#1 question - Is it safe to go to these countries?

Yes! We cannot know what God has planned anywhere in the world, even at home, but we have little reason to be concerned about travel to these three countries. I have been to Israel 7 times since October 7th and taken 3 groups as well. In my nearly 20 times in Israel, the only time I've heard a siren or run to a shelter was when Iran sent missiles to Israel during our 2025 trip. We were safe & well cared for and had no fear. Now that the war is over, we expect it to be safer than ever. 

We believe the media reports the sensationalistic activities and minimizes the normal life that most Israeli’s, tourists, and volunteers experience there. Yes, the initial attack on October 7, 2023 was significant and subsequent warfare was intense for a time but that is long past. Turkey is welcoming and friendly to Americans and our group enjoyed our 2026 trip there. Greece is just beautiful and peaceful every visit. IF something should change while we are in a country, our tour operators will assist us in every way possible and safety provisions are in place. If you want to talk to any in the group that visited Israel since October 7, 2023, I’m happy to connect you but everyone will tell you they felt safer in Israel than at home.

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Should I repeat a country I’ve been to with you before?

Yes, each trip is unique! Each group of travelers brings its own flavor to the tour and, each year, we add sites & activities so it's always different. If you want to enrich your experience from a country, go again and add to what you learned before…or maybe just relax a bit more and enjoy! These countries are amazing and are worth re-visiting. We especially encourage you to go to Greece & Israel again as each trip is different.

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Can I just go to Israel or do I have to go to all the countries?

Yes, we would love for you to go to Israel! We will meet you at the Tel Aviv airport. when you arrive. You can also add on the other countries if you wish but watch the order of the countries so you don't leave a gap between the ones you want to go to.

 

Can I go to the other countries if I haven’t been to Israel?

No. Our ministry priority is to that everyone go to Israel. The other countries are a bonus!

You can go to any other countries with us if you are also going to Israel (or if you have been to Israel before). 

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​​​Can I go somewhere before or after your tours?

Yes, plan whatever you want before or after your tour(s) with us. Just pay attention to where you need to be when so you can be with us when you need to be.

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What countries do you go to each year?

As of now, 5 countries are part of our tour program - Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece & Turkey. We follow the Biblical journeys in each country. The countries we plan for each tour varies on many factors. We will announce each tour itinerary at least a year before the tour.

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Are the tours Biblically oriented?

Yes, that is our main focus, but we also strive to build connections, see some great places, eat really good food, and have some fun. These aspects combine to help you become better disciples which is what Jesus called us to do! We sometimes have a Bible teacher with us for teaching, but our guides are very knowledgeable as well. In Israel, our  Jewish guide will be teaching about the sites with Old & New Testament perspective. Each traveler can choose days & sites to read Scripture and/or do a devotion. You will visit the places you've read & heard about in the Bible, and we tie our visits back to the Biblical significance of each. Our Pre-Tour HaYesod study will teach you how Judaism and Christian principles merge and align.

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What is the weather like? Why do you go when you go?

The weather is very much like Central California. We are very intentional about our travel dates. We avoid the Jewish holidays like Spring (Passover), Fall (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot), Spring at Passover, and December (Hanukkah) because it is expensive, crowded and our service partners need to be with their families. Fall and early summer are a great time to travel as the weather is nice. Crowds vary but, typically, tour groups travel in these same time frames with good weather. We usually alternate the time of year we go so teachers have a chance to go on the summer trips.

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When should I register?

As soon as you feel called to go! We likely cannot accommodate everyone who has expressed interest in these tours so please register as soon as you are ready to ensure you have a seat. We want the tour size to be comfortable and manageable so we will not overbook.

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Will you help me get ready to go?

Yes, we do a lot of planning with our travelers to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared for the journeys! We will cover everything with you! 1st step - be sure your passport is valid at least 6 months past the last day of our tour. We offer a pre-Israel study called HaYesod (optional), a meeting to discuss packing and how the tours operate, a dinner or other social event to get to know each other, and many other communications to help prepare you. We're available to help with anything you need.

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Will you help me plan a longer stay?

Yes, we can make recommendations for places to go in any of our countries to extend your trip.

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I don’t have anyone to go with. Will you help me find a roommate?

We emphasize connection before our trips so local travelers can get to know each other before we depart. You may meet another person that needs a roommate, or we can connect you in advance to see if you are a good fit. We do not assign roommates as you need to make sure habits align and that you will be comfortable. You can also room alone, if you prefer, for an additional fee per country because their room rates (and thus our tour cost) are based on 2 people per room. Note your preference/need on the registration form.

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Can you ensure I won’t fly alone?

