Please carefully review the details of the Cancellation Policy below, as well as the full Terms & Conditions prior to booking your travel event.

All prices, penalties and change fees are quoted per passenger based on selected occupancy.

With such diverse terrain, Israel’s weather and climate vary greatly. Its mountains see abundant snowfall in the winter, and its deserts can reach three-digit temperatures during the summer months. However, the most populated parts of the country will see hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The warm summer lasts from April to October, with June through September reaching the highest temperatures. A cool, brief fall leads into the rainy season, which begins in late October or early November. The winter months can be cold in the hilly regions, and even arid Jerusalem has been known to get small amounts of snow in the winter.

We’ve provided the checklist and information below to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience.

Packing Checklist

• Casual clothes (trousers/pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses)
• Light sweater or jacket
• Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
• Light raincoat and/or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toiletries (in a sealed, clear plastic bag inside your carry-on luggage)
• Minor First Aid care items (Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Medications (please bring all medications in their original containers)
• Hair care appliances (see our information on Using Electronics during your trip)
• Small bag or backpack (large enough for a small Bible, pen, camera and other personal items)
• Passport with separate photocopy (see below for more information)

Packing Tips

Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit. We also suggest keeping your essential toiletries and a one-day change of clothes in your carry-on. Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. It is suggested that you keep a color copy of the information page of your passport inside your luggage if your passport is lost.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:30pm, Pacific Time.

We know how nice it is to have the convenience of home when traveling. Bringing your electronics and hair appliances can enhance your overall travel experience. Here are some things to know about your electronics before you pack them:

Phones, MP3 Players, Laptops, Cameras & Video Cameras

Most small digital devices have dual-voltage chargers that do not require a converter. Before leaving on your tour, you’ll want to check each device's manual or power cord to determine if it is dual voltage. If so, you must bring an adapter to plug the charger into the outlet.

Blow Dryers, Curling Irons & Straighteners

Many hotels provide hair dryers in each room. If you prefer having your hair appliances, you may consider purchasing or borrowing more travel-friendly dual-voltage appliances instead of a converter–a less expensive (and lighter) option.

You have three options of devices designed to help you operate personal electronics overseas:

Adapters

Israel uses two electrical socket types: Type C, the standard Euro plug, and Type H, unique to Israel. Bring Type C and H adapters to Israel to enable your standard plug to fit into wall outlets in Israel. Most are relatively inexpensive, about $3 to $5 each. If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a universal adapter kit, like this: Travel Adapter.

Dual-voltage Appliances

Many small electronic devices are dual-voltage and will adjust automatically for other countries. If your appliance’s charger has a manual switch, you must change it back and forth before plugging in your appliance. Check the manual or power cord for the device to know if it will work with 220 voltage without a converter.

Converters

A power converter allows you to run U.S. devices that are not dual-voltage. Most converters cost $40 to $50. Be aware that U.S. electronics that are not dual-voltage should never be used without a converter in countries with a voltage of 220.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Transfers

We want to help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We can book motorcoach transfers from the airport to your hotel and on your return trip.

Hotel Stays

Remember that you always have the option of arriving earlier or staying later. For example, hotel reservations may be available if you want to arrive a few days early before boarding your cruise or stay a few days after the cruise returns.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

As you plan for your upcoming Christian cruise with Inspiration, you may wonder about using money and credit cards during your travels. We’ve made the following recommendations to help you save money, avoid unnecessary fees and focus on an exceptional travel experience.

• Consider leaving all unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Once you determine which cards you’ll bring, remember to notify each credit card company of your intended travel dates and locations to ensure fraud alerts and holds are not placed on your accounts.
• For each card, you’ll want to store the bank’s contact information in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

Almost all businesses in Israel accept U.S. credit or debit cards (debit cards will only work with ATMs, however, as most foreign businesses don’t have PIN machines). In most locations, the availability of ATMs makes withdrawing local currency an easy option for everyday purchases like meals, beverages and small souvenirs. Remember that ATM exchange rates vary daily.

If you plan to use your credit cards, you’ll want to check with each credit card company to determine the international exchange fee for each card. Because the difference of a few percentage points could cost you hundreds of dollars (depending on your purchases), we recommend using cards with lower international exchange fees. Using your credit card for large purchases gives you more protection for the items you buy on your trip. You can review your credit card statement to verify all of your purchases.

