ETS

Specializing in Christian and Cultural Group Travel

Pre-Tour Information

Group travel versus individual travel.

What is Individual travel?

This is when a person or couple book their own airfare, hotels, car rental and travel independetly. They pay higher airfare, hotel rates and car rental and gas is very expensive in most countries outside the USA.

What are the advantages of individual travel?

Independence is the most important feature. You are not locked into a particular program. This works if the individuals have traveled considerably and dealt with car rentals, driving overseas, language problems and are able to roll with changes.

What are the disadvantages of individual travel?

Time spent in planning. You must make all of your own travel arrangements. The cost is often prohibitive for many couples. The language problem can often be a serious problem in driving and making hotel and restaurant arrangements.

What is group travel?

This is when a person or couple goes to a travel agent and books on a tour that is arranged by a tour operator. The tour operator because of their volume gets lower airfare, much cheaper hotel rates, and because they are sharing the expense of a motorcoach and guide, the price of their travel is usually as much as half the price of independent travel.

What are the advantages of traveling with a group?

First and foremost is price. Next is convenience. All of the arrangements are made for them. They do not have to worry about driving in a strange country. They do not have to worry about getting to a hotel and finding it overbooked. It is the most relaxed and enjoyable way to travel.

What are the disadvantages of traveling with a group?

You are locked into the itinerary that the group is doing. It is more difficult to deviate from the group plans. You must travel on the dates, flights and stay in the hotels that the tour operator has arranged.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

#1 Do I need a passport?

A valid passport is required to leave the country. It should be valid for a minimum of six months after your departure date. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately; it normally takes four to six weeks to be issued.

#2 How do I get a passport?

Obtain an application at your nearest passport office, courthouse, or post office. You will need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs measuring 2" x 2", taken within six months of application.

#3 Will I need a visa?

US Citizens do not need a visa for Israel. If you are taking a Jordan or Egypt Extension, ETS will assist you in obtaining your visa.

Non-US Citizens (including green card holders) must apply for their own visas by contacting the nearest Consulate office of the countries to be visited. It is the responsibility of non-US citizens (including green card holders) to ensure they have the proper paper work to enter the countries visited and to re-enter the USA.

#4 Will I need any vaccinations?

None are required, but you may wish to contact your personal physician for his/her advice.

#5 What if I do not have a roommate?

While ETS will try to match you with a roommate, we cannot guarantee one will be available. Therefore, you should try to find a roommate and notify us of your selection no later than seven months prior to departure. If no roommate can be found, you will receive an invoice for the single room supplement charge as listed on the brochure.

#6 When is final payment due?

Your final payment is due six 70 days prior to departure (see exact date on your billing statement). A $30 late fee will be charged on each account not fully paid by this deadline. Passengers who have not paid in full by 70 days prior to departure will be canceled and the appropriate cancellation penalties will be applied. NOTE: Travel Protection Plan premium is due at the final payment date.

#7 What if I need to cancel?

Call your travel agent immediately, then submit your cancellation in writing. Refer to the "Fine Print" on the back of the brochure for cancellation fees. Beginning at 60 days prior to departure, you will be charged the single room supplement if your cancellation forces your roommate into a single room.

#8 Will my tour schedule ever change?

While it rarely happens, we reserve the right to lengthen or shorten the basic and/or extension itineraries because airlines often change their schedules after brochures have been printed.

Getting There

#9 What airlines will be used?

We have negotiated with several airlines, including El Al, Alitalia, Olympic, TWA,  Swiss Air, Sabena and others.

#10 May I choose the airline I travel on?

Due to the volume of passengers traveling on various itineraries from many departure cities, you cannot select the airline for your travel to/from your destination.

#11 When may I receive my flight information?

Flight information will be available no sooner than 30 days prior to departure. We kindly request that you do not contact our office for this information as it will not be available before that time.

#12 Can I purchase my own domestic tickets to the departure city?

Yes; however, we strongly recommend that passengers DO NOT purchase discounted domestic air tickets because of unforeseen schedule changes that may result in high cancellation fees. All flight times are subject to change without advance notice. Airlines have been known to change a flight time by five (5) or more hours, either earlier or later.

#13 Can I purchase my own international tickets?

Yes. But remember, airport/hotel/airport transfers are not provided to "ground only" passengers (passengers who have purchased their own international flights). If you are a "ground only" passenger, you will meet the group at the first hotel and leave the group at the last hotel. You will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements to/from the international airports.

