Travel Tip #12 - LAST MINUTE MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
Travel Tip #11 - FOOD AND WATER
Food and water in Israel are safe. Foods, including fresh vegetables are safe in all facilities that we will patronize on the tour. Water is safe to drink throughout Israel. It is important to drink plenty of water and juices to avoid dehydration during the tour. Water will be available on the tour bus.
- Pack under the 50 lbs./per passenger limit to plan for items you want to purchase and bring home (e.g., plan on 40 lbs.). The overcharge rate is expensive ($70/bag).
- If you are a collector of leaves, rocks, etc., you may want to bring some Ziplock bags.
- Wet wipes are useful for many things.
- Sun block is essential as are sunglasses.
- If you plan to hand wash anything, you might want bring a small supply of detergent.
- Hotel laundry service is expensive.
- Paper toilet seat covers are useful when you are away from the hotel.
- Washcloths are not available in some of the hotels, so you might want to bring some.
- Travel alarm clock: There are no clocks in the hotel room, but you will get a wake-up call every morning.
- Plan for all types of weather! Remember to bring sunglasses and a raincoat to layer. Click on this website for a final word on January weather (Hint: Dress in layers and bring a raincoat and sunglasses and gloves!)
Travel Tip #11 - FOOD AND WATER
Food and water in Israel are safe. Foods, including fresh vegetables are safe in all facilities that we will patronize on the tour. Water is safe to drink throughout Israel. It is important to drink plenty of water and juices to avoid dehydration during the tour. Water will be available on the tour bus.
Travel Tip #10 - ELECTRIC CURRENT
The electric current is 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, European type. Both adapters (makes the plug physically fit into the wall) and converters (powers up the voltage of the electricity) are required for American products. All hotels have hair dryers.Travel Tip #9 - BELIEFS
- The Israeli tour guide will share what Christians and Jews believe in general.
- Ask sincere questions and learn all you can while in the Middle East.
- As guests in the countries we visit, respect the customs and beliefs of others. Avoid asking antagonistic questions on controversial points of difference.
- Ask questions that allow the guide to communicate the facts of his or her country and belief systems. Use the opportunity to learn new information about customs and religious beliefs.
Travel Tip #8 - PHOTOGRAPHY
Be sure you are familiar with your camera ahead of time. Bring extra memory cards for your digital camera or approximately one 36-exposure roll of film for each day that you will be in Israel. Also, be sure to bring a dual voltage charger for your digital batteries. You will have the opportunity to capture many sights on film that will help you to relive the tour. Please note the following precautions:
- Do not openly photograph Arab women; this is prohibited in the Middle East.
- Camel owners expect $1.00 for a picture.
- Honor signs regarding use of cameras and flashes.
- Do not take pictures of people without their permission.
- Do not take photos of Israelis on the Sabbath (Israeli shops are closed during Shabbat, which is 4 p.m. Fri. until 4 p.m. Sat.)
Travel Tip #7 - MONEY and SHOPPING
All essentials from embarkation in the United States to your return are covered except for some lunches, group photographs if desired and souvenirs. The tour price includes gratuities for handling one suitcase per person at hotels, the bus driver, the tour director, chambermaids and hotel restaurants.
Visa or MasterCard are widely accepted, but American Express is not. Your credit card can be used for purchases of higher-cost souvenirs. Before leaving the U.S., call your credit card company and tell them the countries you will be visiting. This will avoid a possible hold on your account for unusual activity.
As for cash, bring an amount you think you'll want to spend on smaller keepsakes or gifts. Street vendors with postcards, carvings and other items are part of the scene at most stops. We ask that bargaining not delay the tour. You are free to bargain and purchase if you wish, keeping in mind our tight schedule.
As a starting point to consider, the tour agency recommends carrying about $50.00 in one dollar bills for small bargains at various tourist stops. You may want to bring along more to avoid ATM user fees (e.g., $100 in $1 or $5 bills). However, ATMs are readily available throughout the country (keep your PIN number handy!) so there are sources for cash if you require more funds. Traveler's Cheques are not recommended as they can be difficult to cash. Most hotels will exchange some dollars into local currency. However, keep in mind that using any ATM locations for cash and money exchange points will assess fees for the service.
There are shops at some hotels and when shopping at some stores, they may tell you about the 17% Value Added Tax (VAT) form to fill out and have stamped at the store. VAT forms can be refunded at the airport. The tour guide can explain the procedure.
Finally, be aware that in some tourist spots, the peddlers may try to sell and steal from you at the same time. When carrying any money or valuables on the tour, be sure to keep them secure in an inside pocket or purse. Never leave passports, money, air tickets, camera, purse, or other valuables in your room unattended. We highly recommend you keep these valuables in the hotel safe when possible. It is important that you have a plan to keep your money and valuables secure.
