Just imagine, you will soon walk through the set of the Bible!

What will you see on your trip to Israel?

To explore more about the sites you will see, here are several YouTube channels we recommend to get excited about walking where Jesus walked.

Philip’s House Devotions--2 minute video clips with Philip’s House founder Philip McCallum at 20 sites across Israel.

Sergio and Rhoda in Israel — this energetic and fun couple from Nazareth make Bible sites and stories come alive.

Expedition Bible— author of the best selling book on biblical archaeology, Joel Kramer brings scholarship and devotion to historic sites.

Appian Media — with stunning videography and scholarship, the team from Appian explore the lands, archaeology, and history of Bible lands.

It’s been said that a trip to Israel is like a year in Bible college. You are about to encounter God in Israel.

Many travelers to Israel report that they feel safer walking the streets of Jerusalem at night than in their home cities. Israel is a surprisingly safe place to visit.

Philip’s House plans for your safety. We partner with Israel’s largest tour company, Sar-El Tours to provide the safest and best in travel, accommodation, and opportunities to help. Sar-El is the largest tour provider in Israel. It’s owned by followers of Jesus. They provide the best in accommodation, transportation, and licensed, professional tour guides.

Sar-El have kept over 1.25 million travelers safe over the past 31 years. They are experts in Israel travel safety. Travelers on a Philip’s House trip are guided in the principles of safe travel. 

Local experts will guide each day with the most up-to-date safety information. 

There are secure rooms on the floor of your accommodation. 

Tours will not be taken into areas that are known to be unsafe. Expect your itinerary to change if the security situation changes.

Philip’s House sets the pace of each Israel retreat at the level of physical activity that you ask for.

On average, an Israel trip can have between 40-60 miles of walking over a 9-12 day period.

But that’s spread out over multiple days, with plenty of rest stops in between.

Israel is a modern society set in an ancient place. Most sites have level pathways. But expect stairs, uneven ground, and rough terrain at ancient archaeological sites.

Because of narrow pathways and ancient city streets, your bus will not be able to drop you off at the entrance. You may have to walk to your ride home.

Plan comfortable walking shoes, but testing them out first at home.

Prepare for your Israel trip by taking 2 or 3 long walks each day in the weeks or months leading up to your trip.

Israelis appreciate when tourists take time to know the people as much as the Bible sites.

Israelis are open people

You will find Israelis to be open people. If you have a question, just ask. They also have a reputation for being direct. So don’t be offended if someone is more blunt than at home. It just means it's okay for you to be direct, too.

One sentence will open hearts

The war has been tough on everyone. One simple statement can open a great conversation. Just say, “I’m a tourist. I came to Israel to let you know that you are not alone.”

Just watch what will happen next. Some will be surprised to learn that there are many people overseas who stand with Israel. Some may shed a tear or break into a smile of gratitude. 

Try a bit of Hebrew

The best way to open a conversation is to try a bit of Hebrew in conversation.

Many Israelis speak English well. Hebrew is the main language, but many speak Arabic, Russian, and other languages. Translation apps on your smartphone are a great help in navigating signs. 

Learn a few phrases in Hebrew to connect with local people.

Count to 10 in Hebrew:

1 Echad 

2 Shtayim

3 Shalosh

4 Arba

5 Khamesh

6 Shesh

7 Sheva

8 Shmone

9 Tesha

10 Eser

Shalom—Literally means “peace” and if you learn one word to use in Israel, make it this one. Used for hellos and goodbyes, and plenty of other uses in between.

Manishmá—What’s up? Friendly way of asking friends “do you want to go to the beach and have a good time, maybe buy some cheap beers and make up funny stories about the tourists on the beach?” 

Ken means YES

Lo means NO

Toda means THANKS.

Bevakasha means PLEASE.

Slicha means EXCUSE ME or SORRY. It comes in handy at the airport and waiting in line.

Tov means GOOD

Boker tov — GOOD MORNING

Laila tov — GOOD EVENING

Lehitra’ot means BYE!

Achi means “My Brother” (or Brother).

ShabbatShalom The Jewish greeting on Shabbat.

Kama ze ole? Means “How much does it cost”.

Be te’avon Hebrew for Bon Apetit!

Shmi … means “my name is…”

Efo ha-sheruteem? Where is the bathroom?

Efshar kheshbon, bevakasha? Can we have the bill, please?

