Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Israel:
Deciding to Go
Is it safe?
This is probably the most frequently asked of the frequently asked questions. One of the largest industries within Israel is tourism. Everyone on every side wants to keep pilgrims safe so they will continue to come and invest in the economy. Israel has paid a tremendous price to be a free country and they are vigilant about keeping it that way. Security precautions and procedures are in place to ensure everyone’s welfare. You will see many soldiers and police throughout your visit. If any areas are deemed unsafe, all of the guides and drivers will be in contact with the military to make sure we avoid any possible situations. There are security checkpoints throughout the country, even at pharmacies and restaurants. It is a way of life. We remain courteous, thankful, and compliant with all police and military personnel.
What is included in the price? Are there any hidden expenses?
When you purchase your spot on a Tabernacle tour, your hotel accommodations, breakfasts, dinners, site and museum entrance fees, ground transportation, driver, and guide are all included. The only extra money you will need is to purchase lunch and any souvenirs.
Note: On the upcoming October 2023 with the Kellers, airfare is not included in the published price.
WHAT DOES A PRIVATE ROOM COST?
Depending upon availability, a private room can be arranged. The additional cost of a private room ranges from $1,300 to $1,500.
What are the physical requirements of the trip?
Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to take their health into consideration in planning to join this trip. It is virtually impossible for us to be driven up to the entrance of every site. There is a lot of walking and it is rarely on level ground. If you have heart conditions or mobility issues, please check with your physician. We also ask that you please let us know about any ailments that might affect your ability to enjoy the trip, so that we can best accommodate or instruct you in precautionary steps.
Preparing for the Trip
What is the best way I can prepare for the trip?
Walk, walk, and walk…. Did we mention walking? The more you can prepare physically in this way, the more you will enjoy your trip. We strongly encourage you to “break in” any new shoes before the trip by wearing them to walk in as much as possible.
Pray. We believe in the power of prayer. We believe that when we pray it is as Jesus commanded in Matthew 18:18, “whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (NKJV)
Please pray for safe flights, good weather and the physical well-being of all the travelers. Also, pray for our leaders, guides, and drivers, that the Lord would lead them to the right places at the right times. Pray for a receptive heart so that you are not only able to follow physically, but also to receive from the Lord whatever He is longing to do for you on this trip. Oh, and all of that praying can be done… you guessed it: while walking!!
Do I need a passport?
Yes. Every traveler will need a passport.
If you already have a passport, please check the date of expiration.
If it is expired, please begin the steps to renewal by going here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/renew.html
If you have never held a passport, please begin the process here: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html
You will be asked regularly throughout the trip by our leaders to put your hand on your passport, so be ready!
Will I have to have special immunizations?
No, but it is always a good idea to be up to date on your routine vaccines. You do not have to show proof of COVID vaccination. Per Israel Ministry of Health website, “…there is no need to present a recovery or vaccination certificate in order to enter Israel.”
Are there any good books to read?
Great question! This goes without saying but... your Bible. It is amazing to find that so much happened in such a relatively small place. Bible stories are layered on top of each other. Especially when you realize that all of the following happened near Bethlehem: Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob, was buried there following her death in delivering Benjamin. Ruth & Boaz’s story unfolded in those same fields where David was a shepherd singing and slaying bears and lions. Bethlehem is also the same place where Mary and Joseph came to welcome Jesus into the world. All of this and more within a 5 mile radius!
If you are interested in learning more about how Israel became a nation, we highly recommend the historical fiction series by Bodie and Brock Thoene, The Zion Chronicles. We have checked with our guides and the historical events in the book line up with the events that occurred in the 1940’s. You can usually find them secondhand and, of course, on Amazon.
Here are some more book suggestions. Categories range from guide books to books on Jewish culture and studies on Biblical feasts and celebrations:
Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories
Frommer’s Israel (Complete Guide)
Enter His Gates: To Your Jewish Roots
The Feasts of the Lord: God's Prophetic Calendar from...
The Heart of a People (written by our friend, Rabbi Moshe Kempinski, a Jewish shop owner in the Old City of Jerusalem)
Travel
How long is the flight?
The flight to Israel is 11 hours. The flight home is 12-13 hours because of the trade winds. It is important for you to get up and walk during the flight to keep from cramping or developing blood clots. Travelers in the past have worn compression socks to keep their legs from swelling in flight.
What is jet lag?
