and some experience) - A few of us will take photos for everyone.
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Hair Dryer/appliances
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Low-cut collars, tank-tops
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Lots of make-up
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Shekels – you can use/exchange $ here for convenience, better rates
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