Be sure to bring an adequate supply of prescription medications in original containers. Keep them in a carry-on bag. Remember that digestive systems vary. Some find a change in diet with new and different foods affects the elimination process when traveling. We suggest that you carry Imodium as a precaution.
Those under the age of 75 will be provided an insurance I.D. card upon arrival in Israel. This covers emergency medical needs for you only while in Israel (excluding Bethlehem or any extension tour). If you are: 1) 75 years or older, or 2) want coverage for excluded areas, or 3) want cancellation/interruption insurance, we recommend Travelex Insurance or another insurance of your choice. Contact Journeys Unlimited at 800-876-9502 x100 with any insurance questions.
Travel Tip #5 - AIRLINE FLIGHT/SEATING and SECURITY
Bring your own music, reading material, sweater/jacket, snacks like gum, granola bars, etc. Try to get up and walk around every couple hours. Drink plenty of water. You will be seated as a group when flying. Unfortunately, it is not possible to place everyone by a window or aisle. Please discuss your seat assignment with the airline agent at airport check-in. If necessary, some adjustments can be worked out after you have boarded the airplane. Get acquainted with your fellow Pilgrims and have a good time as you travel. As this is an overnight flight from the States, you should try to sleep as much as possible on the plane.
Passengers are required to go through a baggage inspection and personal questions during check-in. This is designed by the airlines for the safety of everyone, so please cooperate willingly and seriously. You may be asked questions such as these:
- Is this your personal luggage? Did you personally pack it?
- Did anyone open your luggage after you packed it?
- Have you been given a package to carry for anyone?
- Why are you traveling to Israel? Do you know anyone in Israel?
Travel Tip #4 - PASSPORTS
Passports must be valid 6 months beyond the travel return date. You'll want to make two copies of your passport – one to keep with you in a separate place while traveling (e.g., suitcase) in case a replacement is needed and another to leave with someone back home.
Travel Tip #3 - INTERNET, PHONE CALLS and EMERGENCY NUMBERS
If you are bringing your own laptop and want access in your room, the cost per day varies at each hotel. You must pay at the front desk for internet in your room and it can be expensive per day. You may be able to pick up free wi-fi in other places. If you are not bringing your laptop and you want access to the internet, there are business centers at the hotels and internet cafes in Israel, for a fee.
Contact your mobile phone carrier to ask about options for text messaging and calling. You may be able to use your cell phone, provided that your carrier has an international calling plan, which you may be able to add while you are away. However, these plans may be costly. You also may consider purchasing a calling card, which can save you money. Phone cards can be purchased in Israel or the U.S. (AT&T particularly). Other options include renting a phone via the internet, free text messaging apps for smart phones and SKYPE. In January when we travel, Israel and Jordan will be seven hours ahead of EST (e.g., Boston, New York).
Emergency contact numbers for On Eagles' Wings - the travel agency that will be our host - are:
Lilach Assael-Haim: 011-972-52-685-5665
David Assael: 011-972-52-386-5769
Travel Tip #2 - CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing including jeans, capris and pants are appropriate and practical. We recommend that you come prepared to dress in layers (blouse or shirt, plus a sweater or jacket). Layers can be removed as the day warms up. A hat and sunglasses are highly recommended. You will be visiting many religious shrines in Israel. Please dress modestly so that you will not offend anyone.
- No short shorts, tube tops, halter-tops or extremely tight clothes.
- Cover shoulders, upper arms and knees when visiting religious sites (churches, etc). Capris are fine. You will be reminded on the bus when the following day visits religious sites.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes that have been broken in. Closed toe shoes suggested for Masada and Ein Gedi.
- If you want to take a dip in the Dead Sea bring your swimsuit.
- Pack a few clothing items in your carry on luggage for overnight and the next day – just in case the luggage doesn’t arrive when you do.
Travel Tip #1 - LUGGAGE
Most international airlines allow one free checked baggage per person. Due to limited space on the buses and the busy itinerary, our tour operator allows one carry-on bag* and one checked bag** On the bus, there is no room in the overhead for bags, so they must fit under the seat and they should be soft and small. Backpacks are handy for use as a carry-on. All necessary items such as medicines, cameras, reading material, etc. should be kept in your carry-on. Check with airline security for items that are not permitted in carry-ons, i.e. scissors, razors, etc. These items should go in your checked baggage only.
* Carry on - maximum of 45 linear inches (length+width+height) required to fit under the seat
**Checked bag - maximum of 62 linear inches (length+width+height) and a maximum weight of 50 lbs.
No comments:
Post a Comment