Dig In...To Get the Most From Your Israel Tour

While you may not be going on an archaeological dig on your Holy Land tour, it is still helpful for you to 'Dig In' to some good background material to help prepare yourself for this tour of a lifetime. 

Here is a list of helpful resources:

(Clicking on the picture or title will take you to an Amazon link)

A Visual Guide to BIBLE Events – J. Martin, J. Beck, D. Hansen.

Why did Jesus pick Samaria as the place to announce his messianic identity? Why did God lead Moses and the Israelites to Mount Horeb after they fled from Egypt? Why did the apostle John receive God's revelation on the island of Patmos? 
A Visual Guide to Bible Events illuminates the fascinating connections between Bible events and Bible locations. This beautiful, full-color book is filled with photographs, maps, and easy-to-read commentary. By exploring the relevance of place within biblical stories, this engaging volume brings the Bible alive to modern readers in a way no other book has done before.  (Pictorial Encyclopedia)

A Visual Guide to GOSPEL Events – J. Martin, J. Beck, D. Hansen. As the inspired authors of the Bible relayed the story of salvation, they frequently mentioned place names that contributed to the story. Yet readers who are separated from the texts by thousands of years and thousands of miles are often unable to fully understand or appreciate those references. 
This beautiful, full-color book is filled with photographs, maps, and easy-to-read explanations. The engaging writing style makes this resource perfect for anyone--student, scholar, pastor, or layperson--who wants to understand the events recorded in the Gospels in a deeper way.  (Pictorial Encyclopedia) 

In the Steps of Jesus – Peter Walker

In the Steps of Jesus presents a visually stimulating tour of the places Jesus visited and ministered in during his time on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Each location is addressed separately and includes such cities as Capernaum, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Full color photos bring to life the ancient world of the Bible few will ever be able to visit in person. With every page, the reader will gain greater insight into the history, geography, and unique features of these historic places. A must-have reference book for those interested in the study of the New Testament and the life of Christ. (Pictoral Encyclopedia)

Christian Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land – C. Dyer & G. Hattebert

A trip to the Holy Land is, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In this one-stop guide, two professionals—Charles Dyer, a Bible scholar and veteran Holy Land tour guide, and Greg Hatteberg, graduate of the Institute of Holy Land Studies in Jerusalem—help you make the most of your trip.

Detailed maps and a full-color 16-page photo insert and packing lists, jet lag tips, passport requirements, and a wealth of other practical information will assure you that have everything you need, while a four-week prayer guide and Bible study prepare you for the spiritual journey you are about to take.

The Christian Traveler’s Guide to the Holy Land traces the biblical events of over ninety of the most visited sites and will ensure that your trip is an exciting, spiritually satisfying, and unforgettable experience. (Travel Guide)

Walking in the Footsteps ofJesus – Wayne Stiles

Imagine following Jesus along the road, listening in on his conversations, and gleaning from the lessons he taught in the holy places he traveled. Join author Wayne Stiles as he walks in the steps of Jesus: through Bethlehem, Samaria, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Galilee, and beyond. Experience the places where Jesus met a lonely woman in Samaria, a den of hypocrites in the Temple, a Jerusalem Pharisee still searching for truth, fishermen with a sea of false expectations, and a hometown ashamed of him. Entering the Holy land through the settings, sights, and sounds of Stiles's engaging travelogue, readers will not only discover more about these sacred places, but also learn practical lessons that will find their way into their hearts. And ultimately, prepare them for their own encounter with Christ. (Devotional)

ArchaeologicalStudy Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture 
Readers who desire a more intimate knowledge of the historical context of the Bible will appreciate the NIV Archaeological Study Bible. Full of informative articles and full-color photographs of places and objects from biblical times, this Bible examines the archaeological record surrounding God’s Word and brings the biblical world to life. Readers’ personal studies will be enriched as they become more informed about the empires, places, and peoples of the ancient world. Features include: • Four-color interior throughout • Bottom-of-page study notes exploring passages that speak on archaeological and cultural facts • Articles (520) covering five main categories: Archaeological Sites, Cultural and Historical Notes, Ancient Peoples and Lands, the Reliability of the Bible, and Ancient Texts and Artifacts • Approximately 500 4-color photographs interspersed throughout • Detailed book introductions that provide basic, at-a-glance information • Detailed charts on pertinent topics • In-text color maps that assist the reader in placing the action. (Bible)

The Zion Chronicles - Brock & Bodie Thoene
If you like a good historical fiction book I recommend this series. This is book One of a five part series.

