How many luggage bags can I bring?
We highly recommend that you attempt to travel with one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on. This will make it easier on you while we transfer from airport to hotel. Also, international air carriers are becoming stricter about the allowed size and weight of carry-on and check-in luggage. For the most part, airlines allow one carry-on and one piece of luggage not to exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg)
It is important to note that size and weight limitations may vary from airline to airline.
1 Carry-on bag total dimensions of 49.5 linear inches (Length + Width + Height), with a maximum weight of 18 lbs. (8 kg)
For example: 1 personal item such as a purse or laptop bag.
1 Piece of checked-in luggage, total dimensions of 62 linear inches (Length + Width + Height), with maximum weight of 50 lbs. (23 kg)
Please limit the size of your hand luggage to 17 in X 14 in X 8 in.
We recommend contacting the airline directly or visiting their website for up to date information.
- What currency should I bring?
The Euro is the currency accepted in Europe: Portugal, Spain, France, Greece, and Italy, etc. The currency in Israel is the Shekel, although the US Dollar is also widely accepted in Israel.
It is recommended you bring approximately $300 in cash for lunches and small incidentals; $20 – $50 in $1 denominations for water. If you would like to use your credit card, please make sure to notify you credit card company of your scheduled travel dates. Otherwise, your card may be blocked if you use it while traveling. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are the most commonly accepted. Depending on the destination, American Express may or may not be accepted.
For more information about currency exchange, please visit: www.xe.com
- What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
The dress code for the pilgrimage is casual. Capris, slacks and jeans are okay to wear. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are NOT allowed in any churches. Please dress respectfully.
- Electricity
Appliances in Europe and Israel* run on 220 volts, compared to the US voltage of 110 volts. You will need a converter to convert the 220 volts to 110 volts. You will also need a plug adapter (2 round prongs). Most hotels will have hair dryers available in the rooms. You can find converters and adapters at stores, such as, Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, to name a few.
[Include photo example]- Do I need a Visa to travel?
If you have a US passport you do not need a Visa to travel to Europe or Israel. If you do not have a US passport, please contact the embassy of the country you are visiting for Visa requirements.
- Travel Protection
Travel Protection is highly recommended; however, it is not required. We provide travel protection plans through Travel Insured. Please review their website at travelinsured.com for more information on plans they offer, including coverage and exclusions. All questions relating to travel protection should be directed to Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. All payments should be made directly to Travel Insured.
- What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel, please notify us by phone at (281)706-7016. We MUST also receive your notice of cancellation in writing. Please send cancellation letter to:
Holy Travel, Inc.
5680 Highway 6, Suite 340
Missouri City, TX 77459
The official recorded time of cancellation will be the postmarked date on your envelope.
Cancellations and any refund, if applicable, will be processed according to the schedule below:
$250 fee if cancelled up to 150 days before departure.
$350 fee if cancelled 149 – 90 days before departure.
NO REFUND if cancelled up to 89 days before departure.
Please see terms and conditions on brochure or website at holytravelinc.com for more info.
Travel Protection is highly recommended to minimize any losses.
- How do I register for a pilgrimage?
Fill out a registration form and submit a copy of your passport. We also require a minimum deposit of $400 to reserve your spot on the pilgrimage. If interested in travel protection, please read first before submitting deposit as some protection plans are time sensitive and require you to purchase the same day as you make your pilgrimage deposit. Once we receive your registration form and deposit, we will email you a receipt and invoice.
- What if I don’t have a roommate?
If you do not have a roommate when you register, we will do our best to match you with another person who is also in need of a roommate. This is on a first come, first serve basis. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, you will be obligated to pay the single supplemental rooming fee of $695.
Hotel accommodations are based on double occupancy, but you have the choice of requesting a single room by paying the single supplemental fee of $695.
- Can I bring medications on the plane?
Travelers are allowed to bring medications in pill or other solid form. If you have medications and injection needles in your carry-on luggage, we recommend having a doctor’s certificate with you to confirm the medical material is for personal needs.
Medications must go through screening checkpoints. Travelers should inform screening officers of medications and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. Medications are usually screened via x-ray; however, if a traveler does not want a medication x-rayed, they may request an inspection instead. This request must be made before screening begins. You will be responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication if an inspection is requested. If the medication cannot be cleared visually, it will need to be x-rayed and may be subject to additional screening, including explosive trace detection screening.
