5 important steps in Planning Your Trip to the Holy Land

 Step #1 – Selecting a Tour Company

There may be a lot of good dependable tour companies. However, it is wise to check them out on the Internet before you decide on one. Check the reviews of former customers. If your church or organization is putting it together, the choice of the tour company will be made for you; that was our experience. We heard of the tour and signed up at church. The tour company was Templeton Tours. I give them a 5 out of 5 for excellent service.

Another thing to consider is how much you want to invest in your trip to the Holy Land. Tour costs start low and can double at the top. This is a trip of a lifetime, so you want it to be a quality trip but nevertheless affordable. Since our trip was already preplanned and selected by someone else, we had no say in it. Ours was a luxury plan, which I say turned out well. Hotels were first class; food was also, and even the bus was a late model and kept spotless.

Step #2 – Choosing a Date for the Trip

Once again, if it your church or organization, the date will already be set. Ours was set to begin on January 14, 2020. I had some reservations about it being in the winter months, but that was not for me to decide. If you have a choice, I would recommend spring or fall. Even though Israel’s winters are usually mild, the temperature can dip down into the 30s Fahrenheit, even during daytime, as it did one day while we were there.

During our time there, it was windy, cold and rainy. Nevertheless, that did not alter the itinerary; we were still able to visit all the sites, although it was cold and uncomfortable some of the time.

Step # 3 – Deciding on Upgrades for the Flight

An upgrade in seating can be quite expensive. However, if a little more comfort is something you think you need and you can afford it, go for it. We did upgrade, but as for me I had rather endure a little discomfort for a short period than pay the extra amount.

Step #4 – Determining Insurance Coverage

The tour company does offer an insurance package that covers a refund if for health reasons or extenuating circumstances, you are unable to make the trip. It also includes medical insurance to cover things your medical insurance may not. They give you only a limited time to decide if you want the coverage.

I elected to chance being able to make the trip, but decided that it would be too great of a liability to chance not having the medical assistance. My insurance would not cover bringing me back to the states for medical treatment, that was not otherwise available, if I had a medical emergency. Neither would it cover shipping the body back to the states in case of death, which could amount to over $20,000. The policy I bought through Geo Blue, part of Blue Cross BlueShield, covered those things and was also much less expensive than what the tour company offered at only $150.

Step #5 – Preparing for the trip

Be sure to study the trip Itinerary, very important. Your tour agency will send you a booklet, explaining each site you will be visiting and its importance. Even though our guide was very good, it would have been greatly to my advantage had I already known more about each site.

Having good quality and comfortable walking shoes is a must. Much of the terrain is rough or cobble stones, so it is important to have shoes that have a rigid sole with good traction. I was a little surprised by some of the shoes I saw people wearing, which I felt were not at all appropriate. I selected Merrell. I had never worn this brand before, but I must say they are the best walking shoes I’ve ever owned. One thing I like about them is they have a soft padded inside lining, very comfortable.

Be sure to research weather conditions in Israel for the dates you will be there, in advance. Also, be sure to pact season appropriate clothing. Instead of buying new outfits, select from your most comfortable clothes. If it is during the winter months, pact clothes that you can layer. I was able to pack all I needed in a medium size suit case along with a small carryon. This was an eleven-day supply. I did buy some flex pants for wearing on the airplane. They were non-binding and proved to be very comfortable.

Be sure to have all your medication packed, preferably in a clear zip lock bag in your carryon, in case you need to show them as you go through security.

If you are a frequent flyer, you are aware that you may be selected as a spot check for explosives. I was selected at our stopover in Germany. They called two policemen armed with automatic weapons, who stood and watched as every item in my carryon was examined. Don’t let it upset you if you are selected. It is a random selection which has nothing to do with you personally, and it is in your best interest for safety.

Exercise and walk prior to the trip. Not everyone is physically fit for enduring a trip of this sort. You will be walking several miles each day; many times, it will be up steep inclines. There are also a lot of stairways and steps. I certainly don’t want to discourage anyone from taking the trip. However, only you can determine if you are physically fit along with your doctor’s advice. I’m 82 and did well, but it was not easy. There were several other older people who also did fine. There were times when some elected not to attempt going up to a site if they felt it was too much.

Have a place to secure your passport and important documents where they will be easily accessible. You will need to present your passport many times during the trip; some of the sites in Jerusalem will require it. Your passport must be kept on your person at all times. I know it sounds silly, but one lady packed hers in her suitcase and missed her flight because of it.

Don’t use your credit card anywhere in Israel unless your guide tells you it is safe. There are a lot of scams operating in Israel. Some have been charged thousands for something as simple as a sandwich. Your guide will take you to a place for buying souvenirs, gifts and jewelry, where it will be safe to use your credit card. I only carried around a $100 cash in small bills and had most of it left when I returned. Everything was covered in the tour package including gratuity.

Your tour service will probably send you some information on how to prepare for jet lag, which may or may not help. Our trip back to the U.S. started with us awakening at 5 AM. When we arrived at our front door at home, it was exactly 24 hours later. It so happened that because of the 8-hour difference (Israel is 8 hours ahead) in Israel time and our central standard time, it made it 9:00 PM the same day on arriving home–bedtime. That is a long haul without sleep. Unless you are someone who can sleep on an airplane, you are going to be worn out.

Step # 6 – Making sure your immunization is up to date:

Check with the CDC to see if you are protected. Just CLICK HERE and it will take you the their website.

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs