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PASSPORT:
An application may be obtained and submitted in person at your nearest Passport Office or U.S. District court. When applying, take with you two (2)
duplicate, non -glossy photographs 2" X 2" in size, not older than six (6) months from the date you apply. You will also need your certified birth certificate
(containing raised seal and file number) or other document proving citizenship and birth. Women who have been married will also need a certified marriage certificate. If in doubt, call the Passport Clerk before applying. All adult U.S.
passports are valid for 10 years. Passports normally take 6-8 weeks to be issued and you should apply as soon as possible. A valid U.S. passport is necessary for your international travel. Make certain that it is signed and is valid for at least 6
months after your return. For security reasons, you should keep the passport in your pocket or purse at all times. Never pack it in your suitcase! It's a good
idea to carry an extra photocopy of your passport with photo I.D. in your suitcase just in case it's lost or stolen.
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN I HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING MY PASSPORT?
You can contact the office of your Congressional Representative and ask him/her for assistance.
AIRLINE TICKETS:
Both domestic and international airline tickets will be distributed through your
local travel agent. Guard these tickets very carefully, as all penalties associated with lost tickets will be absorbed by the passenger.
FINAL DOCUMENTS:
Carefully read the enclosed final documents, and carry them with you on your
tour. These documents will give you instructions and answer many questions.
LUGGAGE TAGS:
Remove all old tags and attach the new ETS tags to your luggage before departure from home. Place your identification tag on the carry-on-luggage.
IDENTIFICATION TAGS:
The name tag we have provided should be affixed to your clothing and worn at
all times. Be certain to have the tag on before departing the U.S.A., and particularly when arriving in Tel Aviv. This will assist our Jerusalem staff in
identifying the group. It also will assist you in getting acquainted with your traveling companions, and will facilitate the group's passage through various customs points.
PERSONAL CHECK BOOK & CREDIT CARDS:
Carry along your personal check book and major credit cards in case of emergency.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS:
Pack these in your carry-on bag and carry with you at all times. Take an extra week's supply and carry a list of the generic drug names, along with your
doctor's phone numbers. If your doctor is willing, have him give you a spare prescription in case of emergency.
COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES:
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM! You'll enjoy the trip much more if your feet are well supported. It is good to have two pair, in case one pair gets wet or damaged.
AN EXPERIENCED TRAVELER'S TIPS FOR PACKING:
You don't need to buy a new wardrobe for your trip. Clothes that you wear at
home will be fine. Pack items which you find are comfortable; clothes which don't wrinkle and can be worn in layers; colors which allow you to mix and
match; combinations which can go from a market place to a Cathedral without a pause.
Europeans and Middle Easterners do not usually wear shorts except when
playing sports or on the beach. Shorts are not allowed in many churches. Unless you plan to "hit the beach" or participate in sports, leave your shorts at home. In
many churches, sleeveless outfits are not allowed. Be sure to carry a coat, shirt or large scarf with which to cover-up!
ALL YOU NEED TO PACK
1 pair of super walking shoes (To live in!)
1 pair low heeled shoes
1 warm cardigan sweater
2 pair slacks
1 skirt (woman)
1 sports coat (man)
1 pair jeans or casual pants
3 cotton shirts
1 sweater vest
1 rain coat (doubles as a robe)
Rain hat and / or small umbrella
Swim suit
1 large head scarf (woman
1 warm neck wrap (man)
Socks /Stockings
Underwear
Toilet Items
All purpose travel bag (doubles as camera bag and purse)
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
Converter
Adapter
Travel Alarm
ALSO PACK
Towelettes (packets)
Tissues (travel packs)
Extension Cord
Plastic hangers and clothes pins
Emergency sewing kit and safety pins
Insect Repellent (for evenings in the park)
Small tape recorder and batteries
Washcloths and zip-lock baggies
AIRLINE INFORMATION
YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY:
Carefully study the flight itinerary enclosed in your final documents which provides dates and flight times. All flight times are tentative and subject to changes without advance notice. ETS
cannot be held responsible for delays in flight schedules and expenses associated with these delays. IMPORTANT: You must allow at least three ( 3 ) hours between international flight connections.
