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Once you arrive in the the Land you'll have a lot of ground to cover, so to ensure that you're prepared, comfortable, and informed we've put together a series of videos as well as a comprehensive online preparation guide that contains everything you need to know in order to have an educational, memorable, and prayerfully life-changing trip.
Download a printable Preparation Guide Cheat-sheet to keep on your fridge or in your pocket while shopping, packing, and counting down the days to your Study Tour.
Download Cheat SheetBecause of the nature of international group travel, your best option for doing your laundry is using your hotel sink or bathtub. So, consider how many days your Study Tour is and how many times you’ll be able to do laundry. Laundry is most easily done at hotels where you’ll be staying for at least two nights. This allows you to do laundry the first evening and hang your clothes to dry around your hotel room throughout the next day. It’s best to pack enough for 3-4 days and plan on doing laundry at least once.
GTI provides a backpack and hydration pack, flashlight, a study guide, a journal and pen, plus a plug adapter with USB port. Remember, an adapter is not the same as a converter.
If you bring a secondary day bag or knapsack to carry extra batteries, clothes, snacks, money, etc. you can leave it safely on the bus while visiting sites throughout the day.
Depending on the specific location and time of year, the temperature and weather conditions you'll experience will vary drastically.
| Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Galilee | Dead Sea | Golan Heights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43-53 | 49-65 | 48-65 | 53-68 | 55-41 |
| Feb | 44-57 | 48-66 | 49-67 | 56-72 | 58-43 |
| Mar | 44-61 | 51-69 | 51-72 | 61-78 | 65-46 |
| Apr | 53-69 | 54-72 | 56-80 | 68-85 | 73-51 |
| May | 60-77 | 63-77 | 62-89 | 75-93 | 81-58 |
| Jun | 63-81 | 67-83 | 68-95 | 80-99 | 87-63 |
| Jul | 66-84 | 70-86 | 73-98 | 83-102 | 90-67 |
| Aug | 66-86 | 72-86 | 75-99 | 83-101 | 90-68 |
| Sep | 65-82 | 69-89 | 71-95 | 81-96 | 86-65 |
| Oct | 60-78 | 59-83 | 65-89 | 75-90 | 79-59 |
| Nov | 54-67 | 54-76 | 59-78 | 65-80 | 68-51 |
| Dec | 47-56 | 47-66 | 53-68 | 56-71 | 59-44 |
*Dec.-March is rainy season so pack accordingly.
| Cairo | Luxor | Aswan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67-50 | 73-44 | 74-50 |
| Feb | 70-52 | 78-47 | 78-53 |
| Mar | 76-56 | 86-54 | 87-60 |
| Apr | 84-61 | 95-63 | 69-68 |
| May | 91-66 | 102-71 | 103-76 |
| Jun | 95-72 | 106-75 | 107-80 |
| Jul | 96-74 | 106-77 | 108-82 |
| Aug | 95-75 | 105-76 | 107-82 |
| Sep | 92-72 | 102-72 | 104-78 |
| Oct | 86-67 | 95-65 | 97-72 |
| Nov | 77-59 | 84-54 | 86-61 |
| Dec | 69-52 | 76-46 | 77-53 |
*The Signature Trip of Egypt and Jordan will experience a temperature range of 50+ degrees between daytime in southern Egypt and evening trips in the Jordanian desert of Wadi Rum. Pack accordingly.
| Amman | Wadi Rum | Petra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54-38 | 57-36 | 59-37 |
| Feb | 57-40 | 61-39 | 62-39 |
| Mar | 63-44 | 67-45 | 69-44 |
| Apr | 73-50 | 76-52 | 79-52 |
| May | 81-57 | 84-59 | 87-58 |
| Jun | 87-63 | 89-64 | 93-63 |
| Jul | 89-67 | 92-67 | 96-67 |
| Aug | 89-66 | 91-67 | 96-67 |
| Sep | 86-63 | 86-63 | 92-63 |
| Oct | 79-57 | 78-57 | 84-56 |
| Nov | 67-47 | 68-47 | 71-46 |
| Dec | 57-41 | 59-39 | 62-39 |
| Istanbul | Antalya | Kusadasi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48-37 | 59-47 | 56-45 |
| Feb | 49-38 | 61-49 | 57-45 |
| Mar | 54-41 | 64-52 | 61-48 |
| Apr | 62-47 | 69-59 | 68-53 |
| May | 71-56 | 75-65 | 77-60 |
| Jun | 80-64 | 84-73 | 86-68 |
| Jul | 85-69 | 90-79 | 92-74 |
| Aug | 84-69 | 91-80 | 91-74 |
| Sep | 77-62 | 85-73 | 84-67 |
| Oct | 68-55 | 78-65 | 74-60 |
| Nov | 59-47 | 70-57 | 65-53 |
| Dec | 51-41 | 61-50 | 59-48 |
*Nov.-April is rainy season so pack accordingly.
