- Tips collected from you will be distributed for standard services. If you ask for a special favor of a maid or porter, you should tip these persons as you would at home.
- The standard service charges and tips mentioned above do not include the Voluntary Love Offering that will be taken for your Tour Guide and Bus Driver as an expression of appreciation. We suggest $15 per person for the guide and $10 per person for the driver. You may also choose not to give anything.
- If you travel through Jordan or Egypt, we suggest $2 per person for Jordanian guide and $1.50 per person per day for the driver.
- Be on time for the bus and be prepared to rotate seats on bus.
- Settle personal charges the night before checking out of 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. Customs and food will be different than at home.
GTS Home
- Call immediately when you need to cancel and follow up in writing. Cancellation fees are listed on your brochure.
- A returning US resident is allowed $400 in purchases duty free.
- Passport, money, medicines and valuables. Carry these items on you at all times.
- Current is 220 volts, bring both CONVERTER and ADAPTER PLUG to fit European and Middle Eastern Power Outlets.
- Tickets are written approximately 40 days prior to departure and once written cannot be rewritten or changed.
- There will be a $75 dollar fee for any deviation from the group travel, plus any increase in airfare applied by the carrier, if applicable. These requests should be made in writing at least 70 days prior to departure.
- We do not recommend the purchase of discount domestic air tickets owing to unforeseen schedule changes which may result in high cancellation or change penalties.
- If you would like us to issue your domestic ticket, please advise us of your desired departure city in writing at least 70 days prior to departure.
- All flight times are subject to change without advance notice, and we are not responsible for changes and/ or delays in airline schedules (this is covered by the insurance we offer).
- Special seating requests ma be made up to 70 days prior to departure, although we cannon guarantee the airline will comply with the request.
- The following special in-flight meals may be requested in writing 45 days prior to departure: Diabetic, Low Cholesterol, Low Salt, Vegetarian, Kosher.
- Check with your doctor about this trip and carry a copy of your prescriptions with generic names.
- The journey involves brisk walking, numerous stairs, and uneven pavements; if necessary, you may rest on the bus, at the site, or remain at the hotel.
- Advise the Hospitality Desk or your tour guide about acute medical problems; they will contact a doctor or hospital, and you will pay them directly at the time of treatment. If you must leave the group and return to our staff will try to assist you, they are not responsible for any treatment you may or may not receive. They will contact family members only if requested to do so by the ill passenger.
- Hotel names and addresses are sent with Final Instructions approximately 2WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.
- Hotels are rated first class or better (Middle East rating).
- Towels and soap are provided. Washcloths are not available in some hotels - you may want to bring your own.
- Name tags will be sent with your Final Instructions. They act as an entry ticket to many sites and meals. Therefore they should be worn at all times.
- One suitcase per person is recommended - not more than 77lbs.
- Carry-on should be able to fit under the seat in front of you or in overhead compartment of the plane. You can bring up to two carry-on bags. Porters handle only the check-in luggage.
- Please place the luggage tag we send with your final documents on your large suitcase. Your carry-on bag(s) should have you own ID.
LOST ARTICLES
- We cannot be responsible for lost articles. Make sure you check before leaving the plane, Bus, or hotel.
- Please identify your luggage and make sure it is loaded on the bus at airports and hotels.
MEALS
- Large breakfasts and dinners are provided in your travel package. Please do not take your lunch from the breakfast buffet.
- Coffee and tea are served with breakfast, but beverages are usually not include with lunch or dinner so you will be charged accordingly; it's advisable to check before ordering.
- Bottled water, coffee, tea and soft drinks are available at a supplemental charge at you hotel.
- If is safe to drink the water in the hotels in Israel, however only bottled water should be used in Egypt or Jordan.
PASSPORTS
- You must have a valid passport to leave the country, and it should be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your US departure date.
- If you do not have a passport, apply for it immediately; it could take 4 weeks for more to be issued.
- An application may be obtained from you nearest Passport Office or US District Court.
- You need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number) or other document proving citizenship and birth.
- You need 2 passport photographs taken within 6 months prior to application.
- If you have difficulties in obtaining a passport, contact you Congress Person for assistance.
- DO NOT PACK you passport in you suitcase; carry it with you at all times.
PASSPORTS
- You must have a valid passport to leave the country, and it should be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your US departure date.
- If you do not have a passport, apply for it immediately; it could take 4 weeks for more to be issued.
- An application may be obtained from you nearest Passport Office or US District Court.
- You need a certified birth certificate (with raised seal and file number) or other document proving citizenship and birth.
- You need 2 passport photographs taken within 6 months prior to application.
- If you have difficulties in obtaining a passport, contact you Congress Person for assistance.
- DO NOT PACK you passport in you suitcase; carry it with you at all times.
ROOMMATES
- Please notify us of your choice of roommate at least 70 days prior to departure.
- If you do not have anyone to room with we will attempt to provide a roommate, but cannot guarantee it. If there is no one for you to share with, you will be invoiced for a single supplement according to the rate on your brochure.
- You may share a triple room in order to avoid the single supplement. Normally the rooms and roll-a-way bed is brought in for the third person.
SHOPPING
- Make sure to carefully read the "Shopping Letter" you will receive up on arrival overseas. Shopping is done "at your own risk". We cannot assume responsibility for purchases made at any shop or store.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
- Your travel documents should arrive APPROXIMATELY 10-14 days prior to your departure.
VIDEO
- When purchasing a video overseas, please make sure it is the NTSC American Version, as the PAL version will not play here.
WEATHER
- Average Temperatures are:
November - March ranges from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is the wet season - rain is possible.
April, May, & September ranges from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
June - August ranges from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer is the hot season - BE PREPARED.
VALUED ADDED TAX (VAT)
- VAT is much like our sales tax. In most countries VAT is charged on all items purchased. As a tourist you may recover this tax if:
A) Your purchases in one store exceed a specific amount and you receive a Tax Refund Form.
B) Your present this from and you unopened merchandise at the special counter before boarding your flight, or at the border of the country where it was purchased.
C) In most cases you will be given the refund on the spot at the airport; otherwise the customs officials will validate your form and you will have to mail it to the store where you made your purchase, and they will mail you a check for the tax refund.
- It is suggested you check about details for VAT before making purchases.
WELCOME PACKET
- Distributed by the guide upon arrival, it includes a detailed itinerary, map, and information regarding optional Folklore Show $17 (Pay to our guide)
YEAR ROUND PACKING SUGGESTIONS
- IMPORTANT! - Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is delayed.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Compact rain coat, sun hat and / or small umbrella (November - February).
- Plan to dress in layers as weather dictates (Don't forget swimsuit).
- Shorts and sleeveless outfits are not allowed in many churches (Can bring slip on pants)
- Camera, extra batteries, film (Film higher than 400 ASA can be affected by x-ray Machines)
- Carry a list of travelers check numbers separate from checks if you use travelers checks.