Amazing! You’ve never had veggies so fresh. Israel is a nation of immigrants, so there are the best flavors of the world. If you like cheese, you’re going to love Israeli breakfast! Try these:

SHAKSHUKA is a breakfast dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. 

SCHWARMA is lamb, chicken, or beef cut into thin slices, roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie, mixed with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, tumeric, and paprika, served in pita with Tahina sauce.

ISRAELIBREAKFAST was first served on the kibbutz as a breakfast buffet, this includes samples of fruits, vegetables, salads, breads, pastries, dairy foods, eggs and fish.

FRESH HUMAS is a popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, accompanied with a garnish olive oil, parsley, paprika plus warm pita bread.

HALVA is a sweet confection made from sugar syrup and ground sesame seeds, enjoyed in thin slices at breakfast.

KANAFEH Slivers of filo pastry are browned then nestled in sweet cheese, and saturated in a sweet syrup of pistachio with rose or orange blossom. Served with Arabic Coffee.

The 3 big challenges in packing are

1. Remembering everything

2. Prepping just in case luggage is delayed, 

3. and squeezing everything in!

Here’s a check list complied from seaoned Israel travelers with suggestions of what to take in your carry on and what to check through. 

Your Check In Bag List

• Sunglasses 

• Sunscreen

• Hat

• Hiking shoes for walks on rugged trails

• Walking shoes for walks on paved pathways

• Flip Flops

• Nice pair of shoes if you want to

• Water Bottle

• Underwear

• Socks

• Layer-able, versatile clothes in non-wrinkle fabrics

• Short and long sleeve tops

• Hoodie or sweater

• Light jacket/Rain jacket

• Jeans

• Sweatpants

• Gym clothes & sneakers

• Swimsuit

• PJs 

• Small backpack for day touring

• Scarf for women as head covering to enter some religious buildings

• Shorts may not be worn in some religious buildings, and long pants or skirt covering the knee is required: eg Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Church of All Nations (Garden of Gethsemane), The Western Wall.

• Basic meds: throat lozenges, Band-Aids, Advil, Neosporin, etc.

Your Carry On Bag List

• Bible

• Passport

• Photocopy of your passport (leave another copy at home)

• Airline ticket or electronic version

• Credit card or debit card for the trip

• Travel insurance information

• Power Adapter for Israel (The H Power Adapter is the right one to buy)

• Cell phone and charger 

• Camera or your cell phone camera

• Personal prescription medications

• Pack 2 changes of clothes in your carry-on just in case your bag does not arrive.

• Toiletry Bag Basics

• Any liquids should be in containers no larger than 100ml (3.4 ounces) and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (up to 20x20cm).

• Shaving kit

• Toothbrush / toothpaste / floss

• Hair products including brush / comb

• Deodorant & personal hygiene items

Dress Thoughtfully at Certain Holy Sites

Certain historic sites like the Western Wall, Temple Mount, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, ancient Shiloh, the Church of the Beatitudes require modest dress to respect religious customs.

At these sites, women should cover knees with pants or a long skirt and shoulders with sleeved tops.

Specifically for Temple Mount and the Western Wall, ladies, keep a simple head scarf in your handbag as head covering for this site.

Sorry men, no shorts allowed at these types of sites. You need need long pants, shirts that cover your shoulders, and at the Western Wall a kippah (prayer cap) to pray. Free kippahs are provided for men. On Temple Mount, no religious jewelry can be exposed and Muslim authorities allow no Bibles.

And don’t forget to avoid political or religious messages on hats and tee-shirts.

Be Yourself

Everywhere else in Israel, relax, and be yourself. Most sites in Israel allow for shorts and cool clothes in the hot climate. Most Israelis dress comfortably and would want you to be comfortable too.

Your trip booking includes so much that you need money for just lunches and personal purchases like drinks or gifts. 

Will your credit card work?

Your credit card will work in Israel. Be sure to notify your bank before you travel. Card is the easiest way to pay for many purchases.

Can you exchange currency?

Israeli currency is called the Shekel.

You can exchange currency at the airport, recommended ATMs, and exchanges recommended by Philip’s House staff.

If you want to exchange US currency into Israeli shekels you can do that through an ATM in Israel, or at a currency exchange. Ask your tour guide for recommendations of the best option near your hotel. Please note that ATMs in Israel will only do transactions with a credit card and not a debit card.

