Travel with David & Fran Roseberry

Whether you are registered for a trip to Israel, Greece, or anywhere else, these instructions will apply to you.

After you register for the trip you will receive information about the trip and how to prepare. Months before we leave we will gather (via Zoom) and go over the details, the timing, the itinerary, the weather, and all other matters you want to know. Don't worry...we have you covered!

But here are three things you can do right now to prepare for this life-changing trip.

• Walk | This is the only exercise you will need to do before we leave. This is not a trekking tour, but walking will be done every day.

• Read | The list below will give you some idea of what you'd want to read ahead of time. Don't buy everything.

• Packing | Over the years, we have learned to pack lightly and comfortably. We will say more about seasonal weather and clothing as the trip gets closer.

• There is wireless in all the hotels and sometimes on the bus itself.

• There is coffee (powdered) and tea in each hotel room, and a hot water kettle.

• There are hairdryers in each hotel room. (If you don’t see one, call the Front Desk. They will bring it to you.)

• There is a packing list that we send to every passenger

• There are no assigned seats on the bus. People rotate to different positions and seats on the bus all the time.

• Imagine provides audio devices for all passengers.

• You may register for the trip online and pay with your credit card.

• Final payment to Imagine must be in the form of a check.

• You will be given all travel documents two weeks before departure.

• You can call the airline and request a different seat assignment. You should not call Imagine to do that for you. They cannot.

• You will be given a name badge and luggage tags.

• You can remain on the bus for any portion of any day if you are sick or tired.

• There are ATMs in Israel. Most dispense shekels. Some dispense dollars.

• Lunches are not included in the cost of the trip.

• There are bathrooms at every stop along the way.

• You will be given a detailed road map of the country.

• The guides are all English speakers and are easily understood.

• There is water available for purchase on every bus.

• There is no smoking on the bus or in the hotels.

• There is shampoo, etc. in the hotels.

• You will be provided with a travel guidebook with information on each site visited.

• There will be services such as Holy Communion, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and other special events.

• We provide special times for shopping.

• Your credit card is safe when we stop at a recommended store.

• You can use dollars almost everywhere you go. The change will come back to you in shekels.

• A unique electrical adapter for US plugs is needed in the hotel rooms. Be sure it says "Israel" on the package.

• We recommend bringing a few hundred dollars in cash for incidentals.

• You can charge wine and other beverages to your hotel room and pay before you check out.

• The price of your trip includes all the tips. Your host will do all the tipping except in unique personal circumstances.

• Our guides are always either Christian or Jewish.

• Travelers can order special dietary foods ahead of time.

• Israel is safe to walk about at night, generally speaking.

• Any person who wishes to remain in their hotel room can do that if we are not leaving the hotel that afternoon.

• There are no bathrooms on the bus.

Here is a suggested packing list for your 10-day cruise to Greece in October:

• 2-3 pairs of comfortable walking shoes - Greece requires a lot of walking between ancient sites. Bring an extra pair in case one gets wet.

• 5-7 casual outfits like shorts, t-shirts, lightweight pants, dresses/skirts. Check the weather before departure.

• 1-2 pairs of jeans or warmer pants for potential cool evenings. October can be chilly on board ship.

• Lightweight rain jacket and/or umbrella. October can have occasional rain.

• Sweater or light jacket for potential cool nights or air-conditioned interiors.

• Sun hat or visor for sun protection.

• Swimsuit for the brave if you want to swim onboard ship or hotels.

• Toiletries - shampoo, soap, toothbrush etc.

• Sunscreen and sunburn cream - the sun can be strong.

• Motion sickness medicine if prone to seasickness.

• Phone charger and power adapter for Greece outlets.

• Travel documents - passport, travel insurance, trip itinerary etc.

• Day bag/backpack for carrying essentials while on board bus.

• Sunglasses, hat, lip balm with SPF.

• Hand sanitizer and mini first-aid kit.

• Travel lock for securing luggage.

• Medications you take regularly.

• New Testament, Notebook, and Guide books. Optional reading as suggested/recommended

There won’t be a test on your trip to Israel, at least from me! But most people want to prepare themselves. The following books provide helpful background for our time in the Holy Land., listed in preferential order.

In the Steps of Jesus, Peter Walker. (Great resource. This is recommended for every Israel tour.)

The First 24, David Roseberry. This book gives the background and meaning of Jesus’ first full day in the ancient city of Capernaum.

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Ann Spangler, and Lois Tverberg. These books are wonderful (there are a few in this series) and deeply inspiring. I would highly recommend them and the website that the author maintains. She’s great!

The Source, James Michener. The book is long and very Michener-esque. But those who make it through it, love it! Start reading now! Page upon page will follow.

Killing Jesus, Bill O’Reilly. It is good, even if a bit gory and rough. It will give you a picture of the life and times of our Lord.

Biblical Archaeology Review (magazine): There are great deals on their website if you subscribe. They have some downloadable books that are very good.

Here are some books for you to read or read about. They will help you understand the trip before we actually set foot in Europe.

The Book of Acts and the New Testament Letters, by Luke and Paul. It is always best to go to the source material. Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest these things.

In the Steps of Paul, Peter Walker. (Great resource. This is recommended for every Greece tour.)

The Apostle: A Life of Paul, John Pollock. This is a very accessible biography of Paul. It fills in a lot of his background. We will read chapters from this book on the bus!