The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. Will there ever be peace in Zion? The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God's promises to their nation? These updated classics feature a new look and added study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion. (Historical Fiction) - LINK here for the Kindle Edition of all five books.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Traveling to Israel? Get the most from your journey

Israel again? People often ask me if I get tired of leading tour groups to Israel. The reality is that every time I return I see something new, hear something different and more importantly I am in a different place in my life so that even the places I've been before take on new spiritual meaning. I also get to see it fresh in the joy of those who journey with me.

Getting the most from your journey...

1) Travel with a pastor or a teacher who can feed you with the Word each step of the way. Your tour guide will also be an essential part of your experience. You will be amazed how much scripture all tour leaders in Israel know - whether they are Messianic, Jewish or Arab guides.

2) Prepare yourself by studying God's Word. When you get a listing of the sites you will visit use a good Bible dictionary and concordance and look up the biblical references that tell the narrative of the place.

3) Invest in some reference and devotional material that will enhance your knowledge of what you will see along the way...

Do you like to journal or keep notes along the way? This is an excellent journaling guide I just purchased for myself and look forward to using on my next journey to Israel. I love it! Israel for the Christian Traveler (Full-color Travel Guide, Journal) by Joan Peace.

This 30 day devotional guide would be perfect for preparing for your Holy Land tour. I recommend that you read it just prior to your journey. Thirty Days in the Land with Jesus: A Holy Land Devotional by Charles H. Dyer. 

This is also a good devotional and perhaps you will want to save it for your return so you can look back and be reminded of the things you have seen and apply it to your walk of faith. Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by Wayne Stiles 

Study Bible: Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk Through Biblical History and Culture

Maps: Then and Now Bible Maps

DVD Lessons: Faith Lessons In The Dust Of the Rabbi, by Ray Vander Laan

4) Pack well and know the in's and out's of international travel.

- Using and Charging Electrical Gadgets

- Travel Essentials 

- Packing Check List

- What to wear and Pack

- Luggage

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

India: Don't bug me

This blog is written primarily for those who travel with me to far away places but I hope if you stumbled across this post you will find it helpful. Here are some things that I have found to be essential in my fight against mother nature.

Insect Repellent for Cloth
I spray down all of my clothing and my cloth suitcases with this before I head to tropical areas of the world.  It works great and means I only need to use additional insect repellent on exposed skin. Sawyer Premium Permethrin Clothing Insect Repellent can be used to pre-treat your clothing and is as effective as 100 percent Deet against ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes. It will last for up to 6 weeks or 6 washings and will not damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces or outdoor gear.

Sleeping Bag Liner
Don't let the title fool you, this little 'luxury' is a stand alone product (sans sleeping bag) that will make you comfortable and confident.  It is a sleeping bag shaped sack made from a breathable thin knit fabric.  This is probably the one thing that everyone on who traveled on our last India team wished they had packed.  You can use it in trains, in beds where the linens are awful, or where you want to be protected from creepy crawlies. Sliding into this bag helps keeps everything else from scurrying in with you since it's only opening is around your face - and - that opening has a cinch tie if you want to snug it up nice and close. Two things to note... the one I use "Sea To Summit Coolmax Adaptor Liner" is already treated with insect shield.  It is not inexpensive ($58) but I think it is worth the money because not only is it pre-treated, but it also is made to breath (thus 'Coolmax"). However if you want to be thrifty you can purchase a lightweight knit at your fabric store and stitch up your own liner. Pre-treat it by soaking in the Sawyer Cloth repellent listed above.