YOUR DOMESTIC AIRLINE TICKETS:
Your travel agent is responsible for confirming and coordinating the domestic flight times from your home city to the international gateway city (if applicable).
Tickets will either be issued by the travel agent or by the ETS group air and ticketing department.
YOUR INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TICKET:
Your International airline tickets will be forwarded directly to your travel agent,
who will in turn be responsible for distribution to you. International boarding passes will only be issued when you check in with your luggage and present your airline and passport.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Transfers between airline terminals, can be quite confusing. To expedite your
travel time and minimize the anxiety involved, ETS will provide with your final documents a map of the international airport.
SMOKING AND NON-SMOKING SEATS:
International flights are now all non-smoking.
LUGGAGE CHECK-IN:
If you are flying the same airline from your home city to Israel, you may check
your luggage all the way through. However, if you are flying to an airport where you will meet the international flight, (i.e. New York, Miami, Chicago, etc.), it
will be necessary for you to claim your luggage from the domestic airline and check it in again at the ticket counter of the international flight.
INTERNATIONAL SECURITY PROCEDURES:
Each passenger must individually go through security check, accompanied by their own luggage. This can be a very lengthy process. Your bags will be
searched and many questions will be asked by the security personnel, but don't be disturbed by this process as these precautions are taken for YOUR safety.
IN-FLIGHT SERVICE:
Your international flight from New York to Tel Aviv will take and estimated 11
hours. You will be served dinner on the plane, but you should try to get some sleep immediately thereafter. Because of the change of time zones and the speed
at which you are flying, you will have only a few hours with the lights out. Shortly after daylight, a light breakfast will be served.
PASSPORT PROCEDURES:
During the flight, you will receive a landing card. Fill in the necessary information
and place this card with your passport, as you will need both to clear Passport Control. IMPORTANT: Please retain the duplicate copy of this card, as you will surrender it upon departing the country.
PROCEDURES IN ISRAEL
LUGGAGE CLAIM:
Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will proceed to luggage claim and then to Passport Control. Our representatives will be on hand to assist
you. Please take a cart and retrieve your luggage from the carousel. DO NOT LEAVE the luggage area until instructed by our staff. NOTE: If your luggage has
been lost or damaged, you must complete an official report before leaving the luggage area. Our representative will assist you in completing the necessary forms.
PROCEED TO THE BUS:
When instructed , please pass through the customs area and through the doors.
Your bus will be waiting in the group area. Once you are in the bus area, look for the bus color sign in the WINDOW of the bus. Your bus color assignment
matches the colored luggage tag sent to you by ETS. Once you have found the correct bus, the driver will place your large bag in the luggage compartment and
you may board with your carry-on bag. You will be introduced to your tour guide at this time. Before departure from the airport, our ETS staff will collect
your international airline tickets in order to have the return flight reconfirmed and to obtain boarding passes.
SAFETY:
Israel is a very security minded nation. It may become necessary to change a portion of the itinerary for security reasons, in which case ETS will substitute
other sites of interest. Merchants and peddlers may sometimes appear in the lobby of your hotel after dinner. They may offer to drive you to their shops. As in any major city, we advise that you refuse their offers and travel with discretion at night.
FOLKLORE SHOW:
The Israeli Folklore Evening, a show of song and dance, will be performed
during your stay. Tickets for this entertainment can be purchased in Jerusalem from your tour guide.
RETURNING TO THE U.S.A.:
Hotel check-out on the day of departure is normally before 12:00 noon, with a late evening flight from Tel Aviv to the U.S.A. Before flight departure you will
have an opportunity to freshen up, usually at one of the hotels in Tel Aviv. Luggage claims and customs procedures in the U.S.A. are quite lengthy, so
allow at least three (3) hours before your connecting flight departs for your home city.
HOTELS AND MEALS
ROOMMATES:
Please notify us immediately if you have a preference for a roommate. Your choice must be made no later than 60 days prior to departure. We will try
to provide a roommate, but if we are unable to do so, you will be required to pay the single supplement as listed in the brochure. Our price is based on two in
a room. There is no discount for triple accommodations, although it is possible to have triple accommodations!
