FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions?

How many guests constitute a group?

Hotels generally consider “a group” to be 15 or more guests.  This number may vary based on the country.

Is every group on their own bus?

Yes!  At Holy Lands Sun Tours each group is exclusive - no shared buses - we guarantee.

What if I don’t have a minimum of 15 guests?

It’s best that you choose a ‘sister’ church or ministry to co-host with as all guests will benefit from the cost savings and you’ll be traveling with friends.

Can I rent an international phone?

Absolutely!  Ask your HLST sales representative to send you the details.  And, in Israel the phone rental is free from HLST - all you pay for are your calls!

What does custom-made actually mean?

A custom-made tour means that you choose all the components of your tour - dates, airline, airport of origin, itinerary routing, sites, interesting activities, meals and hotels.  A HLST representative will be delighted to assist with suggestions and possible options.  Each tour is unique based on the client’s requests - at HLST there are no “cookie-cutter” tours.

Can I choose the airline to be used for the group?

Absolutely!  Or you may also choose to do your own air and HSLT will provide the land arrangements for the desired destination.

What type of meals should I expect while traveling in the country?

In Israel and Jordan generally both breakfasts and dinners are included at the hotels.  Most hotels serve a “fixed menu” that is buffet style; beverages at dinner are not included.  You may also choose to take your group out to a local restaurant - this cost may or may not be incorporated in the tour price, as desired.  Lunches are generally not included, unless requested by the tour host.

What are Fuel Surcharge and Airport Taxes? 

Within recent years, airlines have begun to attach Fuel Surcharges to each air ticket.  The amount of this Fuel Surcharge fluctuates with the cost of fuel and is, therefore, subject to change until the air ticket is purchased.  HLST will work with each tour host and group to minimize the Fuel Surcharges wherever possible.

Each airport charges usage taxes to the airline which is then passed on to the air passengers.  Unlike Fuel Surcharge, Airport Taxes do not fluctuate greatly but do remain subject to change until the air ticket is purchased.

Please note that all “land taxes” for hotels and included services are included in the tour cost.

What is a Single Supplement?

For group bookings, hotels around the world generally sell rooms based on double occupancy.  If a guest chooses to be in a single room, he/she will incur a “single supplement” charge.  Though the charge is more than if the room is shared, it is generally less than double the cost.  If a guest does not have a roommate then it is considered a “forced single” which incurs the same “single supplement” charge.

How do I and my guests tip while on tour?

As with anywhere in the world, service industries depend on tips for a large portion of their wages - guides, drivers and hotel staff.  HLST is pleased to provide each tour host with a “Suggested Tipping Schedule” for the group which may be incorporated in the tour price or collected separately, as desired.  We suggest corporate group tipping - collected prior to departure - as a way to insure guests receive the best service without the hassle of individual tipping while traveling.

Does HLST assist in advertising for my group?

HLST will create an exclusive website for your group tour!  In addition, HLST will reimburse up to $200 for the printing of brochures when your group materializes.  Simply send HLST the invoice for printing prior to your final payment.

Do you recommend purchasing travel insurance for this tour?
If so, what does it cover?

Yes, Holy Lands Sun Tours highly recommends travel insurance for all of our tours. Please note that any guest who uses Medicare as their primary insurance in the US, has no medicalcoverage while traveling outside of the US borders. And, for those guests who do have a private health plan, travel insurance gives them added benefits, including trip cancellation for medical reasons. For a full description of the Trip Mate Travel Insurance coverage offered by Holy Lands Sun Tours, click here.

If you have further questions, please contact
Felix Hassid or Carol Egan or call 1-800-942-2114.