Travel Tips
Cell Phone Rental:
There are many cell phone rental options available. Please research prior to trip. To get you started, check out AmiTravel’s phone program
Insurance:
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended. If you do not have travel insurance, you should consider applying for one; TRAVEL INSURANCE
Passports & Tickets:
Your passport is the most valuable document on the trip! You will need your passport for going through customs. Losing a passport will require several days of waiting in lines at governmental offices and will compromise your trip severely! A wise practice is to photocopy the important pages of your passport and keep them in a safe place separate from your passport. Keep your passport with you at all times. Your airline tickets are also very important. Keep up with these documents and be prepared to show them at any time. Click here for more information on US Passports. Please note that processing can take up to 6-8 weeks so plan early!
USA Government Guidelines concerning Jerusalem:
Jerusalem: In Jerusalem, travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and dress appropriately when visiting the Old City and ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhoods. Most roads into ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhoods are blocked off on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Jewish holidays. Assaults on secular visitors, either for being in cars or for being “immodestly dressed,” have occurred in these neighborhoods. Isolated street protests and demonstrations can occur in the commercial districts of East Jerusalem (Salah Ed-Din Street and Damascus Gate areas) during periods of unrest. U.S. Government American employees are authorized to travel to the Old City and the Mount of Olives during daylight hours only. Visitors are urged to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is especially true when entering or exiting the Old City at times when the volume of pedestrian traffic could create difficulties. Taken from US Department Of State
Attire:
Use common sense. Local custom and courtesy at all holy sites dictate that shorts are inappropriate while visiting these areas. Slacks for men and women are fine, although some women may find comfortable dresses or jumpers to be quite comfortable. There is no need for semi-formal or formal attire during your visit to Israel. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and you may find sun glasses to be helpful in the bright sunshine.
Luggage:
Pack light, travel light. One suitcase and one carry-on per person are advisable, and will be sufficient! Taking less makes the whole tour more enjoyable for everyone. Remember that Israeli airport security is the most rigorous in the world, so pay close attention to the rules of flying when it comes to what you pack. You may want to leave extra room in your luggage to bring purchases back home with you. Mailing things back is costly.
Cuisine:
The food in Israel is excellent, and American cuisine is often available. It’s interesting to experience Middle Eastern dishes. Cheese, fish, yogurt, fresh fruit, vegetables, and breads are frequently offered. They are quite tasty and something that will add memories to your trip. Breakfast and dinners are often at the hotel or kibbutz where you are staying. Buffets are common, and offer good variety. Your tour guide arranges for luncheons and buffets at local restaurants while touring the sites each day.
Electricity:
Shavers, hair dryers, laptops, digital cameras and other appliances that are purchased in America are 120 volts at 60 cycles per second. Power in Israel is 240 volts at 50 cycles. Most hotels have converters in the rooms; batteries are widely available. Plan ahead. Know what to expect.
Medical Issues:
Be sure to take any medication you’ll need on the trip. Feel free to take any vitamins or health supplements you usually take. Some have requested a general antibiotic from their doctor for self medication in the unlikely possibility that you would succumb to some illness while in Israel. You may also find it helpful to contact your health insurance company to inquire about major medical coverage overseas.
Money & Shopping:
Israeli money is called Shekels, or New Israeli Shekels (NIS). Most places readily accept American dollars, although some charge extra to do so. All major credit cards are welcome almost everywhere, but street vendors will likely require cash and most will take American dollars and give you change in Shekels. As a member of an AMI Travel tour, the only items you’ll need to purchase are additional beverages, snacks, gifts, and tourist items.
Securing Valuables:
Most hotels have a safe in every room large enough for cameras, passports, and other small items. You can leave items on the tour bus while touring the sites as the bus driver stays with the bus or makes certain it is locked. If you are unsure, ask.
Keep a Travel Journal:
A great idea is to keep a journal of your visit. This is a very special document that will help you to remember all of the details of your visit, when friends and family ask you what you did. Keeping a journal will help you to tell the story. Get creative. Preserve receipts, hotel luggage stickers, ticket stubs and the like. A helpful journalling technique is to make a simple bullet list of all that you do throughout each day including meal descriptions, conversations, sites visited, etc. Many seasoned travelers find this practice to be very rewarding.