Arrive in Israel--When you arrive in Tel Aviv, you will deboard the aircraft and arrive at the passport control counters. Please have your passport available. You will then proceed to the luggage area where you will be greeted by a LeSEA Tour's representative. Be sure to wear your name tag to help us identify you.  Once you have retrieved your bags, follow the directions of the LeSEA Tours representative for boarding the correct bus. Once on your bus, you will meet your guide. Your guide can assist you with any questions you might have throughout your stay in Israel.

Note: Shortly after your arrival in Israel, you may be asked to give your international airline ticket to your tour guide or to a LeSEA Tours representative. This procedure is normal and is done for your convenience as part of reconfirming your flight home. Your ticket coupon will be returned to you on your last day, during your security check-in procedure for your return flight to the U.S.

Return to the States--U.S. law requires passengers to go through U.S. Customs in the first city of their arrival into the United States. If you will be continuing on a domestic flight, you will need to claim your luggage, proceed through customs and check in for your domestic flight.

Every LeSEA Tours Israel package includes 4 and 5 star hotels. Israeli hotels are modern facilities much like hotels found in the United States with only a few differences. Most hotels do not offer ice/ice buckets. Ice requests can be granted by asking the front desk. Towels are provided in each washroom, however, wash clothes are not always provided. You can request wash clothes from the front desk if you need them. Twin-bedded rooms are provided whether you are a married couple, single traveler or sharing a room with a roommate. Sometimes upon arrival to your room, you may find your twin beds pushed together and made to look like one large king bed. If this is the case, please feel free to ask the front desk to send someone to separate the beds for you. Lastly, irons are provided by the hotel and some are located in an "ironing room." To locate the ironing room nearest you, simply ask the front desk.

Travel insurance is highly recommended and may be purchased prior to departure. LeSEA Tours recommends Travel Guard Insurance Company. A Travel Guard Insurance enrollment brochure will be provided to you at the time your booking is confirmed.

Individuals attending the tour from a country other than the U.S. and Canada can join us in Israel with our Land Package (see enrollment form). LeSEA Tours cannot provide visa assistance for international travelers traveling to Israel.

When traveling on a LeSEA Israel Tour our mode of transportation in Israel is motor coach. For this reason, LeSEA Tours requires one checked bag and one carry on bag. (A purse or briefcase is not considered a carry one.) Size and weight requirements vary with each airline. These requirements will be listed on your final documents. IMPORTANT: Always keep your luggage with you at ALL TIMES until it is checked through security. If you are flying domestically to meet our tour, it is crucial that you do not attempt to check your bags straight through to Tel Aviv. You must be identified with your luggage at the security counter of your international flight.

Rapid travel through multiple time zones can take its toll on your physical and mental well being. "Jet lag" is the phrase used to describe the condition when an individual's internal body clock is out of sync with the actual time in the region to which you have traveled. The difference between the eastern United States and Israel is seven hours. It is important to try to adjust your internal body clock to receive the most out of your tour.

Here are some tips on how to adjust your body to Israel time.

On the day of the flight/arrival in Israel:
1. Get out of bed earlier than usual.
2. Eat a high carbohydrate dinner (e.g. pasta, potatoes, etc.)
3. Drink a lot of water to compensate for the dehydration that is common on long flights.
4. Shortly after your evening meal on your flight, set your watch ahead to Israel's actual time.
5. Try to rest or sleep as soon as possible on your flight.
6. When you arrive in Israel, keep active; do not nap and go to bed around 9:00 PM.

By the first touring day, your body should be nearly adjusted to the change in time zones. Eat well, stay active, and do not allow yourself to nap. Enjoy Israel!

Place heavy items in the bottom of your suitcase opposite the handle.

Soft items can be rolled up to avoid wrinkling.

Clothes that are likely to wrinkle can also be placed in a plastic dry cleaner bag.

Small or fragile objects should be padded and packed in extra spaces to prevent damage.

Items to consider: sunscreen, sun hat, Bible, pen, journal, pocket-size tissue, snacks, telephone numbers.