For up to date info, please refer to the TSA website at tsa.gov.
Registration and Final Payment:
- We require a minimum $400 deposit, which will go toward your total.
• Travel Protection Plans may be purchased, but are not required in order to join our pilgrimages (Recommended) - Payments may be made up to 90 days before departure.
• We accept debit and credit card payments. Payments subject to a 4% processing fee per transaction.
• We do not require a minimum monthly payment. You are free to pay at your own pace.
• Final payment is due 90 days prior to pilgrimage departure date.
New Security Protocols:
• All liquids, gels, and aerosols that are carried in your carry-on bag onto the plane MUST be in 3 oz containers or smaller.
• All travelers must remove these items and place them in a bin onto the conveyor belt for X-ray screening.
• Larger containers should be stored in your regular luggage.
• In order to expedite the screening process, be sure to pack all these items in an easily accessible clear plastic bag like a Ziploc.
• For up to date and complete details visit, tsa.gov/travel
Regarding Your Documents, Flights, Arrival & Travel:
Final Documents:
You will have your final documents an estimated 2 – 4 weeks prior to your departure date. Your final documents will also include hotel information, emergency contacts, general travel tips, checklist, group badge, and travel protection information (if purchased). Airline E-Tickets will be sent to you electronically if you have provided an email and a printed copy will be available as well.
• Please verify that your name is spelled correctly and that there are no mistakes present. Your name MUST appear the same way it is written in your passport. Notify us if there are any discrepancies as soon as possible.
• Note: The name field is 19 characters long, therefore names exceeding this length will display as cut off. Don’t be alarmed, your actual flight reservation contains your full name.
• Note: Your first and middle name may be together (Example: JOHNDOE BROWN).
• Review your flight itinerary. Please make sure that all destination cities, as well as departure dates are correct. Notify us immediately if any discrepancies are found. Contact us if you have any doubts.
Late payment/bookings can cause delays coordinating your group’s final documents.
International Flights:
Take special precaution when checking in for your international flight. We highly recommend arriving 3 to 4 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
• Pilgrims must check their luggage at the airline counter.
• Upon checking in, advise the airline representative of your final destination. You don’t need to claim your baggage and recheck it during flight connections. Your luggage will arrive at your final destination.
Airline Connections:
Holy Travel aims to make your travel arrangements as smooth and seamless as possible. With that being said, we must book airline reservations based on flight routings provided to us by the airlines. These include connection time, the cities for said connections, and partner carriers used.
Keep in mind that the airlines determine the standard minimum connecting time to transfer from one gate to another. Therefore, connection times that we are provided may be tight, in other words, maybe 45 minutes. Pilgrims must therefore make their way to their connection flight as quickly as possible. On the other hand, due to flight availability at the time of finalizing flight bookings, connections may be longer, possibly 2 to 3 hours.
Please note that Holy Travel is subject to the rules, regulations, and availability of the carriers we work with.
Airline Tickets:
The airline tickets for your group are purchased at a group rate and are therefore released to us anywhere from 15 to 25 days prior to your group’s departure date. All airlines process group tickets this way and there are no exceptions.
• Be prepared to provide your flight itinerary and passport to the attending agent.
• Boarding passes are acquired at the check-in counter with an attendant or via self-serve kiosk. You must present your printed boarding pass to board the plane.
• Your e-tickets will be emailed to you if you’ve provided us with an email.
• Otherwise, we will provide you with a printed copy of the e-ticket and mail it to you.
•Always verify that your name is spelled correctly.
• Contact us immediately if your ticket has an error so that we may correct it.
• Your seating assignments will be random for the most part. You do, however, have the option to upgrade your seating through the airline. Here you may be also able to change the assigned seat. Holy Travel cannot guarantee any upgrades or changes in seating.
• All passports MUST have a minimum of 6 months of validity remaining based off of your return travel date.
• Pilgrims are responsible for any Visa requirements to travel.
• Some airlines may have different policies for luggage. Please check with the specific airline for up to date information regarding luggage, such as, size and weight restrictions, etc.
Can I change my ticket?
If you want to change your ticket after it has been issued, you have to contact the airline directly. You will most likely incur some additional costs from the airline for any changes. Keep in mind that when you check in, if available, some airlines may offer you the option to upgrade your seating to Economy Plus and Business Class. Holy Travel cannot guarantee seating upgrades.
