We wanted to share a few tips you will find helpful during your next trip to Israel. Israel is a vibrant city with many similarities to the United States, so you’ll feel more at home than you might expect. With a little preparation, you can rest assured your experience will be unforgettable.

 The Holy Land is an area roughly located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea that also includes the Eastern Bank of the Jordan River. Traditionally, it is synonymous with both the biblical Land of Israel and historical Palestine. We include Israel, Jordan, as well as Egypt, Turkey, and Rome for their importance in history in Christianity. 

 Israel is a great place to visit year-round. It has a similar temperature to California with long, warm, dry summers and mild winters. The areas with hills enjoy a cooler weather, so for example Jerusalem and Safed usually has a comfortable temperature. Temperatures can vary widely so if you travel in the spring or fall, pack up a sweater and something warm. 

 US citizens need a valid U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay, to enter Israel. Make two photocopies of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry the other separately from your original.
Israel: U.S. and Canadian Citizens do not need a Visa when entering Israel.
Non U. S. /Canadian Citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of destination. Contact your Consulate office for requirements. 

 No need for Rosetta Stone or a Hebrew class at the local community college. You will find that most people speak three languages, Hebrew, Arabic and English. You’ll even find that most signs, menus and ads are written in these three languages, so it’s very easy to get around for those who speak English! 

 The U.S. dollar is widely accepted across Israel. U.S. dollars are recommended for use for most purchases. Lunches typically cost $15-20. It is important to bring about 20 - $1 bills as some bathrooms charge a small fee for use. Credit cards may also be used for larger purchases. ATMs in Israel are all connected to European and American banking systems. Please be advised that the ATM machines dispense money in SHEKELS – NOT US DOLLARS. Please notify your bank before traveling overseas. 

 Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz and uses the European plug with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers. 

 The time zone for Israel is seven hours ahead of EST and two hours ahead of GMT. 

 In Israel the climate is temperate, and temperatures all year round are reasonable. Israel has two main seasons: Winter (from November to March) is cold and rainy in most parts of the country; summer (from April to October) is hot and dry with little or no rainfall. The desert areas can be extremely hot in summer time. The best time to visit is March-June or October-November, although climate shouldn't be a major consideration in choosing a time to visit. 

 Yes, for all those who wish to. Others can watch on as well as join us in song and prayer. 

 You will be required to wear clothes on our tour. I have always made that mandatory. But what kind of clothes is up to the individual. Casual attire is best with comfortable walking shoes. Jeans, windsuits, etc. Also, you will need to bring your bathing suit as we will have an opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea which is a very unique experience. 

 The transportation we use is Mercedes or Volvo motorcoaches. You can expect to do quite a bit of walking while touring Israel. No, you do not need to be a marathon runner to be able to keep up with your group, but you will need to be able to walk at a moderate pace every day. If you are not used to physical activity and have concerns about keeping up with your guide, we recommend that you start preparing for you tour by walking 20 minutes a day. If you can handle that, you’ll most likely be just fine for your tour. 

 You will quickly find that the guides we use in Israel are top notch. A certain amount of tipping will be expected for your guide, driver, and hotel staff. Fortunately, we make it easy for you! The tips will be collected at the end of the tour and we will lay out the details of how much should go to each person. This way you don’t have to worry about surprises or trying to gather money for tips each day. Tips are given in USD. If you have remaining ‘local money’, you may apply it toward your tips.  

 If our office got a dollar for every time someone asked us for packing advise, our staff could fly to Israel on a private plane! We could write an entire article just on this subject! Just remember the following basics:

-Pack light! You will need comfortable casual clothing. There will not be any formal attire nights on the trip, so you can save the suits, dresses, and heels for your next cruise.

-Bring comfortable walking shoes. This may be the most important thing to remember. You’ll be doing a substantial amount of walking so you’ll want to keep those feet as happy as possible.

-Layers are a great way to stay at a comfortable temperature. Even if it is a warm day, air conditioning may keep the bus or certain buildings chilly. It is always a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket with you even in the summer months.

-Don’t forget your swim wear! You’ll have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and to be baptized in the Jordan River. If you plan on participating in either of these activities, you’ll want to come prepared.

-Check the weather before you pack. Like anywhere else, one year can be chillier than normal and then next could have an unprecedented heat wave. Looking at your favorite weather forecasting site will help you know what type of clothing to pack. For most tours to Israel, Jerusalem will be the coolest city you will visit and Tiberias will be the warmest. By looking up the forecast for these two cities, you will have a good idea of the temperature range you can expect for your trip.

-Israelis dress very similarly to those of us in the U.S. There will be a couple days of touring where visits to certain Holy sites will require shoulders and knees to be covered. Your guide will let you know in advance so you may dress accordingly.

-Since most airlines have different size requirements for your luggage and limits on the number of carryon items, we highly suggest you call your airline in advance. If you would like for your carryon to fit in the overhead compartment, luggage measuring approximately 22” x 9” x 14” is recommended.

 If you plan to take your cell phone, call your service provider and ask about using it overseas. Some carriers offer inexpensive temporary international plans for traveling. Most carriers will allow you to text the U.S. for free when you are connected to Wi-Fi and you will find our hotels offer this amenity. 

 Hooray! No needles necessary! The Center for Disease Control does not recommend any additional immunizations beyond what it is already recommended for the United States, so you will not need to deal with any travel shots.