#14 Who is responsible for any airline schedule changes and/or expenses?

All flight times are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice. ETS is not responsible for changes and/or delays in airline schedules, nor the expenses associated with such changes. We recommend the purchase of the travel protection plan which will cover most, if not all, of expenses such as telephone calls, meals, alternative transportation purchased by a passenger, tickets which were not purchased through ETS, airline cancellation fees and/or additional charges for airline delays, missed sightseeing, unused meals, hotel rooms or other services, etc.

#15 What if I miss my flight, or it is canceled, on the day of departure?

Contact your travel agent or the ETS office immediately so we can inform our overseas office. The airline's responsibility is to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. For most programs you should demand the airline get you to Munich or Innsbruck on the next available flight. NOTE: If you call the ETS office after 5pm Eastern time, listen carefully for the emergency instructions given in the recording.

#16 May I request special seating and/or meals on the flights?

Yes. Requests should be submitted in writing no later than 90 days prior to your departure. However, we cannot guarantee your request can or will be granted by the airline.

#17 Will my group travel together on the same airline?

Every effort will be made to keep groups together; however, depending on your itinerary, the size of the group and the availability of flights, some groups may be on several different domestic and/or international flights.

#18 Will a company representative be available at the airports?

Our personnel will meet groups at the arrival airports and will help with return departures to the US. In most cases, there will not be representatives at US airports.

#19 How much luggage am I allowed to bring?

Due to limited motorcoach capacity, only ONE suitcase (limited to 44 lbs) plus one carry-on bag per person is allowed. Garment bags are not allowed. NOTE: Baggage protection is recommended to cover the possible loss or damage to baggage or personal belongings.

Upon Arrival

#20 What if my luggage is lost or damaged?

File a claim at the airport before you leave the baggage claim area. It will be the airline's responsibility to get lost luggage to you or compensate you for damaged luggage. We will do our best to follow-up with the airline but, the responsibility ultimately rests with the airline. We strongly suggest that you pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

#21 Who will meet us at the destination airport?

You will be met and transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. If she/he is not your guide, they will welcome you the next morning.

#22 How long will it take to travel from the airport to the hotel?

Depending on your itinerary, the transfer can be as short as a few minutes or as long as 2 or more hours. It may seem unwise to have such a bus ride following an international overnight flight, but remember: your hotel room will not be ready until late afternoon. So even if you stay in the same city for the first night, you will tour the area for about five or six hours before arriving at the hotel.

While on Tour

#24 Will the services of hospitality staff be available?

Our local hospitality staff will be available at the hotel in Jerusalem. At other locations, your guide will serve as the tour manager/hospitality staff.

#25 What are the rooms in Middle East Hotels like?

Rooms will vary in size and decoration depending on the hotel. Each room will have a private bath. We suggest that you bring washcloths along with you.

#26 What are beds like in the Middle East

All rooms have 2 twin beds.

#27 Are hair dryers available in the hotels?

Some but not all hotels have hair dryers.

Remember the voltage is 200 cycles in Israel. You will need a converter and adapter plugs for all electrical appliances.

#28 What meals are included in my journey?

Breakfast will usually be a full buffet meal with eggs and various types of meat, breads, etc. Lunch will be on your own. (NOTE: It is not appropriate to make your lunch from breakfast foods provided at the hotels.). Dinner will be a three-course meal served at the hotel. Beverages are not included with lunch or dinner. Bottled water, coffee, tea and soft drinks are available at a supplemental charge.

#29 Will the guide arrange lunches?

Guides will offer an optional lunch package at a reasonable price (remember, food in the Middle East  is much more expensive than in the USA). The price for this package will be in your "Final Travel Information."

#30 How long is the typical sightseeing day?

On most days, you will depart the hotel after breakfast (between 8:00-9:00AM) and return in the late afternoon (around 4:00-5:00PM).

#31 What are the buses like?

The deluxe motor coaches will accommodate up to 55 passengers. #35 Are there rest rooms on the buses?

#32 Will the bus be making frequent rest stops?

Sufficient stops will be made for the comfort of our passengers.  The busses are not allowed to have restrooms on board.

General Information

#33 How much money should I bring?

Most everything has been included in your tour cost with the exception of lunches, shopping, and optional tours (where applicable). Bring some cash as well as travelers checks.