Israel’s official currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), although most stores and businesses will accept U.S. dollars. We visit very few places with ATMs on tour, so we strongly recommend you arrive with U.S. dollars in small denominations or shekels. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

POSSIBLE TOUR EXTENSIONS:

Egypt

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) has devalued greatly over the last several years. Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

Italy

In Italy, the official currency is the Euro (€). Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept major credit cards. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

Jordan

The Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is the official currency in Jordan. Most larger restaurants, shopping malls and hotels accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. You may want to carry dinar notes or coins to spend in smaller shops and restaurants. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

Turkey

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). The country’s tourism-oriented places and larger businesses typically accept U.S. currency. Visa and MasterCard are also widely accepted. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Today’s technology allows you to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable photo or message from your loved ones. On most ships, you should be able to use your cell phone or smartphone to do everything you’re used to doing at home. In addition, mobile phones provide convenient access for emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively and stay in touch.

Before you leave

Spending some time contacting your cell phone carrier before your trip will help ensure you can call friends and family back home and eliminate any surprises on your phone bill when you return. Let your phone carrier know your travel plans, including how you plan to use your phone on your cruise. You’ll want to make sure you understand all of the potential charges. Contact your carrier for specific information.

• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

Check with your carrier for international dialing access

You will want to make sure international and cruise package dialing is active on your mobile phone plan so that you can use it in the Canadian ports and remember that international and maritime roaming rates will apply to calls placed onboard the ship (charges will appear on your phone bill). Because roaming rates can be high on cruises, checking with your carrier for specific cost details before you leave is a good idea.

Aboard your flight and tour

Your cell phone’s battery life is the key to keeping you connected. Below are some tips for staying powered up on your trip:

• Remember to set your phone to Airplane Mode when you board your flight. You can also do this aboard the cruise when sailing to avoid roaming charges unless you have the cruise ship package with your carrier. This suspends all calling and texting functions but still allows you to play games, use your camera and listen to music, etc.
• On the tour, you’ll want to charge your phone every night to ensure enough battery life for the next day.
• Try to turn off your phone when you’re not using it. Leaving your phone on all day drains the battery, so it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re on a shore excursion, eating or reading.

PHONE CARDS AND RENTAL

If you choose to not bring your mobile phone, there are various ways to stay in touch with others during your travels. Here are three options to consider.

Phone cards purchased at home. An international prepaid phone card bought before you leave will allow you to use it at card-equipped public telephones in Israel. However when purchasing your card, please make sure the card specifically indicates that calls can be made from an international location. If left unspecified, international phone cards will only enable you to call to international locations from your home country.

Phone cards purchased in Israel. Most countries’ public telephones accept phone cards purchased in various denominations from any post office and at various shops. You can make international calls from card-equipped telephones or special telephone company offices in the country’s major cities using a phone card. The country’s major telephone companies have toll-free numbers if you need assistance.

Phone Rental. You can also rent a mobile phone for international travel. Whether you need to stay in constant contact with folks back home or simply want to make and receive a few calls with loved ones, this is an option for you.

Hotel room phones. You’ll also find phones in your hotel room. It’s a good idea to check the hotel rates before placing calls to loved ones back home.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am-5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Traveling to other parts of the world on an exceptional travel experience offers you both fun and the opportunity to become immersed in a different culture. While you’re traveling with us, we want to make your time as carefree as possible by covering all tips and gratuities on your tour, including airport porters, hotel bellman and your tour guide. As you visit various restaurants apart from the tour, remember to acknowledge and reward excellent service.

In Israel, the general guideline for restaurant service workers is 10-12% of the bill and 15% to acknowledge excellent service.

Here are a few of our top articles:

• The Best Travel Tips for Israel
• 7 Key Sites to Follow Jesus’ Footsteps Through Israel
• 5 Travel-Friendly Fashion Finds
• FAQ: How to Pack & Prepare for Israel
• The Latest Archaelogical Discoveries in Israel

Other travel tips:

• Pro Tips for Better Travel Photography
• Stay Flexible, Make Friends and Other Pro Tips
• The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep…Anywhere How
• Not to Lose Things While Traveling—Including Your Passport

We hope these suggestions and tips help answer your questions! If you have any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific Time.