Getting Ready for Your Catholic Pilgrimage Tour to
The Holy Land – Israel / Israel and Jordan

Getting ready for physical activity:

Pilgrimages are oriented toward the spiritual and, by nature, engage the physical.  Increase the amount of time you spend walking and moving around on foot, if you’re mostly sedentary.  Take walks, get out in the sun and fresh air to accustom yourself to potentially longer days, and time on your feet during your pilgrimage.   During your tour, have bottled water and snacks along to ensure you have energy when you need it.

Terrain in Israel is varied.  Many locations are level and paved.  Others, such as the old city of Jerusalem, are on centuries old limestone paths.  At Petra, the walk to the Treasury is paved with concrete. There are gravel and sandy areas after the Treasury for those who continue.  Having comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended.

Climate During the winter:
The winter in Israel is a hodge-podge of weather conditions.  One day can be sunny and warm, followed by a day or two of pelting rain.  If you travel to Israel in the winter, bring rain gear and layer-able clothing, since temps can vary dramatically on any-day.

Summertime:
Summers are very warm to hot, with clear, sunny skies.  Most summers pass without a single day of rain.  Bring light colored clothing, which reflect the sun, for days when you’ll be outside for significant portions of the day.  Definitely bring a hat with plenty of coverage from the sun.  Sunscreen… remember the sunscreen!  If you need some, it’s available at double price, than in the USA.

Spring and Fall are the most pleasant time of year, with moderate temperatures and occasional rain.

For complete climate information, please see:  https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/israel

Climate – Jordan:
Expect some difference in temperature and climate when traveling from Israel to Amman, to Mt. Nebo and Petra.  The Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, is usually warm to very hot, year around.  Traveling from that area to Amman, Jordan gives an increase in elevation of nearly 3,000 ft. By the time you ascend through the mountains toward Petra, elevations of around 5,000 ft. are reached at certain places.  Prepare for possibly cool weather, depending on the season.  Temperature variations of twenty degrees Fahrenheit are possible.

For complete Jordan climate information, see: https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/jordan 

Airport Security:
Security associated with travel to Israel is higher than other countries.  It may take more time, and involve being asked more questions than travel to Europe.  It’s a good idea to have your Pilgrimage Tours lanyard with your name badge around your neck once you arrive at the airport.  This goes for departure to Israel, as well as for your return flight.  Screeners recognize pilgrimage groups as a demographic who are handled more expeditiously than individual travelers.

Check-in to Israel:
When you go through passport control, you’ll receive a check-in ticket instead of a stamp in your passport.  There is no passport stamping, either upon entry or departure from Israel.  Please keep the check-in ticket with your passport while in Israel.

Money exchange:
There are many money exchange kiosks and stores in the cities in Israel, especially in Jerusalem, where the concentration of tourists is high.  Your tour director / guide will know where some will be located in the major cities.  Banks also change money, but their skill in speaking English may not be as polished as at the exchange shops, and commission rates are not significantly better.  There is a money exchange spot at Ben Gurion Airport near where you exit from the baggage claim exit.  It is a convenient option, but their commission is higher than exchange shops in cities.  Check commission rates prior to making exchanges.  Exchanging money is fairly simple in Israel if you are carrying cash, since acceptance of travelers checks is spotty at best.  Of course, be cautious about carrying large sums of cash, but keep in mind that you will have the lowest fees and commission with cash.  By law, there is a 10,000 shekel ($2,500 to $2,800 depending on fluctuating exchange rates) cap per cash exchange transaction in Israel.

When looking for an ATM, ask for a “Cass-Po-Mat”. An ATM at a bank will give a better exchange rate than machines found at random. Let your debit / credit card company know when you’ll be traveling so your card isn’t flagged for potential fraudulent use when charges from overseas start appearing. If in doubt about where to go for Shekels, check with your pilgrimage tour director.

Shopping:
While Americans are unaccustomed to bargaining with merchants, it is common in Israel (excluding chain stores and food sales).  The Arab bazaar in Jerusalem and many tourist curio shops have inflated prices where the merchant expects people will bargain with them.  If it’s your style, don’t hesitate to say “Can’t you do any better than that?  If not, I’ll find it somewhere else.”  It isn’t uncommon for people to get an immediate drop of 20% from one round of bargaining.  This is a game in the middle east, as long as it it isn’t pushed too far.

Taxi’s:
If, in the evening after your day of touring, you wish to go somewhere in town via taxi, always be sure to ask the price of your taxi ride before stepping in.  Know the name of where you are going so you can get the price.  It is not unusual for taxi drivers to drive without running the meter and just name their price on arrival.  You could end up paying a very different price if you don’t ask ahead.  Always do this.

Jewish Sabbath:
In Israel the Sabbath is observed from 18 minutes before sunset Friday afternoon until about 45 minutes after sunset Saturday evening.  Sabbath observance, and availability of services will vary depending on where you are in Israel.  Saturday in Jerusalem will mean that most, but not all, stores and restaurants will be closed.  There will be minimal traffic.  In Tel Aviv, you would notice little difference from a Saturday in any city worldwide.

Most elevators in hotels throughout the country are set to automatically stop at each floor throughout the Sabbath.

All of these observances equally apply on all biblicaly mandated Jewish holidays as well.

There is no expectation that anyone who is not Jewish will observe anything regarding the Sabbath.

Cell phones:
Even though cell phones make it possible to communicate everywhere in the world, you are likely to incur big charges if you don’t let your carrier know you are heading out of the country.   Set up a text and call package for while you’re overseas. If you don’t set up a plan including internet access, turn off cellular data in “settings”.  The difference between turning off cellular data and turning on airplane mode is that airplane mode doesn’t allow calls or texts to come through while turning off cellular data does. When you’re hooked up to Wi-Fi is the only time you should access the internet or email.  Be informed of what you can and can’t do with your phone so you don’t incur expensive roaming charges.

Telephones:
Approximately two weeks prior to your departure to the Holy Land, we’ll send you a list of your hotels including their addresses and phone numbers where you may be reached.

The country code to call Israel is 972 (from US dial 011 + 972 followed by the two digit area code and telephone number).

The country code for Jordan is 962. (from US dial 011 + 962 followed by the one digit area code and telephone number).

Electrical considerations:
Israel runs on 220V-230V current.  Most cell phones / smart phones, computers and handheld devices now accept and immediately adapt to whatever voltage comes through wall current anywhere in the world.  You do not need to purchase a voltage converter for them.  You will, however, need an adapter compatible with Israel’s electrical outlets.

Other electrical equipment such as hair dryers, mini steam irons, etc. require an electrical converter.  It is possible to conveniently purchase adapters as well as converters online at Amazon.com.  Simply search for “Israel Adapter Plug” or for a “Universal Travel Adapter / Converter”, for full voltage conversion.

Most hotels in Israel have blow dryers in each room.

USA embassy / consular services in Israel / Jordan:
U.S. Embassy Jerusalem
14 David Flusser
Jerusalem 9378322, Israel
Phone: 02-630-4000

U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv 6343229, Israel
Phone: 03-519-7575

U.S. Embassy Jordan
Abdoun, Al-Umawyeen St.
Amman – Jordan
Phone: 962-6-590-6000
Fax: 962-6-592-0163

Emergency:
The national number in case of emergency in Israel is 100, which is equivalent calling “911” in the USA.

In Jordan the emergency number to summon an ambulance is 191.   For police, call 192.

Have additional questions?
Please look at our Travel Info page.  Almost anything you want to know about traveling on a Pilgrimage Tour is covered there.