HOLY LAND 2019 - Gateway Church Visalia
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HOLY LAND 2019
It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually
on it from the beginning of the year to its end. Deuteronomy 11:12
Thank you for your interest in our Holy Land 2019 trip! This journey will enrich your
faith as you could not imagine! It is truly TRANSFORMATIONAL. Reviews from the
2018 trip are available if desired.
Seats on this trip will be filled on a first deposit paid basis. Please read through
these documents and, when you are ready to commit to the trip, follow these
steps: Fill out the online form at this link:
https://form.jotform.com/83173308439157. Send $250 to AIT or give it to
Debbie. Fill out the online registration form at www.americaisraeltours.com/vti.
Pay another $500 deposit online when doing so.
Please feel free to share this trip with friends & family locally and elsewhere as
we will accommodate those interested as long as space is available. It is a
non-denominational trip and we enjoyed getting to know a variety of people
with varying Christian backgrounds on our recent trip. We also had several
people travel from other states/countries on our 2018 trip and it worked out well
to meet them in Israel.
The Pre-Trip to Egypt & Jordan was an amazing add-on to our spiritual journey
that is worth considering. Walking the land of Moses really helped to bring the
world of the Israelites into perspective. Plus, riding camels at the Pyramids in
Giza was really fun!
I am always available for questions and I look forward to getting to know you.
Blessings to you as you consider this journey! I’m praying for you too!
Debbie Winsett
devand@sbcglobal.net 559.740-9436 1825 N Salierno Ct., Visalia CA 93291
Join our Holy Land 2019 Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/553762828369106/
Updated 3/13/19
3/13/2019
HOLY LAND 2019
"Guides and drivers were excellent. We felt like they truly cared about all of us. They were all
extremely knowledgeable and had a passion for their countries."
TRIP DETAILS AT A GLANCE
DEPART ARRIVE DEP ISRAEL/
DATES LAX ARRIVE CAIRO ISRAEL ARRIVE LAX
Pre-trip to Egypt/Jordan 9/1/2019 9/2/2019 9/9/2019 9/17/2019
Israel only 9/8/2019 --- 9/9/2018 9/17/2019
FLIGHT SCHEDULES - TURKISH AIR FLIGHT # DEPART ARRIVE DURATION
PRE-TRIP LAX - ISTANBUL 10 18:30 17:40 13H 10M
ISTANBUL - CAIRO 694 18:45 20:05 2H 20M
ISRAEL ONLY LAX - INSTANBUL 10 18:30 17:40 13H 10M
ISTANBUL - TEL AVIV 864 19:45 21:55 2H 10M
ALL RETURN TEL AVIV - ISTANBUL 865 8:40 10:55 2H 15M
ISTANBUL - LAX 9 13:00 16:50 13H 50M
COSTS (*max, PRE-TRIP &
varies with #) ISRAEL* ISRAEL*
Land + Air $ 5,090 $ 3,625
Tips 150 80
Visas 110 -
Account Fee 25 25
R/T bus VIS-LAX* 110 110
TOTAL * $ 5,485 $ 3,840
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Reserve seat - AIT $250 Due ASAP/FCFS
Register with AIT $500 BY 2/1/19
Final payment to AIT TBD Due 6/1/19
Bus to/from LAX to Deb TBD Due 6/1/19
Payments are non-refundable. Travel insurance is billed
with final payment. Be sure the plan you choose will
reimburse all costs paid prior to final payment date if
Consider: Travel Insurance ($250-$350) you must cancel. *Maximum. Depends on # going on
Wadi Rum Tour in Jordan ($140) trip and bus.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - Trip Details Page 1
rev 3/3/19
HOLY LAND 2019
"A transformational experience for my faith. I am truly FREE of my sin."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TRIP DATES Depart LAX Arrive Arrive LAX
Pre-Trip to Egypt/Jordan 9/1/2019 9/2/2019 9/17/2019
Israel 9/8/2019 9/9/2019 9/17/2019
TRIP COST Pre-trip to Egypt/Jordan + Israel $5,485 *Max
Israel only $3,840 **Max
Round-trip bus Visalia - LAX Estimate $110* included above (opt.)
Flight credit of $1000 if booking own flights.
* Depends on # of travelers; minimum for Egypt/Jordan is 20; cost drops $80 @ 25
** Depends on # of travelers, minimum for Israel is 30; cost drops $50 @ 40
PAYMENT DUE DATES Reserve your seat (check to AIT) $250 Due ASAP, FCFS Non-refundable
REQUIRED TO RESERVE SEAT Also return Traveler Info form at: http://bit.ly/HolyLand2019Info
Register with AIT (no fee for CC) $500 Due 2/1/19 Non-refundable
Payment via check or Final payment to AIT (3% CC fee) TBD Due 6/1/19 Non-refundable
credit card (3% fee for CC) Bus to/from LAX (to Deb) TBD Due 6/1/19 Non-refundable
If you must cancel, be sure your travel insurance will cover these costs.
