Time Tested Travel Tips

Passport
Remember to keep your Passport on your person at all times. Put passport photocopies in each piece of your luggage. Leave an additional copy at home with a family member or friend. It is a good idea to do the same with your medical insurance information. Weigh your luggage before you leave home. Airlines do charge for overweight bags.

Final Preparations
Make use of our Helpful Hints Checklist. For packing assistance, check Israel weather forecasts at www.ims.gov.il.

Check-In
Arrive within the requested time frame. You check-in as a group. You are responsible for handling your Frequent Flier mile credits at the ticket counter when checking-in or at the website for the airline used. It is not the responsibility of TLC Holyland Tours.

Carry-on Bag/Flight
Include at least one change of clothing in your carry-on, as well as any necessities you simply cannot live without (i.e. medicine, makeup, Bible). Luggage has been known to be separated from its owner from time to time. Dress warmly for the long flight (11-12 hours). Consider bringing a pair of warm socks to put on during the flight. It is hard to fall asleep with cold feet. Consider bringing ear plugs and a sleeping aid for the long flight. If you bring prescription medications, leave them in the original container with the label intact and bring a few days extra supply. If you are stopped at customs, you will have difficulty explaining what a small green pill is if you don't have the proper pharmacy labeling. It is a good idea to pack over-the-counter medication and keep it with you if you tend to suffer from indigestion, headaches, motion sickness, insomnia, etc. You may not always be near a pharmacy. ALWAYS carry some form of anti-diarrhea medication. Include it in your carry-on, not checked luggage.

Study Aids
Bring your study Bible, a journal and a couple of ink pens. Include these in your carry-on bag. Remember that you will want to take lots of pictures. Bring extra memory cards or film - more than you think you will need.

Touring
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pair of flat, solid walking shoes as we will be doing a lot of walking. Tennis shoes are great for climbing in and out of the bus, up rocky paths, and up and down stairs. If traveling late autumn, winter, or early spring, carry a light jacket or sweater with you, as well as a small fold-up umbrella. Attire while visiting "Holy Sites" is casual but conservative. Remember to dress in layers, layers, layers which is most important thing to remember while traveling in Israel. You WILL experience changes in temperature and in weather. Carry small packages of Kleenex and a small bottle of hand sanitizer or wipes with you. A small backpack or fanny pack is a great way to carry your Bible, journal, water bottle, passport, snack, and wallet with you as you traverse the various sites, and it helps to keep your hands free. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It will be warm in the desert.

Pack light
Plan to wear your clothes more than one time. Bring only what you plan to wear or leave behind. You will be going through a thorough inspection as you exit Israel and the less you carry, the easier it will be. If you can, pack items like undergarments, socks, etc. in see-through zip lock baggies. It will be to your advantage to do so if you are randomly selected for screening at the baggage counters. (Also consider, you will want to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.)

Be hygienic
If you purchase stamps while there and plan to mail something, do not lick the stamp. Moisten it with a tissue or a damp finger. The glue-making process in some countries may not be as hygienic as in the U.S.

Stay in Touch
Don't forget the change in time zones when preparing to call home.