Mosquito Nets
We primarily used these when we were in rural areas. There is just something about being in a cozy little net 'house' that gives me an added sense of security. The things you should look for in nets is whether they are 'treated' or 'untreated' with repellent, the size of the netting and the style.  If you chose to get an untreated net to save a few dollars you can always treat them with the Sawyer Cloth repellent.  I filled up a small bucket and soaked my untreated net before our last journey. Because we use our nets inside, we needed to use four cords at the corners and attach them to walls (a single ceiling hanging net does not work well for our situation as it is often difficult to reach the ceiling).  That doesn't mean that it's not still a challenge to find things to hook them to in your room.  It is important to make sure you bring cording and Command hooks with additional adhesive strips in case the room does not already have hooks in place.  I am also intrigued by the pop-up nets which I will mention below.
Untreated: Coghlans Mosquito Net Single ($9)
Insect Repel Treatment: Gadabout Mosquito Net - White Single ($22)

Okay, so I mentioned that I am intrigued by the Pop-up nets that I recently came across on Amazon. I'll be honest, I probably wouldn't spend the money on this for one trip --- but if you ever plan to travel to tropical areas in the future or are a camper it might be worth a try.  I actually have one on the way and am anxious to try it out.  The pros: Tying up a traditional net takes a lot of ingenuity to find places to anchor it. This pop-up is not dependent on having nearby walls or hooks. Secondly, it takes a fair amount of time to install a hanging net and when I am ready for bed I don't want to mess with the set-up. This one just untwists and pops up (you probably figured that out from the name). Lastly, and what might be it's best asset is that it has a fully attached bottom.  That means no tucking it under your mattress - if you are lucky enough to have a mattress. So you get no tucking and you also don't have to worry about anything crawling in if the netting gets pulled loose. The zippered door means you don't have to yank the net out from the mattress to exit and enter. The cons: The cost is significantly higher (around $60). While it is light (only 2.2 lbs), and it folds into a disk, it still only packs down to 26 inches comfortably - 20 inches if you struggle with it. This means you need to make sure it fits in a large checked bag or use it as your carry-on item. I also wish it were a tad bit smaller in height because I am not sure if it will fit in a train berth, but I do like the fact that I can sit up in it. Here is the link to the SansBug Free-Standing Pop-Up Mosquito Net (Poly Floor - i.e. less crinkle noise)

Mosquito Repellent
I know there are many people who hold firm to using 'safe' repellents including natural oils.  I respect that, I really do, but I also believe the consequences of contracting malaria or other bug born diseases does not outweigh the risks of using DEET for a very limited time under extreme conditions.  So when traveling in remote areas of risk I use insect spray with at least 40 DEET, higher if the conditions are very bad.  After showering in the morning (if that luxury exists) I take a few minutes to spray myself down and then reapply throughout the day. I have found Repel Max 40 DEET usually does the job for me.

Duck Tape
Everyone knows they should never leave home without Duck Tape!  So many uses... When it comes to bugs I rarely find accommodations that do not have holes or rips in the window screens.  A quick check when you enter your room and bit of duck tape will take care of that.  Don't forget to check for holes in the walls around outlets or plumbing!  Not only will it deter bugs but it may save you from hearing the scurry of little mice in your room at night (probably not but it never hurts to hope). So pack the duck tape and if you want to liven up your surrounding pick one that is pretty!

Home Insect Spray
No you didn't!  Yep, on my last journey to India I tucked a full size bottle of home bug spray into my checked bag.  I sprayed a perimeter around every room that I slept in and around all of the doors and windows.  Make sure to bring the kind in a spray bottle, like Ortho Insect Spray, not an aerosol can which inspectors frown on since they can explode.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Underseat Carry-On Review

I have been on the hunt for a rolling carry-on which will fit under the airline seat for an upcoming International journey. So far I have bought five different models to get a first-hand look at them and I have it narrowed down to my two favorites listed below.

The creators of these handy bags have all incorporated some very nifty features into their individual designs. And now that I have been exposed to several of them I want to cut them apart and put all of the best features into one awesome bag.  Here is hoping that some luggage head honcho will catch a glimpse of this post and make me the ultimate bag!

Features I love!