WHAT IS INCLUDED Flights from/to LAX (unless you are booking your own)
5 * hotels (or best available in some areas), DOUBLE occupancy
Breakfast & dinner each day
Airport transfers Comfortable bus
English speaking, knowledgeable guides
Baggage handling at hotels Hat, luggage tags, maps
Tips, service charges, site entry fees, and VISAS/border fees where needed
WHAT ISN'T INCLUDED Lunch (estimate $15 per day) , snacks, alcohol
Travel insurance (optional, estimate $250-$350 depending on trip cost)
Personal expenses 3% fee if final payment is made with credit card
Single occupancy room Camel rides ($5)
Passport Israel - Jordan River Baptism ($15)
Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check (optional) Jordan - Wadi Rum Tour ($140)
Airport/hotel transfers if flying at different times than group
TOUR OPERATOR America Israel Tours (AmericaIsraelTours.com). AIT operated the 2018 tour
which was extremely well managed. AIT guides were very knowledgeable,
kind, and helpful and an AIT representative was at every hotel to assist if
needed.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - FAQs Page 1
WHO CAN TRAVEL
Anyone who can manage their travel and time independently is welcome.
Travelers should be healthy enough to walk comfortably over uneven
terrain, climb and descend stairs, sit for bus rides, manage their own
luggage, and enjoy long days with walking up to 3 miles. Those who become
ill or too tired to participate can stay at the hotel (if the bus is returning at
day's end) or on the bus. We welcome anyone from any church or location
to join us. Transportation from anywhere can be arranged.
TRIP ITINERARY
Link to the 2019 itinerary is here: https://www.americaisraeltours.com/vti
The pre-trip is Days 1-9 and the Israel trip is Days 8-17.
Our details may change a bit as we move forward or if needed due
to weather, safety issues, road conditions, etc. but our dates are
fixed. Days may start early and end late.
SAFETY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
We had NO safety issues on our 2018 trip and felt very secure. Travel
advisories are monitored and, if our in-country itinerary has to be adjusted,
it will be. It is clear that U.S. tourists are valued and accommodated.
VISAS AND PASSPORTS
All travelers will need a passport that expires at least 6 months AFTER we
arrive home. Egypt/Jordan travelers will need two VISAs that AIT will
provide (included in cost).
GLOBAL ENTRY/TSA You can use them if you have them. They will only help you get through U.S.
PRE-CHECK Customs faster, not internationally.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is not mandatory but is highly recommended. You can buy
the group plan from AIT through Travelex ($248 for $4000 in coverage or
$313 for $5000) or source your own. If you buy the group plan, it will be
effective when you pay for it (when you make your final payment) but, if you
have to cancel after that time, it will cover any deposits you made to AIT.
FLIGHTS
Travelers can reserve a group seat OR book their own using miles or
payment. It is recommended that all travelers fly on the same flights as the
group even if booked separately unless you are not flying through LAX.
Group flights CANNOT be upgraded above Economy seating however seat
requests (window/middle/aisle) will likely be granted.
You will need to book your own flights IF you:
* Are not traveling through LAX or are on any different itinerary than the
group. AIT can assist with booking if needed.
* Want to upgrade your seat or use miles to pay
All travelers must meet the GROUP for the first land day.
If you have a mileage plan, you can earn credit for the flights.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - FAQs Page 2GROUP FLIGHT SCHEDULE Turkish Airlines FLIGHT # DEPART ARRIVE DURATION
PRE-TRIP LAX - IST (Istanbul) 10 18:30 17:40 13H 10M
IST - CAI (Cairo) 694 18:45 20:05 2H 20M
ISRAEL ONLY LAX - IST (Istanbul) 10 18:30 17:40 13H 10M
IST - TLV (Tel Aviv) 864 19:45 21:55 2H 10M
ALL RETURN TLV - IST 865 8:40 10:55 2H 15M
IST - LAX 9 13:00 16:50 13H 50M
LUGGAGE We suggest you pack very light in ONE 22" max wheeled bag and a
backpack/tote. See the separate Packing Guidelines. You do not need much
gear for this trip. You must be able to carry your own luggage. We will likely
check our main bags under the plane. You may want to take a foldable
spare bag for anything you buy. Turkish Airlines will allow you to check 1-2
bags for FREE (50 lbs max) and carry on a bag < 17 lbs + one more small item
(camera bag, coat, purse, etc.).
ROOMMATES If you do not have a roomate to travel with, we can help you find one among
other solo travelers or, if you prefer, you can pay a single supplement to
room alone (Egypt/Jordan is +$655 and Israel is +$922; both total +$1577).
