Do I need extra money?

I usually tell people to bring $200 each for spending, even though they are not required to pay for anything but lunches. It is suggested that each traveler give a tip of $10 per day to the driver and guide. We divide that $6 for guide and $4 for the driver. Of course, you may want to purchase souvenirs and other things and that will all be on you. I always suggest bringing a credit card that works internationally just in case of an emergency of some sort. It is not required. 

 

One thing not to forget?

Your passport. Don’t show up to the airport without your passport. Also, make sure you fill out your ETA form that you were emailed about. You will have immense trouble in customs if you have not filled that out. 

 

How should I dress?

January will be colder. Similar to Atlanta the same time of year. In January, you can expect a rainy day or two out of ten. Bring warm clothes. The highs are in the mid 50s and the lows are around 40s. Bring a coat/jacket to wear. Bring comfortable shoes for walking. Shoes are for comfort not style. Wear comfortable - modest clothing.

• Culturally, women will need to dress Modestly but Comfortably.

• One day will be uniquely Modest (Arm, Legs, Head Covered)

• Many of the sites are owned by Catholic Churches where neither men or women can wear shorts above the knee (men hats off in churches).

 

Do I need to bring snacks?

Everyone will eat buffet breakfast and dinner each day in the hotel, but lunch will be lighter. We do encourage people to have a snack or two in their backpacks.

 

Can I drink the water?

There are no concerns with food or water in Israel. Bottled waters will be available on the bus for $1. And any water served in a restaurant is great. You can use the tap water in the hotel freely without worry. 

 

Some odds and ends:

• If you use one daily, pack wash cloths. They’re not available in hotels there. For some reason, they aren’t common in this part of the world.

• Go ahead and ask in advance if anyone needs distilled water for their CPAP machines. The company will make sure and have it ready for people who need it.

• The Travel with Friends staff handle all logistics of the trip.

• Entrance fees for all parks, exhibits, and sites are included in the price.

• A deluxe motorcoach is included for the entire 10 day trip.

• Personalized guided tours are provided by Travel with Friends.

• The daily guided tours will be rich, full of information and revival

• Every traveler will be given individual headsets (listening devices) for 10 days.

 

Where do we meet up for the trip?

You should have received your packet in the mail with your flight info. We will meet at the Chattanooga airport and I will make sure we all get on our connecting flight. When we land in Tel Aviv, TWF will be there to greet us and take over at that point. 

 

Can I use my cell phone in Israel?

You need to reach out to your cell phone provider and speak with them about it.  I would do it sooner rather than later. Coverage and charges [ or lack thereof] will vary from carrier to carrier and plan to plan. 

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Can I get baptized in the Jordan River?

Yes you can. You will need to bring some clothes that will get wet. For about $10 there is normally a place to rent a robe, towel, and use a changing room. 

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Will we float in the Dead Sea in January?

There’s always people who do get in the Dead Sea even if it’s cold. The Dead Sea area is about 15° hotter than Jerusalem. So it’ll probably be 60s or 70s. The water will probably be cold. You will need a very modest bathing suit and there will be a place that offers a changing room and towel for a modest price.