| Athens | Thessaloniki | Philippi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56-44 | 49-34 | 47-33 |
| Feb | 57-44 | 52-36 | 49-35 |
| Mar | 61-47 | 58-40 | 54-39 |
| Apr | 68-53 | 67-46 | 62-47 |
| May | 76-60 | 76-55 | 72-55 |
| Jun | 85-68 | 85-63 | 79-82 |
| Jul | 90-73 | 90-67 | 84-66 |
| Aug | 90-73 | 89-67 | 85-66 |
| Sep | 83-67 | 81-60 | 76-58 |
| Oct | 74-60 | 70-52 | 66-50 |
| Nov | 65-53 | 59-43 | 57-43 |
| Dec | 59-47 | 51-36 | 49-35 |
Weather, itinerary and personal preference dictate how many of each article of clothes to bring. But it's fairly safe to say that if you plan on doing laundry at least once on your trip, you can really save a lot of weight and expense by only bringing 2-3 changes of clothes for hiking, 1 change of clothes for airline travel and 1 change of clothes for casual wear or evening dining. You'll want to be able to last at least 3 days without doing laundry. Bring along a plastic bag in case you must repack slightly damp or wet clothing.
Multiple light weight layers most easily accommodate weather, modesty requirements, and personal comfort preferences. Keeping a baggy pair of pants or a light weight wrap/skirt in your bag means you're you'll never need to find facilities for a quick change. And a cool morning often turns into a blistering day which can give way to a dry and chilling evening breeze, so keep a light weight wind breaker handy to shield you from the elements—hot or cold. Each evening your Tour Leader will alert you to any clothing requirements for the next day, so you'll have an opportunity to plan ahead, wash, or layout the clothes you'll need.
Quick changes will be required at some of the religious sites in Israel which have modest dress standards and there's typically no time or facilities for changing. Heads, arms, and legs must be covered. For men, the easiest solution is a baggy pair of pants quickly pulled over shorts or a pair of zip-off pants that turn into shorts. For women, a calf-length wrap can easily be tucked into your waist band creating a modest dress, and a shawl or silk scarf can be wrapped around bare shoulders. While you might find these traditions and customs confusing or even offensive, remember that we are visitors coming to explore and learn not to make a point or cause a scene. So always strive to represent your group and your country well by being respectful and considerate in all your interactions.
Most of the year is dry and hot. However between your own sweat and visits to various springs and water sources, moisture is always close by even when it's not raining. Breathable, quick-drying garments are best, but if you're used to working out in a cotton t-shirt, you'll probably be just fine. Keeping a spare shirt, pair of socks, and stick of deodorant on the bus is always a good insurance policy. Don't forget sunglasses on a lanyard, hat or visor, and sunscreen.
You'll most likely want to dress "normally" or even nice for most evening meals. So bring an outfit or two that helps you feel civilized so you can join the rest of the group in the evenings for a meal and for hanging out. Also, some people prefer specific travel clothing that has useful and secure pocket, body-scanner friendly, and comfortable on long flights.
If you're buying a new shoe or boot, your first decision will be how much ankle support you need. If you're not accustomed to walking on uneven surfaces, rocks, or dirt roads, a higher ankle boot will provide helpful support. Next up is traction. For some people, heavy rubber soles and thick tread provide comfort and stability. For others, a slimmer sole is better for balance and helps feel the ground. Except for during the wet months, a shoe or boot that breathes and dries more easily is best. During the wet months you may opt for a more water-resistant shoe that will keep rain and puddle water out. Whatever your preference, test out your shoes by walking up and down stairs, unpaved inclines, and rocky trails. There's a good reason why some people refer to study tours as "learning with your feet," and your feet will thank you later. Buying shoes online is not recommended. Saving a few bucks isn't worth the risk of getting something uncomfortable.
Depending on your itinerary, you may have the opportunity to wade, float, and even swim in a variety of water sources. While not required, a pair of simple strap-on water shoes allow you to enjoy the refreshing water without the scrapes, bruises, and cuts that hidden rocks might deliver. Flip-flops won't provide any protection, so bring something with a strap like Keens or Teeva's. Your trip leader and guide will be able to give you a heads up the evening before if you should bring along water shoes, giving you a chance to either pack a secondary bag to leave on the bus until you reach the site with the water, or allowing you to adjust your backpack to accommodate the shoes. Old gym shoes that you can throw away at the end of the day or end of the trip also work.
