FAQs — Messianic Journeys

Safety

This is our most frequently asked question. In short: YES, it is SAFE.
For anyone who watches the news, Israel appears to be an extremely dangerous place. First there are misconceptions about Israel because what is on the news regarding the Middle East (especially concerning terrorism and violence by ISIS) often concerns events in the nations around Israel rather than what is going on in Israel. Furthermore, media reports focus so intensely on isolated events that these small hot-spots seem widespread across the country.
In fact, the vast majority of the State of Israel is safe and untouched by the violence so commonly pictured in the media. Statistically, for example, Israel is far safer than any urban area in the United States. Using Chicago, as an example:
Population:
Israel–7.3 million People
Chicago–2.7 million People
On a statistical basis:
Terrorist Activity in Israel = 1 civilian death per 2,433,000 people (about one per 2 1/2 half million)
Homicides in Chicago = 1 violent death per 6,506 people
Or to put it another way: It is vastly more dangerous to visit Chicago than Israel. In fact, a person is 6000 times more likely to experience a violent end in the city of Chicago than to be hurt in a terrorist attack in Israel.
Although danger is unlikely in Israel, safety is uppermost concern for our tours. In fact we prioritize it. Our travel will be in private motor-coaches, and our routes and itinerary are carefully selected to avoid areas where violence might be possible. For example, we will not visit Hebron, Samaria, or Shechem/Nablus because these sites are in the West Bank, and of course Gaza is not on our route.
We are in constant contact with the Land Agent throughout the trip. Should any potential problem arise, we will immediately change our itinerary to remain well clear of any trouble spot. Our Israeli guides and drivers are trained to look out for danger and maintain your safety as a top priority. Likewise, as a country, the Israeli government makes the security of its citizens and its guests a primary obligation.
People ask me if I’m nervous traveling to Israel and I always say, “Yes , but only from the time I leave my house until I get to O’Hare Airport. Once I’m off the Chicago expressways, I feel perfectly safe.” Israel is a SAFE place and no one needs to fear going there.
There is so much to learn, see and experience in Israel. Your knowledge of the Scriptures and walk with the Lord will be enriched as you encounter the Bible on location. Do not let fear hold you back from this life changing opportunity.

Travel Insurance

YES ~ we recommend that everyone who travels with Messianic Journeys have trip insurance — it is a good idea.
Why Trip Insurance: If you are forced to cancel your trip at the last minute due to an emergency, there will be a financial loss (see Terms and Conditions, for the trip you are interested in for specific cancellation fees/deadlines), but having Trip Insurance would rescue you from this loss, as well as issues that might arise while you are in Israel. There are three important travel issues covered by this type of insurance:
#1 Trip Cancellation — If you have to cancel your trip prior to departure because of circumstances such as personal illness, death or illness of a close family member or other issues (covered by the insurance plan), this insurance will cover the payments you have made for your trip.
#2 Trip Interruptions — If while traveling, you cannot finish the tour because of personal medical emergency, illness or injury (or crisis back in the States covered by the policy) and must return to the States before the end of the tour, the insurance will cover the portion of the trip not used.
#3 Emergency Medical Issues — If you become ill or are injured in Israel so that you cannot finish the trip, and have to be hospitalized and cannot return with the group at the end of the tour, this type of insurance will cover those costs.
Purchasing Trip Insurance: Once you register for a trip, Messianic Journeys strongly recommends you have Trip Insurance for the reasons outlined above. Trip insurance is not included in the cost of a tour with us. Messianic Journeys partners with Arch RoamRight to provide an excellent option for Trip Insurance. You can find more information and get a free quote here: Trip Insurance with Messianic Journeys. You could also speak with your insurance agent about this or check other on-line resources.
When you register for a trip with Messianic Journeys you will be sent this information in your confirmation of registration e-mail.
Most insurance companies have implement timing requirements for purchasing trip insurance. These requirements vary between companies, so do not delay! Purchase your trip insurance as soon as possible.

