Things You Need to Know
Baggage: Due to limited space on the touring motorcoach, you are allowed one piece of luggage to check, weighing no more than 50 lbs. (the sum of the dimensions shall not exceed 62 inches), and a carry-on that must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. This does not include a purse or camera case. Soft-sided luggage is best. We recommend you weigh your luggage BEFORE you begin packing, and then again AFTER it is packed. Remember: You will be carrying your own carry-on bag, so keep it as light as possible.
Passports & Visas: Each tour member is required to hold a valid passport, which can take a minimum of 60 days to be processed, so please apply for your new passport or renewal of your existing passport immediately after you have registered for the tour, if not before. Your passport MUST be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your tour return date. No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. A visa will be required if you are a citizen of another country or might be required, if you travel to other countries. We will need a copy of the photo/information page of your passport as soon as possible. For non-U.S. citizens, in addition to a copy of the photo/information page of your passport, we will need a copy of the visa that allows you to enter the United States.
Currency: The Shekel is the legal tender of Israel. Tourists may bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into Israel. U.S. dollars, travelers’ checks, credit cards and even personal checks are accepted in most places. However, we suggest you do not use your credit card(s) when shopping in the Old City of Jerusalem. Value Added Tax is refundable at the airport upon your departure from Israel for items purchased in approved shops. Please be sure to ask for the “V.A.T. Refund Form” when you make your purchases.
Electrical Appliances: The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. Sockets are three-pronged, and foreign-made appliances require adapters for plugs. We recommend you purchase a Converter Kit before you leave for Israel, which can be purchased at places like Wal-Mart, Target or any luggage/travel store. Hair dryers are usually furnished in the hotel rooms, but you will need the Converter Kit for any other appliances or electronics you might bring.
Food and Beverages: Israeli food is the best of Oriental and Western cuisine and adds its own flavor, and is known for its famous Israeli Breakfast buffets. You will be able to sample local foods such as Falafel, Humus, Shishlick, Kebab and that strong Turkish coffee. Beverages ordered with meals are not included in your tour price. When ordered at the hotel, they can be charged to your room. If you pay cash for any “extras” at the hotel, you should get a receipt so that you will have proof of payment if it is mistakenly charged to your room. The water in the hotel is safe to drink, but we recommend you buy bottled water. Bottled water will be for sale on the bus every day for about $1 per bottle. You can also buy bottled water in many shops in Israel.
Extras and Incidentals: Please settle your “extras and incidentals” bill, which may include items not covered by your tour price, the night before departure, so as not to delay the group departure in the morning. The hotel may require you to give a credit card as a deposit, at check-in, for any incidental charges.
Telephone Calls: Local and long-distance telephone calls are very expensive from your hotel room. We suggest you use your credit card for international calls. Before you leave home, contact your long-distance carrier for information on how best to call back to the U.S. Phone Cards may be purchased in many of the shops in Israel.
Clothing: The attire is casual, neat and modest. Some religious sites require knees and arms (shoulders) to be covered. The guide will inform you each day if you will need a “modesty kit” (a jacket or shawl for women; long pants for men and women), for the next day’s touring. Since temperatures vary from one area to another, we recommend light, comfortable clothing that can be layered. A sweater is useful for the evening, even in summer. Be sure to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Weather: The summer season, from April to October, is warm and virtually rainless. During fall and winter, you will need a light, all-weather coat, since it frequently rains and sometimes snows in winter. Spring and fall have about the same weather. You will be spending time in the desert and at the Dead Sea, (1300 ft. below sea level), so it will probably be quite warm and dry there.
Average Temperature: See Chart below.
Baggage: Due to limited space on the touring motorcoach, you are allowed one piece of luggage to check, weighing no more than 50 lbs. (the sum of the dimensions shall not exceed 62 inches), and a carry-on that must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. This does not include a purse or camera case. Soft-sided luggage is best. We recommend you weigh your luggage BEFORE you begin packing, and then again AFTER it is packed. Remember: You will be carrying your own carry-on bag, so keep it as light as possible.
Passports & Visas: Each tour member is required to hold a valid passport, which can take a minimum of 60 days to be processed, so please apply for your new passport or renewal of your existing passport immediately after you have registered for the tour, if not before. Your passport MUST be valid for at least 6 months AFTER your tour return date. No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. A visa will be required if you are a citizen of another country or might be required, if you travel to other countries. We will need a copy of the photo/information page of your passport as soon as possible. For non-U.S. citizens, in addition to a copy of the photo/information page of your passport, we will need a copy of the visa that allows you to enter the United States.
Currency: The Shekel is the legal tender of Israel. Tourists may bring an unlimited amount of foreign currency into Israel. U.S. dollars, travelers’ checks, credit cards and even personal checks are accepted in most places. However, we suggest you do not use your credit card(s) when shopping in the Old City of Jerusalem. Value Added Tax is refundable at the airport upon your departure from Israel for items purchased in approved shops. Please be sure to ask for the “V.A.T. Refund Form” when you make your purchases.
Electrical Appliances: The electric current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. Sockets are three-pronged, and foreign-made appliances require adapters for plugs. We recommend you purchase a Converter Kit before you leave for Israel, which can be purchased at places like Wal-Mart, Target or any luggage/travel store. Hair dryers are usually furnished in the hotel rooms, but you will need the Converter Kit for any other appliances or electronics you might bring.
Food and Beverages: Israeli food is the best of Oriental and Western cuisine and adds its own flavor, and is known for its famous Israeli Breakfast buffets. You will be able to sample local foods such as Falafel, Humus, Shishlick, Kebab and that strong Turkish coffee. Beverages ordered with meals are not included in your tour price. When ordered at the hotel, they can be charged to your room. If you pay cash for any “extras” at the hotel, you should get a receipt so that you will have proof of payment if it is mistakenly charged to your room. The water in the hotel is safe to drink, but we recommend you buy bottled water. Bottled water will be for sale on the bus every day for about $1 per bottle. You can also buy bottled water in many shops in Israel.
Extras and Incidentals: Please settle your “extras and incidentals” bill, which may include items not covered by your tour price, the night before departure, so as not to delay the group departure in the morning. The hotel may require you to give a credit card as a deposit, at check-in, for any incidental charges.
Telephone Calls: Local and long-distance telephone calls are very expensive from your hotel room. We suggest you use your credit card for international calls. Before you leave home, contact your long-distance carrier for information on how best to call back to the U.S. Phone Cards may be purchased in many of the shops in Israel.
Clothing: The attire is casual, neat and modest. Some religious sites require knees and arms (shoulders) to be covered. The guide will inform you each day if you will need a “modesty kit” (a jacket or shawl for women; long pants for men and women), for the next day’s touring. Since temperatures vary from one area to another, we recommend light, comfortable clothing that can be layered. A sweater is useful for the evening, even in summer. Be sure to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Weather: The summer season, from April to October, is warm and virtually rainless. During fall and winter, you will need a light, all-weather coat, since it frequently rains and sometimes snows in winter. Spring and fall have about the same weather. You will be spending time in the desert and at the Dead Sea, (1300 ft. below sea level), so it will probably be quite warm and dry there.
Average Temperature: See Chart below.
Other Packing Suggestions:
Washcloths and small plastic bags
**(most hotels do not supply washcloths)
A good pair of sunglasses
A scarf (for head and/or shoulders)
Gloves (in winter)
Ample supplies of medical prescriptions First-Aid kit
Soft, foldable slippers for the plan.
Tote-bag for day trips
Packets of tissues and towelettes Sewing kit
Very comfortable walking shoes
Clothing which is crease-free and casual Bathing attire
Sun hat and sunscreen
Camera & Batteries or charger for rechargeable battery Notebook, Pen and Bible (for those on a Pilgrimage)
Helpful Hints: Keep a copy of your passport in your carry-on luggage and keep your original passport with you at all times. For those who desire to be baptized in the Jordan River, bring a garment (swimsuit) to wear underneath the baptismal robe. For swimming in the Dead Sea, bring an old swimsuit, as all the salt and minerals can ruin a new suit.
Liquids: Liquids packed in checked luggage should be no more than 3/4 full, lid secured and for additional safety, in a zip lock bag to protect clothing.
Shopping: Israeli shops carry a wide variety of gifts ranging from exclusive jewelry and diamonds to oriental carpets, clothing, furs, smart leather goods to modern art, ceramic work and antiques. We will also visit Arab shops in the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem that are famous for Olive Wood, custom-made jewelry and curios.
Time: Israel Standard is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time: 1 hour ahead of Mid-European Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (USA).
Language: The official language of Israel is Hebrew, however most Israelis speak English.
Washcloths and small plastic bags
**(most hotels do not supply washcloths)
A good pair of sunglasses
A scarf (for head and/or shoulders)
Gloves (in winter)
Ample supplies of medical prescriptions First-Aid kit
Soft, foldable slippers for the plan.
Tote-bag for day trips
Packets of tissues and towelettes Sewing kit
Very comfortable walking shoes
Clothing which is crease-free and casual Bathing attire
Sun hat and sunscreen
Camera & Batteries or charger for rechargeable battery Notebook, Pen and Bible (for those on a Pilgrimage)
Helpful Hints: Keep a copy of your passport in your carry-on luggage and keep your original passport with you at all times. For those who desire to be baptized in the Jordan River, bring a garment (swimsuit) to wear underneath the baptismal robe. For swimming in the Dead Sea, bring an old swimsuit, as all the salt and minerals can ruin a new suit.
Liquids: Liquids packed in checked luggage should be no more than 3/4 full, lid secured and for additional safety, in a zip lock bag to protect clothing.
Shopping: Israeli shops carry a wide variety of gifts ranging from exclusive jewelry and diamonds to oriental carpets, clothing, furs, smart leather goods to modern art, ceramic work and antiques. We will also visit Arab shops in the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem that are famous for Olive Wood, custom-made jewelry and curios.
Time: Israel Standard is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time: 1 hour ahead of Mid-European Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (USA).
Language: The official language of Israel is Hebrew, however most Israelis speak English.