HOTEL RATINGS:
Hotel names and addresses are included in your final documents. All hotels in Israel are rated as Superior First Class or Deluxe. During the tour you will stay
with your tour organizer in the same hotel. All rooms have air conditioning, radio, direct dial telephone, and a private bathroom with tub/shower. Towels
and soap are provided, but in many cases washcloths are not. It would be wise to bring a few with you.
HOTEL CHECK-IN:
If your Holy Land tour arrives in Israel on a Saturday, your hotel room may not be available until after dinner due to the Jewish Sabbath.
MEALS PROVIDED:
An Israeli buffet breakfast and four-course set menu are included daily in your
Holy Land tour. Lunches are not included, but may be purchased anywhere from $6.00 to $15.00 depending on your individual taste. (TRAVEL TIP: It is NOT appropriate
to make your lunch from the hotel's breakfast food.)
BEVERAGES AND EXTRAS:
Beverages are not generally included with the meal, except for coffee, tea, or tap water. If you order beverages such as bottled water or carbonated drinks,
you will be charged for them. PLEASE SETTLE FOR THESE EXTRAS BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE DINING ROOM.
FOOD AND WATER:
You should exercise caution with your diet when traveling to the Middle East. A
good rule of thumb...if you can peel it, or if it's cooked, you may eat it! In Israel the water is relatively safe to drink in most areas. However, you may prefer to purchase bottled water or carbonated sodas.
FORWARDING ADDRESS:
Mail can be sent to you directly to your hotel. Letters to tour members should not be mailed from the U.S.A. later than 6-9 days prior to departure.
SPECIAL DIETS:
We will do our best to meet your requirements. However, there will be
limitations in our ability to do so depending upon the country and hotel in which we are staying. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE ANY SPECIALIZED FOOD-STUFFS WHICH YOU MIGHT NEED AT THE LOCAL MARKET.
INSURANCE AND ILLNESS
INSURANCE COVERAGE:
If you have purchased a comprehensive insurance plan to protect you from sustaining cancellation penalties before your trip, or unexpected medical
expenses after your trip begins, please remember that all emergency medical and transportation costs must first be paid by the passenger. Covered expenses will
be reimbursed when a passenger returns to the U.S.A. and files a claim with the insurance company.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE ABROAD:
If you need immediate medical attention while abroad, contact the reception area of the hotel. a doctor or emergency services will be summoned for you.
You will find that most doctors speak English, although you may need to speak slowly and clearly. You should also contact your ETS representative, who will
also be available to assist you. Once again, remember that expenses incurred (medical, transportation, telephone, etc. must be paid by you. If you find it
necessary to leave the tour and return to the U.S.A., the supplemental airfare must also be paid by you.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND PREPARATION:
This program requires that you be in good physical and mental health, able and
willing to actively participate. During your journey there will be much walking, numerous stairs to climb, and many sites to explore. We suggest you make
preparation with a good walking program. Those who are less active will still find the journey a delightful experience, and there are often places to rest during
the day. Check with your doctor for medical advice pertinent to the trip and your health.
MONEY MATTERS
HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD YOU BRING:
Because almost everything is included in your travel program, you will need money only for lunches and incidental expenses. You should be able to satisfy
you needs with $300 to $400. DO NOT carry large sums of cash. Please bring $30 in ones and several $5, $10, and $20 bills.
PERSONAL CHECKS:
Always bring your checkbook! It can come in handy in an emergency situation.
Personal checks are accepted in some stores and shops. However, personal checks cannot be written to banks, hotels, or the ETS representative for cash.
MAJOR CREDIT CARDS:
Credit cards are accepted in many stores and shops throughout the Middle
East. The "exchange rate", which fluctuates daily to your advantage or disadvantage, will be reflected on your credit card receipt after you make a purchase.
SERVICE CHARGES AND TIPS:
Before you leave the U.S. ETS has already collected money for standard service charges and tips. ET will distribute the tips to the porters, waiters, maids,
reception staff, etc. If you ask for a special favor of a maid or porter, for you should tip these persons as you would at home.
LOVE OFFERING:
A voluntary Love Offering for your Guide and Driver will be taken on each bus
as and expression of your appreciation for their services. We suggest at least $3.00 per person/per day for the guide and $2.00 per person per day for driver.