Passport, Visas, & Vaccinations

Yes. A valid passport is required for all travel outside the USA. Remember, your Passport MUST be valid 6 months AFTER returning to the States from the Israel tour. (for example, if you are returning from Israel in March, your Passport should not expire before September; it must be valid at least until 1 September.)
Apply for your passport immediately if you do not have one. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to be issued. However, if you need a passport quickly, it is possible to obtain one in 3 days for an additional expediting fee. Getting a passport is not difficult, but do not delay if you do not already have one, or if you current passport will expire less than 6 months beyond your return date. Here is what to do: Get a passport application at your nearest post office, passport office or courthouse. You will need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs measuring 2 x 2 inches, taken within six months of application. For more info regarding passports, go to the U.S. Department of State website.
Citizens of the United States and Canada do not need a visa for Israel.
Messianic Journeys tours do not visit Petra in Jordan.
If you are interested in an extension to your tour with Messianic Journeys, we suggest that you call My Travel Agent and speak with our friend Chaim Limor or his staff at 630-961-3606. Just mention that you are traveling with Messianic Journeys and talk with the staff about your plans. They will work with you to make arrangements for your extension.
As of March, 2022, no vaccinations are required to enter Israel.

Luggage

You may bring one checked suitcase (limit 50 lbs) plus one small personal bag to keep with you on the bus. Your personal bag must be small enough to be held in your lap or fit under your seat on the bus; it cannot be stowed in the luggage-bay of the bus, and should not be a rolling bag. Although airlines may allow two checked suitcases for international flights, the size of the luggage bay on our roomy tour bus limits us to one 50# bag per person.
Two Messianic Journeys luggage tags will be sent to you before departure. Attach these to your luggage to insure that all the luggage for our group goes on our tour bus when we leave each hotel. We strongly recommend that you include an identification tag inside your bag.
No, most airlines do not count a purse as your carry on item. However, if your purse is very large, it may be considered as carry on.
YES, there is a limit to the size of your personal bag which you will have with you on the bus. This is a small personal bag for items you will want with you each day on the bus such as your Bible, notebook, hat, camera, water-bottle, snacks. This bag should be small enough to fit comfortably in your lap or under your feet on the bus, not a rolling carry-on-weekender-bag that qualifies as air-line carry-on. Your personal carry-on bag for the tour is for your personal items, not an additional clothing bag. You will keep this bag with you on the bus, and perhaps take it off the bus at various sites since it will hold items you will want with you. It will not be stored under the bus, you will carry it with you as you tour.
At each hotel, you will be greeted, given your room key, and a room number sticker for your luggage. Place your room number sticker on your bag when it is unloaded from the bus. The hotel porters will then bring your bag to your room. (You will be responsible for your carry-on bag.) The morning you leave the hotel, place your packed bag outside your room at the designated time, and a porter will take it down to the bus. Before being loaded on the bus you will identify your luggage, and then it will be put on the bus for the next leg of the journey. DO NOT TIP the hotel porters. All tips are included in the cost of your Messianic Journeys tour.

Israeli Hotels

You will enjoy doing a LOT of very interesting walking in Israel with Messianic Journeys because you won’t just be seeing the sites through a bus window.
To participate in the tour you should be able to walk independently (without assistance, or the use of a cane, crutch, walker or additional support), for about a mile. The walks are not a mile-foot-race, but often there is lengthy walking within various Biblical sites. Be prepared to climb or descend two flights of stairs, as well.
Israel is a “land of springs flowing in the valleys and hills” and on your Messianic Journey you will be exploring this beautiful land from Dan to Beer Sheva. You will do a lot of walking up hill and down. The walks are not extremely strenuous, but some walking will be over uneven terrain and rocky archaeological areas. Even Jerusalem has a lot of hills and steps, so you will walk up and down many ancient stairs on the narrow lanes in the City of the Great King.
The best way to prepare is to begin walking daily, several weeks before the trip. Begin by walking every day, increasing the distance walked, so that by the time you leave for Israel, you can comfortably walk at least one mile and walk up two flights of stairs. Wear comfortable, walking shoes, the ones you will be wearing while in Israel as you prepare for the trip.
If you have limited mobility, traveling with Messianic Journeys is not the best trip for you. If you have mobility issues, need to walk with the aid of a cane or walker, our tours will be too physically demanding. Much of Israel is not handicap accessible. Most of the archaeological sites and National Parks are not equipped to meet special physical needs. On the tour, there will be a lot of walking in non-handicapped prepared areas, exploring rocky, hilly areas, as well as a lot of stairs to climb. Due to this lack of handicapped accessible facilities and the walking required on the tour, people needing canes, wheelchairs or ambulatory assistance will find travel on this tour prohibitive. If you have a question about your situation, please contact Messianic Journeys to discuss the issue.

