Frequently Asked Questions
Travel to the Holy Land: Israel
with Discovery Ministries
Before you travel
Do I need a passport?
Yes. A valid passport is required to leave the USA. It should be valid for a minimum of six months after your return date; you will be denied boarding if your passport is not valid for six months beyond your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately; it normally takes four to six weeks to be issued. A copy of the photo page of your passport must be sent to our office by 90 days prior to departure. Also retain a copy of your passport to keep with you while traveling.
How do I get a passport?
Obtain an application at your nearest passport office, courthouse, or post office. You will need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs measuring 2” x 2”, taken within six months of application. For more info regarding passports, you can go online to: www.travel.state.gov.
Will I need a visa?
US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa for Israel. (The airlines ask you to fill out the Israel visa during the flight.) Non-US citizens (including green card holders) must contact the Israel Consulate.
Visas are required for all citizens traveling to Jordan and Egypt. We will obtain a group visa for the US and Canadian citizens once all passport information has been submitted to our office.
Will I need vaccinations?
None are required, but you may wish to contact your personal physician for his/her advice.
What if I do not have a roommate?
While DMI will try to match you with a roommate, we cannot guarantee one will be available. Therefore, you should try to find a roommate and notify us of your selection no later than 90 days prior to departure. If no roommate can be found, you will receive an invoice for the single room supplement charge(s) as listed in the Fine print under Accommodations. This notification may come as late as 30 days prior to your departure.
When are payments due?
Final payment for the trip is due 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter, a late payment fee of $30 will be assessed.
What if I need to cancel?
Call our office immediately, and then submit your cancellation in writing. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations and refunds
If a passenger cancels his/her tour membership for any reason, there will be a cancellation fee of one hundred dollars ($100) to cover adminis¬trative and communication costs. For cancellations from 90-60 days an additional $100 is charged by the airline for a total cancellation fee of $200. Cancellations received 59-31 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost; 30-15 days: 50%; NO REFUND for cancellations within fourteen (14) days of departure -- trip cancellation and interrup¬tion insurance is available and is highly recom¬mended. All cancellation requests must be addressed to Discovery Ministries in writing.
Will my tour schedule ever change?
Every effort will be made to ensure you see the sites listed in your program; however, we reserve the right to alter the sightseeing itinerary to accommodate changes in local conditions and/or circumstances. If possible, you will be notified of any changes that are made to this itinerary prior to departing the U.S.
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Getting There
What airline will be used?
We use many airlines, including Lufthansa, Delta and El Al.
May I choose the airline I travel on?
Due to the volume of passengers traveling on various itineraries from many departure cities, you cannot select the airline for your travel.
When may I receive my flight information?
International flight information will be available approximately 30 days prior to departure; domestic flight information will be available approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
May I purchase my own domestic tickets to the departure city?
If you are purchasing your own domestic ticket and are paying the published New York price, your international flight will be scheduled from New York. Please be advised that the rest of your group may be routed differently and/or on a different schedule. We strongly recommend that passengers DO NOT purchase discounted tickets because of unforeseen schedule changes that may result in high cancellation fees. All flight times are subject to change without advance notice. Airlines have been known to change flight times by five or more hours, or cancel flights completely.
May I purchase my own international tickets?
Yes. But remember, airport / hotel / pier / airport transfers are not provided to passengers who have provided their own transportation. If you are a “ground only” passenger, you will meet the group at the first hotel and leave the group at the last hotel. If you purchase your own transportation, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements to/from the international airports.
NOTE: Due to increased security at the airports, we recommend arriving at least two to three hours prior to departure for domestic flights. Arrive at the departure airport at least three hours prior to departure for international flights (whenever possible.)
Who is responsible for any airline schedule changes and/or expense?
All flight times are subject to change by the airlines without advance notice. DMI is not responsible for changes and/or delays in airline schedules, nor the expense associated with such changes.
What if I miss my flight or it is canceled on the day of departure?
Contact our office immediately so we can inform our Foreign Offices. The airline’s responsibility is to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Be sure to call our office with your new arrival information so we can meet you at the airport.
NOTE: When calling the DMI office (817-595-1530) after 5:00PM Central time, listen carefully for the emergency instructions given in the recording. Our emergency line is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
May I request special seating and/or meals on the flights?
Yes, requests should be submitted in writing no later than 90 days prior to departure. We cannot, however, guarantee your request will be honored by the airline.
