1. Baggage Guidelines
Please visit the airlines website for specific information (Normally one checked piece 50 lbs.)
You are allowed one small carry-on piece. (Must conform to airlines regulations.)
We suggest you do not pack any more than you can personally take care of as each passenger is responsible for their own luggage in and out of the airport. Porters will help us at the motels.
2. Itinerary
Read the brochure for a basic outline of the places we will visit. Read the scripture references to get an idea of the places we will visit, that are mentioned in scripture. (May we suggest you read the book of Genesis and the Gospels). Specific itinerary information will be sent to you via email.
3. Cash/Credit Cards
Most places will take US currency. You may also use your Credit Cards (make sure that you call your credit card company before departure and let them know you may be using your card in Israel, including the dates you will gone). Our local guide will be able to help us if you chose to convert US currency to Israeli Shekels. (it is always helpful to have a few dollars in Shekels.) We suggest that you plan on taking $300 -$350 in cash, and then plan to use your credit card if need be. $100 in small denominations is useful, $50 in $10’s, $30 in $1’s, and $20 in $5’s.
4. Daily Lunch cost
As per our brochure lunch is not provided in the tour price. Based on my last trip to Israel the cost for lunch (7 total) will range from about $12-14 to $18-22 per meal. As always the bigger and more elaborate the meal the bigger the price. (Our breakfast and supper is buffet style at the Hotel and will be very large with much variety.)
5. Passports
Make an extra copy (picture and signature page) and keep it with you in a separate location. Some Hotels have in-room safes for your use.
6. Drink plenty of water
Purchase a large bottle of water once through airport security for the flight. In Israel the water may possibly affect your system from what you are normally used to, however our last trip most everyone drank the water without any problem. But for some of us, bottled water is still the first choice. (About $ 3 a bottle)
7. Weather
You can stay fairly current with the weather before we go via the internet. Dress accordingly. Layered clothing is helpful that way you can put on or take off according to the weather. You will need your sunglasses.
8. Clothing
From our experience most people take more clothes than what they will wear. Casual dress mode is fine. Where possible pack light. Two pairs of comfortable walking shoes is sufficient (avoid sandals or flimsy shoes). Do not plan to break in a new pair of shoes on the trip. If you plan to experience the Dead Sea, you will need appropriate clothing and a pair of good rubber/plastic water shoes, as the sea bottom is harsh on your feet.
9. Electricity
You will need an adapter to fit on your US plug to insert in a wall outlet. Israeli power is 220 Volt, 50 hers. Most cell phone and computer power cords will work on 220 (with the adapter) but don’t plug anything in without confirming that it will work first! Look on the plug or power pack for voltage. If your device does not work on 220 Volt, you will need a converter to run it.
10. Health
Make sure that you bring sufficient quantities of your medications. Check with your health insurance carrier for what they cover internationally.
11. Time Zone
Jerusalem is 10 hours ahead of California time.
12. Telephones
Contact your cell phone provider and request information on international use. “Wi fi” will be available in the hotels. It is a good idea to invest in a portable charger for your phone, I-pad, etc.
Some additional suggestions and comments…
Please stay with our group. Unless we let you know otherwise, we request that you do not leave the hotel at night by yourself.
The Hotels usually do not provide washcloths (not sure why), so we suggest you bring a couple of your own.
You may want to take some ear plugs (head phones) for sleeping as Israeli Hotels can be noisy and have 24-7 activity. The ear plugs will also come in handy if you are going to try to sleep on the plane.
A good neck pillow to use on the plane would be a good investment. You can pick-up a pillow at Wal-Mart or at the airport.
Bring your Bible.
Hotels and Food - For those of you who have not traveled outside of the US please let me share my experience. I have traveled enough through-out the Middle-East to know that their idea of a 3, 4, or 5 Star Hotel is not the same as our US standards. While our Israeli Hotels are reported to be deluxe accommodations, I can assure you they are not exactly the same as America. However äthe food is good, especially at the Hotel buffets! We are going to Israel to experience the Land of our Lord, open your heart, and you will be blessed!
Additional Travel Tips
Take a picture of your passport with your phone. Specifically your picture page.
Also, take pictures of your luggage: Suitcase closed; Picture of the contents once packed; Picture of your carry-on. In the very unusual event your luggage is lost this will be a great help for the airlines to track your luggage.