|
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who attends the Livnot 30somethings?
The trip is open to English speakers ages 28-42. Although the majority of applicants are from N. America, the trip is open to all English speakers, and we have had participants from around the globe. Our Classic Livnot 30somethings is for Jews with minimal Jewish background. Most people come on their own, although some come with a friend or relative. Livnot is a great way to meet new friends from your area and around the world. Many have told us they’ve made some of their best friends and business connections at Livnot, and over 100 have met their “soul-mates” on Livnot trips or at Livnot alumni events.
Our Passover trip is best for those who have toured in Israel before and/or have more Jewish background. It’s a great program for those who are spending the year in Israel.
Q: Is there funding available?
Livnot is a non-profit organization that relies on private donations and support from various Jewish organizations. So, all Livnot trips are subsidized to some extent. The 30s trip does not currently have specific funding to cover the program fees. Many local synagogues and other Jewish organizations have funding for those who want to travel to Israel, and it’s worthwhile calling around your if you need assistance with the program fee or flight.
Q: What is the application process?
-
Submit an application on-line (no deposit or obligation necessary)
-
We’ll contact you to set up an interview to be sure the trip is for you and answer any questions you have. We expect most applicants to qualify.
-
Once accepted, your deposit holds your space until full payment is due (about 2 1/2 months before the trip start date).
-
We’ll request a jpeg photo, copy of your passport, signed waiver, medical form and emergency contact info.
-
Once we have 15 deposits for the trip, we’ll set up a chat-group for you to meet others signed up and to receive additional trip info.
-
If you need to cancel before the payment deadline, we’ll refund $200. After the payment deadline, the deposit is non-refundable. Once the trip starts, no refunds can be given for trip fees.
-
If for some reason (unexpected) Livnot cancels the trip, all payments will be fully refunded.
Q: Does Livnot arrange flights?
Livnot does not arrange flights for 30somethings. Everyone has their own schedules, budgets and plans. Some want to use their air miles; others want to stop in different destinations on the way. There are different approaches to finding the best-priced tickets. Some do well with a good travel agent and others prefer buying tickets through on-line travel sites or directly with the airlines.
Q: When should I buy a plane ticket?
Many applicants decide to book their flight as soon as they make the deposit for the program. They do so in order to get the best possible rates/dates/times. Our only caution is to keep in mind that Livnot has a minimum number required to run a program (15 minimum – 30 maximum). So we recommend waiting until we confirm the program 2 months prior to the start date, in order for you to avoid the possibility of having to pay flight cancellation fees.
Q: What time should I book my flight for so I’ll be on time for the start of the program?
Keep in mind that it takes up to 2 hours to pick up your luggage, perhaps change some money and buy a drink of water (in the summer) before you leave the airport. It’s approximately a one-hour drive from the airport to Jerusalem where we generally meet. Tel Aviv is approximately 20-30 minutes away from the airport. When you leave Israel, you need to be at the airport 3 full hours before your flight departure time. Some prefer to arrive the day before (or earlier). We can suggest places to stay if you plan to arrive early or stay after.
Q: How do I meet the group once I arrive?
We will let you know the location and time to meet in advance of your trip. Most 30s trips start in Jerusalem. There is a shared taxi company that offers rides directly from the airport to your destination in Jerusalem for approximately $16 or 50 shekels.
Q: Can I visit friends/relatives in Israel during the Livnot Program?
The Livnot 30somethings is fast-paced and intensive, so it’s best to plan to visit relatives/friends in Israel either before or after the Livnot program.
Q: What does everyone do after the program?
Some participants have to fly back home immediately to get back to work. Many, however, stay at least a few days to do some additional touring. Some visit the beautiful resort town Eilat that is about 4 hours south of Jerusalem, others want to spend some more time on the beaches of Tel Aviv, and others want to visit museums in Jerusalem that we didn’t visit during the Livnot trip.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
We stay in Youth Hostels, Guesthouses, and Field Schools which are wonderful places: clean, simple, and nice. These are great places to get the real Israeli experience. Not fancy, but comfortable. Rooms are shared. There are 3 people per room (only people from the Livnot trip will be with you in the room). Each room has a bathroom. We often stay at our campus in Tzfat at some point in the trip. The campus is very special – a bit rustic perhaps – but a unique opportunity to live in rooms that Jews lived in 500 years ago. Livnot has renovated them and modernized them with heat/air conditioning and plumbing.
Q: How difficult are the hikes?
The hikes do not require any particular experience or skill. If you are not currently getting much exercise, it’s a good idea to get more active before the trip.
Q: Are all activities mandatory?
We have carefully designed a trip that we feel gives the best possible overview/experience of Israel. Each activity/event adds a unique dimension to your Israel experience. We expect that everyone will want to participate fully in the program. There are some programs that are optional, and of course, if someone isn’t feeling well, it’s understandable that they’ll need to miss out on something.
Q: How is the weather?
Although weather varies greatly throughout the small country, summer is consistently hot and dry. You’ll need water, sunscreen and a hat for summer days. October through April are cooler months. Even though days can still be hot and sunny, nights can be cool or cold. In Israel it rains in the winter, so you’ll need layers and clothes for cool/wet weather. See packing list for more details. It’s a good idea to check weather on-line a few days before your trip for the most up-to-date reports.
Q: Do I really need to bring hiking boots?