Will my group travel together on the same airline?
Every effort will be made to keep groups together if they are traveling from the same departure city; however, depending upon the size of the group and the availability of seats on the same flights, some groups may be on several different domestic and/or international flights. You will be on the same tour bus during the entire program.
NOTE: If part of the group is participating in an extension, they may not be on the same international flights as passengers doing the basic program only.
Will a company representative be available at the airport?
Our personnel will meet groups upon arrival at your final destination and will help with return departures to the US. In most cases, there will not be a representative at US airports.
Will all flights go through New Your/JFK?
No. Groups may depart from several of the major international departure gateways throughout the US.
How much luggage am I allowed to bring?
Due to limited space available on buses fur luggage, only ONE suitcase (limited to approximately 44 lbs) and one carry-on bag per person is allowed. Garment bags are not allowed. Your final itinerary package (“Final Instructions”) will include a luggage tag to be placed on your checked luggage. We strongly recommend you also add your own luggage tag on both your checked and carry-on luggage.
Note: Porters will not handle your carry-on luggage.
Note: Carry-on must fit under seat or in overhead compartments of the plane and under the seat or in your lap while on the bus. Most airlines will accept 62 maximum linear inches (length + width + depth) for checked luggage.
Suggestions for packing: If you are traveling as a couple, you may want to pack clothes for both in each suitcase. This way, if one suitcase is lost, each person will have clothing to wear.
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Upon Arrival
What if my luggage is lost or damaged?
File a claim at the airport before you leave the baggage claim area. It will be the airline’s responsibility to get lost luggage to you or to compensate you for damaged luggage. We will do our best to follow-up with the airlines but the responsibility ultimately rests with the airline. We strongly suggest that you pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
What to expect upon arrival at the airport!
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage (luggage carts may be free or available for an extra charge) and pass through customs. You will be met by an airport representative inside the baggage claim area. Please follow instructions from our representative.
What is the time difference in our time zones?
Israel, Jordan and Egypt are seven hours ahead of US Eastern Standard time and eight hours ahead of US Central Standard time.
How long will it take to travel from the airport to the hotel?
The transfer time can vary.
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At the Hotel
What about my luggage?
Upon arriving at the hotel, you will be asked to label your bag (with a sticker provided by the hotel) with your hotel room number. The porters will then bring your bag to your hotel room. You will be responsible for your carry-on.
What are the hotel rooms like?
Hotel rooms are European First Class or better. Each room will have a private bath, TV and phone. Most European hotels do not provide washcloths, so you may want to bring your own but do not leave them in the bathroom as the staff will whisk them away into the laundry and you will probably never see them again.
Are hair dryers available?
All hotels have hair dryers in the rooms. If you bring your own, remember the voltage is 220, so you will need your adapter and converter for all electrical appliances.
How long is the typical sightseeing day?
On some days, you will depart the hotel between 7:00-9:00Am and return on the late afternoon around 5:00-6:00PM. Your guide will announce the sightseeing schedule.
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General Information
What are the buses like?
The deluxe touring motor coaches are air-conditioned and will accommodate approximately 50 passengers.
Are there rest rooms on the buses?
No, but sufficient stops will be made for the comfort of our passengers.
May I request a special diet?
We will try to satisfy requests for special diets if furnished in writing at least 60 days prior to the departure. However, it should be understood that the dietary requirements of passengers suffering from disabilities or health problems, as well as children, are the responsibility of that passenger’s escort(s).
How much money should I bring?
Most everything has been included in your tour cost with the exception of lunches, shopping and optional tours (where applicable). A love offering will be collected for guides and drivers. Suggested amount is $3 per day for guides, $2 per day for drivers.
What type of currency is used?
Shekels in Israel, Pounds in Egypt, and Dinars in Jordan, however, US currency is widely accepted.
Should I exchange some money before departure?
This is totally up to you. You can use US currency for small purchases and credit cards for larger ones.
Will ATMs be available?
ATMs are available at local banks. The money you receive will be in the local currency.
What about travelers checks and credit cards?
We do not recommend the use of travelers checks as you may experience difficulty using and/or cashing them. In addition, banks usually charge a significant handling fee when cashing travelers checks. Credit cards are recommended for larger purchases. VISA and MasterCard are much more prevalent than Discovery and American Express. Most larger stores accept checks.
Will US currency be accepted for small purchases?
Yes, generally US currency is accepted for small purchases.
Will I be able to shop while during the program?