- Lightweight. Some airlines now impose weight limits on carry-on bags

- Small enough to fit under the seat in front of you

- Rolling bags with a preference for spinners which are hard to find or very high profile

- Back strap to fit over checked luggage handle

- Sturdy handle that retracts well

- Unstructured handle for picking up on the go but is not bulky taking up space under the seat

- Shoulder strap for when rolling is not an option and you want your hands free

- Organizational pockets. Lot's of them and well designed

#1 Pick

Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry-On with Back-Up Bag

This get's my #1 vote and is the one I am keeping primarily because it has spinner wheels. This feature is extremely handy especially when trying to fit down those narrow plane aisles! Another pro is the look of the bag. It is available in several fabrics but I like the matte quilted look. The Con: The interior pockets are far less functional than those on the #2 pick bag below. I also wish it were a bit lighter. Some airlines now weight carry-on bags with a weight limit of 15lbs. This bag eats up a lot of that allowance.

Lightweight	5.2 lbs
Small Size	16 x 8.5 x 13 inches
Roller wheels	Spinners!
Back Luggage strap	Yes, fits over other luggage handles
Retractable handle	Seems pretty sturdy, slides up easily
Unstructured handle	Webbing, love that it is flexible and falls out of the way when not in use.
Shoulder strap	Yes! Not many bags have this option
Organizational pockets	Nice net pocket on the side for a water bottle, second snap pocket on the opposite side. A good variety of multi-use pockets on front and interior… however not very impressive when compared to other bags. This is my primary negative review of this bag.

#2 Pick
Samsonite Wheeled Underseater (Large)

This bag would probably get my highest rating if it had spinner wheels on it.  It is made with tons of functionality and the interior pocket systems are AWESOME. In addition to the many well thought out compartments with frosted fabric allowing you to see what you put in them, there is one entire snap in a pocket system that can be pulled out to hang in the bathroom. It breaks my heart to send this wonderful bag back, but the lack of low profile spinners was it's demise although the lighter weight and pocket system almost won the day! A sweet smaller size is also available.

Lightweight	6 lbs
Size	18 x 9 x 13” (size listed on Amazon is incorrect) I am concerned about the size fitting under some airline seats, however, it does come in a smaller size.
Roller wheels	Two wheels, low profile
Back Luggage strap	Yes, fits over other luggage handles
Retractable handle	Seems pretty sturdy, slides up easily
Unstructured handle	Fabric, love that it is flexible and falls out of the way when not in use.
Shoulder strap	No. No place to attach one as an option
Organizational pockets	Some organizational genius designed the pockets on this bag.  Love, love, love it!  One multi-pocket section with a handle can be removed and hung. Many wonderful interior pockets.

Other bags I considered and the reasons that steered me away from them. Maybe they will fit your criteria so they are worth a look!

Samsonite Luggage Silhouette Sphere Spinner Boarding Bag

This bag had the spinner wheels I was looking for however they are very high profile and make the bag larger than it needs to be.  The width is also wider that will most likely fit under an airline seat even if it is only partially filled. While the specs say it is 7.5 inches on actual measurement it is closer to 10 inches. It also does not have a back strap to piggyback it on your checked luggage.

LUCAS Wheeled Under the Seat Cabin Bag

I liked this little bag and the price is right.  However, it does not have spinner wheels which were negative and I do not like the pull handle. This T-style hurts my hand and does not allow for a second tote bag to be piggybacked over the handle. The bag itself also does not have a back strap if you want to piggyback it over your larger checked luggage.

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A visit to the Dead Sea

Have you seen pictures of people floating in the Dead Sea reading a book? It is an interesting experience but it is not all that intuitive. So before you take the plunge – Don’t!  "Plunge" that is. There are some things you want to take into consideration to prepare for this unusual phenomenon.Lastly, if you are staying overnight at one of the spas, make sure you take advantage of their salt water pools and spa treatments.  Indulge a little!

It is best to avoid shaving for a day or two before you head to the Dead Sea.  Shaving inevitably irritates your skin and causes small cuts or scrapes. Freshly shaved legs will definitely get the wow factor when you step into the salty water.  The same is true of any cuts or wounds you may have.  At the same time the Dead Sea is touted to have medicinal and healing properties so if you can stand the pain, it might help you heal faster.