For a truly comfortable fit, we recommend a pair of hiking socks. You can gauge the thickness you'll need based on how it feels in your hiking shoe and based on the season you'll be in the Land. Again, you absolutely must test out whatever you're going to pack. Find out if your socks are too hot, too tight, or too uncomfortable while you still have an opportunity to find a different solution.
Zip off Pants: These extremely versatile pants satisfy the religious site modesty requirements while quickly converting back to cool shorts.
Active Boxer/Briefs: Specialized underwear that features moisture wicking, antimicrobial treatment, and a snug fit prevent chaffing and provide quick drying comfort.
Dry Fit Shirt: Wicks moisture away, keeping you dry and comfortable.
Light Weight Rain Jacket: These are great as they can fit in your backpack and will repel water when rain comes.
Buff: The buff as seen on shows like “Survivor” can be used as a bandana, hat, beanie, scarf and many other things.
Blister Bandages: Blisters can happen while doing a lot of walking or hiking. It is best to begin treating the affected area the moment it starts to be a problem. It's best to buy the kind that does not require you to bring scissors.
Hiking Socks: These help reduce blisters and wick away moisture (3 or 4 pairs are good)
Basic Hiking Shoe: You want something that breathes well, is comfortable and you have time to break in. Depending on the type of tour you are participating in will dictate how much hiking you will be doing and help you make a decision on a good hiking shoe. Never buy shoes or boots online as it is best to try them on to make sure they fit well. Note: for most trips, a good solid walking or running shoe is sufficient.
Although most meals are all-you-can-eat, longs days and lots of exercise can keep your appetite going strong. Also, when you're adjusting to a new timezone, midnight snacks can be a lifesaver! Depending on your metabolism, having a protein or carbohydrate rich snack handy throughout the day can provide a much needed boost to make it up the next hill or to the next site. Non-melting snacks that aren't crumbly or messy are best. While it's ok to bring candy or treats, be sure to bring snack food that will help fuel your body in a healthy way.
Breakfast and dinners will be buffet style at the hotel. Metals will feature a wide variety of breads, salads, vegetables, and meat. Lunches typically transpire in-between touring sites, and typically include some type of local cultural flare of the country.
If you have significant dietary needs, contact your GTI Travel Coordinator right away. You'll be fine for most breakfasts and dinners, however for lunches you may have to plan ahead and pack a special meal for yourself each day depending on your needs. Your guide and driver will do their best to accommodate your needs.
It's the little things like being on time, wearing your name tag, and following instructions that make a group study tour successful. Groups that don't stick together often have to shift their itinerary because of lost time, so while it may feel like you're rushing through some sites, remember that this isn't a vacation for relaxing—it's a Study Tour for learning and experiencing the land!
Don't assume you'll have time each morning to prepare for your day. Take the time each night to wash clothes, repack, layout tomorrow's clothing, recharge batteries, etc. When you're given a time to meet the group give yourself extra time before hand to ensure you've used the restroom, packed your day bag, and taken care of any other personal needs. Most days you'll simply be wearing your hiking/walking outfits. Your leader or guide will tell you the night before if you'll need to bring water shoes, bathing suits, modesty kits, or anything else.
While you're traveling to and from the Land you'll need to keep your passport handy—either on your person or in your carry on. Depending on your itinerary you'll potentially need it to cross various checkpoints while on the ground. Always keep it in a safe, secure and known location. Also, keep a copy of your passport on your person or in a secondary safe location in case your passport is lost.
Baggage rarely gets lost, however it's wise to keep 1-2 extra sets of clothing plus all critical medication, sleep aids, and documents in your carry on. Once on the ground, both your primary luggage and your carry on will be stowed under the bus during the day.
You're allowed one 50-pound bag, one carry-on, and a personal item. In addition to the usual wear and tear an international flight can cause to your luggage, you'll also be repacking your luggage and stowing it under the bus almost every day. Be sure you bring luggage that is sturdy and up to the task.
There is a difference between being an tourist on vacation and a pilgrim on a journey. Be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of the culture and presence of people around you. The Land is a gathering place for people of the entire world and you never know what background or beliefs the person next to you holds, so conduct yourself and your conversations accordingly.
No, travel insurance is not required, however most US medical insurance does not provide coverage in foreign countries. We recommend that you look into getting a travel protection plan with emergency medical coverage while you are away from home. Click here to learn more.
US credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants, and retailers and usually provides the best exchange rate (view currency converter). Notify your credit card provider before traveling to avoid the potential of having your card temporarily suspended due to suspected fraudulent activity.
United States currency is almost universally accepted in other countries. Small bills are best, allowing you to keep only the cash you need at the moment on your person. Keeping a small bag on the bus for extra cash and other items you want access to, but don't want to carry is a great idea. The bus is safe and secure.
Since the bus is always monitored or locked, you're encouraged to bring a small, collapsable, secondary bag that you can hold on your lap and leave on the bus for extra items you might need throughout the day such as a clean shirt, extra batteries, snacks, and money.
If your study tour allows time for shopping, it will be a very specific time. Many hotels have a gift shop in the lobby, which you can pursue during free time.
Most hotels on tour will have adequate Wi-Fi for staying connected with loved ones back home. Check with your service provider for information on using your cell phone during international travel.
There's a good chance your group will have a Media Volunteer who will be helping GTI coordinate the Online Tour Journal—an online blog that is updated daily. Tell your friends and family to visit http://gtitours.org/follow, select your study tour from the list and subscribe to updates via email. If you would like to contribute some of your daily photos, videos, thoughts, or reflections keep your eye out for an email from GTI Tours with instructions on how to participate.
You don't have to be an experienced photographer to take great photos. Whether you're using a point-and-shoot, DSL, or a smart-phone camera, you can take great photos by following a few simple rules.
#1 Choose Context or Detail: You'll be happier with your photos if you back up or zoom out enough to show the context and surroundings of your subject. If you want to capture a close up of a face or a flower, then get close and get the detail. Don't try to compromise, then you'll loose context and detail!
#2 Get High or Get Low: Everyone see's the world from between 4' and 6' off the ground. So stoop down low, stand on something high and capture a perspective that is not often seen. We can all use a fresh perspective!
#3 Take Purposeful Photos: You can't take a photo of everything on your trip, nor would you want to. So work on being able to articulate to yourself the reason you're taking each photo. Also, try limiting yourself to 20 photos per site. This will make you really choose what's important and save you from hours of sorting photos later. Most people complain about having too many photos rather than not enough.
#4 Stay at the Front of the Group: If you stop for a moment when you're at the front of the group, you'll simply drift to the middle or back as you stop to take a photo. If you're already in the back of the group when you stop to take a photo, you'll get left behind—especially in more crowded locations such as Jerusalem.
Go for a several mile hike wearing all your shoes, clothes, backpack and other gear. Where will you put your camera? Does your backpack fit comfortably? Do your shoes give you blisters? Do your clothes allow adequate mobility for stooping, crawling, climbing, and sitting? It's better to know the answers to these questions now than to wish you had something different once you've arrived in the Land.
While in the Land you may encounter intimidation physical obstacles such as stairs, ladders, and caves. In addition to preparing by regularly walking and hiking 1-3 miles every few days, try stooping, crawling, and scooting around your living room to remind yourself of your capabilities. It's better to make an informed decision to not participate at a particulate site than to sustain an injury or unnecessarily slow the group.
While a treadmill can supplement your exercise habits, remember than uneven and rocky paths require much more ankle strength, balance and stamina. So in addition to working out in a gym, get outside and find trails and paths that more closely resemble the uneven paths, walkways and trails you'll encounter in the Land.
Completing the Study Tour Curriculum is the best way to ensure your not overwhelmed by the information you'll be absorbing on your Study Tour. The foundational knowledge you'll gain will help provide a context for your experiences so that they're easier to understand and remember. We recommend that you don't google pictures and/or videos of the sites and places you will visit. These are best experienced the first time with Bible in hand, in person. Once you are home, you will have plenty of time ot google the sites.
Most people don't read Scripture with geography in mind. Go back and reread portions of the Text asking yourself, "Where did this happen?" and "How far from Jerusalem did this take place?" and "How long would it have taken for them to get there?" It will amaze you how much geography affects our understanding of the narratives in the Bible and Biblical history.
Share your upcoming study tour with friends and family who will partner with you in prayer before, during, and after your study tour. Your experience may be life-changing, but ultimately it's the Holy Spirit working in you that brings about change and growth. Ask friends to join you in prayer for physical strength, spiritual receptivity, and opportunities to build community with your fellow participants.
If you have any medical conditions at all you should consult your physician concerning these requirements and any medications or conditions which may have an impact on your ability to fully participate. We suggest you bring along a written prescription (with name and ingredients), in case of emergency. Please contact your health provider to check your coverage when traveling outside the United States. Traveling to the lands of the Bible requires no immunizations though you’ll want to be sure your tetanus shot is current.