What if I have specific dietary requirements?
You must contact the airline prior to departure and specify your meal if you have any dietary restrictions. While on land, we are able to work with the hotels on your behalf to coordinate meal options for you. Please let us know as soon as possible if you’re allergic to any foods.
Are vaccinations required?
Vaccinations may be necessary for pilgrims. Contact us for more information. In general, most European countries do not require vaccinations. However, traveling for extended periods in an enclosed space, such as an airplane, may expose you to the flu virus. A good rule of thumb for pilgrims is to consider getting flu shots, especially if traveling in the late fall season when the flu may be at its peak.
No vaccinations are required when traveling to Israel from the US.
Can I drink the water?
Most countries we visit have safe drinking water. Although, even if the tap water is safe to drink, the presence of certain minerals in the water might make you a little queasy at first. Using local water in small amounts for brushing your teeth is fine. As a precaution, bottled water is a recommended.
Most European countries: Tap water is safe to drink. Consult with your coordinator for more information or exceptions.
Israel: Tap water is safe to drink, except at The Dead Sea.
Jordan: Tap water is NOT drinkable. Bottled water is essential.
Is it safe to travel?
Safety is of the greatest priority. Rest assured that you will have our guides/aides with you at all times while touring. Our guides/aides are local and know the region. They are there to assess situations. If for any reason they feel the need to take precautionary measures and move the group to another location to ensure safety, they will do so immediately. The travel industry is extremely important to local economies; therefore, countries take precautionary measures to ensure safety for tourists. Despite recent news, you actually run a higher risk of being involved in a traffic mishap than running into any trouble while overseas.
For up to date US State Department Travel Advisories, visit:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html
What happens when we arrive at our destination?
The first thing you must do after disembarking will be to clear immigration. After doing so, proceed to baggage claim. After exiting the baggage claim area, you will be met and greeted by our driver and/or your tour guide displaying a hand sign with your group name. Transport will be provided to your hotel, where we will take some time to unpack and get adjusted to the time difference. We recommend staying awake and eating according to the day schedule at your destination. This will help your body adjust its internal clock a lot quicker.
Travel Tips:
Invest in an electricity converter and plug adapter. Most countries use a different voltage.
Please leave valuable jewelry at home.
Carry only a sufficient amount of cash for daily needs.
Please never leave your hand luggage unattended, including at airports or hotel lobbies.
Keep all important medications in your carry-on bag during your trip in case your check-in luggage should be lost.
We highly recommend making photocopies of your airline tickets, passport/visas and keeping them on your person. Make use of the hotel room safe to place valuables and original documents.
Always consult with your travel guide/aide if you would like to take a walk on your own.
What happens if my luggage is lost or stolen?
If you have lost luggage or personal items, please contact the airline carrier immediately. Holy Travel is not responsible for your lost or stolen items. The airline will supply you with all the proper forms to complete and register your claim. Be sure to notify the airline of your travel itinerary in case your lost items are located.
Is travel protection required?
Travel protection is not required in order to partake in one of our pilgrimages, however, we highly recommend it. Holy Travel offers travel protection plans through Travel Insured International. You are however, more than welcome, to purchase travel protection from other providers. For more information visit their website at travelinsured.com. You can also visit the travel protection page on our website as well.
If you have purchased a travel protection plan through Holy Travel, we will email you all relevant information and you will also receive printed copies to be included in your final documents.
Important:
If interested in travel protection, we recommend purchasing your plan at the same time you make your initial deposit for your trip. Traveler protection plans cannot be purchased after paying your trip in full.
Can I use my credit card while touring?
Major credit cards like Visa and Master Card are accepted in several countries. Debit cards are also accepted. We do not recommend American Express, since fees may be higher for merchants and therefore may decline accepting it.
Please make sure to notify your credit card company of your travel plans. Otherwise, your card will most likely be ‘blocked’ if you fail to notify the credit card company.
Only use your credit cards at secure places, recommended by your tour guide/aide.
Tips
Tipping is not required, but it is something we highly encourage as a courtesy to the drivers and guides servicing you during your pilgrimage. You are free to decide on the amount you would like to tip. We recommend the following:
• Guide: $7.00 to $9.00 /person per day
• Driver: $5.00 to $7.00 /person per day
• Restaurants: $1.00 to $2.00 /person per restaurant
Hotels
All hotels that Holy Travel books are equipped with modern conveniences, such as, showers, bathtubs, toilets, and hair dryers. Important to note, that rooms may be smaller based on European standards, compared to those found in the US.