#34 Will US currency be accepted for extra expenses?

Yes, in most cases.

#35 Will ATMs be available?

Most cities have ATMs which accept Visa, Master Card and Euro Card. Some also accept American Express. A fee of about $5 will be charged for each withdrawal (which will be in foreign currency). Contact your credit card company for more information.

#36 What about credit cards?

Credit cards are widely accepted in most of the major cities you will be visiting. Remember that your card will be charged at the exchange rate that is in effect on the day of the transaction. Credit cards cannot be accepted for the purchase of optional tours.

#37 Should I exchange some money before departure?

It should not be necessary as most places will take U.S. Dollars.

#38 Will the company provide money exchange services?

No.

#39 Will I be able to shop while on tour?

Sufficient time will be allotted for shopping. While some will feel that too much time is spent for shopping, others will think it is not enough. Remember that ours is not a shopping tour. Also, any purchases made are at your own risk. We are not responsible for your dissatisfaction with any items purchased. Guides are not authorized by ETS to recommend any store. When purchasing videos, be certain to buy the NTSC or American version. Videos on which the letters PAL appear will not play on your American VCR.

#40 What about the "VAT" or Value Added Tax?

A "Value Added Tax" 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:

(1) Your purchases in one store exceed a certain amount

(2) You receive from the store a Tax Refund form

(3) You present this form and your unopened merchandise to customs officials at the airport or border of the country where it was purchased. Customs officers will validate your form with an official stamp. At airport, proceed to tax-free counter to receive cash refund.  Note: Specific procedures may vary by country, so look for forms & instructions at stores or the airport.

#41 What are the US Customs regulations?

A returning US resident is allowed $400 in purchases duty free. Gifts may be mailed to the US duty free, but are limited to $50 per person/per day.

#42 What about tips for the guides and drivers?

The guides and drivers are paid a standard salary based on their union wages. A voluntary love offering will be collected by the Tour leader of the bus at the end of the basic first-week tour and the extension tour. You are under no obligation to contribute. We offer a suggested guideline of $3.00 per day for the guide and $2.00 per day for the driver. You may wish to plan for this gift in advance. US currency is acceptable.

#43 What about other tips?

Pre-paid gratuities have been collected for the following persons: hotel dining room staff, hotel bellmen, housekeeping staff.

#44 May I smoke while on the tour?

Smoking is not allowed on the aircraft, on the bus, or in the dining room.

#45 Can I request a special diet?

Those on special diets need to be prepared to purchase required food at a local market as many hotels cannot handle special diets.

#46 Should I bring my prescription medicines?

Bring your medicine in the original bottle. Also bring a copy of the generic names for each in case they need to be filled. If you have medicines which need to be refrigerated, we can make arrangements with the airlines and hotels when you inform your travel agent at least 90 days prior to your departure.

#47 In case of an emergency, will a physician be available?

Yes, the hotel desk will contact a physician for you. Also contact the ETS staff. Although we are not responsible for any medical advice or attention the physician may provide, we would like to know if you are ill. Please Note: If you require hospitalization, the group will continue the tour without you. When you are released, you will need to make arrangements to meet up with the tour in progress or to return home. We can offer limited assistance in this area.

#48 I have limited mobility. What special facilities are available?

Due to the lack of handicapped accessible facilities in Middle Eastern countries, persons needing wheelchairs or ambulatory assistance will find travel in these countries very difficult. We ask you to inform your travel agent of your needs 90 days prior to departure so we can check the availability of such facilities on your itinerary.

#49 What about travel protection coverage?

If you have purchased ETS's travel protection plan, medical & trip cancellation coverage, etc. is provided. It is important to remember, however, that all services must be paid for in advance. A claim will then need to be filed upon your return to the US. Please review the policy that has been included in your pre-tour literature.

#50 What if I lose something of value on tour?

Leave valuables, including items of sentimental value, at home! Put your name, address, departure date and bus color on all items. Any recovered items will be returned as quickly as possible. Shipping costs will be your responsibility. We suggest you make a list of all the items you take along with their perceived value. Double-check before you leave the hotel, bus, airplane, etc. We cannot assume responsibility for lost items.

#51 Have any lectures or religious services been planned?

Due to the logistics of this program, sit-down lectures and scheduled church services cannot be arranged. Daily devotions will be coordinated between the guide and Tour leader of the bus. Special arrangements may be made for Sunday morning on the bus.