A trip to Palestine is not a ‘standard travel’ for most people. We receive a lot of questions about safety, customs and circumstances. We have listed these recurring questions for you, together with our explanation.
"My image of Palestine is that of a ‘conflict area’, is it dangerous to go there as a tourist?"
It is not dangerous to travel in Palestine as a tourist. We go to the West Bank, which is an occupied territory. Because of this you often see Israeli soldiers, but this is not something to be afraid of. The image that we get from Israel and Palestine through the media is strongly biased and does not show the real everyday life. Conflicts do take place, which we see in the news, but this happens at predictable times and at places where we try to stay away from. We are constantly in contact with locals so we are aware of the situation at all times. Next to that, we avoid any risky places and we never participate in demonstrations. In some cities, there are tensions because Palestinians and Israelis are living close together, but for tourists there is little danger.
Still, Palestine remains a conflict area. The intensity of possible tensions changes with time, we can never fully predict the situation. We try to deal with this as alert as possible. There is always the chance an incident arise that we could not have foreseen, but this hardly occurs. So do not worry too much, most that have come along with us so far stated that their idea of unsafety they had beforehand was exaggerated. Finally, our goal is not to be rebellious but to act non-violently at all times, inspired by the motto of the Nassar family: "we refuse to be enemies".
Still, Palestine remains a conflict area. The intensity of possible tensions changes with time, we can never fully predict the situation. We try to deal with this as alert as possible. There is always the chance an incident arise that we could not have foreseen, but this hardly occurs. So do not worry too much, most that have come along with us so far stated that their idea of unsafety they had beforehand was exaggerated. Finally, our goal is not to be rebellious but to act non-violently at all times, inspired by the motto of the Nassar family: "we refuse to be enemies".
"Your travels focus on Palestine: is not it important to also highlight the perspective from Israel to understand the situation there as well?"
That is indeed important. Except for West-Jerusalem, we travel only through Palestinian territory. We have deliberately chosen to travel mainly through Palestinian territory, because this area is underexposed and has a less accessible side of the story. It is much easier for most people to explore Israel than to visit Palestine. Nevertheless, we find it very important to let us inform by both sides and that’s why we are also working on Israeli additions to the journey. We mainly want to share that what inspired us and we try to do this in a way that is as nuanced and open as possible, where the complexity of the situation will not be avoided.
"The majority of the population in Palestine is Muslim, do I have to change my clothes accordingly?"
We think it is good and appropriate to take into account and respect the Palestinian culture and local norms and values. In Palestine, scarce clothing is considered offensive. It is best to, this applies to women as well as men, cover shoulders and upper legs to the knees. When we visit holy places, there are slightly stricter clothing regulations and arms and legs must be covered completely.
“I hear a lot of stories about the customs on arrival in Tel-Aviv, how does it work exactly?”
Customs at the airport of Tel-Aviv controls more strictly than the average airport. For most this is not something to worry about. At the arrival you receive questions, for example what the purpose of your visit to Israel is and if you have been there more often. After this you get a three months visa for Israel.
There are a few situations where there is a chance that you will be extensively questioned. This will be the case if you have an Arabic name or background or if you have a stamp of Arab countries in your passport. Also in this case, you still do not have to worry much. We have a lot of experience with this and can guide you through it. If the interview takes longer, there will always be someone waiting at you in the airport.
There are a few situations where there is a chance that you will be extensively questioned. This will be the case if you have an Arabic name or background or if you have a stamp of Arab countries in your passport. Also in this case, you still do not have to worry much. We have a lot of experience with this and can guide you through it. If the interview takes longer, there will always be someone waiting at you in the airport.
“I heard that when I have visited Israel, I can not go easily other Arab countries (such as Lebanon). Is that true?"
This is not true. At the customs service of the Israeli airport you don’t get a stamp in your passport but a little paper as visa.
“Where do we sleep during the journey?"
With the BASIC trip we sleep mainly in hostels and guesthouses, and usually two nights at the farm of a Palestinian family. In every hostel, man and women are sleeping separately. It is important to realize that the nights are warm during the summer and cold in winter. Keep this in mind in packing your backs. We will provide you with packing lists before we go on journey. Blankets are always there.
In some places, we can "upgrade" you to a private room at some extra cost.
In the COMFORT trips we will sleep in hotels.
In some places, we can "upgrade" you to a private room at some extra cost.
In the COMFORT trips we will sleep in hotels.
“What can I expect from the travel guides?”
Our team consists of seven travel guides. These are people with a lot of experience traveling in Palestine. We could tell you anything about the different places that we visit, the history and the current political situation. But the people who know the most are of course the locals. In every city we visit, we will meet local friends who take us on a tour through their everyday lives and have countless stories about their present and past. They will be there to chat and are always happy to answer questions. We, as travel guides, will take you to all the beautiful and fascinating places, but we prefer to let the locals do the talking.
“What should I bring?”
Don’t forget to dress for the occasion, in most places it is common to wear covering clothes. Also consider the temperatures, in the summer it will get very hot. In winter it can get quite cold, especially during the night. It is important to bring good shoes since we walk a lot, and to work at the farm. Also, don't forget to bring swimwear for when we visit the Dead Sea, toiletries and a towel. Sleeping bags or matrasses are not necessary, but at the Tent of Nations they are always happy with sleeping bags you can leave behind. If you want to, you can bring some sweets or small gifts from your home country.
“I can’t join the upcoming trip, but I want to join another time. Are there any other trips planned yet?”
We try to plan trips at least once every summer and once every winter, occasionally also in other periods. We don’t have any set dates that we plan way ahead most of the time, because it depends on different factors every time. But let us know if there is a specific time you would like to go. When you can gather a group and you have a specific time you would like to go, let us know. Remember: we are happy to help out and see if we can arrange something, whether is it with us or with others.