We work with everyone to get the best flight cost and route possible which generally has travelers flying together from Fresno or wherever it works best for you. If you need to fly from another city (as many do), we will help you plan to connect with the Fresno group along the way if you wish or meet you when you arrive.

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Can people join these tours from anywhere?

Yes, these tours are open to any Christian from anywhere! Invite your friends & family!

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What if I want to do something off the itinerary?

We have free time most evenings where you can do what you want to do at your own risk. Group tours are not designed for individuals to skip the tour day or go off on your own, so we do not allow that. The group goes together each day, unless you are sick and must stay in the hotel, but you are welcome to plan your own activities before or after the tour dates. 

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How do you deal with people who are late all the time or cause other group management issues?

We prep our travelers well in advance as to what to expect on the tours. We communicate well with all details given to travelers as often as needed through WhatsApp on the tours so they have it in a text to refer to. We leave on time and, though we have a buddy system to make sure everyone is accounted for, we do not wait unless there is an emergency. We will help people get to the next stop in a taxi or encourag them to enjoy the hotel day if they missed our departure time.

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Can I bring my kids?

Generally, we do not encourage children joining us on these tours. Until they can choose for themselves to participate in a learning journey (not a vacation) with lots of bus time, walking, listening, outdoor weather, unfamiliar foods, and long days (early mornings to evenings), we recommend that you do not bring children. We have to manage the entire group's experience and thus have criteria around this as stated below.  We have had mixed experiences with young adults coming along, some great and some not so great, so let's discuss individually if you want to bring a young adult on the tour.

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Traveler mobility and function

We have to consider safety standards for the entire group thus we need each traveler to be self-sufficent and not need support from others. Because our itineraries involve international travel with usually multiple flights, long walking days, crowded environments, and physically demanding conditions, we maintain the following eligibility standards to ensure the safety and well‑being of every traveler:

​1. Age Requirement

All participants must be legal adults (18+) at the time of travel. Our tours are designed for adults and are not suitable for minors.

2. Functional Participation Requirements

All individual travelers must be able to:

• Follow guide instructions and stay with the group

• Navigate busy public areas safely

• Manage personal needs independently

• Participate in activities without requiring one‑on‑one supervision or assistance. Wheelchairs or walkers cannot be used in most locations.

• Maintain appropriate behavior in high‑stress or unfamiliar environments

• Not expect to rely on anyone else for physical, mental, or emotional support.

These requirements apply equally to all adults, regardless of disability status. If a traveler comes on the tour and it is determined that needs are greater than can be managed without help, we will consider options at that time. 

3.  Safety & Feasibility

Traveler Journeys may determine before the tour that a traveler’s needs exceed what can be safely accommodated. In such cases, participation may be declined to protect the safety of the traveler and the group. 

4. Equal Treatment & Respect

We do not exclude anyone because of disability. We evaluate participation solely based on functional ability, safety, and the nature of the tour.

5. Smoking is not allowed on our tours.

You do need to have someone who can assist you on the tour if you become ill or injured. We cannot be that person but will help you find someone to commit in advance if needed and, of course, we will help you get the care you need.

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Is my deposit or tour payment refundable?

No. We rely on everyone who registers for our tours to ensure we meet the minimum # we need to support the tour. and costs. If you register and pay in full (usually 90-120 days before the tour begins), we will have expenses toward your tour that we cannot recover. Because we are a non-profit with zero income from our tours, this policy may be different than other tours that have a staggered cancellation policy based on date. If you have concerns about a possible need to cancel in the future, be sure your travel insurance policy covers those possible issues, as it may cover cancellation costs according to their policy terms. Our policy is to TRAVEL unless the US government or the country we’re visiting won’t let us.

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What do you recommend about luggage?

We recommend that you pack in a carry-on size bag only + a backpack or tote bag regardless of the length of your trip. It is possible...and you can wash your clothes as often as needed. At a minimum, you must be able to carry all of your own luggage without assistance, including whatever you purchase on the trip. We will have help to load/unload at hotels/busses, but you are on your own in airports and inside the hotels.

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Will we shop?

Yes, we will have designated places where you can shop for local items, but our tours are not shopping trips. We strongly encourage you to not plan to buy for many people at home or to agree to bring "just one thing" for everyone that asks you to. We want you to focus on the Biblical nature of the tour and not checking off your shopping list or hauling extra luggage for all the things you bought.  We also understand you want to memorialize the trip with mementos so, yes, we will shop but not at every location or every day and for limited time at stores we trust.

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​Do you have other questions?

Please refer to the website https://TravelerJourneys.life or contact Debbie devand@sbcglobal.net or 559.740-9436.