Time will be allotted for shopping. While some will feel that too much time is spent for shopping, others will think it is not enough. Remember that ours is not a shopping tour. Also, any purchases made are at your own risk. We are not responsible for your dissatisfaction with any items purchased. Guides are not authorized by DMI to recommend any store or shop.
What about the “VAT” or Value Added Tax?
VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax that is charged for most goods in Israel, Jordan and Egypt. This amount is part of the price – not added on at the cash register. VAT in Israel, Jordan and Egypt is at least 17%. It is possible for you to claim back most of this tax. The best way to do this is to see if the retailer you are buying from is affiliated with “Tax Free” shopping. If so, they will give you the instructions for your refund. Generally, all you have to do is collect a completed form from the store which lists your purchases. You MUST have the form stamped by customs when you leave the country. Look for the TAX FREE SHOPPING symbol.
Note: Specific procedures may vary by country, so look for forms and instructions at stores or the airport. DMI is not responsible for refunding you any VAT. In addition, VAT cannot be recovered once you have returned home.
What about other “tips”?
Prepaid gratuities have been collected for the following staff persons: hotel dining room staff, bell man/porters and housekeeping. You will not need to tip for standard services as all tips will be distributed to these staff persons by DMI. If, however, you request special services from the staff, additional gratuities are expected.
What type of clothes should I bring?
Layer clothing as the mornings and evenings may be cool while days may be hot. For touring, wear loose, comfortable cottons or other lightweight clothing that can be layered. Some of the days involve long bus rides and/or considerable walking, so comfort is essential. Comfortable shoes are a must! You never need dress clothes, as all trips are casual.
NOTE: At some holy sites, men and women must have their knees and shoulders covered. Please check with your guide for any clothing restrictions for the following day.
Should I bring my prescription medicines?
Bring your medicine in the original bottle. Also, bring a copy of the generic names for each. If you have medications which need to be refrigerated, you will need to make the appropriate arrangements with the airlines, hotels and cruise line.
An ID bracelet or a note from your doctor regarding any special treatments you are receiving will prove invaluable in the event of an emergency. Always carry medication that is needed on a daily basis in your carry-on.
I have limited mobility. What special facilities are available?
Due to the lack of handicapped accessible facilities, persons needing wheelchairs or ambulatory assistance will find travel on this program quite difficult and many sites will be inaccessible.
Please Note: Due to liability, DMI staff members are not allowed to assist passengers who are using wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
What about travel protection coverage?
We offer the option to purchase trip cancellation insurance through Travel Insured International. This insurance is optional. Upon registration, we provide an insurance pack with more information regarding the type of coverage available.
Note: Keep in mind your medical insurance policy may not provide coverage abroad. Medicare and Medicaid are not valid outside the US. If you are forced to cancel your trip at the last minute due to an emergency in your immediate family, you forfeit all money paid for your trip. And, if you have a medical emergency requiring emergency evacuation to a location providing specific medical care, you would have to pay for that emergency evacuation.
What if I lose something on the program?
Leave valuables, including items of sentimental value, at home! Put your name, address, departure date and bus color on all belongings so that any recovered items will be returned as quickly as possible. Shipping costs will be your responsibility. We suggest you make a list of all items you take along with their perceived value. Double check before you leave the hotel, bus, airplane, etc. DMI will not assume responsibility for lost items.
What about prepaid phone cards?
If you decide to purchase cards here or overseas, you will need a card or access for each country. (Make sure your prepaid card is for international use.) If you have a cell phone you can check with your local provider for International Service.
Is there any free time during the program?
Each day is quite full with sightseeing but you can notify your guide if you wish to miss a day of touring (itinerary permitting).
Any last minute items I shouldn’t forget?
Bible, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, wipes and wash cloths, camera (and extra film and batteries) and sundry toiletry items are musts. You may wish to bring a calculator for exchange rates while shopping. Passengers bringing video cameras are advised that museums and archeological sites frequently charge a fee for their use. In the event of inclement weather, bring a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella.
Any other tips?
Yes…
- Be on time for the bus and be prepared to rotate seats on the bus.
- Settle personal charges the night before checking out of the hotel.
- Notify your Tour Leader, Bus Captain or Guide if you will not be on the bus for sightseeing.
- No smoking allowed in dining room, on bus or in lecture hall.
- Remember you are a guest in another country . . .
- Be gracious . . . Expect that customs and food will be different than at home.
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