Please carefully review the details of the Cancellation Policy below, as well as the full Terms & Conditions prior to booking your travel event.

All prices, penalties and change fees are quoted per passenger based on selected occupancy.

Inspiration recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans help provide coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay and more. Consult your insurance provider or credit card company for options.

You are responsible for bringing the correct travel documents to your event. For international tours, every person in your reservation (including children) must have a valid passport that won't expire until six months after the completion of your trip. For domestic tours, every person in your reservation (including children) is required to travel with a valid form of identification that proves citizenship. 

REAL IDs:

Starting May 7, 2025, all U.S. travelers will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card to travel by air within the country.

For more detailed information, please read our Travel Documentation page.

With such diverse terrain, Israel’s weather and climate vary greatly. The most populated parts of the country will see hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The warm summer lasts from April to October, with June through September reaching the highest temperatures. A cool, brief fall leads into the rainy season, which begins in late October or early November. The winter months can be cold in the hilly regions, and even arid Jerusalem has been known to get small amounts of snow in the winter.

Below is a checklist to help you pack for your exceptional travel experience. We suggest packing a change of clothes, toiletries and any medications you need in your carry-on bag.

Packing Checklist

• Casual clothes (trousers/pants, jeans, shorts, T-shirts, collared shirts or blouses); you may wish to avoid sleeveless shirts and short shorts as there are modesty requirements for some of the religious sites
• Lightweight sweater or jacket
• Bathing suit and a cover-up or wrap
• Raincoat and/or compact umbrella
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Toiletries (in a sealed, clear plastic bag inside your carry-on luggage)
• Minor first-aid care items (Band-Aids, aspirin, hand sanitizer, etc.)
• Medications (please bring all medications in their original containers)
• Hair care appliances (see information in the next FAQ section)
• Small bag or backpack (large enough for a small Bible, pen, camera and other personal items)
• Passport with separate photocopy (see below for more information)

Packing Tips

Make certain your suitcase closes and fastens securely. Mark your luggage and carry-on bag with your name and address so you can distinguish them easily. We also recommend you put identification information—name, address and phone number—INSIDE your luggage in case the luggage tags are lost in transit.

Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage. In case your passport is lost, we suggest keeping a color copy of the information page inside your luggage.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

We know how nice it is to have the convenience of home when traveling. Bringing your electronics and hair appliances can enhance your overall travel experience. Here are some things to know about your electronics before you pack them.

Phones, Laptops, Cameras & Video Cameras

Most small digital devices have dual-voltage chargers that do not require a converter. Before leaving on your tour, check each device’s manual or power cord to determine if it is dual voltage. If not, you must bring an adapter to plug the charger into the outlet.

Blow-Dryers, Curling Irons & Straighteners

Many hotels provide hair dryers in each room. If you prefer to use your own hair appliances, you may consider purchasing or borrowing more travel-friendly dual-voltage appliances instead of purchasing a converter.

You have three options of devices designed to help you operate personal electronics overseas:

Adapters

Israel uses two electrical socket types: Type C, the standard Euro plug, and Type H, unique to Israel. Bring Types C and H adapters to Israel to enable your standard plug to fit into wall outlets. Most are relatively inexpensive, about $3 to $5 each. If you travel frequently, consider purchasing a universal adapter kit like this Travel Adapter.

Dual-voltage Appliances

Many small electronic devices are dual voltage and will automatically adjust for other countries. If your appliance’s charger has a manual switch, you must change it back and forth before plugging in your appliance. Check the manual or power cord for the device to see if it will work with 220 voltage without a converter.

Converters

A power converter allows you to run U.S. devices that are not dual voltage. Most converters cost $40 to $50. Be aware that U.S. electronics that are not dual voltage should never be used without a converter in countries with a voltage of 220.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Today’s technology allows you to stay connected while traveling—ensuring you get that memorable photo or message from your loved ones. You should be able to use your cell phone or smartphone to do everything you’re used to doing at home. In addition, mobile phones provide convenient access for responding to emergencies and confirming travel plans. Some basic guidelines and tips will help you save money, keep your phone working effectively and stay in touch.

Before You Leave

Contacting your cell phone carrier before your trip will help ensure you can call friends and family back home and eliminate any surprises on your phone bill when you return. Let your phone carrier know your travel plans including how you plan to use your phone on your tour. You’ll want to make sure you understand all the potential charges. Contact your carrier for specific information.

Check with Your Carrier for International Dialing Access

You will want to ensure international dialing access is active on your mobile phone plan so you can use it in Europe. Remember that international roaming rates may apply to calls placed and charges will appear on your phone bill. Because roaming rates can be high, checking with your carrier for specific cost details before you leave is a good idea.

Aboard Your Flight and Tour

Your cell phone’s battery life is the key to keeping you connected. Below are some tips for staying powered up on your trip:

• Remember to set your phone to airplane mode when you board your flight. You may also want to do this during your tour. This mode suspends all calling and texting functions but allows you to play games, use your camera, listen to music, etc.
• On the tour, you’ll want to charge your phone every night to ensure enough battery life for the next day.
• Try to turn off your phone when you’re not using it. Leaving your phone on all day drains the battery, so it’s a good idea to turn it off while you’re attending an excursion, dining or reading.

