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Passports
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An application may be obtained and submitted in person at your nearest PassportOffice or U.S. District court.
You will need your certified birth certificate (containing
raised seal and file number) or other document proving citizenship and birth. If in doubt, call the Passport Clerk before applying. You will also need two (2) duplicate
non-glossy photographs 2" X 2" in size, which have been taken within six months of your application.
The amount of time required for a passport
to be issued can vary greatly between applicants. Therefore, it is recommended you apply as soon as possible.
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of three (3) months
after your departure date.
When traveling, DO NOT pack your passport. Carry it with you at all times. Never put your passport in your suitcase.
What can I do when I have difficulties in obtaining my passport?
You can contact the office of your
Congressional Representative and ask him/her for assistance.
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International Airline Tickets
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International airline tickets must be issued to coincide with your name as
it appears on the passport. Boarding may be denied if the name on your airline ticket does not match your passport.
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 Visas
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Visas are not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens for travel into Israel. If you are other than a U.S. or Canadian citizen you must contact the
Consulate or Embassy of the countries you will be visiting in order to obtain the visa requirements for your particular citizenship. For countries requiring visas
(if applicable to your tour) NTS will include the names of all U.S. and Canadian citizens on a group visa.
If you receive a PASSPORT INFORMATION FORM, please complete it and
return it to our office promptly. Group visas will be kept by guides and will NOT be distributed to passengers.
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Luggage
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We must insist on ONE SUITCASE and ONE CARRY-ON per person. You are allowed 44 lbs. of luggage. The approximate dimensions of your suitcase should not
exceed 30"x21"x10". You will receive a luggage tag for your suitcase. Use your own identification for your carry-on. Your carry-on must fit either under your seat or in the overhead compartment on the plane.
Remember: You will be responsible for your carry-on; take only what you can carry. We do not recommend the use of garment bags.
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Insurance
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We highly recommend a comprehensive insurance program which would protect you in the following cases: trip cancellation, illness or death, medical
expenses overseas, lost or damaged luggage, and economy airfare if it is necessary to fly home early due to personal illness or death of an immediate family member. Please be
aware that all emergency medical and transportation
costs must first be paid by the passenger. Trip insurance monies cannot be collected until a passenger returns to the U.S. and files a claim with the insurance company.
Noseworthy
Travel also strongly recommends the purchase of pre-travel insurance which covers most cancellation fees.
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Illness |
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If you need immediate medical attention while abroad, contact the reception areaof the hotel. A doctor or emergency services will be summoned for you.
You will find that most doctors speak good English, although you may need to speak slowly and clearly.
Your Noseworthy Travel Representative should
also be notified. She or he will assist you in every way possible. You should remember, however, that expenses incurred (medical, transportation, phone, etc.) must be paid by you. If you find it necessary to leave the tour and return to the U.S., the supplemental airfare must also be paid by you.
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Health Requirements and Preparations
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To obtain maximum benefits from the program, you should be in good physical and mental health, able and willing to actively participate in group events, coach trips
and boat rides.
During your journey, there will be much walking, numerous stairs to climb and many sites to explore. We suggest preparing yourself by beginning a program
of long-distance (a mile or more) walking.
Those who are less active will still find the journey a delightful
experience. If you need to rest, there is often a pleasant park which you can enjoy, or you can simply remain on the bus.
Check with your doctor for
medical advice pertinent to the trip and your health.
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Vaccinations
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No shots of any type are required.
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Roommates
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Please notify us immediately if you have a preference for a roommate. Your choice must be made no later than 60 days prior to departure. We will try to provide a
roommate, but if we are unable to do so, you will be
required to pay the single supplement as listed in the brochure. Our price is based on two in a room. There is no discount for triple accommodations.
May I request special seating on the airplane?
Yes, up to 45 days prior to your departure we will make a note of any seating
request in your record and pass the information to the airlines. However, we cannot guarantee the airline(s) will grant your request. You must check with the airline
during check-in regarding your seat assignment. We cannot take requests for Exit and Bulkhead seats. The airlines will not assign these seats until the day of departure.
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Special Needs
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Prior to departure, please notify the NTS office of any physical or medical disabilities so we may better serve you.
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Special Diets
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We will do our best to meet your requirements. However, there will
be limitations in our ability to do so depending upon the country and hotel in which we are staying. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE FROM THE LOCAL MARKET ANY SPECIALIZED FOOD-STUFFS WHICH YOU MIGHT NEED.
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Hotel Information
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What are some of the typical hotels used?
All hotels are first class
or better. During the program you will stay with your tour host in the same hotel. Hotel names and addresses will be sent to you with your final instructions.
