HOW TO GET ALONG FINE IN THE HOLYLAND




HOW TO GET ALONG FINE IN THE HOLYLAND

  1. Security check is done normally two (2) hours before departure. Each passenger will be called and will be asked about their luggages and other things they may be interested to ask.  Please remain calm, answer each question truthfully and maintain eye contact with the security officer at all times.  Passengers should not allow themselves to be intimidated with the manner in which the security check is being carried out because they have to understand that Israelis are culturally different from Filipinos (i.e straightforward questions thrown by Israeli officer may be perceived as offensive or insulting or even frightening by mild-mannered, gentle and modest Filipinos, where none was intended).  You may be asked to identify your checked-in-baggages.
 2. After completing the security check, take note of the boarding gate and time of departure.  Should you wish to walk around at the Duty Free Shop, make sure you are at the departure gate in time.  In case you get lost, ask assistance from airport staff.
 3. Please don’t leave your belongings unattended, as these may get lost.

 4. PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING


  • A pair of slippers to be used in the Dead Sea.
  • Short pants/bathing suit for bathing in the Dead Sea
  • Folding Umbrella
  • Towel to be used while in Dead Sea and also in the Jordan River (baptism site)
  • Sunglasses
  • MEDICINE
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses (if you’re using one)
  • White Dress/Blouse for Women, Polo for Men, for the Renewal of Vows in Cana
  • Filipino sweets and delicacies for Filipino priests and nuns assigned in Israel.
  • Off Lotion
 5. Since weather in Jordan, Israel and Egypt in November is cold, 10 degrees (Baguio weather) Thermal suites are encouraged. Also coats, jackets, socks, shawls and bonnets.

6. Bring along you MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES, as you’ll do a lot of walking in Israel. Heeled Shoes are highly discouraged.

7. Short pants, short skirts, sleeveless shirts are not allowed in holy places. Please dress decently at all times.

 8. Please beware of pickpockets – all the time.  In Jerusalem, especially at the Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa and in some places that your guide will remind you.  If the guide will instruct you to leave your valuables in the bus – do so.

9. No need to change your USD to NIS (New Israel Shekel) as it is widely accepted in Israel.  Prepare loose change like $1, $5, $10 as this is normally what you’ll need most.

 10. WHEN THE TOUR GUIDE IS TALKING – PLEASE LISTEN.  There is always time for picture taking, comfort rooms and shopping.

 11. If you intend to buy books and videotapes – buy them from your driver as it is the same as in the stores.  When you pack it, place it on the outside pocket of your luggage so it would be easy to check.

 12. As you will have Eucharistic Celebration everyday,  DON’T FORGET YOUR LOVE OFFERING and PRAYER BOOK.

 13. If you stay in a hotel for several days, it is important THAT YOUR TICKETS, PASSPORTS AND OTHER VALUABLES BE PLACED IN THE SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX.  Should you not have in your hotel room, request from the Reception Desk that you need a safety deposit box – it is free of charge.  But have a reminder by bedside so you won’t forget when you leave.

14. If you have travelers cheques with you, always retain a photocopy.

 15. It is advisable to keep a photocopy of all the pages of your passport, a photocopy of your ticket, an extra passport size photos – just in case something is lost.

 16. Please be careful when shopping in side street stores while group is walking.

 17. Each Pilgrim is issued a Travel Insurance. Coordinate with your Tour Leader should there be a need for any medical assistance.

 18. All extra requests from the Hotels like phone calls, extra food will be charged on your personal account.

19. Although drinking water is safe in Israel, it may be wise to stick to bottled (mineral) water. Tour Busses usually have water for sale.

20. Photography is not allowed in some sites.  Please pay attention to warning signs.

21. Most hotels charge more than the regular rates for outgoing phone calls.  A phone card is recommended if you plan to use the telephone frequently.

22. A last word of advice: When you leave Jordan, Israel and Egypt the authorities conduct a very thorough security check at the borders.  Please accept this with patience and understanding – it is for your own safety!