You do not need heavy-duty hiking boots, but you do need comfortable, supportive closed-toe shoes with good treads for hikes. You can wear the same shoes for community service and touring around. You’ll also need a nicer pair of shoes/sandals for Shabbat. They should also have good treads for walking on cobblestones. You might want water shoes for the Dead Sea and showers. Leave your high heals at home.
Q: What type of luggage should I bring?
It’s best to bring a duffle/suitcase with wheels and a shoulder strap. You will be responsible to move your luggage from your room to the bus. You’ll also need a backpack to carry 1.5-3 liters of water for hikes and touring. Water pouches with tubes that allow for continuous drinking are great. You can find them in camping stores. You’ll want a small bag for your cell phone, money, valuables that you can take into sites that don’t allow backpacks to enter and so you can keep careful track of your valuables when touring around. Some also bring an additional duffle bag to help pack laundry or gifts, as your luggage needs expand throughout the trip.
Q: What type of clothes should I bring?
It’s best to emphasize comfort over style and to bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty with the hikes, community service, etc. We are often touring/working in areas that modest dress is required due to religious sensitivities, so it’s best to bring t-shirts rather than a lot of tank tops or low-cut shirts, and lightweight pants/comfortable skirts rather than a lot of shorts. We will generally have one opportunity to do laundry during the trip, so bring enough to last about a week.
Q: Can I find out who is on the trip so I can plan to fly with them or meet them before the trip?
Once we have 15 deposits, we will set up a chat-group so you can meet others signed up for the trip. It’s important to join the chat-group in order to get pre-program information as well.
Q: Do I need to bring bed linens?
Bedding is provided. Many places that we stay in also provide a towel. But you should bring 1-2 towels for places that don’t provide them and also for going to the beach or swimming on hikes. Micro-fiber camping towels are great for traveling.
Q: What is the trip like in terms of religious observance?
Food on the program is kosher. Shabbat is often the “spiritual” highlight of the trip. We experience Shabbat (and holidays) together in a traditional way…we bring in Shabbat overlooking the sunset on the hills of the Galilee, we dress a bit nicer than the rest of the week, have meals together with singing, dancing, and good conversation, go to local families for Shabbat lunch. There are some historically significant synagogues that some like to go to on Shabbat, but synagogue prayer services are not officially part of the program. We generally spend Shabbat in “religious” areas where restaurants and shops are closed that day. It’s an opportunity to slow down a bit from the busy touring schedule, focus on getting to know others in the group better, and to experience Shabbat in Israel.
For the Passover trip, Passover dietary laws are carefully observed. Livnot does not serve kitniot (legumes) on Passover according to the Askenazic tradition.
Q: Is there anything after the program for alumni?
We have alumni events and chat-group email lists across N. America. 30s alumni often return to do another 30s trip in order to experience Israel in a different season and meet new friends.
Q: What about health insurance?
Livnot provides health insurance during the trip starting on the first day of the trip (not your travel days prior). If you want to extend the insurance for days after the Livnot program, we can do that once you arrive for a reasonable fee per day. Please keep in mind that this travel insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions.
Q: This is my vacation; do I really need a cell phone?
Yes. We highly recommend renting an Israeli cell phone. If you momentarily get separated from the group or have a question during your free time, you’ll be very happy you have it. Although it’s possible to arrange to bring your current cell phone with you, it can be prohibitively expensive for you and for those who want to call you. We will suggest a company that we’ve had good experience working with. They bring us the phones together as a group and are readily accessible to service any problems. We will send you their price information which is competitive. You are welcome to choose to order through another company (there are many on-line), but again, just make sure it’s an Israeli cell phone rather than one from outside of Israel.
Q: What’s the best form to bring spending money in?
It’s good to have some cash with you. We can point out places to change foreign currency into shekels in the major cities. Some prefer traveler’s checks. These can be exchanged at the same places as cash but will get a slightly lower exchange rate. Many like to bring credit cards and cash cards with them to use here in Israel. This can work very well. Just be sure to advise your companies that you’ll be traveling to Israel, ask about any extra fees they might charge for use outside your own country, and find out if there are particular places you should use the cash card.
Q: What’s included in the price of the trip? What is not included?
The trip includes all entrance fees/transportation/guides/accommodations on the itinerary. It includes breakfast every day and at least one other meal per day and some snacks. It’s recommended to bring about $60 for tips for the bus driver and trip leaders. You’ll also need spending money (minimum $200) for transportation to and from the airport and 1 meal per day during free time. Generally when we visit a site, all fees are included. However, if you want a massage at the Dead Sea Spa, we’ll help you schedule one once you arrive in Israel and you pay them in person when we arrive to the site.
Q: How is the water/food in Israel for travelers?
Water in Israel is fine for drinking. A small percentage of visitors are sensitive to it. Others find they prefer the taste of bottled water. Livnot does not provide bottled water, so you may want also expect to spend a few dollars a day on bottled water (depending on the season). Cold water readily available: on our tour bus, at most sites, and we often stop at locations where you can buy reasonably priced bottles for hikes.
Most visitors to Israel are awed by the freshness of the fruit and vegetables and the wonderful spices/new tastes they find here. And the food is great in Israel! On occasion, visitors can be sensitive to “street food” such as felafel and schwarma, so we recommend being careful, particularly in summer months.
|