Walking on the Tour

Perhaps. Before leaving for Israel, check with your cell phone company to verify that it will work internationally. Sometimes these international packages are costly, however you are usually only charged for the days you actually use your phone so this may be your best option for emergency contact. Otherwise, renting an Israeli cell phone is sometimes an option. There are many to choose from, and signup is available through the internet.
WhatsApp is a fast, simple, secure messaging and calling app available for calling all over the world. See the WhatsApp web page for details; the app is generally free. All you need to do is install WhatsApp on your phone and you should be able to use it for calling or texting while in Israel to anyone who also has WhatsApp on their phone. Just remember to alert your friends and family to install WhatsApp on their phone so you can contact them while you’re in Israel, if you plan to use this app.
Yes. Emergency contact information will be included prior to your departure for Israel. There will be a number where you can be reached in Israel while you are on the tour.
Yes. Get an international calling card from your long distance provider (Sprint, AT&T) before you leave the States. Check on the best price plan for calling from Israel to multiple U.S. numbers, not just one number in case you want to call more than one phone. Double-check for any hotel connection charges. Depending on the restrictions of your calling card, it may be cheaper to call the States from a pay phone rather than from your hotel room.
Yes. Israel is a high tech society and internet/e-mail access is everywhere. Most of our hotels have internet access available, some for free others for a minimal fee.

Packing

Pack all prescriptions IN YOUR CARRY-ON bag, in the original bottle. Do NOT pack your prescriptions in your checked luggage. Bring enough medication for the whole tour, plus 2 days (in case of flight delays).
If you have medications which need to be refrigerated, you will need to make the appropriate arrangements with the airlines and hotels.
An ID bracelet or a letter from your doctor regarding any special treatments you are receiving are essential in event of an emergency.
Pack light. Remember you are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on. Pack clothing that you can layer in the morning and evening if it is cool, and leave on the bus mid-day when it is warmer. Comfortable shoes are a must. On the flight to Israel, it is a good idea to include one change of clothes in your carry-on, so in the unlikely event that your bag is misplaced, you will have a fresh outfit available until your bag is located.
Wear comfortable, casual clothing. You never need dress clothes. The trip is totally casual. Men do not need ties and jackets. Women do not need to wear skirts or dresses. It is fine for women to wear modest shorts, capris, slacks or jeans. Please do not wear tank tops, spaghetti straps, or halter tops. Some holy sites, churches or synagogues, require additional modest respectful dress. This means shoulders and knees [for men and women] must be covered. On days when visiting these sites the guide will alert you to wear long pants or a skirt and have something to cover your shoulders for an extra modesty/ cover-up at those sites.
Perhaps. Israel is a country with four seasons and several climate zones. See the Weather Question below. If you are traveling in Summer, Spring or Fall include a light jacket and/or a sweatshirt/hoody/sweater–something you can layer. If you are traveling in Winter, bring warmer jackets; but even in Spring or Summer you will still need a light jacket for chilly Jerusalem evenings and Galilee nights.
Bring a modest (no bikinis) swimsuit for a refreshing swims and a dip in the Dead Sea. Flip-flops or some sort of water sandals are essential at the Dead Sea and Hezekiah’s tunnel.
Yes. Wearing a hat is a good idea for protection against the Middle-Eastern sun. In Israel (and Petra) the sun is very direct and we will be spending a good amount of time in open areas. A hat is essential, as well as sunglasses to give you a glare free view of all the sites.
Bring any non-prescription medications you usually take. There are modern pharmacies in Israel, but all of the brands are not the same as in the U.S., so some items may be hard to find and certainly more expensive. Useful non-prescription medications include over the counter necessities like antacids, Advil/Tylenol, decongestants, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal (Pepto Bismal chewable tablets). Pepto Bismal is generally more effective for traveler’s stomach than other anti-diarrheal due to its active ingredients.