Remove your jewelry – salt is corrosive. If your watch is waterproof it probably is not salt proof, so take it off and leave it in your bag. Along the same lines be very cautious with any electrical items you bring down to the water’s edge.  If you plan to take pictures make sure that your hands are free of salty water.  Take a few hand wipes to clean up before you grab for your i-phone or camera. If salt water does get on your items wipe them down quickly with a clean damp cloth.

Consider packing an old swimming suit for this experience. The salt water is very hard on spandex and elastic. The lifespan of your suit will be diminished considerably after this adventure. And naturally make sure to wash it thoroughly as soon as you get out.

There really is a method to bobbing around in the Dead Sea. After walking into the Dead Sea you need to just ‘lay back’. This is so counter intuitive it is really hard to do, but here is where you can learn a little bit about faith. You seriously can just gently sit down and lift up your feet.  Keep your arms out to the side and use them to maneuver your way around. 

Do obey the ‘no splash’ rule!  Remember this is the saltiest body of water in the world and you do not want to get it splashed on your face and especially not in your eyes. This is not the place to ‘swim’.  Keep your head up and out of the water.  You've probably already guessed that it’s not the place to gulp down a swig of water either.

Speaking of ‘not the place to swim’ take heed to the notices posted about venturing too far away from the shore. While you can float indefinitely individuals have been lost in the vast Sea and there have been fatalities. Remember you cannot just ‘swim’ back to shore, you can only float so make sure you are not out of range as night approaches.

When you finish up your float it won’t take you to long to dry off from evaporation. Although you may not be wet you will still have a good amount of salt caked on your skin. Take time to shower off soon after you finish up.


Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

A must have item in my bag... the Sarong.

One of the most useful items I pack when traveling is a sarong.  It is lightweight and can be used in many different ways.

The Sarong…

A large rectangular or square piece of fabric.  It is available in a variety of fabrics and colors.  My favorite is a soft cotton fabric that is not transparent and has a nice drape.

What to use it for…

Your creativity is the only thing that will limit how you can use this little bit of fabric!

Ideas for clothing...

-      A beach cover-up. Wrap it around your waist or under your arms for a more covered look. Tie the upper corners together to keep it in place.

-      A scarf or head covering.  It works equally as well to protect you on a windy or sunny day as it does to cover your head in places of worship.

-      A fashion accessory. There is nothing like a pop of color to make you feel like you haven’t been wearing the same outfit for three days straight. Tie your sarong around and around for a fun chunky scarf or belt.

-      Fold it in half and tie it around your waist for a short skirt or leave it long for more coverage.

-      A Dress with several styles

   Draped Dress:

1)    Hold two corners on the long side of your sarong and tie them behind your neck.

2)    Grab the side edges below your waist and gather up a few inches to pull behind you.

3)    Slide both edges all the way around to one of your hips and knot the edges together.

   The Toga:

1)    Hold two corners on the long side of the sarong and wrap it behind your back horizontally.

2)    Wrap one corner all the way around your body and tuck it under your arm. Pull the corner over the back of the shoulder.

3)    Keep a hold of that corner with one hand while pulling the other corner in front of your shoulder and tie the two corners into a knot at your shoulder so the fabric drapes down the front of your arm.

   Wrap Dress:

1)    Again hold the two corners on the long side of the sarong and wrap it behind your back horizontally.

2)    Bring one end across your body to the opposite shoulder.

3)    Wrap the other end underneath your bust, around your back and to the opposite shoulder.

4)    Tie both ends at the shoulder.

Multi-purpose ideas...

-      No place to sit but on the ground? Pull out your sarong for a ground cover to sit on.

-      Need some shade? Tie it to something to create a makeshift tent.

-      Layover in a chilly airport? Use it for a lightweight blanket.

-      No towel handy? Use it to dry off with the extra advantage that it dries out itself very quickly.

-      It can be used as a screen or curtain to shield you from others. If you are sharing your accommodation it can be strung between the beds for a bit of privacy.  If you find yourself at the beach with no place to change into your swimming suit have a friend hold it out in a circle to create a changing room. Or it can be used as a curtain over a window or to block the sun or a light.

-      An extra tote bag!  With a little creative tying of 

    the corners it becomes an awesome bag.

A fun choice to consider... La Leela Super Soft Sarong

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.