Toiletries
While hotels provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner, we still recommend that you bring your own products. The chemical and/or fragrances may not agree with your skin type. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Several department stores in the US offer travel size toiletries.
Electricity
It is extremely important to purchase an international adapter so that your two prong plug can connect to the local electricity outlets. You will also need a power converter to convert the 220 volts to 110 volts. Otherwise you will burn your electronics. You can purchase an adapter/converter kit at several departments stores or electrical supply stores.
Stores include: Fry’s Electronics, Wal-Mart, Target, and Radio Shack
What if I need to call home?
We recommend downloading a communication app on your mobile phone. There are several to choose from and they offer the option to make calls for free. Notable apps include, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, to name a few. Make sure that the person you are attempting to contact has also downloaded the app.
Can I bring my cell phone?
Yes, you may bring your mobile phone. Be sure to contact your wireless provider and notify them that you will be traveling out of the country. Most wireless providers have an international phone plan. You might want to activate this option for your pilgrimage. As an alternative, you can also purchase a pre-paid phone. This might be a more cost effective option.
Can I bring my camera?
Yes, you can bring your camera. Make sure to bring extra batteries and your charger. Keep in mind that photography may not be allowed in some museums and churches. Be sure to keep an eye out for posted signs forbidding photography.
Passports
For more information regarding passport requirements please visit,
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
- All passports MUST have a minimum of 6 months validity left from pilgrimage return date.
• We highly recommend you have at least 2 photocopies of your passport. Keep a copy with you at all times and secure your original passport in your hotel room safe.
FAQs
What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, it is important that you work directly with the airlines to arrange for alternate flights. Be sure to remain courteous. You will receive more assistance if you remain calm. Remember that it is not the airline agent’s fault and they’re doing the best they can to assist you.
We strongly recommend purchasing a travel protection plan to help cover any unforeseen expenses. Airlines are not required to offer reimbursement for personal expenses, such as, overnight hotel stays due to delays or cancellations.
What happens if I miss my flight due to my late arrival?
It is extremely important that you work directly with the airline to arrange your alternate flight. You will incur an additional cost, on average, a minimum of $200 per person for changes to flight itineraries. Make sure to notify Holy Travel so that we may coordinate your transfer to your hotel and you can rejoin your group.
What should I do if I have a problem or complaint during the pilgrimage?
Your comfort and satisfaction is a top priority for us. Please notify your guide/aide if you have any problems or concerns during the pilgrimage. Your guide/aide is there to assist you with anything you may need. If for any reason, the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, please contact Holy Travel at (281)706-7016.
Important
Holy Travel will make every effort to follow the itinerary as is presented, however, it should be clear that your itinerary is not a contract of places to be visited. Local religious holidays, national days, and/or traffic conditions may force a change in the sequence of visits.
Health and Safety
Protection from Sun – Lightweight clothes that cover arms, shoulders, and neck are highly recommended to help protect your skin from the sun.
Drinking Water – Drink water frequently. Dehydration is a common health concern for pilgrims.
Adjusting to Food – The food in most restaurants will be similar to what is served in Western countries. Consider bringing some over the counter medication to help with any digestive discomfort.
Jet Lag – You will need time to adjust to the time difference. Rest as much as possible during the first two days of your pilgrimage to help overcome the jet lag. Remember to also give yourself some time to adjust to being at home once you return from your pilgrimage.
Bathrooms and Public Restrooms – Bathrooms in the restaurants and hotels will be of a similar standard to those back in the US. We recommend keeping wet wipes and anti-bacterial gel with you at all times.
Protection Against Theft – Exercise caution, keep your wallet or purse close to you. If you have lost an item or suspect someone is attempting to steal from you, notify your guide/aide immediately.
Safety and Security – The Holy Land is a safe place to visit. Millions of tourists and pilgrims visit the Holy Land every year. Even during periods of conflict, tourists and pilgrims have continued to visit and have returned home safely. Upon arrival to the Holy Land you may be surprised to see the amount of armed police, soldiers, and security forces in the country. Do not be alarmed by this. While unfortunate, it is part of daily life in the Holy Land. Proper security and local government protection are provided in all touristic sites.