WEATHER - Plan for hot weather during the days and perhaps cool evenings. Temperatures will range from 40 to 80 degrees. Add 'Jerusalem, Israel,' or another city below to find current and historical temperatures.

Find the Weather for any City, State or Zipcode, or Country

MONEY - Currency Exchange Rates change daily. It is not necessary to change money in Israel/Palestine, Jordan or Egypt. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted in most places. Automatic Teller Machines are available throughout the Middle East for your convenience. By using the ATM you avoid commission charges for currency exchange. If you ask for a special favor from the hotel staff you should tip them as you would at home. A voluntary Love Offering for our Guide and Driver will be taken as an expression of our appreciation for their services. Suggested amount is $7/day per passengers.

PASSPORTS - Passports should be valid for 6 months after the return date of your trip. More passport information and passport formsare available.

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LUGGAGE - You have paid porterage for one suitcase. The airlines will allow one suitcase (not to exceed 30" x 21" x 10" and 50 lbs.) and one small carry-on (not to exceed 12" x 12" x 18"). Be sure all of your bags are clearly marked with your name and address. It is always advisable to pack any medicine and valuables in your carry-on bag which will always be with you. Please remember that you are responsible for your passport and carry-on at all times.

ILLNESS - If you need medical attention while abroad, contact the reception area of the hotel. Your travel host should also be notified.

TIME CHANGE - There is a seven hour time change difference. 11:00 p.m. EST in the USA is 6:00 a.m. the next day in the Middle East.

MEALS - Breakfast and dinner are served daily. Water in the Israeli hotels is fine to drink. You may want to purchase bottled water Jordan, Egypt and daily touring.

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PACKING TIPS

First and foremost be comfortable! Pack clothes which can be worn in layers and colors which allow you to mix and match. Note that in many holy site shorts and sleeveless outfits are not permitted. Consider the following ideas when you pack:

• Your favorite pair of walking shoes
• Warm cardigan sweater
• Casual pants or jeans
• Cotton shirts
• Wind breaker or Rain coat, rain hat and small umbrella
• Swim suit
• Converter and Adaptor plugs
• Travel Alarm
• Emergency Sewing Kit and First Aid Kit
• Travel packs of towlettes and tissues
• Powdered laundry soap
• Camera, film, extra battery and Journal
• Wash Cloth
• Your Bible for study and reflective experiences

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - The electric current in the Middle East is 220 volts. To operate small American appliances you will need both a Converter and Adaptor Plugs.

IDENTIFICATION - Please place luggage tags on suitcases and wear name tags at all times.

TELEPHONE CALLS - Calling from the Middle East can be costly. It is more economical for friends and family to call overseas than for you to call home.

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BEAT JET LAG - Jet Lag is a normal occurrence but there are a few things you can do to avoid this disruption to your trip.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Plan to sleep in-flight. Don't assume that you can't sleep on the plane. Tell yourself you can and know that even dozing is good.
• Plan in advance and eliminate stress on your travel day
• Eat a full balanced meal high in carbohydrates and avoid caffeine the day before you leave.
• Avoid sugar filled foods on the day you travel (like pastries, snacks and candy) as well as coffee and tea (caffeinated or de-caffeinated).
• Drink lots of fluids, but only fruit juices, vegetable juices and water (no carbonated drinks).
• Set your watch to the time at your destination upon boarding the plane
• Watch the movie, listen to music, get comfortable with a pillow and blanket and sleep.
• In the morning (just before the plane lands) get up and go to the lavatory to wash, brush your teeth, shave -- it is a new day.
• Drink some Orange Juice to replenish your Vitamin C and eat/drink as you normally would for breakfast.
• Resist the temptation to nap after you arrive. Be active and make your body work.
• Soak up the sunshine if possible -- light helps your body adjust to time.
• Don't look back. Don't give a thought to what time it is at home.
• Enjoy your trip!

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SAFETY IN THE HOLY LAND

Is it Safe to Travel to the Middle East?

Many precautions are taken to insure a safe and enjoyable trip. Travelers often say that they feel safer on their Holy Land journey than a trip to New York City or Washington, DC.

What Safety Precautions Are Taken?

ACTS maintains contact with the Jerusalem Office. We also use a private Arab bus company which also stay in contact with the office and other buses throughout the country.

What about the News We See on TV?

Much of what is seen on television is reporting in areas which are not places on the Christian Pilgrim route. Our Spiritual Pilgrimages do not travel into Gaza and cities such as Ramallah, Nablaus and Hebron.

Did You Know...

Tourism is one of the greatest incomes for both Israel and Palestine. Although the people of the land cannot agree on everything, they do agree when it comes to welcoming tourists to their land. Great care is given to tourists.