kecsmom

I am planning a trip tp Israel in September. I sunburn very easily, so what kind of hat should I get? What do the Israelis wear? I understand that baseball caps are too "touristy" from reading this forum. Also are sandals okay? The focus of this trip is a Christian one,so we will be visiting mostly religious sites. Thanks! Jennifer

Eli

Baseball caps too touristy??? So how come so many locals wear them... Baseball caps and/or sandals will be just fine. Also, any other hat you feel comfortable with. And don't forget sun repellent cream!

P_M

Wear whatever is most comfortable and don't worry so much about what other people think. It's OK if people know you are a tourist.

FainaAgain

If you are going with a group, doesn't matter what you wear, the group will look touristy

Sandals may be not OK for your feet as closed-toe shoes are more comfortable for walking, you are not afraid to stab your toes. Other then that, if you are used to them, why not?

esm

Jennifer, you'll be better off wearing a hat with a wide brim to shield your neck and ears. A baseball cap doesn't really provide much protection. Enjoy your trip.

booklet0519

just realize that most of the Israelis you meet just walking around the streets will still be wearing sandals...

Israel is ( with the exception of some of its key religious sites) an extremely casual country

doohickey

Jennifer,

You have asked a good question.

For the Christian religious sites you'll visit I suggest you wear something more "nice casual" than a baseball cap. Look for a crushable yet stylish wide brimmed hat. The sun will still be intense and it will protect you more. It will also show more respect for the religious places you'll be visiting. This can be very important in that part of the world. If you insist on a baseball cap then be sure to take along a nice headscarf and bring that out from time to time; you'll know when it's called for rather than a ball cap.

Same with wearing closed-toe shoes as well. Besides, a number of the places you'll be walking around will have stretches of gravel and small rock. I've been to most all of the Christian holy sites in Israel and Palestine (during several different trips) and am VERY glad I didn't have to pick or kick rocks out of my footwear as I saw many others do all over the place.

Also, please remember that there are plenty of Palestinians and Palestinian Christians (Orthodox, Lutherans, Protestants...) in the Holy Land, too -- so it's not just Israelis whose manner of dress is to be considered.

Have a wonderful and blessed pilgrimage.

-doo