Smartphone Tips

As one of the most popular communication devices today, smartphones have revolutionized how we connect with the world. We know leaving your smartphone behind for an hour, much less multiple days, is difficult. The following tips will help you save your phone’s battery life and get the most out of your smartphone while on the tour:

• Before your tour, disable any applications that give you regular updates, such as sports reports and weather updates.
• Disable the Data Enabled or Data Roaming option on your phone and keep it off until you reach your hotel.
• Turn off the function for automatic email checking and change the email settings to manual to reduce data roaming charges. During your trip, you can check for email messages when connected to a free, wireless internet connection, such as in a hotel lobby or internet cafe.

In-Room Phones and Phone Cards

If you choose not to bring your mobile phone, you can stay in touch with others using your hotel’s in-room phone. Be sure to understand all the associated charges before you place a call, as the rates can be expensive.

You may also wish to purchase a phone card or download a free messaging app, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, to stay in touch with friends and family. When purchasing a phone card, make sure the card specifically indicates that calls can be made from an international location. If unspecified, international phone cards only enable you to call international locations from your home country.

Phone Cards Purchased in Israel

Most public telephones in Israel accept phone cards purchased in various denominations from any post office or at various shops. You can make international calls from card-equipped telephones or special telephone company offices. The country’s major telephone companies also have toll-free numbers if you need assistance.

For more information, please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Transfers

We want to help make your trip as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. We can book motorcoach transfers from the airport to your hotel and on your return trip.

Hotel Stays

Remember that you always have the option of arriving earlier or staying later. Hotel reservations may be available if you want to arrive a few days early before your tour begins or stay a few days after the tour concludes.

Tour Extensions

Some of our events have pre- and post-event extensions with guided tours that help you extend your stay and see exciting nearby places of interest. For example, an Israel tour may have the option of a post-tour trip to explore places of historic interest in Jordan or Egypt. Look for extension information on the itinerary tab located on our website for events that interest you.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

As you plan for your upcoming Christian tour with Inspiration, you may wonder about using money and credit cards during your travels. We’ve made the following recommendations to help you save money and avoid unnecessary fees so you can focus on an exceptional travel experience.

• Consider leaving all unnecessary credit cards at home.
• Once you determine which cards you’ll bring, remember to notify each credit card company of your intended travel dates and locations to ensure fraud alerts and holds are not placed on your accounts.
• For each card, you should store the bank’s contact information in a separate, secure location in the unlikely event your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.

Israel’s official currency is the new Israeli shekel (NIS), although most stores and businesses will accept U.S. dollars. We strongly recommend bringing U.S. dollars in small denominations ($20, $10, $5 and $1) or shekels because we visit few places with ATMs. Most hotels will also exchange small amounts of currency.

Almost all businesses in Israel accept U.S. credit or debit cards, but debit cards only work with ATMs, as most foreign businesses don’t have PIN machines. If you plan to use your credit cards, you’ll want to check with each credit card company to determine the international exchange fee for each card. Because the difference of a few percentage points could cost you more (depending on your purchases), we recommend using cards with lower international exchange fees. Using your credit card for large purchases gives you more protection for the items you buy on your trip, and you can review your credit card statement to verify all your purchases.

Below is currency information for our most popular Israel tour extensions.

Egypt

The Egyptian pound (EGP) has devalued greatly over the last several years. Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses will accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. Hotels will also exchange small amounts of currency.

Italy

In Italy, the official currency is the euro (€). Most larger hotels, restaurants and businesses accept major credit cards and may exchange small amounts of currency.

Jordan

The Jordanian dinar (JOD) is the official currency in Jordan. Most larger restaurants, shopping malls and hotels accept U.S. currency and major credit cards. However, you may want to carry dinar notes or coins to spend in smaller shops and restaurants. Hotels will also exchange small amounts of currency.

Turkey

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TL). Tourism-oriented places and larger businesses typically accept U.S. currency. Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted. Hotels will exchange small amounts of currency as well.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

While you’re traveling with us, we want to make your time as carefree as possible by covering all tips and gratuities on your tour, including airport porters, hotel bellman and your tour guide. As you visit various restaurants apart from the tour, remember to acknowledge and reward excellent service.

In Israel, the general guideline for restaurant service workers is 10%-12% of the bill or 15% to acknowledge excellent service.

For more information please call one of our Reservation Coordinators at 800 247 1899, Monday through Friday between 8:30am – 5:00pm, Pacific Time.

Here are a few of our top articles:

• The Best Travel Tips for Israel
• 7 Key Sites to Follow Jesus’ Footsteps Through Israel
• 5 Travel-Friendly Fashion Finds
• FAQ: How to Pack & Prepare for Israel
• The Latest Archaeological Discoveries in Israel

Other travel tips:

• Pro Tips for Better Travel Photography
• Stay Flexible, Make Friends and Other Pro Tips
• The Key to a Good Night’s Sleep…Anywhere How
• Not to Lose Things While Traveling—Including Your Passport

We hope these suggestions and tips help answer your questions! If you have any other inquiries, please don’t hesitate to call our reservation coordinators at 800 247 1899 Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Pacific time.