Socks can be rolled up and stuffed into the toes of your shoes to save space.

We recommend leaving your expensive jewelry and watches at home.

Plan for inclement weather: all-weather jacket, folding umbrella, sweater.

Pack your carry-on as a mini-survival kit that will hold necessities in the event your main bag is misrouted. All medications should be packed in your carry-on.

Pack plastic bags to use later for soiled clothes, to protect other clothes when repacking your luggage for your trip home.

A pair of socks or slippers might make your flight more comfortable. (Be sure to pack socks or slippers in your carry-on.)

An inflatable neck pillow (and eye mask) could be essential items and make all the difference in your ability to sleep on the plane. You can also use the neck pillow behind your back or under your knees for support. (Be sure to pack items in your carry-on.)

Compact travel products can save space. 

Items that could leak like shampoo, hairspray, lotions, etc. can be packed inside zippered bags to guard against leakage.

If you wear eye glasses and have an extra pair, you could bring them along in case your main pair get damaged or lost.

Packing a small bag to hold items you want to bring on the bus ride each day is convenient. (Sunscreen, Bible, pen, journal, water, etc.) Your items are safe to leave on the bus as you tour.

Tying a colorful ribbon or cloth on the handle of your bags can help you identify your luggage easier at the baggage claim carousel.

Earplugs are nice to have if you find yourself sharing a room with a snorer.

 

You must have a valid passport, with at least six months validity remaining, to travel to Israel. No shots are required for American citizens and a temporary visa will be filled out on the plane. If you are not an American citizen, you may be required to obtain a valid visa and should contact the Israel Embassy nearest you to inquire about obtaining an entry visa for Israel. Obtaining a passport and/or visa is the sole responsibility of the passenger.  Visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for more information on applying for or renewing your passport.  Passport processing times have lengthened, so apply early.  We recommend using the expediting process for a quicker return.     http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. Keep your passport with you all times. Never give your passport to anyone other than security officials at the airport, military personnel or police officers in Israel. Remember to sign your passport; it is not valid until you sign it. We recommend that you keep a photo-copy of your passport in your checked baggage in case you lose the original.

To obtain maximum benefits from the Tour, you should be in good physical and mental health, able and willing to actively participate in group events, bus trips and boat rides. During your journey, there will be much walking, numerous stairs to climb and many sites to explore. We suggest preparing yourself by beginning a program of walking in your area. Those who are less active will still find the journey a delightful experience. If you need to rest, there is often a pleasant park, which you can enjoy, or you can simply remain on the bus. Check with your doctor for medical advice pertinent to the trip and your health.

Israel is a modern, developed country, and you can purchase virtually anything you need during your stay, including clothing, cosmetics, and hygiene products.

If you are visiting Israel during the summer, you will need lightweight clothing. We recommend casual, comfortable clothes, like short-sleeved shirts and shorts, comfortable shoes and a bathing suit. It's also good to pack a sweater or jacket, since nights can be cool.

Many places we will visit are considered Holy and clothing that covers the knees, shoulders and midriff are required.

If you are visiting Israel in the spring/winter (February), you will need warm clothing, a coat (preferably a raincoat as well), good shoes, an umbrella, and other warm clothing.

It's a good idea to bring a small bag for days trips. If you are traveling to Eilat or the Dead Sea, it's a good idea to bring a bathing suit, since it is warm enough to swim there even in the winter.

Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential items throughout the year.

A comfortable "worn in" shoe with good traction is very important. We will be walking on uneven, slick, sometimes rocky terrain.

Bring layering clothes for cooler mornings and "peel" as it warms up throughout the day.

If you plan on being baptized in the Jordan River, you may rent a baptismal gown, towel, and use the changing facilities for approximately $10. Make sure to bring your bathing suit or an extra set of clothes to wear under your baptismal gown. The baptismal gown is transparent when wet.

Packing basic colors will help you mix and match your clothes which can help you travel as light as possible. (Dark colors travel well and do not show smudges or stains easily.)