Holy Land Travel is a unique opportunity to connect to our faith at a deeper level. While there has always been some level of unrest in the Middle East, pilgrims still seek out the Holy Sites. All of my pilgrimages over the last decade were impacted by world events. Each time our planning included ways to minimize the risks and set us up for success on our pilgrimages. The goal for each pilgrimage is to take our hearts for Jesus to the Holy Land so that we can visit the Holy Sites and locals in hopes of gaining a deeper connection to our faith.
Minimize Risks
With the goal of our pilgrimage in mind, we include the following in our planning to minimize risks to our pilgrimages.
Carefully Select Travel Partners
First, it is very important to travel with reputable travel companies who keep our safety at the forefront of their planning. Faith Connections Travel works with experienced travel companies and partners who are experts in the Holy Land. This includes local companies who have time tested experience in providing pilgrims with safe and secure lodging, transportation, and travel needs. The tour guides and bus drivers are constantly looking, watching, and planning ahead for the safety of the group. Last minute modifications to the itinerary help us move around situations that might not be safe. We also modify the itinerary to add extra sites and experiences to the pilgrimage as time allows.
Travel Insurance
Second, individual travel insurance is important. As much as we would like a perfect life without trouble, things happen. We prepare for the unexpected with travel insurance. Unexpected events could be a delay in flights causing an extra over-night in the airport hotel or illness on the trip and a much needed doctor visit. Much of this is covered by travel insurance, so read carefully to get the level to secure your peace of mind. Our travel partner offers a travel insurance plan which is very good. Many times credit card companies offer travel insurance when you use your card to book the travel. Either way, it is important to know what your travel insurance policy covers.
Prayer and Seek God First
Finally, and this more than likely should be first and always, pray. Pray for the safety of the pilgrims, the tour operators and staff, the hotel staff, restaurant staff, airline employees, world leaders, and yourself.
Remember the purpose of this pilgrimage. Seek God and how he is working in your life while visiting Holy Sites. A pilgrim’s mindset is what makes the journey a pilgrimage and not just another trip.
