If you do not have a camera –borrow one. You will probably take 100-300 photos Film is not too expensive – but bring at least 5 rolls with you. BUT...don't let the taking of photos become your main focus. Stop and consider where you are and what you are seeing. You may never get the chance again to actually be at that particular site.
Sleep on the airplane (both directions). Get some type of sleep aid. The plane is noisy. You will be excited…but…you really need to sleep.
If you think you might suffer from motion sickness –bring some Dramamine. You will be on boats, busses, planes etc… Some travel is bumpy. If you suffer from motion sickness be sure to sit towards the front of the bus, and avoid sitting over the wheels. I wear those wrist bands that are suppose to help prevent nausea - the really seem to help me. Also, I take a Dramamine at night before I sleep. Take one half of a pill in the morning before boarding the bus. A full dose during the day may make you drowsy. Be aware of possible allergies to any new medication you take. (You might want to try it out at home before you leave the country.)
I always carry Imodium with me – I have never needed it, but have given much of it away to those who did need it. REMEMBER—with Imodium – carry it WITH YOU at all times. It must be taken immediately. It does no good if it is on the bus or in a suitcase.
Pack ear plugs for the plane- and if you find out that your roommate snores!
Be flexible! Be on time. Most tours are jammed-packed from morning to evening. If an extra ten minutes is taken at several stops to collect stragglers, or in getting started – the group may be behind schedule and not able to visit all the sites that day!!
Sleep at night. If you are out late seeing the sights you will be too tired the next day to fully enjoy the sites. Get over the fact that a trip to the Holy Land is not a time for partying late at night. Get to bed early in order to be fresh to see the sites the next day....again....this may be the only time you will ever get to experience the Holy Land.
GOOD WALKING shoes. Wear shoes that you might wear hiking in the mountains. No sandals. No high heels. Good sturdy shoes or tennis shoes.
ONLY USE SUITCASES WITH WHEELS! You do not want to have to carry anything.
With over a dozen trips to Israel under my belt I have never felt afraid or in danger. One rule that I follow is this…stick to the tourist sites. I never go off alone to “see the sights” or to shop. Bad things can happened where the local people congregate i.e. a café at night.
Have a grand and glorious time!! You will never be the same after a trip to the Holy Land. Remember that you represent not only your home country, but the church as well. Do not be an “Ugly American.” Be sensitive to what you are wearing. Think about what is on the front of your tee-shirt. An American flag is great at home....but not in the Middle East. Also be sensitive about Christian messages on your shirt. Do not give some disgruntled person an excuse to confront you. (I did see one person wearing an American flag tee-shirt have a problem.)
“Never pass up a perfectly good bathroom.” You do not have control of when the bus will stop. You are a member of a group and your needs are not at the top of the list for the group. At every stop do use the facilities, whether you think you need to or not!
Last but not least. Stop each day and focus on the fact that you are in the land of the Bible. You are experiencing something that many people cannot/or will not. You have the money, the time, and the interest to be there. Your life will never be the same after you have experienced the sights, sounds and spirit of the Holy Land.
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