 All
rooms have a radio, direct dial telephone, and a private bathroom with tub and/or shower.
Towels and soap are provided. In many cases, washcloths are not. It would be wise to bring
a few with you.
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The Jewish Sabbath
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On Saturday your hotel room may not be ready until after dinner, due to the Jewish Sabbath. You may also find that dinner is a few minutes delayed as food cannot be prepared
until after sunset. You'll find many stores close on Friday at noon and do not reopen until Sunday morning.
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Weather |
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As here in the
states weather in the Holy Land can be unpredictable. For the cooler months (December through February) be prepared to dress in layers, these months are also known as the rainy season. You may want to bring a rain poncho and/or a small umbrella. Summer months are very warm and dry. The rest of the year you may experience cooler temperatures only during the mornings and evenings.
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Take Your Camera
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You will have time to take pictures. Be sure to carry a good supply of film. You can buy film as you go, but it will be more expensive and not always convenient to
obtain. A lead-lined film bag is not necessary. Only the most sensitive film (400 ASA) or above is affected by airport x-ray machines.
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Electrical Appliances
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The electric current in Europe and the Middle East is 220 Volts. To operate American small appliances or gadgets you will need BOTH a CONVERTER and ADAPTER PLUGS.
Electric clocks, tape recorders and video camera rechargers will not work properly even with a converter.
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Registrations, Cancellations, and Payments
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How late can a new registration be accepted?
We can accept late adds after 90 days and you will be charged a $100 late registration fee provided space is available and the person is carrying a valid passport. Registration must be accompanied by full payment,
payable by certified check or cashiers check.
What is the cancellation procedure?
Cancellations must
be in writing. A cancellation fee of $30 is charged if cancellation is received up to 60 days prior to departure. See Tour Conditions for fees imposed within 60 days of departure.
Is there a refund if I visit friends for a couple of days?
NO, there is no refund if you go "on
your own" for a couple of days during the basic program or an extension.
When is final payment due?
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure. Payments for special programs, however, can be due earlier. (Refer to the Tour Conditions of your brochure.)
Airline reservations must be finalized 45 days prior to departure. If your account is still
showing a balance due, NO AIRLINE TICKETS will be written.
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Frequent Flyer Programs
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Frequent Flyer Programs may not be applicable. You will have to check with the airline on the day of departure.
What airline will we be using?
We
use all major carriers servicing Tel Aviv. The carrier for your program will be listed in your final instructions.
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Airline Information
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We understand your desire to have accurate flight information. Therefore, we cannot quote flight times over the phone because these schedules are subject to change
by the airline. Sometimes the changes are slight - sometimes they are very significant. When you receive your flight information from our office in writing by mail, we will be
within four (4) weeks of departure, and by then the flight information (although not guaranteed) is usually firm
Your international airline tickets will be picked up at the
airport on the day of departure (unless instructed otherwise in your final instructions), so please do not be concerned because of not receiving them in
the mail. If you need domestic tickets and would like our help in booking them, please be sure to read the enclosed yellow form.
NTS highly
recommends that passengers DO NOT purchase domestic airline tickets that can not be changed. If you return the domestic air request form to our office, we will book your domestics after we have finalized the group according to the international schedule. IN ALL CASES, ONCE TICKETS HAVE BEEN ISSUED THEY ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
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Departure Times and International Travel Info
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Information regarding the Airline and your International tickets, flight times, check in and arrival procedures, hotels, luggage tags and name tags
will be sent to you approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to departure.
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Day of Departure
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You should arrive at your departure airport as early as possible. Usually we meet at the departure terminal at the international airline at least three
hours before takeoff.
Every attempt will be made to seat all
passengers in the non-smoking section with their group. Anyone desiring seats in the smoking section must request so in writing no later than four weeks before departure.*
We
will have dinner on the plane, but you should try
to get some sleep immediately thereafter. Because of the change of time zones and the speed at which you are flying, you will have only a few hours with the lights out. Shortly after daylight, breakfast will be served.
*Please Note: Smoking is NOT allowed on the bus or in the dining room.
How long will the flight be?
The flight from New York to Tel Aviv will be approximately 10 1/2 hours.
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Maps
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You will receive a map upon arrival in Israel.
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Extensions
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(If applicable to your program):
How soon do I have to make a decision on the extension I desire after the basic tour of Israel?
It is best to make a
decision when registering or as soon after as possible. We must meet a minimum passenger requirement (15) in order to operate an itinerary extension. At times, itineraries become wait-listed due to bus and airline limitations. Please be sure to make your extension choice no later than 90 days prior to departure.
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1 warm cardigan sweater
Emergency sewing kit
