Logistics for SIIS 2016 Israel Study Tour Monday, June 27, 2016 Thursday, July 7, 2016

Transcription

1 Logistics for SIIS 2016 Israel Study Tour Monday, June 27, 2016 Thursday, July 7, 2016 Subject to Change Departure: The group will check out of the dorms at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 26th and depart the Brandeis campus for Boston Logan airport. The Lufthansa flight departs at 5:00 p.m. You will be going through security and check-in as a group. Once you receive your travel schedule from Ayelet Tours please take time to verify all of the details. If there are any errors, or if you have any questions pertaining to your flights, please contact Caralie at Ayelet Tours immediately at Tel: or caralie@ayelet.com. Additional Fees: Once tickets are issued, any changes you request may result in additional fees for which you will be responsible. E-tickets and Luggage Tags: You will receive copies of your electronic flight tickets via from Ayelet Tours. Please print them out. At Brandeis we will provide you with luggage tags: Please be sure to have the tags filled out so our luggage can be easily identified upon arrival in Israel. Luggage: Checked Bags: Each person can check in 1 piece measuring no more than 62 inches (157 cm) and weighing no more than 50 pounds (23kg). Carry-on: You are also allowed one carry-on piece, which weighs no more than 17 pounds (8kg). Allowed dimensions are 22x16x8 inches (55x40x23cm). We recommend that your carry-on contain a change of clothes, eyeglasses, medications and other essentials, in case checked baggage is delayed. Just be sure any liquid items are within security regulations. Excess Luggage: You may consider mailing home extra luggage and belongings you won t need in Israel. There is a post office on Main street in Waltham which is open 9:00-5:00 pm. Occasionally, the Brandeis bookstore has large boxes you can use for packing. Please note that

2 you are responsible for all postage costs. Passports and Visas: You will need a signed passport for travel to Israel, valid for a minimum of six months from date of return. Consult your local U.S. passport office or embassy if you have any questions about the validity of your passport or if you must renew your current one. Visa for Israel: Please be sure to determine if you need a visa for travel to Israel. (US, Canadian and EU citizens do not need a visa). Following, please find the Israeli Embassy description of visa requirements: Information.aspx Lost passports: Consider taking a photocopy of the first information page of your passport and 2 passport photos. Keep them in a secure place separate from where you keep your passport. This will make replacing your passport much easier in case it is lost or stolen. Airport Security: You must have your passport and tickets accessible when you arrive at the airport. Your bags as well as yourself may be searched. Once through security, proceed to the gate area where we will gather. Please note you may be asked additional security questions or to identify your belongings. Please be patient with this process -- it may take some time for our whole group to pass through. Arriving in Israel: The plane is expected to land in Israel at 3:25 p.m. the next day (Monday June 27 th ). The group will transfer directly to the bus and then to the hotel in Jerusalem. We will not wait at the airport to purchase cell phones or change money. Following are details of the hotels the group will be staying at: Mt. Zion Hotel (June 27-30) 17 Hebron Rd. Jerusalem Tel: Dan Panorama (July 1-2) 107 Hanassi Ave. Haifa Tel: Crown Plaza (July 3-6) 145 Hayarkon St. Tel Aviv Tel: Phones: You can call internationally from Israel using your cell phone but be sure to check the rates. There are phone cards for purchase at the hotel or in grocery stores.