Tour Bus

Our tour buses are deluxe air conditioned touring coaches with seating for 50 passengers. There are no bathrooms on the bus, but we make plenty of comfort stops each day of travel.
Because the tour bus is very large, most people do not have a problem with motion sickness. If you are prone to motion sickness, you should follow your usual precautions, such as taking Dramamine or sitting near the front.
No, seats are not assigned. However, the front two rows of seats are reserved for the guide and teacher (s). On the first day, you may sit anywhere you like on your bus. We will rotate seats from day to day to give you a different view each day, and the opportunity to meet more people on the bus. If you are on a larger trip with multiple buses, you will travel on the same bus each day.
No. There are no bathrooms on the buses, but we make frequent comfort stops to meet your needs. Israel has ample public facilities. The tour guides are sensitive to your needs and there are regular comfort stops built into the plans throughout the day.
Yes, you can leave items (book bags, sweaters, packages) on the bus when we stop at sites. You do not need to carry everything with you. The drivers are honest and the buses are securely locked when we leave the bus at each site.

Food and Water

Because of the large groups of tours served each day, it is not possible for hotels and restaurants to prepare special menus. However, a wide variety of foods are available and most travelers find it easy to meet their dietary needs. Vegetarians are always satisfied with Israeli food. If you do have specific limitations or requirements, you might want to bring along supplemental items for yourself.
We will stop for lunch as a group every day. Israel has delightful small restaurants that cater to tourists. The menu is usually a la cart and includes some American-type items, as well as Israeli’s favorite fast food: falafel. Lunches are typically $15 to $20.
Yes, in Israel the water is safe to drink. As in America, bottled water in Israel is very popular. There will be bottled water available for purchase inexpensively on the bus, as well as at most stops on the tour. You can also bring your own water bottle and refill it from fountains or at the hotel in the morning. It is important to drink lots of water every day on the tour; it is easy to become dehydrated in Israel.
In Jordan (Petra)– the water is not safe; in Jordan drink only bottled water.
Delicious! There are a wide selection of delicious foods available at each hotel meal. Israel has an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables; many types of dairy, yogurts and cheeses; rices, pastas, breads and sauces; salads and fish at every meal; as well as only kosher meats. Some of the foods are very American and some are wonderfully Israeli. Enjoy!

Money

Shekels are Israeli currency. The rate of exchange for dollars to shekles is about 4 shekels to a dollar, but this exchange rate varies from day to day. You can check the current exchange rate. U.S. currency is widely accepted, as are credit cards.
No, you do not need to exchange money before traveling. Although traveler’s checks are acceptable in Israel, we consider using an ATM machine in Israel preferable. Banks and hotels often charge significant fees for cashing traveler’s checks or exchanging cash.
There are ATM machines throughout Israel. Using your ATM card is a good way to replenish your cash. The money you receive from the ATM will be in shekels, at the best current exchange rate. Using the ATM is preferable to traveler’s checks and money changing.
Yes. Credit cards are safe to use in the hotels, National Parks, and major businesses. However, use of credit cards in other circumstances is only suggested if the tour leader says it is safe. VISA and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted in Israel. Most places do not accept Discover or American Express. Charges in Israel will appear in shekels, but on your statement at home, they will be calculated in U.S. dollars.
You also might want to bring $150.00 in small bills for lunches, little bargains or ice cream as you tour. Bring some money for souvenirs—a money belt may be practical. Virtually every store in Israel will accept U.S. dollars, but will often give you change in shekels. (Remember: all sites, tips, breakfasts, dinners, and accommodations are included in the trip price.)

Airport Security and Passport Control

When you land in Israel you will be directed to Passport Control. The agents there will ask you to present your passport and ask you questions such as:
1. What is your purpose for coming to Israel. (On a Bible tour of the Land.)
2. How long will you be in Israel? (Tell them the days of your tour.)
3. Where will you stay in Israel? (At the hotels arranged by the tour.)
4. Will you be traveling outside of Israel? (Perhaps if you went to Israel with an extension to Petra, Jordan).
After going through Passport Control you will be directed to the luggage claim area. From there you will gather with your Messianic Journeys tour group, near the baggage claim and walk together with the guide to your tour bus to begin your travels in Israel.
Airport security for flights to Israel is the most thorough in the world. Security agents will check your suitcase and hand luggage. You may be asked a set of specific questions by highly trained Israeli security personnel. Do not feel intimidated; these people are doing an excellent job. The entire procedure is designed for your personal safety. We can be thankful that Israel is so security conscious!
This is for your safety, so please cooperate willingly and seriously. You may be asked questions such as:
1. Is this your own luggage?
2. Did you personally pack it?
3. Did anyone open your baggage after you packed it?
4. Have you been separated from your luggage since you packed it?
5. Did anyone give you a package to take with you?
6. Why are you traveling to Israel? What is the purpose of your visit to Israel? (I’m a tourist.)
7. Do you know anyone in Israel?
8. How long will you be staying in Israel? (Tell the length of your tour.)
Always answer clearly and honestly.

