Traveler Information
for the Holy Land
Our pilgrimages to the Holy Land are opportunities for travelers to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to visit the modern states of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. In addition to visiting Jerusalem, we spend time in the Galilee, Bethlehem, and Petra. We hope this guide helps you get an overview of the Holy Land and prepare for your physical and spiritual journey.
Weather
The Holy Land is, generally, a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Most of the rain occurs in winter and spring. The climate in Jerusalem is milder, due to its elevation, than the Galilee and the Jordan River Valley. Cities in Jordan are hotter than Israel due to the distance from the sea. In Jerusalem, the average high in winter and spring is in the mid 50s to low 60s. The temps warm to the 70s in April and exceed 80 degrees in the summer. We rarely amend our itineraries for rain unless there is a torrential downpour or thunderstorm.
Packing
One pilgrimage practice is simplicity, so we recommend packing light. You should also be able to manage your own luggage between the airport, bus, and hotels. You can wear clothes multiple times, do a little laundry in the sink, or send a few items out for laundry through the hotel. We recommend packing clothing that can be layered for warm days and cool nights. Unless specifically mentioned, you won't need to dress up for dinners or other occasions. Some other things for your packing list include:
o Hat for sun protection
o Sunscreen
o Scarf to cover your head in some holy sites
o Clothing that covers your knees and shoulders
o C-type power adapters for Israel and Palestine, G-type for Jordan
o Cooling towel in summer
o Quick-drying washcloth (washcloths are often not provided at hotels)
Free Time
In the Holy Land, our days are quite full, with free time generally being available after dinner each night. In Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem we encourage you to explore the cities after dinner, including checking out markets and vendors near the hotel. You’ll find an assortment of souvenir shops of varying quality and some excellent shops selling middle eastern sweets, including baklava and knafeh. We recommend trying multiple versions! In Petra, there is limited shopping in town, but feel free to explore at your leisure.
Money and Tipping
Staying Connected
Credit cards are accepted by most vendors for large purchases, but better deals can be had by paying cash. For smaller purchases, cash is king. The currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel, abbreviated NIS or simply shekel. Shekels are also accepted in Palestine. The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar, abbreviated JD. Dinar are also accepted in Palestine. In all three countries, the US dollar is widely accepted, and sometimes preferred, though generally not in denominations less than $20.
Tipping is reasonably common in restaurants and bars, generally 12-15%, based on the quality of service.
Your pilgrimage includes all gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and meals taken together. Hotel gratuities are split among all staff, so if you want to tip a particular staff member, give them the tip directly. Housekeeping tips can be left in the room upon checkout.
Being disconnected from the constant onslaught of information and communication can be refreshing during a pilgrimage, so consider limiting your use of the internet during the day. You can expect wi-fi in all of your hotel accommodations and on some coaches, though the speeds are slow.
If you wish to have cellular or data connectivity during your pilgrimage, please contact your carrier to find out more about the cost of international roaming and the level of coverage you can expect. If your phone is unlocked you can also purchase a local SIM or eSIM for a less expensive option. Some SIM plans offer only data while others provide calling, too. SIMs purchased in the airport are generally over priced compared to visiting a neighborhood shop
All of our pilgrimages use WhatsApp to communicate with group members during your travels together. Be sure to download and install WhatsApp on your smartphone at least a week before departure so we can add you to the group for your pilgrimage.
WhatsApp is also a great way to stay connected with family and friends at home since it allows you to call and text over a wi-fi connection.
Educational Resources
Travelers who do a little bit of preparation often have a richer experience on their pilgrimage. We send all our travelers a series of short articles about two months before your departure to help orient your journey in its historical and spiritual context. About a month in advance of the trip, we'll also send a print journal you can use during your pilgrimage. In addition to these resources, you might enjoy one or two selections from our extended reading list.