VALUE ADDED TAX REFUNDS:
A "Value Added" tax (VAT) is much like our sales tax. In most countries
abroad, VAT is charged on all items purchased. As a tourist, you can recover this tax if:
Your purchases in one store exceed a specific amount. You receive from the store a Tax Refund form.
You present this form and your unopened merchandise to customs officials at the border of the country. Customs officers will validate your form with an official stamp.
You mail the validated form to the store where you made your purchase. They will mail you a check for the tax refund.
For more information, please check with your guide during the first week of travel.
U.S. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:
A returning U.S. resident is allowed $800.00 in purchases duty free under the following regulations:
You must be abroad at least 48 hours Articles totaling $800.00 must be based on fair retail value of the country
from which they came. There is no limit on cigarettes (within the $800.00 exemption). Articles totaling $800.00 will be covered by customs exemptions provided they:
A. Accompany the returning resident
B. Are required as and incident of the trip
C. Are for personal, household, and gift purposes
D. Are properly recorded with customs One quart of alcohol is permitted for persons over 21 years of age.
However, liquor importation laws must not be in violation of laws of the state of arrival. These laws vary from state to state.
A WORD ABOUT SHOPPING IN ISRAEL
FREE TO SHOP:
ETS would prefer not to be involved in any phase of your shopping. However, since we are held responsible for your entire journey to the Holy Land, we feel
obliged to provide this necessary information. You are free to shop anywhere, and ETS personnel, guides, and drivers are not allowed to recommend any
particular place or store. Your guide is not allowed to sell his/her own merchandise nor to let peddlers on the bus. Neither ETS nor the guide will
assume responsibility for your purchases and will not assist you in settling claims.
SHOPPING ON YOUR OWN:
Be aware of the following experiences:
When you purchase an item to be delivered to your hotel, the delivered merchandise could be inferior to what you paid for.
When you purchase gold jewelry that is supposedly 18 to 24 Karat gold and find it is appraised at a lower quality when you return home. When you purchase a rug or carpet. U.S. customs officials could
confiscate it because if was "manufactured in a country from which imports are prohibited". When you use your credit card for purchases, you may find the bank
statement has been falsified with additional charges. When you pay by personal check and the merchant asks you to make it our to "Cash", you end up having no proof of purchase for claims or refunds.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
WEATHER:
Temperatures in Israel vary according to regions. Average temperatures in Jerusalem are as follows:
Dec. - Feb. |
43-57 Degrees Fahrenheit
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Mar. - May |
47 - 77 Degrees Fahrenheit
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June - August |
63 - 86 Degrees Fahrenheit
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Sept. - Nov. |
54 - 82 Degrees Fahrenheit
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During the winter months, you should carry a sweater and a lined raincoat to be
prepared for cooler temperatures in the early morning and evening. We suggest that you dress in layers. The winter months are also considered to be Israel's
rainy season; bring a collapsible umbrella. Expect a mild climate during the remainder of the year, where cooler clothing is recommended.
TELEPHONE CALLS:
In making long distance calls to the United States, remember it is cheaper to place the call collect. The hotel will charge a service fee. Contact your telephone service to determine the most economical means to call.
LOST ARTICLES:
ETS does not assume any responsibility for items lost in hotels, motorcoaches, or at points of sightseeing.
SMOKING REGULATIONS:
Smoking is NOT allowed on the motorcoaches or in the hotel.
BE A CONSIDERATE TRAVELER:
Remember you are traveling as a group and should consider the comfort and
well being of the entire group at all times. If you are late getting on the motorcoach everyone loses valuable time.
You should settle any personal charges you may have (such as laundry,
telephone, etc.) directly with the hotel the night before you check out. This way you will not hold up the group at the last moment while you settle your personal bills.
If you have to be absent from a day of touring for any reason, please notify your tour host, bus captain or guide as soon as possible.
You will be given ample time to photograph scenery and points of interest, so
please do not delay the group by continuing to take photos after we call "all aboard".
Please be prepared to rotate your seat on the motorcoach daily.
TAKE YOUR CAMERA:
You will have time to take pictures. Be sure to carry a good supply of film. You
can buy film as you go, but it will be more expensive and not always convenient to obtain.
A lead-lined film bag is not necessary. Only the most sensitive film (400 ASA)
or above is affected by airport x-ray machines. |
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