Time and Weather

Since there are several time zones in the US, time differences vary. Eastern time is 7 hours earlier than Israel, Central time is 8 hours earlier, Mountain time is 9 hours earlier, and Western time is 10 hours earlier. For example, when it is 10 AM in New York, 9 AM in Chicago, 8 AM in Denver, and 7 AM in Los Angeles, it is 5 PM in Jerusalem. Alternately, when it is 8 AM in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, it is 1 AM in New York, Midnight in Chicago, 11 PM in Denver, and 10 PM in Los Angeles. There is a clock on our Welcome Page that is set to Jerusalem time.
Although Israel is a small country, only about the size of New Jersey, it has a wide variety of climate zones. Therefore, it has a wide variety of weather and four seasons in most geographic areas.
Summer and Fall is warm to hot and very dry (April-October). Conditions range from hot and humid along the Mediterranean coast to dry and very hot in the Negev and South. There may be a cool breeze in Jerusalem in the evenings, making the weather there feel a lot like Los Angeles. There is greater probability of rain as the days cool down in the Fall months.
Winter is generally mild (November-February) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Galilee. There may even be a rare snowfall in Jerusalem and the Northern Galilee. Winter rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the Negev and almost no rain in the Southern area of Eilat.
Spring (March-April) is lush and green, with flowers blooming even in the desert. Nights can be chilly in Jerusalem and Galilee in the Springtime. The weather is pleasant with occasional rainfall. Expect cool to warm days and cool nights.
Spring is a wonderful time to be in Israel. By March the rain is usually over, the days are sunny and warm and the flowers are in full bloom. March in Israel is a lot like May in Chicago. Depending on where you travel in Israel (remember the North is cooler and the South is warmer) the average temperature ranges between a low of 50 and a high of 75/80. It is cooler in the North of Galilee and in Jerusalem; warmer in the Jordan Valley, the Negev and by the Dead Sea. The streams, filled with water from the winter rains, are rushing and beautiful. In March, there may even be, although not likely, rainfall so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket and umbrella.
Late Spring (May) is warmer, but not yet the heat of summer. It is still cool in Jerusalem in the evenings, and even cool in the Negev after dark. There is no chance of rain, and the summer flowers are starting to bloom.
Lovely and warm–the hottest summer days are over and the winter rains have not yet begun. It feels a lot like the end of summer in Chicago. You may even need a light jacket. Temperatures are a bit warmer than in March, and there is less chance of rain. It is an ideal time to be in Israel.
This is Israeli winter, but still a wonderful time to be in the Land. Winter in Israel does not mean the snow and ice of Chicago or the freezing rain of New York. It is between the major holidays (after Christmas/Hanukkah and before Easter/Passover) so there are fewer tourists, making the sites less crowded and no waiting in the restaurants. You can expect cool days and cooler nights, with the temperatures in the 40s in Jerusalem and Galilee to the 70s in the South. It is not bitter cold anywhere in Israel, but a warm jacket and even light gloves will make you a happier traveler in winter. Remember to bring protection for possible rain and wear waterproof shoes.
HOT!! It is hot in most places, but there may be cool breezes in the evening in the higher elevations, like Jerusalem or Galilee. Dress cool, and wear sun screen. Wear cool cotton clothing and a hat. Pack a light sweater or jacket along with your swimsuit. Temperatures can be as high as 100 by the Dead Sea and the South, but much milder along the Mediterranean, in Galilee and Jerusalem. Israel is a lot of fun in the summer for folks who like the heat, but Messianic Journeys seldom takes tours at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety

Travel Insurance

Suggested Reading

Passport, Visas, & Vaccinations

Luggage

Israeli Hotels

Walking on the Tour

Packing

Tour Bus

Food and Water

Money

Airport Security and Passport Control

Time and Weather

Other Questions