What about tipping?

For lunches, you may not need to have Israeli currency. Many restaurants and shops that cater to tourists accept US dollars, so you can often pay without exchanging currency.

Just like in the US, tipping is encouraged and appreciated. Your tour guide, hotel staff, and waiters rely on tips as part of their income. But don’t worry—Philip’s House has made tipping easy for you. Your tips were included into your tour price.

If you feel the desire to bless your tour guide or driver with an extra tip, feel free to do so.

What about WIFI and my phone?

Your tour bus and hotel offer free wifi. Many phone carriers offer phone and internet coverage in Israel. Check with your carrier. 

Some phones support eSIMS. Check your phone. Philip’s House recommends Airlo for eSIMS in Israel. 

Short-term SIM card plans are available at the airport. The locals who work with Philip’s House will help you get connected. 

What about electricity?

Electricity in Israel is 220 volts 50 Hz and uses the European “H Plug” with two round pins. You will need to bring along the necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volt appliances such as hair dryers and electric razors as well as camera and cell phone chargers.

Travel insurance is a must to protect you and your investment.

In many of our retreat packages, a basic medical travel plan is included. (Check your itinerary to confirm.) But this simple policy does not cover trip replacement.

Travel insurance is important before you leave, in case you cancel your trip and some costs may not be refunded, like flight cancellation penalties. You can review all the cancellation provisions in the Terms and Conditions of your travel with Philip’s House.

Philip’s House has researched all the options for Israel travel insurance and we share with you our recommended insurance broker with this link.

You will be able to get competitive quotes from multiple insurance companies. Take time to review the policy offers and compare these options:

Ability to cancel: if you, your travel partner, or someone else in your immediate family becomes sick.

Trip interruption: something goes wrong back at home, where you have to interrupt your trip and cannot continue in order to fly home.

Pre-existing medical condition waiver period: Will your health condition be covered during travel?

Airlift/evacuation cost: Look at those policies that provide $500,000 to $1 million in coverage to cover all contingencies.

Once you have purchased your policy, please take a screenshot of your policy number and company insurance contact information for your records. Having easy access to the information will be handy should a need arise to use it.

Questions? Contact Customer Service for more details.

You will soon step off a plane and walk through the golden limestone grand entry of Israel’s Ben Gurion airport. Your next step will be Israel immigration. What will the immigration officers need to see in your passport?

What if you don’t have a passport?

If you don’t have a passport, applying for one is a first step to Israel. Here’s the official link to the US State Department site to apply.

What if your passport is running out of time?

If you have a passport, double check the expiration date in your passport. It’s in the front cover. That date needs to show a valid passport for at least six months after you depart for Israel.

If your passport is running out of time or even expired, US citizens can easily apply for a renewal with this link.

What if you need a passport fast?

What if you are just months or even weeks away from departing and your passport isn’t ready to travel? There are ways to get a new passport fast. Check this link for the options.

Israel has a pre-entry program for citizens from a visa-exempt country, like the USA or Canada.

This speeds up the process at immigration when you arrive. You can apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization to Israel here. 

Israel charges a small fee of about $7 for this application.

Once you receive the ETA confirmation email, please forward it to customer service at hello@philipshouse.com. 

You booked your trip through the WeTravel platform. Now you can log into that same WeTravel account to keep up with your trip details.

• View your payment receipt and history.

• Take time to review your itinerary.

• Track updates to the itinerary.

• Pre-pay your tips before the trip.

To access your WeTravel account, please follow these steps:

• Go to WeTravel.com

• Select “Sign In”

• Enter your email address

• Check your email for a link to “Sign In”

• Once you're back on the WeTravel site from the link, select “Manage Booking”

• Now you will be able to move around on the site and see the information for your retreat account

If you have any challenges reach out to Customer Service hello@philipshouse.com.

An app is provided for each Philip’s House Israel retreat. It’s like a treasure map to encountering God in Israel.

Here’s how to access your app.

Step 1: Days before your trip, your customized app will be prepared.

Step 2: Download the My Trips app by WeTravel from your phone app store.

Download from Apple App Store

Download from Google Play

Step 3: Philip’s House will send you a URL of your trip app. Just tap on the image. It will load into the app.

Explore the itinerary, scriptures, devotions, interviews, and documentaries connected with all the sites you will visit.