3 Note that when dialing inside Israel you drop the international code (972) and add a zero before the rest of the number. The group will not be stopping at Ben-Gurion Airport for phone rentals. If you rent one over the Internet, be sure to have yours delivered to the hotel. Money: The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is Israel s legal tender. However, many stores and hotels will gladly accept your dollars! Singles and fives are easy to change, and there are many places in Jerusalem to change dollars in any amount. You can also use travelers checks. Most credit and debit cards work at ATM machines in Israel. But please check with your bank that the card works overseas, and be sure to have the necessary PIN number to withdraw money. The exchange rate will be calculated by the credit card company. You may find daily currency exchange by logging onto Ha aretz online: Meals: The famous Israeli breakfast will be served each morning at your hotel. This buffet-style meal of a variety of fish, cereal, cheeses, yogurts, breads and beverages is quite ample. Most meals taken by the group are included in the tour package. Meals during free time are not covered. All meals at the hotel and at most restaurants will be kosher under rabbinical supervision. Whenever that is not the case, we will provide a boxed kosher lunch so long as we are informed in advance. Tips: Tips to the guides, drivers, and hotel have been included in the package covered by the organizers. That said, you may wish to consider an additional amount for the guide and driver, for outstanding service. And you may leave extra tips for the hotel maids at your discretion. Transfers and Porterage: Transfers and porterage to and from Ben Gurion Airport as a group are included in the price of the trip. All luggage handling within Israel is also included. Transfers to/from the airport for participants deviating from the group itinerary, or extending their stay in Israel are not included. Personal taxi rides are not included. Not Included: Not included in the program package are items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, Internet access, bar bills, gifts etc. You will be asked for a credit card when you check into the hotel to cover these additional expenses. These personal extras must be paid when checking out of each hotel. In addition, any drinks, snacks and souvenirs purchased at rest stops are your responsibility. Itinerary: A complete itinerary for Israel will be available closer to departure. A great deal of thought and planning goes into the development of the itinerary. We want to provide an inspiring program, designed to maximize the quality of the trip for both first-time and long-time travelers to Israel.

4 Above all this is an SIIS trip, giving you special access to persons and places that will enhance your understanding of Israel Studies issues. We ask for your patience in advance for any changes that need occur. Please note that all fellows must stay with the group at all times, although there will be a free evening or two. Weather: We will be in Israel at the height of summer. Temperatures typically average in the 80s during the day, but may feel hotter due to humidity. On the other hand, nights in Jerusalem are cool and the indoor venues are air-conditioned, so we recommend bringing a sweater or items that you can layer for changes in weather. We will provide water on the bus and at all stops to keep dehydration at bay. Clothing: For most of the trip, casual, comfortable clothing is the general rule. There will be one or two occasions (e.g. Shabbat) that will require dressier clothing. Since there is the potential for significant temperature change, you should choose articles of clothing that will allow you to layer. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Long walks, especially in the old city of Jerusalem, require that you bring a pair of shoes you are sure will serve you well. Please plan on wearing a hat when out in the sun, and sunglasses. This will keep headaches and dehydration at bay. Items You May Need: Walking shoes; sandals Items of comfort for the plane; travel pillow, warm socks Hat Sunglasses Sunscreen Bathing suit Camera, charger and converter Phone or Laptop, charger and converter Small medical pack; list of your medications Eyeglass prescription Copy of the first page of your passport; extra passport-size photos (optional) Notepaper and pens Siddur / Prayer Book if you are planning to attend religious services A head covering for holy places (men and women - optional) Packages of tissues, hand wipes and anti-bacterial solution Electrical Appliances: The electrical current in Israel is 220 volts AC, single phase, 50 cycles. If you are taking electrical appliances, we advise that you bring a small converter kit. These are easy to find at the airport or

5 at a hardware store. There are hairdryers in the hotel rooms. Internet Access: There is usually a surcharge for Internet access at the hotel, via credit card. This purchase would be at your own expense. The rooms have wireless access, and the lobby has hotel computers available for a charge. The tour bus usually includes free WIFI. Health Regulations: No special health regulations are in place for travel to Israel. However, we recommend that you take every precaution to safeguard your health while you are abroad. If you know you have health problems, you may want to see your physician prior to departure. Medicines and other medical supplies should be carefully labeled and stored with your carry-on luggage. In addition, it is suggested that you bring a list of medications as well as a second pair of prescription eyeglasses or contacts. Health Insurance: Please be aware that Brandeis is not able to cover your health expenses or health insurance. Check with your provider and be sure to purchase health insurance as needed. Customs: For specific information concerning items purchased abroad and what you may bring back dutyfree, contact your local U.S. Customs Office. Israeli Customs: Gifts totaling a value of up to $200 may be brought into Israel without paying tax. Israeli Passport Holders: Please inform the Schusterman Center if you are an Israeli passport holder, as there are forms to fill out when traveling to the Palestinian Authority.