FALL ISRAEL TOUR 2022

FAQs

 

Table of Contents – scroll down for answers
1. When do I have to have a copy of my passport submitted to Solid Lives?
2. What are the financial deadlines for this tour?
3. What additional money should I bring for this trip?
4. What is the general schedule of the tour?
5. What kind of physical activity should I anticipate for this tour?
6. What kind of clothing should I pack?
7. What other things should I pack?
8. Will I be able to charge my phone or camera there?
9. Will I be able to use my phone in Israel?
10. How will we be traveling between sites in Israel?
11. I am traveling alone, what is the process for finding a roommate?
12. I am arranging my own airfare and will meet you there, what is the land-only package cost, and what do I need to know?
13. Where are we staying so that I can let my family know?
14. Are there any Covid restrictions for entering Israel or returning to the United
States?
15. When do I have to have a copy of my travel medical insurance with Covid coverage submitted to Solid Lives?
16. What happens in the event that I have paid for this trip, but become unable to travel?

 

1. When do I have to have a copy of my passport submitted to Solid Lives?
A scanned color copy or picture of your passport must be submitted before July 17, 2022. This image needs to be clear enough to read all of the text and to see your picture. Important: your passport will need to be valid a minimum of 6 months after the date of return.

2. What are the financial deadlines for this tour?
» $500 – to reserve a spot, while seats remain

» $1,500 – non-refundable, due by July 17, 2022
» $3,995 (or full balance) – non-refundable, due by September 4, 2022

3. What additional money should I bring for this trip?
» Lunches ($15/day)

» Personal spending money (gifts, etc.)
Note: you will likely be able to change money once you are in Israel, and even use an ATM to get funds (for a small fee). Credit cards can also be used in many places, but this is not advised. Our recommendation is to bring cash, and nothing larger than a $20 bill.

4. What is the general schedule of the tour?
For most days you will be on the go from around 7AM until 7PM, with times scheduled for meals.

5. What kind of physical activity should I anticipate for this tour?
Long distances will be covered in tour buses, but you should expect to walk at least 2 miles each day. Some of the ground you will cover is over hills, and uneven ground, so having good walking shoes is advised. Also, there are also a couple of places we will visit that would be considered a “moderate hike” with an incline. So, if you are building up stamina, it would be a good to take a brisk 30-minute walk each day as you prepare for this tour. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our team, who have done several tours like this before.

6. What kind of clothing should I pack?
» CLOTHING: Plan for weather that ranges from 45° (at night in some locations) to 80°. It may also rain a little. Best advice: dress in layers so that you can make adjustments as needed.

» SHOES: bring walking shoes with great support and great tread—we will walk some places that are uneven, and even slippery. You will also want some sort of shoe you can get wet, such as sandals or water shoes.
» OTHER: there are a few sites we will visit that require modest attire, this means that shoulders and knees are covered (pants or long skirts are acceptable, and shoulders can be covered by a scarf if needed).

7. What other things should I pack?
Remember your Bible!

You may also want a camera, journal, a few snacks for travel or between meals, and a portable water container (we’ll drink a lot of water).

8. Will I be able to charge my phone or camera there?
Israel uses a different kind of power there. For everything that you would like to charge, make sure to get an adapter, such as this one: Amazon Link. If you are bringing your own charger, please make sure it is compatible with Israeli plugs.

9. Will I be able to use my phone in Israel?
You will need to contact your phone provider and ask about international service. If they are able to provide service in Israel, they can activate that on your phone—this service usually costs $10/day, and you can use your phone as normal. Also, hotels and buses will usually have free Wi-Fi available (this should allow you to text and make calls over the internet using your normal methods, or using a service such as Viber or WhatsApp).

10. How will we be traveling between sites in Israel?
When covering longer distances, you will travel by bus. These tour buses are state of the art, with wi-fi, air conditioning, plugs for charging (USB ports) and water available for purchase (usually $1 each). These are very comfortable buses, and travel is often used as additional time to hear from our Israeli tour guide about the things around you. 

11. I am traveling alone, what is the process for finding a roommate?
If you have signed up for a double-occupancy room, and do not already have a roommate, you can request Solid Lives to place you with another same-gender traveler who is also requesting a roommate. If you or Solid Lives are unable to find a suitable roommate for this tour, the $975 fee for a single-occupancy room will apply, this is based on a first-come first-serve basis. 

12. I am arranging my own airfare and will meet you there, what is the land-only package cost, and what do I need to know?
The land-only cost is $2,995. Travelers are responsible to arrange their own travel to and from Israel. The land-only traveler is expected to meet the group at Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv Airport) at the time of the group’s arrival, or meet at the hotel. All costs and plans to connect with the group are the responsibility of the traveler.

13. Where are we staying so that I can let my family know?
For those who have paid and registered for this tour, information such as hotels where we will be staying will be made available closer to 30 days before the tour so that you can let family know. 

14. Are there any Covid restrictions for entering Israel or returning to the United States?
Please note: Covid restrictions may change without notice. We will do our best to keep you informed, but have also provided some links below so that you can keep up to date. Also, while masks may not be mandatory in most—if not all—locations, it is advised to bring one just in case. 

ISRAEL » As of May 2022, there are no Covid restrictions to enter Israel. No vaccinations are required, and no Covid tests. However, this is subject to change. For the latest information, you can view this website:
https://israel.travel/frequently-asked-questions/Israel does, however, require that you carry Covid medical insurance when you come. Please see #15 regarding medical insurance coverage.

UNITED STATES » As of Sunday, July 12, 2022 the US will no longer requiring a negative Covid test to enter the country. And after April 18, 2022 passengers are not required to wear a mask. For the latest CDC guidelines, you can check here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

15. When do I have to have a copy of my travel medical insurance with Covid coverage submitted to Solid Lives?
You will need medical insurance specifically for your travel (your standard medical plan in the US will not cover you abroad). The State of Israel also requires that you carry medical insurance that covers Covid related costs. You will need to provide a PDF of your insurance coverage to Solid Lives not later than August 30, 2022. Medical coverage can often be purchased with low cost, depending on your specific needs. Traditional travel insurance—which can (depending on the coverage you select) cover trip costs due to unforeseen events that cause you to be unable to travel—is also encouraged, but not required by Solid Lives.

There are many places you can purchase medical, covid and travel insurance. A company that we recommend for both Covid and medical insurance (though there are many) is Seven Corners. https://www.sevencorners.com 

Note: Travel participants are required to cover their own medical expenses. In the unlikely event that the participant requires  medical care, quarantine related to Covid, or other such services; the fees related to this care must be handled directly by the participant and are not the responsibility of Solid Lives or the tour agency.

16. What happens in the event that I have paid for this trip, but become unable to travel?
Deposit refund dates (listed above) are based on contracts with our tour agencies and brokers, at which point the costs become non-refundable. While we understand that things come up, Solid Lives must abide by the policies of the various entities we work with for/on this tour.

Solid Lives, therefore, encourages you to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance, depending on the coverage you select, can help reimburse your trip costs in the event that you are unable to travel. There are many places you can purchase medical, covid and travel insurance. A company that we recommend for both Covid and medical insurance (though there are many) is Seven Corners. https://www.sevencorners.com 

 

 

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