CBC Israel Trip Preparation

Helpful Tips

Table of contents: General | Documents | Clothes/Packing | Spiritual | Physical | Weather

General preparation

  • Preparation Guide from GTI - Includes packing lists, clothing, travel tips, physical and spiritual preparation
    • ^^ This webpage will answer at least 90% of your preparation questions!
  • Downloadable PDF Check carry on restrictions for our airline (PDF references Turkish Air, which we will not be using)

Documents

  • Israel doesn't technically require a visa for US citizens, but they have implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement - Apply for this this right after you book airfare.
  • Passport expiration date must be SIX MONTHS PAST the RETURN DATE of our trip
    • Make two copies of your passport - leave one with a friend at home and put one in your luggage.
  • Israel may check for proof of medical insurance upon entry - most trip interruption policies include some degree of medical/accident coverage. Your normal health insurance is likely not valid in Israel.

Clothes & Packing

  • PACK LIGHT - space on the van will be limited - if you can't fit all your stuff into a carry on size and a small backpack you've brought too much.
    • Use the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule for packing: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants or skirts, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks and 6 sets of underwear.
    • Recommend water shoes for the Dead Sea and Hezekiah's Tunnel, for a total of three pairs of shoes
  • We will likely be able to do laundry every 3-4 days.
  • The GTI materials have tons of info on packing. We will be visiting some holy sites where arms and legs must be covered.

Spiritual

  • With a map or Bible atlas in hand, read the following:
    • The Gospels
    • Acts 1-15
    • Revelation 16-22
    • Genesis 12-22,
    • Deuteronomy 6-11 & 27-34
    • Judges-2 Chronicles
    • Psalms 120-134
  • Ask for prayer for physical strength, spiritual receptivity and opportunities to build community.

Physical

  • Work up to at least 3 miles walking per day.
  • Much of the terrain will be uneven and rocky, so make sure your ankles and knees are ready. There will also be the occasional ladders, stairs and caves.

Weather

  • We are traveling when the rainy season is giving way to the dry season. It could be 80 and sunny every day or 60 and rainy almost every day (it probably won't rain at the Dead Sea sites and the Sea is always warm enough to get in)
  • Jerusalem is usually a few degrees colder than everywhere else - check the weather forecast in the days before our departure.