Travel Information

Travel Tips To Help Prepare You For Your Pilgrimage

We want you to have the smoothest trip possible to the Holy Land! Check out our health, safety, and packing tips to ensure you are prepared.

Health Tips

1. Pack Hand Sanitizer

When traveling, it is always a good idea to travel with hand sanitizer in case you need it. To be prepared from the start, pack a travel-size bottle that meets airline requirements of less than 3.4 oz (or 100 ml). In case you forget it, hand sanitizer will be readily available on your bus each day, as well as in your hotels.

2. Bring Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are great to bring along, and can be purchased in convenient travel packs! Airline cleaning crews perform a thorough job in cleaning all aspects of the airplane (most go through an inspection process prior to boarding). However, bringing your own disinfecting wipes for surfaces throughout your trip is a great way to have peace of mind.

3. Stay Hydrated

Whether flying at a high altitude or walking throughout the day, your body needs to stay hydrated. For that reason, we encourage you to drink plenty of fluids throughout your trip (water especially, but also fruit juice, as it’s a great source of Vitamin A, D, and C, which will help with your immune function). Keep in mind that free bottles of water are available to you on your bus each day.

4. Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Airplane air is very drying, and cracked skin can lead to infections. Be sure to bring your lip balm, lotion, and skin cream to put on each day (but check airline stipulations on permitted bottle sizes).

Safety Tips

Though the media at times portrays otherwise, the Holy Land welcomes tourists and pilgrims, and is much safer than many people realize. It is likely that all of the people you meet will be genuine and kind, offering a smile and friendship. As you will learn during your trip, there is no need to be anxious or worried about coming to the Holy Land, but it is also wise to be alert.

1. Be aware of your surroundings

When you are traveling anywhere, it is wise to be aware of your surroundings. Look around, make eye contact, and smile at the people around you. This is an easy way to deter crime, but more importantly, an easy way to reflect the love of Jesus to those around you. It is likely that your kindness will likely win you new friends.

2. Groups provide safety

In nature, animals do not attack groups, but find prey that is alone. It is the same with human predators; numbers provide safety. Staying with the group ensures your safety.

3. Choose footwear that will prevent falls

When traveling to the Holy Land it is very important to bring comfortable walking shoes. It is also important that the shoes you bring have good traction. You will encounter a variety of walking surfaces during your visit. Most of them are smooth and very manageable. However, rain or access dust could cause some surfaces to become slippery. Shoes with good traction will prevent slipping.

Packing Tips

Essentials

You will need your passport, money, adapter, and travel insurance confirmation. Also, be sure to pack any medications or vitamins that you will need, as well as sunscreen and insect repellent. Your Bible and rosary are also essentials for this trip!

Weather

Temperatures can vary greatly, even in one day. It is best to bring a variety of clothing that can be easily layered on or off throughout the day, while still packing lightly. Keep in mind that late Fall through early Spring is the colder season during which you will need a warm coat, hat, and gloves. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses no matter the season.

Packing List

Passport - as well as another photocopy of your passport.
Tickets - bringing a paper copy in addition to the electronic confirmation is a good idea.
Travel Insurance Confirmation
Small amount of cash
An adapter and converter
Comfortable shoes with good traction.
Medications and vitamins
Bible, rosary, and journal
Water bottle
Camera
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
Backpack

Flashlight
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Bug repellant
Sunscreen
Umbrella
Pajamas
A couple pairs of easy to wash pants
Short sleeve or long sleeve shirts - tank tops or shorts above the knee are not culturally respectful
Warmer sweaters and coats if your trip is in the late Fall through early Spring
A jacket and light sweater if your trip is in the warmer months