Jet lag is the desynchronization of your sense of time after having crossed several time zones. Israel is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Jet lag can affect people in different ways like nausea, weariness, or grogginess. Some of the best tips for combatting jet lag are to drink a lot of water leading up to and on the flight, as hydration is very helpful. Also, eating when you are served a meal in flight. When you step on to a flight, the time zone is automatically reset to the destination time zone. Flight attendants will serve meals that correspond with your new time zone. This means sometimes they will wake you up in the middle of the night to eat dinner. Eat as much as you can when they offer, even if it is just the bread, as it will help your body readjust. Continue this into the next day. Even if you are not hungry at the next meal try to eat as much as you can so your body adapts to the new schedule.
How many bags can I bring?
You are permitted one carry-on, one personal item, and one checked bag at no cost.
Check with your airline regarding specific measurements.
You may want to consult your roommate about some items that you could share. Like, sunscreen or curling iron.
What kind of places are we staying?
All of our accommodations (unless specifically arranged otherwise) are either four or five star hotels. As soon as final arrangements are made, links can be provided to the specific hotels.
What are we eating?
Breakfast and dinner are included in your trip package and are served buffet style. Israel exports fruit and vegetables to Europe, so you will see a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables at these two meals. Lunch is the only meal you will pay for. The cost of lunch is usually $15 or less. You will receive your change in shekels (Israel's currency). Some days we will all be at the same restaurant. Other days you will be allowed to choose from several options. This trip is the adventure of a lifetime so you may want to give some new food a try. Some of you may want to bring a few granola or energy bars if you think you might need them.
What is Kosher dining?
Jewish law and the scripture says not to cook the calf in the mothers milk. The Kosher interpretation of this is no meat and dairy at the same meal. In the morning, there is no meat and you have real butter and cream for your coffee. The only meat at breakfast is fish and eggs (creatures of air and sea). In the evening you will have meat but no dairy. They do use margarine and powdered creamer in the evening meal. This is only one facet of Kosher dietary law and is the main one, of which, we will be impacted.
Can I drink the water?
It is a standard recommendation that, whenever traveling internationally, one should drink bottled water. The water in the hotels is filtered and the tap water is safe for taking medications, etc. When we are out for the day, it is better to drink bottled water and bottled drinks. The bus driver will stock the cooler every morning with bottled water. This can be purchased for a dollar per bottle, and you can prepay for your entire week.
What should we wear?
Jerusalem is on the same latitude as El Paso, Texas. During March, temperatures are pleasant. Many choose to dress in layers because the days can start cool and end up around 75-80 degrees. Israel has a diverse landscape and even though the country is not very big, temperatures can vary from one part of the country to the next.
We will be visiting many holy sites. It will be rare for shorts to be allowed. Ladies will also want to keep a shawl with them to cover their shoulders if they are wearing sleeveless tops.
What does a day in Israel look like?
Often your days start with a wakeup call. Most pilgrims come down to breakfast ready to get on the bus. We usually head out on our tours by 8 am (varies depending on the day). We will drive to our starting location and may not see the bus again until lunch or late afternoon.
We will go to various sites. Some of them will be more biblical, some more historical/archeological. The guides will tell us about the importance and value of the place in which we are standing. We will frequently stop to have times of devotion or sharing.
We do our best to return to the hotel in the afternoon, so that everyone has a chance to freshen up and rest before dinner. Many evenings after dinner we have worship and waiting gatherings. These can be wonderful, powerful, life changing sessions in the presence of God.
Phone service?
International plans vary depending on cellular carriers. Contact your carrier for more information.
Can I use U.S. money?
Yes. Most places take U.S. dollars, but your change will be in shekels. You will want cash for lunches and smaller souvenirs "off the street." The best rate of exchange is by using a credit card. You will need to call your credit card company a week in advance to let them know you will be traveling out of the country. Let them know you will be in Israel and the West Bank, so they will not freeze your card. Some card companies like Capital One, do not charge a foreign transaction fee, which is helpful.
What if I get hurt or have a health emergency?
Israel has some of the best medical care in the world. Our guide, driver, and other travel professionals will be able to assess the situation and get you to the best solution quickly and safely. Check with your health insurance carrier before leaving the states. Most of the time you will have to pay upfront for medical services, and then file a claim when you return home. Some companies have blank forms you can take with you, so medical personnel can fill it out. It’s best to check before you go.
Please contact us with ANY other questions you may have!