Pastors Page

Whether this is your 50th trip to Israel or your first time leading a group, Trans-Global Travel Ltd. is there to help you every step of the way. Trans-Global is family owned and operated , enjoying our 45th year in serving the Evangelical market. It is our goal to help as many Pilgrims as possible experience the Holy Lands firsthand, to provide a first rate tour with the best guides, best buses and drivers, at affordable prices. Although this is how we feed our families, we do consider it our mission to give you the best tour at the best price.

At Trans-Global Travel, Ltd, we know that a trip to Israel, is a life-changing experience for many. An experience that affords you and your congregants to literally “walk in the footsteps of Jesus”. You are able to experience with all of your senses the topography of the land, see the many sights where Jesus taught and performed miracles, sail on the Sea of Galilee, get Baptized in the Jordan River, touch the ancient stones making up the walls of the Temple, and even eat the same foods and smell the same spices that were eaten in the days of Christ.

We realize that many pastors earn a modest salary and that the congregants will most likely not go without the guidance and encouragement of their trusted pastor. It is therefore our custom to “cost in” a free trip for the pastor, his wife, etc. to enable you to take your church. We generally cost a trip so that for every 8 full paying participants, there is 1 earned/free trip. With 16 paid participants there are 2 free trips, 24 paid yields 3 frees and so on. The trip can be priced with more frees per paid participants (ie: 1 free for 6, etc.) which slightly increases the cost of the trip for each of the paid participants or fewer frees (1 free for 10) making the trip a little cheaper per person.

What is he minimum and maximum number needed to form a group?
A good rule of thumb is 15 as a minimum, as this is what the airlines use to give a group rate. That being said, can handle a little as one or as many as 3000. Our largest group to date was 2,700! A bus holds up to 53 people and the closer your group grows to 40 or 50, the lower the price per person. No matter what size the group, you will have an excellent guide and driver, to navigate your experience. With private tours of 1- 7, you will need a private guide who also serves as the driver.

How far in advance should you plan?
12 months is the optimal period for planning a trip. This allows for your people to arrange vacation time from work, save money for the trip and get baby sitters lined up if necessary. Some groups plan 18 months ahead, but the airlines do not release seats until approximately 11 months prior to departure. We like to “shop” fares and book, the minute that they become available in order to get you the best price. We can certainly help you plan a trip with far less lead time, but with a shorter the lead time you run the risk of paying more for airline seats.

How much of a deposit is due and when?
All we require is a deposit of $150, which goes to the airline to secure your seats (most companies ask for more, but this is all we take to reserve your flights). We ask for this money up front so that we may “lock in” and secure the lowest fare possible for your airline tickets.

When is the balance due for our trip?
We ask that the balance be paid 40 days before departure.

Can we get a refund if the trip cancels?
All money can be refunded up to 100 days before departure.

Should our group take Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend that everyone take travel insurance. You can book this on your own or have our provider handle it for you. There are different products on the market, from an inexpensive medical coverage which costs approximately $50 to a more comprehensive policy which will cover everything including tri cancellation (cost may range from 8-10% of the cost of your trip).

Is it safe to travel to Israel?
This is an issue of concern for many. There is NO corner of the Earth today which is 100% safe. That being said statistics show that Israel is far safer than most cities in the United States. There are armed guards and soldiers all over the country, as well as metal detectors in every shopping mall, stadium etc. It has been our way of life in Israel to be prepared and on alert for any security situation. Frankly speaking America and the rest of the world could learn from Israel on how to protect it’s citizens. There are statistics from the United States Government confirming this. Television does give an inaccurate picture of Israel, but almost anyone who has been to Israel will tell you that they felt very comfortable during their trip. Additionally, you will be with your tour guide and driver from morning till evening. They are in constant contact with authorities and should tensions arise in one locale, the tour is simply and seamlessly rerouted to include other sites for the day or two and with the normal schedule resuming after tensions have cleared.