HOTELS The best hotels in the area will be provided and most are 5 * (standards for
these countries are a little less than U.S. but all are clean and comfortable).
In Egypt, Morgenland offer simple, basic accommodations. Wi-Fi is available
in most hotels. Hair dryers are generally available (except at Morgenland)
though laundry/ironing facilities may be arranged through hotel services for
a fee.
FOOD/DRINKS In Egypt, health standards are not what we are used to. Water and anything
washed in water should not be consumed without risk of illness. The guide
will explain what we can and cannot eat. There is plenty of edible food in all
countries. Coffee is boiled and drinkable. In Israel and Jordan, all food and
water is edible. Bottled water is available on all buses and it is
recommended that you buy bottles each day. There is no need to bring a
container.
BATHROOMS
In Egypt, public bathrooms are not what we are used to and toilet paper is
available but not provided. Sanitation is not good so expect different toilet
practices. All is normal in Israel. Our buses may or may not have a
bathroom but bathrooms are prevalent at all sites we stop at and the guides
are considerate of our needs in this regard.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - FAQs Page 3TERRAIN Travel in Egypt/Jordan/Israel requires a lot of WALKING, up to 3 miles per
day. Most of the walking is NOT on level/paved surfaces. Be prepared to
walk on gravel, sand, dirt, concrete, and up/down throughout the day. In
some areas, a cab or horse buggy can be arranged if needed but this should
not be expected in most locations.
In Egypt, there is an optional overnight hike to Mt. Sinai which is very
rigorous and takes up to 6 hours round trip. You must be in good physical
condition to attempt this but you can ride a camel 2/3 of the way if desired
($25) up to the 750 steps.
WHAT TO WEAR Dress in Egypt/Jordan/Israel is casual and it will be hot (80-90's F).
Appropriate shorts, lightweight pants, short sleeve/sleeveless shirts, and
casual knee length dresses are OK. Women will need to have a shawl or
sweater to cover shoulders in some of the churches. You will need a light
jacket for some evenings and hiking shoes/heavier jacket for the optional
Egypt Mt. Sinai hike. Layers are good and hats/sun protection are
recommended (AIT provides a hat in Israel). Women should take a cross-
body type purse. All backpacks and gear can be safely left on the bus during
touring days. Passports should be kept with you.
MONEY
There are opportunities to shop and credit/debit cards are accepted in most
areas (not by street vendors). You will need cash for lunches and for any
extra tips you may wish to give. All areas will accept American dollars so you
do NOT have to get foreign currency unless you want to do so. Shekels are
OK. ATMs and banks are prevalent. Suggested cash: $300
In Egypt, you must pay to use toilets so have $1 bills available. Many
souvenirs are $1 as well so bring plenty of $1s.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS You will need a power adaptor for all countries in order to use their outlets.
Hotels have outlets that take a Type C plug (two round pins).
SMALL APPLIANCES Most hotels have hair dryers and outlets for shavers but are not as
convenient as at home. You can bring what you must have but you will need
a power adaptor.
PHONE SERVICE OPTIONS
Check with your cell phone carrier for options where you are traveling. You
do not need an international plan if you will only use Wi-Fi where available.
WhatsApp can be used for free calls/texts if your contacts also have the app.
VACCINATIONS No vaccinations are required for this trip. Check with your doctor to see
what is recommended for your particular medical condition. A current
Tetanus shot is recommended. Pharmacies are available for emergency
needs.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - FAQs Page 4COMMUNICATION *You will receive regular updates and communications via email.
*We will host three gatherings (June/July/August) to get to know each other
and watch DVDs (Drive-Thru Holy Land) to help you get to know where we
are going.
*We also have a Facebook Group set up for the trip where you can ask questions
and get to know other travelers: Holy Land 2019
https://www.facebook.com/groups/553762828369106/
*We will have a Facebook group for the trip photos so your family & friends
at home can view as we journey.
ABOUT YOUR TOUR LEADER -
DEBBIE WINSETT
I accepted Christ as a young teenager at Calvin Crest, a Christian camp in California, and
have trusted Him as my Savior since that time. My family has attended Gateway Church
(Visalia CA) since 2002 and I am involved in a lot of different ministries there. I work as a
project manager for Wells Fargo's Corporate Properties Group and love my job. We have
two adult sons and one grandson. Our daughter-in-law, Kelsey, is a worship leader at
Gateway. I am not a travel agent but I do travel a lot. In Spring 2017, I felt called to plan
a group trip to the Holy Land since my travel buddy and I wanted to go but didn't have a
group to go with. God said it would be 50 people going in October 2018 - and it was! We
had an amazing trip, made memories and friendships for a lifetime, and came home with
renewed desire to serve Him and share the Gospel with a ready world. For me personally,
I will continue to take groups to Israel as long as there are people called to go!
