First-Time Holiday to Israel
Passport &Travel Tips for Preparing for Your Visit to the Holy Land
Planning a first-time trip to the Holy Lands can be exciting, but you'll need to start early. If you wait too long to get ready, you may not be able to go at all.
Planning a first-time trip to the Holy Lands can be exciting, but you’ll need to start early. If you wait too long to get ready, not only will you feel rushed, but may not be able to go at all.
Apply for a passport
First, if you’ve never traveled overseas, you’ll need a passport, which identifies and allows you to travel both to and from the United States to most countries. Or, if you’re a seasoned world traveler whose passport is more than ten years old, you’ll need to apply for a new one. Allow for at least 6-8 weeks for your passport to be processed - sometimes even more. In other words, if you’re planning a trip in the spring, it’s not too late to start applying for a passport the fall of the preceding year, just to allow for delays and other problems. You can find the proper forms at your local courthouse, as well as online.
Tips for Preparing a Trip to the Holy Lands
- When is the best season to travel? That depends on what you want out of your trip. Although anytime is a good time to visit Israel, you probably shouldn't plan a winter trip as January is the rainy season. Spring is probably the best season as the weather is milder (not that cold or warm), and you'll also get to enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers and greening hills. Be forewarned that the summer months can be quite hot if you're sensitive to heat. If you're looking for fewer crowds, then fall is best, as most tours aren't planned then.
- Get your body in shape. Most Holy Land tours require miles of walking on rugged terrain. If you’re planning a summer trip, be forewarned you’ll have to get used to walking, usually in the heat, up and down rocky hills in less than comfortable paths. Consider training and working out in advance of your trip, so that you're equipped to deal with the hikes.
- Study the area. Your trip will be so much richer if you first spend time studying, not only Biblical history, but the geographical area and customs. The more you know about where you’re going, the more powerful will be your experience when you arrive. Also, know how to dress, as well as any local crime problems. Surprisingly, it’s not the threat of terrorists that will be your greatest concern. (Security is tight there and much of the violence you see on TV is in isolated areas.) Don't worry---No tours go even close to the Gaza Strip. Actually local pickpockets are the biggest nuisance. Knowing this you won’t want to carry your wallet and other valuables with you when you’re touring the country. Many tourists choose to stay at Christ Church, which is in short walking distance of all the sites. In other words, if you need your wallet you can easily run back to your place of lodging to pay for a souvenir.
- Leave useless items behind. Be forewarned that portable hairdryers and fans you use at home won’t work in Israel as the electrical wattage is different. Knowing this ahead of time, you can leave your electrical items at home, saving space in your suitcase. What's more, if you go in the summer you can leave your umbrella behind as it never rains.
If you do your homework months in advance of your departure date, you’ll not only avoid stress, but will also get much more out of your trip. With the proper preparations, your trip to the Holy Lands can be the trip of your lifetime.