Paul, N.T. Wright is too big and grand for most people. But his opening chapter on Philemon is terrific. Also, there is a video class offered for free here. Worth it.

Killing Jesus, Bill O’Reilly. It is good, even if a bit gory and rough. It will give you a picture of the life and times of our Lord and the Apostle Paul.

Peter and Paul. A video made-for-TV series on ABC from the early 80’s. Very helpful.

The Life of Paul - Rose Visual Study will be helpful too. This is a very interesting publishing house. Great resource.

Packing List

Fran shares the Roseberry’s strategy, tips, and lists for greatest efficiency while packing light:

Due to weight restrictions for luggage and the length of our trip, its expected you’ll wear most things at least twice. When possible, bring things that can be washed in the evening and dry by morning. Pack a few items with extreme weather in mind as you don’t want to be uncomfortable on such an important trip. If needed, things can be laundered at our hotel in Jerusalem.

Here are some key words to remember when you are making decisions for the trip: practical, comfortable, modest, multipurpose, layers. Our trip is casual and we don’t plan on ‘dressing up’ at any time.

We will each take two pieces of luggage. David takes a larger bag to check and a small backpack. I will take a carry on and a small backpack also. We take the backpacks onto the bus with us each day to carry a jacket (when needed), Bible and journal, snacks, etc. (The things on the bus are always secure. You can leave things on the bus during the day if you want.) I will often wear a small fanny pack. If you are going to check your bag, it is a good idea to pack a few pieces of clothing in your spouse’s or roommate’s bag. Only a few times has a bag been lost but it takes a few days to catch up to us!

Watch weight limits on carry on and checked bags. The airlines will weigh everything if it seems heavy. For checked bags, the limit is 50 lbs. and a total of 62” (HXDXW). The first checked bag is free but each additional checked bag is $100. You are also allowed two carryon items: one bag not-to-exceed 40 lbs. and 14” X 9” X 22”, and a personal item such as a handbag, small backpack, computer or camera bag.

NOTE: include in every checked bag a copy of your passport, a copy of our itinerary and copies of labels from any prescriptions you bring with you. If your bags are lost or misdirected, the airlines will know where you will be.

ALSO: Use TSA-approved locks on your bags.

Listed below are items we will take. Wear the bulkier and heavier things on the plane to help keep your suitcase weight down.

Most people take some over-the-shoulder sling or backpack on the plane. Here is what I (David) put in mine:

• Passport

• Security pouch

• Wallet – $100-150 cash

• All important medications

• Toiletries (incl. sunscreen) [each item must be three ozs or less, and all must fit in a quart bag]

• An extra shirt, underwear, and socks

• Extra glasses (if needed)

• Bible, Journal, and pens

• Book for reading

• Electronic devices and charging cords.

• A few snacks.

• Camera

• Phone

• Electronic Converters/Adapter

• Snacks

This is a generalized packing list for any of our trips. Please take note of the time of year and dress/pack accordingly.

In addition to the clothes to wear on the flight, consider these items:

• T-Shirts (wicking, wash/dry) Shirts

• Pants

• Underwear and Socks

• Light Weight Coat and/or Vest

• Long Sleeved Wind Shirt

• Hats or head coverings

• PJs

• 2 Pairs of Shoes

• Bathing Suit & Flip Flops (for Israel only)

• Sunglasses

• Umbrella

• iPad and Chargers

• Electrical Converters

• 5 Shirts (no sleeveless)

• 5 Pants

• 3 Tank Tops for Layering

• 2 Sweaters

• 1 Light Weight Coat

• Vest

• A Few Silk Scarves for Warmth and Color

• Cheap Jewelry

• Underwear and Socks

• PJs

• Bathing Suit, Cover-ups and Flip-flops

• Hat (Maybe)

• 3 Pairs of Shoes (1 pair flats for the evening)

• Sunglasses

• Umbrella

We will see quite a lot on our trips. We may not see everything on the itinerary due to weather, traffic, etc. But you will have a rich experience.

This is a list from the itinerary for Israel. You may want to spend some time searching for these site names in Wikipedia.

• Caesarea Maritima (harbor city and aqueduct)

• Mt. Carmel (Elijah's battle with the prophets of Baal)

• Sisters of Nazareth Convent in Nazareth

• Church of the Annunciation, Nazareth

• Tabgha

• Jesus’ Boat Museum at Nof Ginosar

• Capernaum

• Mt. of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount Location)

• Church of the Primacy of Peter

• Mt. Arbel

• Bet Shean (A philistine city that served as the capital of the Decapolis)

• Judean Wilderness

• St. George Monastery at the Wadi Qelt

• The Herodian outside of Jerusalem (Herod's "getaway" palace/fortress)

• Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

• St. Catherine's in Bethlehem (adjacent to the Church of the Nativity)

• Israel Museum (model of the old city of Jerusalem)

• Shrine of the Book (Dead Sea Scrolls and the Aleppo Codex on display)

• The Western Wall

• The Western Wall Tunnel

• The Pool of Bethesda (John 5)

• St. Stephen's Gate

• Church of the Holy Sepulcher (site of Calvary and the Tomb)

• Masada

• Caves of Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found)

• Mount of Temptation in Jericho

• Sycamore Tree Grove in Jericho

• Church at Bethphage

• Pater Nostra Church

• Dominus Flavius Church

• Gethsemane

• Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu

• Caiaphas' House

• Via Dolorosa