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - FAQs Page 5rev 3/13/19
HOLY LAND 2019
"Definitely a life changing experience. Thanks for everything. I will highly recommend this trip to
all my friends."
PACKING GUIDELINES
CONSIDERATIONS * Pack LIGHT! One 21-22" wheeled bag and a backpack/tote should be sufficient.
Consider a rolling duffel like Eddie Bauer's Expedition Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel - Medium
(and often on sale at the Tulare Outlets - see image at left).
* You will have to personally carry everything you bring through the airports.
* All clothing should be comfortable, travel friendly, and breathable.
* Hotels can do laundry for you if needed at a reasonable cost.
* Share common items with your roommate (one blow dryer, charger, etc.).
* Put a copy of your itinerary with your contact info (and Debbie's) in each bag.
* We will likely check our main bag under the plane (50 lbs max) and carry on a backpack/tote
(17 lbs max) + a 2nd 8lb max item if needed.
* All liquids and aerosols must fit in ONE sealed quart size bag or approved equivalent (buy on
amazon, image at left)
TSA What can I bring on https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-
the plane? screening/whatcanibring/all
TSA: Ages 75+ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/screening-
passengers-75-and-older
TSA: Disabilities & Medical https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures
TYPICAL WEATHER Dry, little rain Egypt/Jordan 91 day/68 night
IN SEPTEMBER Israel 82 day/68 night
Some areas are warmer, Mt. Sinai will be in 30-40s at night.
IN BACKPACK/TOTE Think about what you would need if your main bag were lost.
One change of clothes + light jacket + compression socks
Electronics/chargers/camera/phone/Bible app on phone or Bible
Medicines
Reading material/activities; Bible or Bible app; notebook/pen
Valuables/money (condense your wallet - take only what you need)
Quart size toiletry bag with toiletries including toothbrush
Slippers/compression socks to wear on plane
Travel documents/passport
Smaller purse/crossbody bag/waist wallet for use off bus
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - Packing Guidelines Page 1IN MAIN BAG (+ for Pre-Trip travelers)
4-6 short sleeve shirts (consider sun protective like Columbia's) (+2)
1-2 long sleeve shirts (+1)
2-3 sleeveless tops (women - if you wear them when it's hot) (+2)
3 pair lightweight pants or capris, zip-off are fine (+2)
Shorts/skirts/skorts/dresses - OK to wear if you can move well
Shawl/sweater - Covering for arms/lets/shoulders for women is required at most churches.
Light jacket or fleece for evenings
IF hiking Mt. Sinai, you will need layers of warm clothing, gloves, and a hat.
Lightweight down "puffer" jackets tuck into a small pouch and can double as a plane pillow.
Underwear, socks, bras/sport bras.
Sleepwear/robe
Swimwear or something you can get wet in (hotel pools, Dead Sea, Jordan River). Towels are
provided.
Good walking shoes - athletic are fine if they have a good tread, non-slip sole
Water shoes with heel strap (no metal), can double as slippers for plane
OPTIONAL As you may need…
Small first aid kit, pain relievers, moleskin for blisters, motion sickness pills, sunscreen, anti-
diarrhea medication (prescription strength if affected in Egypt)
Wet wipes or small towel for washing on plane, hand sanitizer
Hat (AIT provides a baseball style cap in Israel)
Flashlight or headlamp (useful at Mt. Sinai)
Cell phone with international plan (or use Wi-Fi only); download WhatsApp app
Spare cell phone charger with cable
Camera and/or extra SD card for phone to take pictures
Power adapter (type C plugs/2 round prongs) for anything you will need to charge
Sunglasses/glasses with case/cord for neck wear; contacts/solution if needed
Powdered laundry detergent for sink washing
Shopping bag - foldable/expandable and/or extra tote for purchases
Umbrella (small) for sun protection more than rain
Wrinkle releaser - spray, must fit in quart bag (try Downy Wrinkle Releaser)
Packaged snacks for bus/plane/waiting time
Neck pillow for plane - they get bulky to carry, inflatables are an option
Carabiners to attach things and close zippers
Luggage straps to wrap around luggage to secure contents
Envelope or plastic pouch to hold receipts/stubs/tickets/papers
Earbuds/earplugs (ask your roommate if they snore), eye mask
Mesh laundry bag
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - Packing Guidelines Page 2OTHER ITEMS
NOTES * Let your bank/credit card companies know of your travel plans.
* Plan ahead to get foreign currency if you need/want it.
* Arrange for an international cell phone plan if you want it. Install WhatsApp app.
* Give family/friends a copy of your itinerary and another traveler's cell # in case they need to
reach you.
* Get doctor's notes in advance for all medical equipment you must take on flights.
* PUT A COPY OF YOUR ITINERARY AND CONTACT INFORMATION IN ALL BAGS.
Holy Land 2019 - Winsett - Packing Guidelines Page 3You can also read
