Israel

Itineraries While we intend to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The contract is a general guide to the tour, region, and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation If a hotel is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives of the same level and value for money.
Kindly note that water is scarce in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible. 

Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need. If you do not receive an immediate answer for any reason, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. We have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391

Luggage You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be restricted to one medium-sized rolling bag, duffle bag, or backpack, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.

Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport  (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates  (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract

Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhea;
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures, and a GoPro; Renting a camera is not possible. Please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for different weather conditions;
• Insect repellent;
• Refill water bottle;
• Adaptor for C, H, and M Type Plugs.

Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.

Visa & Entry requirements Visitors to Israel must obtain a visa from one of the Israeli diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date of departure from Israel

Insurance A travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage, and personal effects.
We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com

Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels. 

Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. 
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash, and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes. 

Photography and drone laws Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration or border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. According to Israel’s national aviation authority, the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI), flying a drone is legal in Israel, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations

Electricity For Israel there are three associated plug types, C, H, and M. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins, plug type H has three pins in a triangular shape and type M has three round pins. Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Religion Jewish is the largest religion in Israel 

Climate Israel is located, between 29°-33° North of the equator, characterized as a subtropical region, between the temperate zone and the tropical zone. Israel's northern and coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot and dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The southern and eastern areas of Israel are characterized by an arid climate.

Best time to visit The best times to visit Israel are spring and autumn, and in particular, the months of April, May, and October. Easter is therefore usually a good time to visit the sites of historical and religious interest in the country.
For a beach holiday, on the Mediterranean coast, the warm and sunny season is long and runs from mid-May to mid-October, although, as previously mentioned, the sea in May is still a bit cool. The Red Sea is warmer, but as mentioned, in summer the heat is too intense for sunbathing, especially from June to September, while in winter, from December to February, pleasant days alternate with others that can be a bit cold: so, the best periods for a beach holiday here are the month of April, and from mid-October to mid-November.

Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering Israel. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.  

Money and currency The Israeli national currency is the new Israeli Shekel (NIS or ILS), more commonly known as the shekel. The shekel is divided into 100 agorot (agora in singular). Israeli banknotes come in four denominations: 20, 50, 100, and 200 NIS, and coins come in five denominations: 10, 5, and 1 NIS; 50 agorot and 10 agorot. Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash if you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine cannot connect to any network.

Dress code During the winter you should bring warm clothes, a jacket, a hat, a raincoat or umbrella, a scarf for the wind, and hiking shoes. In the Jordan Valley and Eilat, bring spring/autumn clothes, a shirt for the day, a jacket and a sweater, and an umbrella for the area north of the Dead Sea. In Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast, bring spring/autumn clothes, a sweater and a jacket, and a raincoat or umbrella. During summer in Jerusalem and inland hills, bring light clothes, a sun hat, a sweatshirt for the evening, a scarf for the wind-borne sand and dust, and hiking shoes. In the Jordan valley and Eilat, bring lightweight clothing of natural fibers, and a desert turban. In Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean coast, bring light clothing, and a light sweatshirt for the evening.
When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.