Things I Need to Know for a Successful Tour
Passport: Make sure your passport is up to date and will not expire six months past the 17th of November. Your Passport should be with you at all times and make a copy of your passport and put it inside your carry-on for safe keeping (this is very important in case your passport is lost). Also, when we arrive in Tel Aviv, Customs will place an Israeli visa inside your passport—Keep this inside the passport, which you will carry with you every day as we tour.
Money: Keep money in a safe place and not all of it in the same place. Most Israeli vendors accept Master Card and Visa—credit and debit. Moneychangers are available at various places, including the airport and your hotels. Many places accept US dollars, but most prefer shekels. We do not recommend travelers checks. The amount you take is up to you. Plan for approximately $20 for lunch, drinks and snacks plus what you plan to spend for souvenirs.
Luggage: Zion’s Bridge Travelers are allowed 1 carry-on, 1 personal item, and 1 check-on, which is included in your ticket price. It will be your responsibility to pay any extra luggage overage. Keep in mind that you will be able to purchase items you may forget. It’s advisable to pack light, at least 10 pounds under weight to allow for purchased items while in Israel.
· Carry-on size: 22 X9X14
· Check-in weight: 50 lbs. Size:62 in (circumference total)
· 1 personal item that can fit underneath the seat
We will be allowed to leave items on our travel couch, which will be locked and attended. Consider a light bag, clothes with pockets, or a pocketed travel vest to carry important items like your Passport, water, hand sanitizer, phone, camera, and money. The lighter your load the better.
Water: The water in Israel is safe to drink. (I prefer bottled water.) Keeping hydrated is necessary to keep you healthy and feeling at your best. Our custom is to have the bus driver provide bottled water at a small fee. Yes, there are clean bathrooms at every stop!
Lunch: Lunch is on your own. If you want to experience the local food, plan on around $15 to $20 per person. Feel free to take along a simple snack instead. Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour price and will be served at the hotel. Keep in mind that soft drinks are per glass with no free refills. Coffee, tea and juice are usually complimentary with your hotel meals. For lunch, Robbie and I usually order tap water, which is clean and free.
How to Dress: Dress comfortably. Jeans, knee shorts, or athletic wear are acceptable. Dress modestly as many of the areas we visit are religious. We will keep you updated on the weather as we get closer to tour time. Some Novembers require a jacket; other times, we have been in short sleeves. Jerusalem can fluctuate 30 degrees in the same day, so layer your clothing for optimal comfort. The rainy season could begin while we are there so take along a small umbrella or rain gear to cover your head, like the plastic Dollar Store ponchos. The Galilee area tends to be warmer than Jerusalem. Two pairs of comfortable shoes are sufficient, with “comfort” being the key word!
Electronics: You will need an adapter for your electronics. Israel uses 220 volts. An adapter will be needed for your iPhone and other items that convert automatically. Hairdryer, curling irons, etc., will probably need a converter that can handle high wattage. Some devices, such as travel blow-dryers, have a voltage converter built in. Check all of your devices. If they can handle up to 240 volts, you will only need an adapter to accommodate Israel’s type of sockets. A good voltage converter and several adapters is a wise purchase. (Our hotels have hairdryers in the room, and an iron upon request.)
Laundry Service: Our overnight accommodations offer laundry service if needed. I find rates for laundry service at hotels in Israel to be more expensive than dry cleaners in the states.
Cell Phones: Most cell providers have international rates. Contact your carrier to understand your options. For example, Verizon (U.S.) offers an international unlimited plan for $10 per day or a per minute/text/data rate. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and on the motor coach, which should help spare your data. (Be aware, it is not always at the desired speed.)
Insurance: Contact your provider to let them know you will be out of the country.
Please note that Medicare does NOT provide coverage in Israel, but some supplemental policies become the primary. Check your policy and then call your agent so you will know for sure.
Travel Insurance:
Erin (@ 706.738.6611- ext. 236.) of AAA can tell you about their travel plans, which includes medical emergencies. Tell her you will be traveling to Israel with Zion’s Bridge. I have checked with several companies and find AAA to be the most reasonable and personable. We have a specific agent who is glad to answer your questions. I’m glad to provide you with a preliminary information sheet upon request. Travel insurance is not part of your tour package but is highly recommended.
Airline: United from the Jackson Hartfield – Atlanta Airport
Leave Arrive
United 739 / 16NOV ATL 10:45A Newark 1:02P
United 84 / 16NOV Newark 4:00P Tel Aviv 9:20A (17NOV)
United 73 / 26NOV Tel Aviv 12:20A Washington DC Dulles 5:50A
United 2368 / 26NOV Dullies 8:17A Atlanta 10:16A
Travel to the Atlanta airport is on your own. This is the economy flight schedule. 1 check-in, 1 carry-on, and 1 personal item, as well as meals on the international flight, is included. Any upgrades are at your expense.
Other Questions: You may have questions that I have not covered so feel free to email or phone us.