TRAVEL TIPS FOR JORDAN, ISRAEL, EGYPT

TRAVEL TIPS FOR JORDAN, ISRAEL, EGYPT


I. PREPARATION
  1. Physical: Do walking around your village, treadmill or in the malls. This will prepare you for the 
many times we will walk during the Pilgrimage.
   Spiritual: Please pray for the Pilgrimage and the Pilgrims. Say a rosary and attend mass daily. Also, 
                            we encourage everyone to go to Confession before the trip.
     2. Bring with you:
• Alarm clock (to make sure you don’t miss your tour)
• Big collapsible bag (for unexpected buys)
• Medicine for common ailments (colds, LBM, etc)
• 3 in 1 Instant coffee, packets (it’s also expensive abroad)
• Detergent soap for laundry, preferably woolite
  • Rosary, Bible
  • Wedding Vows clothing (white dress/blouse for ladies, polo/barong for men)
  • Maps
• Calling cards
2. Have a short haircut prior to departure as it is very expensive to have haircuts abroad.
3. Brush up on your knowledge of the history of the countries so you can appreciate 
        the sights better.
4. Duplicates of your passport (number, Date of issue, etc.) Better yet photocopy Passport per page, also include photocopy of your Airline Tickets.  Place them in different bags.
5. Don’t bring so much clothes, bring those light to carry. Thermal wears are advisable. The weather is like Baguio, 10 degrees, please pack coats, bonnets, shawls, wool socks etc. We discourage washing of clothes during the trip as we will move from one hotel to another, but would there be a need please bring those easy to dry materials or disposable undergarments. Towels must be easy to dry too.


II.  ON THE AIRPLANE
1. To be assured of a preferred seat (near window or aisles), better check-in very early at the airport. A seat in front means earlier serving of meals and you can rest immediately after.
2. If you have preferred magazines to read, scour around for it at the magazine racks as soon as you’ve laid your luggage aside.  For preferred newspapers, ask the flight attendants.
3. To help you sleep, you can ask the flight attendants for hot milk.  Ask for pillow and blanket if there’s none in the compartment above you. 
4. If you become nauseated on the plane, you can request for air-sickness medicine.  During take off or touch down, better have some candy or gum in your mouth.
5. At dawn or early morning, better go to the comfort room ahead of the others.  There are usually shavers or toothbrush in the restroom.
6. If you are a first timer, request the help of the steward for adjusting your chair, seatbelt, emergency call button, and use of T.V and in filling out disembarkation forms.  You can also ask for postcards and stationery which at times the airline will mail at no cost.
7. You can buy tax-free items at airport stores or aboard the airplane.
8. Don’t be ashamed to ask the assistance of the flight attendants.  They’re there to help.  Even extra servings of food if the flight is not full.



III. ACCOMMODATION
1. Be very careful in leaving valuables in your hotel room.  They can get lost.  Deposit valuables in your room deposit box or at the hotel front desk for safekeeping and ask for receipt or key. Have a reminder though. 
2. Local calls from your hotel rooms are charged to you.
3. Night before departure, better pay already personal bills at hotel counter.  Usually, it’s a long queue in the morning or pay early in morning before breakfast.
4. Check all closets, drawers, etc before checking out of hotel room.  To keep tab of your belongings, always remember how many pieces of suitcases, airline bags, etc.  you have.
5. When going out, ask directions from the Hotel Concierge/Front Desk.  Have him write local instructions to taxi driver at your destination.  A Tip for this service will be helpful.  Better yet, ask for hotel calling card so if you go astray you can show taxi driver.
6. Don’t be ashamed to get candies or apples on trays in the front desk.
7. Return room key. At times even room cards are asked.
8. You may wish to bring home the small unused amenities in the room. But not towels or big items.
9. Items inside the mini bar are to be paid. At times you are provided free coffee or tea. 
10. If you want hotel stickers, ask from the porter.
11. Ask directions from the porters.
12. There’s always CR in the lobby.


V. TRANSPORTATION AND TRANSFERS
      1.  Do not include hand luggage among suitcases.
2. Any additional suitcase must first be reported to the Tour Escort and must be properly identified.
3. It may be advisable to have one extra dress in hand luggage, in case your suitcase gets lost.
4. Tips for porters, local tour guides, chambermaids and taxi drivers can be loose change.
5. Anyone going ahead of bus or airplane or deviating from the tour group should first ask permission from the Tour Escort.
6. In case you miss a flight you will have to catch up by yourself.

VI. BAGGAGE
      1. Always have calling cards inside and outside suitcase and hand carried bags. 
Also distinctive ribbons for easier identification.
      2. Better weigh in your luggage.  You are allowed 20 kilos per passenger.  Hand carried allowed is 7 kilos can be up to.
3. Prepare baggage in such a way that you can carry it yourself to economize in porterage. In the tour, we are allowed for 1 baggage for Porterage.
4. Bring extra collapsible bags. This can be handy.


VII. SIGHTSEEING AND SHOPPING
1.Be friendly, it opens many doors of welcome.
4. Try to learn some local words you can use for dropping.
5. Always listen to the guide first before picture taking.


VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
1. Exchange of money can be made at airports or downtown banks, hotels or stores.  The most advantageous rates is in the stores.  Watch-out for non-banking days like weekends or public holidays.
2. Dispose of local currency, specially coins at airport or border banks before leaving a country.  Some banks will convert small change but at lower rate.
3. In case you get sick, most hotels have house physicians.  There are also public hospitals but fees can be high.  For insurance purposes, ask for official receipt.
4. Its most advisable to buy booklets on the countries or cities you visit. They serve well as coffee table books.
5. Anticipate low batt in cellphone or camera by bringing along chargers or extra batteries

Pilgrims
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