Frequently Asked Questions
Do you do trips with just our family or are we with other families?
The answer is yes. We certainly think this experience is at its best when you are able to gather as many members of your family as possible. We can do tours as small as 5 people up to a bus full of 40 people. If you have the capacity and want to bring an exclusive group with just your family, we can certainly accommodate. If that becomes cost-prohibitive, there will be tours gathering multiple families and friends together from time to time your family can join.
Do we have to go with our family?
Traveling with family is not always possible, and given the circumstances, maybe not even best. Some of us have friends who are like family. We brought a small group of 8 couples together who all went to different churches, but they wanted to be together for a trip. Where there’s a will, we’ll make a way.
How old should our kids be to go on a trip like this?
In our house, you have to suffer through a year of Hebrew and finish your Bar Mitzvah at the age of 13. Then you can go to Israel. Generally, we recommend 10 years old and up, but it also depends on your kids and family situation. The litmus test for this is whether or not they will be too much of a distraction for you, and others on the tour. (i.e. if your two-year-old is crying in the back of the bus the entire trip, it might be a good time to wait) We say the mind can’t comprehend more than the seat can endure. Use your judgment and let’s talk about it.
What is unique about Legacy Israel Tours?
We believe God instituted the family for a reason. It is a beautiful thing when the family is living life as He intended. We also realize even though many families claim to be of the faith, a high percentage live as atheists throughout the week. We set this tour up to equip families to begin to have spiritual conversations turning their hearts toward God and toward each other. There will not only be fun and Bible studies but really easy times to connect as a family in ways you might not have expected.
What is the best time to go to Israel?
In the midst of the global pandemic, there is no tourism going into Israel for the moment. Like everything else, we wait. That being said, this is a perfect time to start planning your trip for when everything opens up again. When circumstances are normal, the Spring (March through May) and the Fall (October through November) are the best times to visit Israel. The weather is at its best and crowds are smaller than summertime. There are the Biblical Feast days to be considered in the planning as well. Some willing to brave colder weather can opt to go to Israel in January or February for a cheaper rate. Though summer is the time when most people are available, it is generally more crowded, hotter, and more expensive.
Do I need to be a long-distance runner to go on this trip?
The short answer is no. The longer answer is we will be walking a lot, about 3-5 miles per day. We generally keep a brisk pace, but we move as a group. For more difficult trails there are options to take another path, or the bus will get you there. So while you don’t have to be the most athletic person, we do suggest for your ultimate enjoyment, you prepare physically as much as possible.
How does Legacy Israel Tours work with GTI Tours?
Legacy Israel Tours is the vision of Matt Davis, who has led tours over the last two decades. Before we ever leave for the trip, his primary role is to coordinate between the family and the tour agency making all of the arrangements. We work with our good friends at GTI Tours located in Holland, Michigan. GTI Tours is a full-service tour operator specializing in ministry travel since 1992. They coordinate all travel flights, hotels, buses, food, guides, etc. Once we hit the ground, Matt’s role is as Bible teacher and facilitator.
To read more about what it takes to prepare for a trip to Israel, check out GTI’s exhaustive preparation guide.