Nahal Tours Planning Guide

Planning Time

It is advisable to start planning your tour 6 months to a year in advance. While arrangements can be made within a shorter timeframe, this advance planning allows for greater flexibility with hotel selections, dates, and flight options.

Choosing Your Travel Dates

When selecting your travel dates, consider the impact of seasonal variations on tour pricing. Generally, the seasons are as follows:

• Shoulder Season: March-May and September-November
• Peak Season: June-September
• Low Season: November-March

Jewish holidays are also considered peak season, with specific dates varying slightly each year.

Group Size

A minimum of 20 tour members is recommended for a group, though we can accommodate groups of any size. Determine a realistic minimum and maximum number of participants for your tour, as the price is based on the estimated number of tour members. Smaller groups can be combined with another church group for cost efficiency, and regional groups covering multiple churches can be arranged.

Airlines

Several carriers are considered for your tour. The chosen airline depends on your flight plan preferences (e.g., non-stop from the U.S.). Please note that all airfare is subject to change. A deposit of $100 per seat is required by airlines to guarantee rates and seats. This deposit is fully refundable after travel, with specific dates provided by the airlines to adjust or cancel reservations without penalty.

Hotel Accommodations

Your tour price will vary based on the type and location of accommodations you select. Hotels close to major sites or with special views tend to be more expensive.

Customize Your Itinerary

For sample itineraries, please contact our office. It is not possible to see everything in 7 or 8 days of touring. Prioritize the sites most important to your group. Consider the total number of days for your tour package (allowing 2-3 days for travel), the number of sightseeing days, and whether to include a free day for participants. Additionally, consider adding special activities such as a farewell dinner, baptism, or adventure activities.

Taxes, Tips, and Fuel Surcharge

We recommend including gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff in your tour price to ensure a hassle-free experience for travelers. Collected tips can be given to the tour host for distribution. Taxes and fuel surcharges cannot be guaranteed by the airline; we provide the current surcharge, but the final amount will be determined 30 days before departure. Any increase imposed by the airline will need to be collected before departure.

Promotion

Our tours include a customized brochure and a website link for easy online registration. For effective promotion:

• Begin promoting early to allow participants ample time to prepare.
• Share your enthusiasm for the tour to inspire others.
• Invite your church to join you on this life-changing journey.
• Hold informational meetings and themed nights, such as “Israel” or “Biblical Lands.”
• We provide promotional materials, including graphics, video clips, photos, and digital brochures.

Registering Tour Members

We ensure a smooth and simple registration process for all tour members and leaders:

• Tour members can register on our website with a direct link provided for your tour.
• We collect all necessary information from passengers.
• Deposits and payments from individual tour members are managed by our team until payments are made to various operators.

Final Documents

Final passenger documents are sent out 2-3 weeks before departure.

Nahal Tours is dedicated to assisting you and your tour members, ensuring your tour is of the highest quality. We are honored to serve you on this life-changing spiritual journey!

Nahal Tours Registration and Travel Guide

Registration Process

Easy Registration

Registering for a tour with Nahal Tours is simple! Complete and sign the registration form and pay your deposit. Registration and credit card payments can be made easily online. Upon receiving your registration, we will send you a welcome email with information about the deposit schedule and tour program.

Tickets and Tour Documents

Final documents will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. This package includes:

• Airline flight information
• Name tags
• Passport holders
• Baggage tags
• Maps
• Booklet with orientation material
• Comprehensive itinerary
• Rooming list
• Hotel list
• Contact information while abroad

Familiarize yourself with this material before your tour. Although we provide your e-ticket number and confirmation code, all you need at the airport is your passport. Check-in online is unnecessary for this international flight. Seat assignments are subject to change by the airline. If you wish to change your seat, please request it at the check-in counter.

Wear your provided name tags upon arrival for departure to easily identify with the group and meet fellow tour participants.

Travel Information for US Citizens

Passport and Visa

• Obtain your passport. Check with your local post office for information on applying for a passport.
• Ensure your existing passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return home.
• Sign your passport in ink as soon as you receive it.
• Write your current address in pencil in the space provided.
• Fill in the emergency contact section in pencil.
• Make several photocopies of your passport identification page and keep them separate from your passport. Leave a copy at home with your itinerary.
• Do not pack your passport in your purse, wallet, or luggage. When necessary, keep your passport locked in the hotel safe or hidden on your person in a special pouch.

Visa Requirements

• Visitors can stay up to three months from the date of arrival.
• Visa requirements are regularly updated on the U.S. State Department website.
• Visas for Egypt and Jordan can be obtained upon entry.
• Turkey visas can be purchased online.
• An immunization certificate is not required for travel, but check with your doctor if you have concerns.

Airport Security

TSA Guidelines for Carry-ons

• Limit containers of liquids, gels, aerosols, and pastes to a maximum size of three ounces each. Place these items in a single quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.
• Remove this bag and any electronic devices from your carry-on and place them in the provided bin or directly on the conveyor belt at security.

Security Procedures

Be prepared for thorough questioning by security agents and potential inspection of your luggage. Common questions include:

• Is this your personal luggage?
• Did you personally pack it?
• Did anyone open your luggage after you packed it?
• Have you been given a package to carry for anyone?
• Why are you traveling?
• Do you know anyone in the country you are visiting?
• Do you know anyone on this tour, and how did you hear about it?

Check-in will take additional time due to extra security measures. Arrive up to 3 hours before departure.

Packing and Clothing

Clothing Recommendations

• Dress in layers for varying temperatures throughout the day.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots.
• Modest dress is required at religious sites (long pants for men and skirts or long pants for women; no sleeveless dresses or shirts).
• Leave expensive jewelry at home and travel light.

Money

• US currency is accepted in most destinations; no need to exchange money unless desired.
• ATMs are available and dispense local currency.
• Major credit cards are accepted for larger purchases.
• Carry $50-$100 in one-dollar bills for small purchases.

Customs Regulations

US Customs allows $800 in duty-free purchases with restrictions:

1. You must be abroad at least 48 hours.
2. $800 is based on the fair market value of the country the item was purchased in.
3. Items must accompany the returning traveler, be acquired on the trip, and be for personal, household, or gift purposes.

Additional Information

The Tour Bus

Travel will be in an air-conditioned motor coach. Rotate seats daily to ensure fair seating. Keep departure times to avoid missing visits to sites.

Internet and Social Media

WiFi is available in most hotels and tour buses. Like our Nahal Tours Facebook page to connect with fellow travelers and share your experiences.

Food and Water

Food and water are safe for consumption. Bottled water is available for purchase. Buffet breakfast and dinner are served at hotels daily. Plan to spend around $12-15 for lunch.

Shopping

Opportunities for shopping are available, but this is not a shopping tour. Be considerate of departure times to avoid delaying the group.

Electricity

Bring adapters and converters for 220-volt current used in the Middle East and Europe.

Phone Calls

Use provided hotel and local contact numbers for communication. Check with your cell provider for international calling plans to avoid high charges.

Tipping

Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are included in the tour package. Personal services such as room service require additional tips.

Tour Sequence

We strive to follow the provided itinerary but may make adjustments as needed. Any eliminated sites will be replaced with alternatives.

Special Occasions and Needs

Notify us of any special occasions during your tour. For special needs, email us at info@nahaltours.com, and we will accommodate your requests.

Nahal Tours is here to ensure your tour is a memorable and life-changing experience.