FAQ

Why Buy Trip Insurance Flyer
Trip Insurance can provide you with a 24 hour hotline for emergency assistance, cover lost -damaged or delayed baggage, assist with claim filing, cover pre-existing conditions and can take care of things like Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Missed Connections, and Accidental Death or Dismemberment. Most medical and dental insurance plans US citizens own do not provide coverage while traveling internationally. TLC Holyland Tours requires all passengers to purchase Trip Insurance and provides a link on this site to a recommended provider, though passengers may purchase from any coverage provider of their choice.
FAQ’s about Travel Protection

There are numerous providers and options for trip insurance. However, for your convenience, the TLC website links to GENERALI TRAVEL INSURANCE. COVID Information and Travel Updates are at the top of that page.

Read complete policy information here for “Freestyle” and “Freestyle LUXE”.

Israel is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. For additional information we recommend you log on to Time and Date or World Time Zone

All US visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country. Passport Cards are not acceptable. No Visa is required for US Citizens.  Non-U.S. citizens are responsible to fulfill appropriate entry requirements of the destination country. Contact your local consulate for information. Passports must be received by TLC Holyland Tours at least 65 days before departure. Current processing times at the State Department are lengthy due to the pandemic. Check now to make sure you have adequate time to receive the passport to meet TLC Holyland requirements. Israel no longer stamps passports at airports and most Land Crossings.

New or Renew: www.travel.state.gov/passport/
VitalCheck: www.vitalchek.com 
Expedited: www.americanpassport.com

No one can totally guarantee safety… not your church, your community, nor your doctor or dentist. However, we can say that you will be safer on your journey to the Land of the Bible than during a similar length trip to New York City or Washington, D.C. There are risks everywhere in life, things we assume are safe — because they are part of our everyday life — often carry the most risk.

Israel has a Mediterranean climate in the north and is arid in the south. The Rift Valley is about 15 F degrees warmer than the rest of the nation in the winter. Winds can be extremely brisk and chilly in higher locations. The Dead Sea area is one of the hottest regions in the world. Summers are long, warm and dry (April-Oct.) and winter is generally mild (Nov.-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions like Jerusalem.

Israel is a modern, developed country with levels of health and hygiene equal to those of Western countries. No vaccinations or shots are required for U.S. visitors. (If you’ve visited a country prior to coming to Israel where cholera, typhoid or yellow fever is endemic, you will need a vaccination certificate.) Carry general medications with you (anti-nausea, pain, anti diarrhea, etc.) plus your prescriptions medications with original pharmacy labeling, in your carry-on bag; then carry them in your sling pack for easy access. Ask your doctor to write a prescription for medications you may be taking with you in the event they are lost. Keep all of your medications in their original bottles or packaging (ask for smaller labeled bottles ahead of time). Most seasoned travellers do not realize their health insurance does not cover them outside of the US, thus Trip Insurance is highly recommended.

The internet can be accessed in most hotel Business Centers or by laptop from your hotel room by obtaining an internet password from the front desk of your hotel. A use fee may be charged.

The water is safe to drink and bottled water is available for purchase on your bus. The fresh fruits and vegetables are world-class. Rinse before eating.

A taxi is easy to procure. If your tour includes a free day, we recommend several of you share the ride. Be sure to ask the fare BEFORE you enter the cab. Taxi drivers are generally not tipped. Passengers are advised to ask cab drivers to turn on the meter, thus avoiding unnecessary haggling.

AT&T, MCI and Sprint all have toll-free access numbers in Israel. The hotel operator can assist you. When using calling cards from public phones, follow the instruction card (you will dial 012, 013 or 014 for overseas) then 1 for the U.S., the area code and phone number. Calling Israel from the US: Instructions are located in the first few pages of all US phone directories. International Cell Phone: www.mobal.com/international-cell-phone

Israel’s voltage is 220 volts, like Europe. You need to bring an adapter /converter to convert 220 volts to 120 volts. (We recommend Brookstone.)

Plan to dress casually, packing clothes that can be layered if the weather changes. Comfortable walking shoes are a necessity. During September-November and April-June, temperatures are comfortable, there is little rainfall, making for ideal beach going weather and pleasant hiking in the desert regions. Visitors to Israel in the summer should bring light clothing and bathing suits. Winter visitors should have warm clothes and umbrellas. Israel’s winter is fairly comfortable and hiking outdoors is a pleasant option. It’s also a good idea to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights in the mountains and the desert can be cool. If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it’s a good idea to bring a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter. A packing check-list will be sent to you closer to departure.

Stamps and calling cards can be purchased at most hotels, kiosks and Post Offices (which will also help you with money transfers).

Visit Flight Arrivals for real time flight arrivals, departures, and more.

Today’s technology gives you the opportunity to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable call, photo or message from your loved ones. In addition, mobile phones
provide convenient access for emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively, stay on time and in
touch.

To help you think through what you’ll need to bring on your upcoming Christian tour, we’ve provided the following information for using your electronic appliances like blow dryers, phones, laptops, etc. while traveling abroad. You have three options of devices designed to help you operate personal electronics overseas:

If you’re already thinking about what to bring on your upcoming Christian tour to Israel, we’ve provided the checklist and information below to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience. Spring and fall in Israel is beautiful and typically in the 80s, while summers are hot and sometimes a bit humid. Early spring and in winter, plan to bring clothing you can layer on and off throughout the day. The bus is never unattended during the touring day and you may safely leave anything in your seat between stops. Packing Checklist and Tips